Australian Open Day 3: Monster Serves Mixed With Controversy

David Nalbandian arguing with the chair umpireby Kait O'Callahan

We got home late last night, and as a result I sleep past my alarm this morning. We turn up an hour late for day three - it seems insignificant at the time, but we will pay for it later, (bear in mind our 50 matches goal). We start our day with Sergiy Stakhovsky and Kevin Anderson, our favourite Rhino helping South African. It’s exactly what you’d expect; big serves, short rallies, and not a whole lot of rhythm. We leave after a set; there’s an Argentinian I have to watch.

If I’ve known absolute joy as a Roger Federer fan, I’ve had my fair share of heartbreak with Juan Martin del Potro. Thankfully, today isn’t one of those days. Del Potro is never in danger of losing to Blaz Kavcic, despite being broken in each set and falling behind 0-3 in the first. He plays in patches, some brilliant, some far from it. Kavcic never really goes away, although he matches del Potro in unforced errors and throws in more than a few double faults. Del Potro says after the match that he’s happy with his level, and on later reflection, so am I. At the time though, I’m clutching my hands in a prayer position, dangling on the edge of my seat. I’m fairly sure the girl beside me has decided I’m nuts, but then she thinks the best thing Francesca Schiavone’s done is beat Sam Stosur in Brisbane, and is wearing shorts that resemble a denim bikini (these shorts that don’t cover your bottom need to go. Mothers of teenage daughters worldwide- get onto that). Del Potro takes his sweet time winning in straight sets, and by late afternoon we have seen only two matches.

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Shanked Balls and Double Faults

Laura Robson wears a discrete rainbow hair tie to show her support

Kait O'Callahan is a contributing writer for OnTheGoTennis.  She is currently at the Australian Open with her brother and will be sharing her stories from the matches they attend.

It's already hot when we turn up for our first match. The wind is blowing strong and it looks like we are in for a day of shanked balls and double faults. It certainly starts that way as we tune in for Frederick Nielson and Kevin Anderson. Nielson, who we developed a soft spot for during his Hopman Cup choke loss to Gasquet, has fought his way through qualifying and been rewarded with a match against the man who donated a huge chunk of his first ATP title's prize money to saving rhinos. Anderson is too good for Nielson, and we leave after the first set.

A Russian woman is seated in front of us, playing with the pearls dangling from her neck. Her matching earrings and expensive looking black dress stand out amongst the masses of t-shirts and denim shorts. She flits on her high heels towards the shade every few games. It's hot work being that glamourous. She's there to watch Nikolay Davydenko, who appears to be playing well against the very defensive Flavio Cipolla. Unfortunately, that all changes when up two sets up to one, Davydenko begins to tire, and eventually loses in five. It's a disappointing first round exit for a man who used to be world number four. We wonder if it is the last time we will see Davydenko live.

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Davi(d) Cup Wrap Up: Day 1

This post is dedicated to the KING of Davis Cup:  David Nalbandian.   Nalby, who's career has oft been overshadowed by injuries and is frequently called "the best player to have never won a slam," ALWAYS rises to the occasion in Davis Cup, and now boasts a 33-10 DC record after his defeat of Viktor Troiki today in the first singles rubber of the Argentina vs. Serbia semifinal tie. 

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Rafael Nadal's Press Room Scare

During his press conference after his 3rd round win over David Nalbandian, Rafael Nadal slid off his chair onto the floor due to a leg cramp.  Clearly in pain, all reporters were asked to leave the room as he was attended to by USTA staff, his trainer, and his agent Benito. 

Thankfully, after a few moments Rafa was able to stand on his own and then smile sheepishly as he was interviewed by Mary Joe Fernandez about the incident.  He said that this had happened before, but never in the press room, and he just needed to drink more (it was a very hot and humid day in NY).  It looked scary so I'm glad to hear that he is ok!

Photos: David Nalbandian and Juan Monaco Practice in Cincy

David Nalbandian and a shirtless Juan Monaco (Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!) hit the practice courts today in Cincy.  Pico had also practiced earlier in the day with Rafael Nadal. 

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