The Championships, Wimbledon 2006 Grand Slam Tennis thread.

Anyone watching Wimbledon 2006? I've not seen enough action so far but I'm going to watch a lot more of the action from now on, though I know it is already the second week. From what I've seen I was wondering whether they had reduced racket size or something, as there's been a bit more rallying going, particularly noticeable in the men's game as before it was somewhat lacking. Saying that, the players I have watched weren't the biggest of big hitters.

So, who are you rooting for and why? For the woman's game, I am backing Justine Henin-Hardenne (Bel), I have backed her for many years and I am surprised how strong she has come off just winning Roland Garros for the third time. She had a disappointing second round (I think) exit last time around but she is no doubt one of the favourites here. It's an all Belgian semi-final with her sparing partner Kim Clijsters and that should be a good match. Well, in the men's game Sebastian Grosjean (Fra) is already out. This isn't his strongest year. Note that both Henin-Hardenne and Grosjean aren't exactly tall, it was difficult for me to choose who to support back then. I guess this is one common point.

Today I am sad (not really surprised though) that both E. Dementieva (Rus) and A. Myskina (Rus) are out to M. Sharapova (Rus) and A. Mauresmo (Fra) respectively. I like E. Dementieva and A. Myskina for lame reasons, I do find them hot. I personally can't stand M. Sharapova. Her cry is annoying, and it's not a low grunt either, there's that insertion of head voice, a scream. Do you not find her battle cry to be OTT? It's not good when you turn that TV up and you are watching with your family.

Anyway, how do you feel about the quality of tennis on display? Any real surprises? I think A. Roddick's (USA) loss to A. Murray (Sco) was one, I didn't expect that, I know Andy Murray is a rising British tennis star but still, could it be indication that the biggest of big hitters aren't having it all their way with change of racket size (or if there is indeed a factor to this).

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I think before, Nadal had yet to deliver on this surface but now this is his best shot yet. I watched the Federer (Sui) vs. Ancic (Cro) and Ancic hardly done any wrong and played a high level of tennis, it was a good game. When Federer is in that kind of form though he can be unplayable. I feel it will be a fourth title for him, and he will have to 'update' his jacket...

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Turns out it will be Mauresmo against Henin-Hardenne in the final, nice to see Mauresmo silence Sharapova. In their respective games Mauresmo played a good game, she didn't make an unforced error until the penultimate point which came about via a double fault. If anything, sometimes when it looks like she is about to have control of the game (remember winning that rally and leaping for a celebration?) she seemed to ease off and had Sharapova take the advantage. In contrast, Henin-Hardenne had Clijsters break serve and was able to recover the situation. Will it be that Mauresmo will claw out such an advantage and Henin-Hardenne having to recover the situation? I am definitely going to be watching this final.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

It'd be nice if Henin-Hardenne can complete her Grand Slam set, but equally Mauresmo prove to be a regular Grand Slam winner. I'll be rooting for Henin-Hardnenne of course.

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Originally Posted by BlueMikey

This is turning out to be a swell final. How do tiebreaker sets work at Wimbledon?

I miss having a good American girl on top (hated the Williams sisters though), but this is great tennis. Too bad for the people in the US who didn't get up to watch this.

It'd get in a tangle explaining it, but this should do it.

I thought this was a good final but not an outstanding one. There were loads of unforced errors and this wasn't helped by the wind. This was a game of nerves and in the end Mauresmo was stronger than ever and able to hold on. It's nice to see her win this Grand Slam because it would a real shame if she only ever won that Australian Grand Slam, which did come about in the most unusual circumstances. She has been in the game in the while and I'm not sure if she'll be able to create such a period of dominance, but I'm sure it will have done her confidence wonders and more Grand Slam titles to follow.

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Originally Posted by Muzza

It was nice to see a funny quote from Mauresmo at the end: "Hopefully now people will stop talking about my nerves" (or something similar to that).

Overall, a good match, but not the best I've seen. I really liked the Sharapova V Mauresmo match - very diverse in play and some excellent shots were produced. Congratulations to Henin-Hardenne anyway. It's unfortunate for her that she has to wait another year for a chance at the Wimbledon trophy, but she's doing very well for herself with 5 grand-slam titles.

Yeah that was a funny moment. I thought the Sharapova vs. Mauresmo was okay, Sharapova is weak at the net and of course Mauresmo would exploit this. My favourite game has been Nadal vs. Baghdatis. I really enjoyed watching Baghdatis, he makes use of his shot selection and disguises the drop shot well and the execution was top. He'll be one I will look out for.

Congratulations to Federer on his 4th Wimbledon title. He really is supreme.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?