The thing is, Federer and Nadal could lose two or three steps and still be near the top of the heap in the rankings. Whatever they’ve lost physically to age is compensated for with the knowledge and skill they’ve gained from so many years on the circuit.

What’s so incredible about Roger is that he’s compensated for losing that step by standing that much closer to the baseline. Seems like he spent the latter half of the match hitting tons of groundstrokes as essentially half-volleys. 

None of this would have happened had Federer not challenged a point he won on the first deuce, allowing the point to be replayed. He would have otherwise won the match on the next point. The way Nadal started playing after that, I was like 86% convinced he was going to come back and beat Fed in 5 sets.

The still enthusiastic crowd followed Nadal all the way into the locker room and then very considerately shushed while the Spaniard called home and lied to his wife about winning the match. Then they all helped him make a fake trophy out of used corndog sticks and paper plates.

Really interesting to see Federer just flush the 2nd set down the toilet and then recover and be in almost total control after that. It was weird because the first few games of the 2nd set were really compelling with Nadal staving off the double-break point in Game 3 before Fed took a nap and then took over. The final…

You’re right, coach. When I think “accountability,” I think Michigan State.

haven’t seen a Whaler land a shot like that since Queequeg

It’s hip to flee squares

This happens more than you'd think. More so among National League owners who refuse to employ designated hitters.

“See! A lonely man with pre-game jitters paying for a hand job isn’t so bad after all, is it?”

To put it in another perspective, when it’s over the Mets still owe Bobby Bonilla 4 more years of payments.

To really put the duration of this contract into perspective, when it expires, R. Kelly will try to have sex with it.

Also, the reference was already made in the piece itself.

Totally missed the opportunity to rearrange the letters into ANAL TIN POT.

Cmon Channing wasn’t THAT b... oh Fyre. Never mind. 

I can’t get over how quickly she regrouped after that devastating 2nd set. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Kvirova won 6-0 or 6-2 or something after a set like that, yet Osaka came back out like a cold blooded assassin (in the best way). That regroup and the maturity and mental toughmees it shows is the most…

Been checking back for your excellent tennis articles all weekend, didn’t disappoint. You nailed that transition from Osaka, I was shocked to watch it in real time. It almost made me feel bad for her- she was open and anticipatory and living in the moment, about to beat a great player and get the shine that partially…

That response took you EXACTLY 3 months... and its still wrong

To give that kind of beatdown to Sabalenka is impressive. First time I’ve seen her play. Here’s hoping she can keep it going.