!97877026 Afternoon, everyone. All set for the Indian Wells finals? I caught some of the Andy Roddick vs. Robin Soderling match yesterday, and enjoyed the display of firepower by both men. Among other things, this tournament suggests that Robin Soderling is here to stay.
Ordinarily, it seems, that wouldn't even be an issue, but I sense a general skepticism about Soderling out there in the ether. It seems like every time the guy has a decent result, X-number of people think - or is it hope? - that he's shot his wad. Or is that just me, projecting some weird subliminal antipathy to the big, raw-boned Swede? Although he lost to Roddick yesterday, does anyone doubt that the guy is here to stay?
Speaking of which, Swede is second only to Croatia - and the former Yugoslavia - in the hunk/hulk department. Have any two nations produced so much beef on the hoof, muscle, bone and sinew capable of playing brilliant tennis? The trend goes all the way back to Sweden's Ove Bengston (and further, I'm sure) and Slobodan "Bobo" Zivojinovic (a Serb who played under the banner of Yugoslavia). That's some big timber in that part of the world. . .
Of course, Roddick doesn't give away much to anyone in the size-power department. Nor does his opponent in the final, Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic. It should be another satisfying match for those of you who, like me, have a special affection to power tennis.
I wonder how many people, going into this tournament, really liked the chances of any among the four finalists; both the winners will be unexpected, which is a fitting comment on the entire tournament. I'm sure we'll be discussing that - and more - in our podcast, tomorrow or Tuesday.
Well, enjoy the finals, everyone. Feel free to do your match calling right here.
--- Pete