Ivan Ljubicic def Andy Roddick 4-6 6-3 7-6(11) 6-7(7) 6-2

RODDICK SUCKS :lol:

CROATIA WON!!:yeah:

Well Done Ivan!!
Ivan is TOP 5 soon!!
I hope so!!

hahahahahah IM CRYING IM SO HAPPY..hahahaha you cocky sob.. hey Leena where u at now girl...what happend.........YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Yaynessssssssssssssssssssssssssss. :woohoo:

only is Federer better then Ivan at the moment!!

To quote Quagmire from Family Guy "Oh YEAH!"

Congrats to Ivan.

He's kicking ass this year. :)

Wanted it to happen, didn't know Croatia could actually pull through!!!
Very Happy. WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ljubicic is on fire these days and his backhand was very impressive when I watched the doubles last night.

Anyway, I believe Ancic will get the job done even Ljubicic doesn't.

Congrat Croats!

Simply amazing!

congratulations to ivan

wow what a play from Ivan! congratulation to Croatia!

extremely well done by Ivan. phenomenal :worship: congrats to the Croatians. you must be proud of your guys. :worship:

:bowdown: to Mighty Ivan

My 2nd happiest tennis moment after Wimbledon 2001 ofcourse

Well done Ivan!!! :D

Congrats to all Croatia Team :worship:

CONGRATULATIONS CROATIA!!

(and Ivan!!) :clap2: :bigclap: :bowdown: :hug: :banana: :banana: :banana: :rocker2: :music:

BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR ANDY AND USA

:worship:

Poor Mario, he's not 21 for another 3 weeks ;)

IVAN ONLY MAN TO BEAT USA ALL 3MATCHS TWICE...

Could this heroic be compared to Sampras' from 95(?) DC Final against Russia in Russia on clay where Pete won two singles and the doubles while cramming and everything?

:eek: Ivan's having quite a year! :yeah:

Leena...fulgore..where you at...lets here some shit talk now....

only is Federer better then Ivan at the moment!!

(and Safin! AO: wink! wink!)

congratzzzzzzz again, Croatia!!

I'm sure Goran is celebrating this!! Woooooooooooohoooooooooooo!!! :p

:bowdown: to Mighty Ivan

My 2nd happiest tennis moment after Wimbledon 2001 ofcourse

me too

I never thought Ivan had it in him. He has played so well all year, and now he defeats Agassi and Roddick alogn with the Bryan brothers in DC. Too bad this will not help his ranking and I'm afraid he will have nothing left for IW.

Sheeh what an excitable lot you are. Ljubicic won in 5 sets, good for Croatia-as a nation they have little else to celebrate. But I feel Ljubicics fans are setting themselves up for disappointment. You can dispargae Ljubicis opponents all you want, but until Ljubicic actually acheives something noteworthy tennis wise- like finishing within the top 10, or winning a tier1 event-all this bluster just shows your ignorance of the game. Ivan is yet to show any form in Slam/Masters events.

:banana:

bye Pandy!

OHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............I got class 2moro at 8am fuck it...im going drinking...i have to lol...

Sheeh what an excitable lot you are. Ljubicic won in 5 sets, good for Croatia-as a nation they have little else to celebrate. But I feel Ljubicics fans are setting themselves up for disappointment. You can dispargae Ljubicis opponents all you want, but until Ljubicic actually acheives something noteworthy tennis wise- like finishing within the top 10, or winning a tier1 event-all this bluster just shows your ignorance of the game. Ivan is yet to show any form in Slam/Masters events.

hahahaha ur a joke....u cant say shit to bring us down...NOTHING....

Sheeh what an excitable lot you are. Ljubicic won in 5 sets, good for Croatia-as a nation they have little else to celebrate. But I feel Ljubicics fans are setting themselves up for disappointment. You can dispargae Ljubicis opponents all you want, but until Ljubicic actually acheives something noteworthy tennis wise- like finishing within the top 10, or winning a tier1 event-all this bluster just shows your ignorance of the game. Ivan is yet to show any form in Slam/Masters events.
I believe that their excitement is at the idea that he may finally do just that. But don't let that stop you from pissing all over their parade.

Ko ovo more platit?

L&G the new superstar:IVAN LJUBIČIĆ

wow. Ivan Ljubicic is a tennis stud right now.

Pretty bummed about the outcome, but congrats Croatia. Great little interview Ivan just did on ESPN.

Crowd will go nuts for him and Mario whenever they return to Croatia LOL.

I believe that their excitement is at the idea that he may finally do just that. But don't let that stop you from pissing all over their parade.

he can piss all he wants....IVAN 6-0 VS USA IN DC

Good night to all, especially Croat fans. Nightmares for haters :devil:

wow. Ivan Ljubicic is a tennis stud right now.

Pretty bummed about the outcome, but congrats Croatia. Great little interview Ivan just did on ESPN.

Crowd will go nuts for him and Mario whenever they return to Croatia LOL.

they wont return till after Miami....well thats okay its gonna take while to set up the biggest party since 2001(goran.

Patrick McEnroe = fired.

I believe that their excitement is at the idea that he may finally do just that. But don't let that stop you from pissing all over their parade.



What he *might* do ain't worth a rusty dime, whathe does it all that counts.

Poor Mario, he's not 21 for another 3 weeks ;)

LMAO! I guess with Pacific Life & Nasdaq-100 coming up, he's stuck in the US for awhile.

Wow, Ivan has just become one of my faves. Must add him to my siggy ASAP.

Im out....my last comments on this : Leena think before you speak. fulgore: get a life...Croats go get drunk...Ivan the Amazing

Just amazing!!! I'm so proud of Ivan!!! What a celebration!!

What he *might* do ain't worth a rusty dime, whathe does it all that counts.

it's pretty brave for you to still be around, unlike some other haters;)

"Patrick McEnroe = fired."

He better be. Congrats to the Croats, the US disgraced themselves, total lack of heart.

It was definently the right team, no matter how they played, but it should have been on grass and this is just one of many mistakes made my PMac in his reign as captain.

Kick his ass out.

:woohoo:
I look forward to reading articles about this tie / match :lol:

mighty stuff....heres hoping theres even better things to come from Ljubicic in 05

Patrick McEnroe = fired.
:lol: yeah, i love Agassi all but Pat should gone with Taylor. you need another big server to face big servers.

Im out....my last comments on this : Leena think before you speak. fulgore: get a life...Croats go get drunk...Ivan the Amazing

Yeah sure. Come back to me when Ljubicic actually wins some fucking titles. I guess Roddick wil just have to go home and polish his trophies and count all the money he has; things Ivan can only dream of.

Poor Mario, he's not 21 for another 3 weeks ;)

I don't think that will stop him from celebrating somehow;)

A lot of people looking very dumb right now. Roddick fans can go home. Time to raise the Croatian flag on US territory. :yeah:

Now that the DC is over, Ivan should be aiming for Miami, I suggest. The Indian Wells is just too few days away from now, and he really really should watch out for any possible injuries!

ivan rox

to win three matches back to back in Davis cup, on HOSTILE soil, after his incredible year already, against a overhyped roddick is just phenomenal

Anyone see Johnny Mac on ESPN Classic? He looked distraught!

Don't think Patrick McEnroe is in any sort of danger. He got freakin' Agassi to play for the team, which is far more preferable to the likes of Fish/Ginepri playing (though sometimes I wonder about Dent).

Amazing. You assemble one of the best US teams in recent memory to play a tie on hardcourts at HOME... and the opponent wins. Don't think there was anything Pat should've done differently.... right?

WOWOWOWOW..............What a match!!!!

Well this American who cheered very loudly for Andy, must say that Ivan's win was truly deserved and earned. I am sad for us, but happy for him. Ivan is playing spectacular tennis. Heck, last week, Ivan managed to put a scare in Roger, so we all knew he was capable of beating Andy. Congrats Ivan.

"Don't think there was anything Pat should've done differently.... right?"

Except play on the best surface for the US team. And on a minor note, having James Blake selected over several higher ranked players as a playing partner.

It was definently the right team, no matter how they played, but it should have been on grass and this is just one of many mistakes made my PMac in his reign as captain.


Playing on grass would have been stupid. All it would have done is make Ancic stronger and make Agassi weaker.


Well done Croatia, Ljubicic is certainly one of the top players right now but he must continue with this form in the big tournaments.

congrats croats! thanks ivan! :hug:

you may get drunk tonight and be tired for Pacific Life Open. i could not care less right now. :banana:

i don't see that the US team would have had the edge on grass.

Anyone see Johnny Mac on ESPN Classic? He looked distraught!

Don't think Patrick McEnroe is in any sort of danger. He got freakin' Agassi to play for the team, which is far more preferable to the likes of Fish/Ginepri playing (though sometimes I wonder about Dent).

Amazing. You assemble one of the best US teams in recent memory to play a tie on hardcourts at HOME... and the opponent wins. Don't think there was anything Pat should've done differently.... right?

Exactly. Ivan was just better than everybody, even after playing for a month straight. Reminded me of Becker in the 80's when he would basically beat opposing teams all by himself.

Anyone see Johnny Mac on ESPN Classic? He looked distraught!

Don't think Patrick McEnroe is in any sort of danger. He got freakin' Agassi to play for the team, which is far more preferable to the likes of Fish/Ginepri playing (though sometimes I wonder about Dent).

Amazing. You assemble one of the best US teams in recent memory to play a tie on hardcourts at HOME... and the opponent wins. Don't think there was anything Pat should've done differently.... right?



No I don't think Patrick is at fault here. I think Ivan was underestimated. I like Andre but I feel that Andy was the one that all the US pressure was on. Andy worked hard, but was just outgunned.

That's the best argument I could make in support of it tennischick.

Playing on grass would have been stupid. All it would have done is make Ancic stronger and make Agassi weaker.
my point exactly -- but you made it more effectively. that's a dumb suggestion. grass would NOT have given us an advantage.

Anyone see Johnny Mac on ESPN Classic? He looked distraught!

Don't think Patrick McEnroe is in any sort of danger. He got freakin' Agassi to play for the team, which is far more preferable to the likes of Fish/Ginepri playing (though sometimes I wonder about Dent).

Amazing. You assemble one of the best US teams in recent memory to play a tie on hardcourts at HOME... and the opponent wins. Don't think there was anything Pat should've done differently.... right?

He seemed a bit upset, but I think its more about his brother losing DC than anything else

CANT WAIT FOR 1hour and 29min till match is on ESPN2 in US

That's the best argument I could make in support of it tennischick.
sometimes you just have to accept a loss instead of thinking if i coulda woulda shoulda. we just got beat -- plain and simple.

Against some pretty huge odds Team Croatia pulled off some amazing playing and deserved to win. Congrats to them. :hatoff:

DC dream for US gone for another year. :sad: Oh well. This will just set the stage for our incredible comeback in 2006 on our ten/eleven-year DC title drought anniversay. :banana:

And thanks, Ivan you arrogant prick, for the vcash at least. ;)

i don't see that the US team would have had the edge on grass.

Me too. Ancic would've killed Agassi, and perhaps Ljubicic too.

What about CLAY though? Agassi and the Bryans are strong on it, and considering Andy challenged Nadal well on the surface, the US would've had a good chance.

Yeah sure. Come back to me when Ljubicic actually wins some fucking titles. I guess Roddick wil just have to go home and polish his trophies and count all the money he has; things Ivan can only dream of.


I don't think this match was about money or trophies, it was about making his country proud, and he did that...................as Andy was also playing for his country.

Andy :sobbing: Bad loss for the U.S. and unexpected to say the least.

Congrats CRO

For all ya who said you will give me and the croats shit when roddicks beats IVan...well lets here it...you wont here it for me..im gonna be bigger man here and say : BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR ANDY AND USA

I think most people here were actually saying how Ivan would definitely beat Andy. There was even a thread about it.

sometimes you just have to accept a loss instead of thinking if i coulda woulda shoulda. we just got beat -- plain and simple.



I agree Tennischick, we just got beat :mad: :mad: :mad:

Because the surface was what the Croats would have picked if they would have had the choice.

Ljubicic and Ancic would have been strong on grass, but not as strong as they would be IMHo on the hard courts they were on and since the US lost, it's a theory in practice.

Don't be a Sgrena.

Ivan well done :yeah:

Me too. Ancic would've killed Agassi, and perhaps Ljubicic too.

What about CLAY though? Agassi and the Bryans are strong on it, and considering Andy challenged Nadal well on the surface, the US would've had a good chance.
hmmm....Andre hasn't slid in a while. and the Duck can't slide to save his life. i think not :lol:

guys let's just accept the loss. Andre goes out in a blaze of non-glory. John wants to cry for his brother. Pat wants to keep his job. and the Duck is young enuf to chalk this up to experience. moving right along...

enjoy your party Croatia. you deserve it :wavey:

There is no surface on which USA will beat Croatia this weak. USA played quite well, but Ivan was magnificient this weekend and thats it.

Congratulations Ivan, Croatia, and all Croatian fans! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

I was rooting for a USA win. But, Ivan was spectacular the entire weekend. I was torn in my loyalties for today's match because Ivan has been trying to get a win over Andy for so long. I also knew that Andy needed the win to keep the US alive. The match was very exciting and Andy fought hard. So, congratulations to both men for showing their hearts and entertaining the fans. :) :)

Good luck, Croatia, in the rest of your Davis Cup run. :D

Good luck, USA, in September. :D

Andy didn't lose. The USA lost. I wanted Croatia to win, but USA has to get its tennis act together. They can't rely on Roddick to win n DC. This is a team effort. Shape up USA tennis. Make this competative.

:lol: yeah, i love Agassi all but Pat should gone with Taylor. you need another big server to face big servers.

Taylor has shown nothing recently to suggest that he would even challenge Ancic or Ljubicic. Just because he has a big serve doesnt mean he can win big matches or beat good players.
It was the best team they could have picked, but the Croats were just too good. The US dont have anything to be ashamed about when facing a team in such form.

I think most people here were actually saying how Ivan would definitely beat Andy. There was even a thread about it.

yeah....the cocky american.

Me too. Ancic would've killed Agassi, and perhaps Ljubicic too.

What about CLAY though? Agassi and the Bryans are strong on it, and considering Andy challenged Nadal well on the surface, the US would've had a good chance.

I am sure they spent weeks deciding on a surface, this was the best one and there was not much more they could have done. Just got outplayed.

to win three matches back to back in Davis cup, on HOSTILE soil

How exactly was the crowd "hostile"? I think they got the best, most polite, most non-hostile they could ask for. Lots of croat fans for support. It was so nice to see fans cheering their teams on and not blowing horns while the visiting team was serving, flashing lights in player's eyes, booing, etc. like you see everywhere else. Once again, the USA crowds behave better than most other countries. :D

Poor USA...

How exactly was the crowd "hostile"? I think they got the best, most polite, most non-hostile they could ask for. Lots of croat fans for support. It was so nice to see fans cheering their teams on and not blowing horns while the visiting team was serving, flashing lights in player's eyes, booing, etc. like you see everywhere else. Once again, the USA crowds behave better than most other countries. :D


Just Ljubicic fans trying to glorify things by suggesting Ivan had to overcome a hostile croud. YAWN!

Just Ljubicic fans trying to glorify things by suggesting Ivan had to overcome a hostile croud. YAWN!


I'm not a Croatian or Ivan's fan, but even I wish you dissapear from this thread...:wavey:

He seemed a bit upset, but I think its more about his brother losing DC than anything else

onewoman74, it's more than just his brother being the coach. Johnny Mac has a long, long history with the Davis Cup. He's very proud of the US's and his participation in it from being a professional player on the DC team under Arthur Ashe, to coaching, and now supporting them. I bet he could cry right now. Feel better, Johnny. :hug:

This is pitiful., Now USA has Bob Bryan playing singles in a dead rubber, There is so much money spent in the USA on tennis, with no results & it can't all be on Roddick's shoulders. IMO there is a lack of work ethic that players out of North Anerica have. Until that changes there willl be no results.

How exactly was the crowd "hostile"? I think they got the best, most polite, most non-hostile they could ask for. Lots of croat fans for support. It was so nice to see fans cheering their teams on and not blowing horns while the visiting team was serving, flashing lights in player's eyes, booing, etc. like you see everywhere else. Once again, the USA crowds behave better than most other countries. :D


Thank you for saying this. The US crowd was NOT hostile. There were a lot of cheers for Ivan from his fellow country men. Yes the cheering for Andy was louder, but not hostile toward Ivan.

This is pitiful., Now USA has Bob Bryan playing singles in a dead rubber, There is so much money spent in the USA on tennis, with no results & it can't all be on Roddick's shoulders. IMO there is a lack of work ethic that players out of North Anerica have. Until that changes there willl be no results.



American tenis is in bad shape, no two ways about it. Agassi is going to retire in a few years leaving Roddick as the only worthy Davis Cup player.

sometimes you just have to accept a loss instead of thinking if i coulda woulda shoulda. we just got beat -- plain and simple.
That's how the weekend's matches looked to me, tennischick.

It's not excuses for the loss, it's the reasons why PMac should get fired.

There's no doubt that Croatia deserved to win, the US team should still have won on this surface and there can be no doubt the right team won, but talking about Ivan as a great player is nonsense, he has no resume to prove it, a couple big wins in Davis Cup are not those credentials, especially in the first round.

But the US DC org needs to fire PMac.

It was a good match, I must say.

Andy's serve wasn't as good as I'm sure he and his team would have liked, but it held up moreso than his forehand which fell apart during the second set and throughout.

I was shocked to see Andy lose his serve at love in the opening game of the fifth right after getting pumped up and winning the fourth set in a close tiebreaker. He definitely lost his concentration there and never gained it back. Reminded me of Lindsay Davenport in the third set at this year's Aussie Open final against Serena. Just a collapse of focus.

In any case.. Ivan played an awesome match, he deserved the win. I got to see Andy take his shirt off and reveal a nice lookin' bod on live television, so all is good. :p ;)

Ivan, You are the real. Top 10 will be coming soon. Beating Agassi, the twins, and Roddick is amazing. How can you don this?

Thank you for giving me a big hope that Nalbandian will be able to beat Hewitt in Australia.

American tenis is in bad shape, no two ways about it. Agassi is going to retire in a few years leaving Roddick as the only worthy Davis Cup player.

Don't underestimate Dent. One hell of a player on hardcourts.

This is pitiful., Now USA has Bob Bryan playing singles in a dead rubber, There is so much money spent in the USA on tennis, with no results & it can't all be on Roddick's shoulders. IMO there is a lack of work ethic that players out of North Anerica have. Until that changes there willl be no results.


I totally agree. The weight of the DC has been on Andy's shoulders. Yes, Andy must have relaxed a bit with Andre back in DC, but it didn't matter, the weight still fell on him. Yes I am irritated by some of our "over glorified" tennis players who cannot support Andy. We do need a stronger team.

Don't underestimate Dent. One hell of a player on hardcourts.


OH PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Dent is a waste of time.

But Andy did not play like a champion in those last four sets.

I feel sorry for Andy. I hate seeing ANYONE losing a tight match like that, especially one that's so important. Today, I was rooting for Sweden over France. But after contemplating that Paolo might be checked into a mental institution if he lost again, I decided to root for France. similarly, I'm sure Andy's crushed right now.

OH PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Dent is a waste of time.

I don't know. Dent is a little unpredictable. Remember that he beat Hewitt earlier this year...

OH PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Dent is a waste of time.


serve volleyers take a while to develop........Rafter only became good at 24/25 so there is hope for Dent yet.

It's not excuses for the loss, it's the reasons why PMac should get fired.

There's no doubt that Croatia deserved to win, the US team should still have won on this surface and there can be no doubt the right team won, but talking about Ivan as a great player is nonsense, he has no resume to prove it, a couple big wins in Davis Cup are not those credentials, especially in the first round.

But the US DC org needs to fire PMac.

Interesting, Ivan played 5 tournaments so far this year and was in the final for 4. Losing 3 of his 4 finals to Federer and still he has no credentials.

I feel sorry for Andy. I hate seeing ANYONE losing a tight match like that, especially one that's so important. Today, I was rooting for Sweden over France. But after contemplating that Paolo might be checked into a mental institution if he lost again, I decided to root for France. similarly, I'm sure Andy's crushed right now.

Me too. I remember him losing that sloppy sloppy service game to Pim Pim last September to lose the quarterfinal match. These brief lapses of focus are killing the Duck man :(

I don't know. Dent is a little unpredictable. Remember that he beat Hewitt earlier this year...


Ok..........so he got lucky?? How was Hewitt playing? I don't mean that in a bad way toward you personally, but I stand by my statement, Dent is a waste of time.

Interesting, Ivan played 5 tournaments so far this year and was in the final for 4. Losing 3 of his 4 finals to Federer and still he has no credentials.

I guess Ivan should be able to come up with consistant results in big matches for a lot longer period of time than just three months. Still, this victory is a huge stepping stone in the right direction that could steer him into Top 10 and beyond.

:wavey:

LOL, I don't think PMac has anything to do with it. Just some sloppy play from the players at the wrong times.

serve volleyers take a while to develop........Rafter only became good at 24/25 so there is hope for Dent yet.


LOLOLOLOLOLOL....................NO, NO, NO, Don't compare Dent to Rafter!!!!!! I remember a Wimbledon match between Rafter and Andre, in 2000, I think, that was out of this world. I highly doubt I will ever see Dent play so well.

But of course I am biased, I was a very big fan of Rafter, not only for his game, but his sportmanship.

LOLOLOLOLOLOL....................NO, NO, NO, Don't compare Dent to Rafter!!!!!! I remember a Wimbledon match between Rafter and Andre, in 2000, I think, that was out of this world. I highly doubt I will ever see Dent play so well.

But of course I am biased, I was a very big fan of Rafter, not only for his game, but his sportmanship.

Oh yes, I remember that match very well too. Rafter and Agassi were in a dogfight. So happy Rafter won that match!! Dent is no Rafter...remember that!!!!!!!!

Oh yes, I remember that match very well too. Rafter and Agassi were in a dogfight. So happy Rafter won that match!! Dent is no Rafter...remember that!!!!!!!!


It was a dog fight indeed................probably one of the best matches I have ever seen because, I forget a lot of great matches, but I have never forgotten this one.

Croatia :woohoo: :banana: :D :)

great win Ivan :yeah: :D :)

Excllent job... but this is so so weird...

heyhey no fighting here...THIS IS A OFFICAL GO GET DRUNK CROTIANS THREAD

USA lost to Croatia??????? Look at the big picture. USA tennis is in big, big trouble. It's way beyond the DC coach. It is sick...very sick...Face it, there are no up and coming players eg Spain, S. America. Offer a real solution, you win 10 million USD.

Because the surface was what the Croats would have picked if they would have had the choice.
.


Last time they played the US, Croatia used a quick indoor carpet, so I'm not sure how you figure :shrug:

(Unless I misunderstood this?)

Amazing...

Once again, the USA crowds behave better than most other countries. :D

As a rule, I don't think that US crowds are much better than anywhere else :shrug:

I didn't see this particular tie, however. If they were the Best. Crowd. EVA. then I would have missed out.

People of all nations are capable of acting like complete twats in large groups. :devil:

Just Ljubicic fans trying to glorify things by suggesting Ivan had to overcome a hostile croud. YAWN!

Try not to shrivel up :)

... IMO there is a lack of work ethic that players out of North Anerica have...


Ahem. America? Perhaps. Although personally, I wouldn't say that. However, there is no reason to rope Mexico and Canada into that statement, seeing as they had nothing to do with this tie (because they are playing in zone 500, of course). :cool:

Taylor has shown nothing recently to suggest that he would even challenge Ancic or Ljubicic. Just because he has a big serve doesnt mean he can win big matches or beat good players.
i agree. i was just playing along with "what might we have done differently". but really i don't think the US did anything wrong. the Croats were just better this weekend.

COngrats to Ivan and Croatia!:D

Does anyone remember that Kooyong thread three months ago? :haha: Karma.:o

This is pitiful., Now USA has Bob Bryan playing singles in a dead rubber.
Andre...Andre...Andre...take your licks from Ancic like a man dude :mad: how could Andre bail on this match? this sucks :mad:

Andre...Andre...Andre...take your licks from Ancic like a man dude :mad: how could Andre bail on this match? this sucks :mad:
Ancic isnt playing either. He's too busy illegally drinking somewhere ;)

As a rule, I don't think that US crowds are much better than anywhere else :shrug:

I didn't see this particular tie, however. If they were the Best. Crowd. EVA. then I would have missed out.

People of all nations are capable of acting like complete twats in large groups. :devil:

I saw more Croats representing at this match...I almost thought it USA at Croatia and not the other way round...It was amazing to see all those Croatian flags...I think the americans were surprised at the turnout...It almost seemed the American fans were outnumbered...maybe it was just me

Croatia, Congratulations!

And Rubberducky, don't worry. Not everyone is a bastard and makes fun of Ivan.

Enjoy!

Ancic isnt playing either. He's too busy illegally drinking somewhere ;)
OK then i take back my dissing poor 'Dre. :hearts:

LOLOLOLOLOLOL....................NO, NO, NO, Don't compare Dent to Rafter!!!!!! I remember a Wimbledon match between Rafter and Andre, in 2000, I think, that was out of this world. I highly doubt I will ever see Dent play so well.

But of course I am biased, I was a very big fan of Rafter, not only for his game, but his sportmanship.
That's his :secret: He's Taylor Rafter, after a awful car accident. His face changed forever :lol:

...after a awful car accident.His face changed forever :lol:

Had to be beyond awful to cause that much disfigurement :unsure:

Congratulations to the Croats. It seems they just wanted it more. :yeah: I was especially impressed with them defeating the Bryan brothers.. I did NOT see that coming at all. I knew Ljubicic was playing awesome and that an inspired Ancic is a good, good player but being able to beat the brothers together was impressive. It shows the croats played with more heart and caught the americans off guard enough to win. Winning is all about the mind it seems.

It turns out quite a few croats made their presence known in the crowd so they must have helped too. :) It wouldnt be fair to leave them out.

That's his :secret: He's Taylor Rafter, after a awful car accident. His face changed forever :lol:


lolol

As a rule, I don't think that US crowds are much better than anywhere else :shrug:

I didn't see this particular tie, however. If they were the Best. Crowd. EVA. then I would have missed out.

People of all nations are capable of acting like complete twats in large groups. :devil:


This was a good US crowd. In the crowd were a lot of Ivan supporters waving flags and chanting his name.

I was especially impressed with them defeating the Bryan brothers..
They're very good.

This was a good US crowd. In the crowd were a lot of Ivan supporters waving flags and chanting his name.
I don't doubt it was a good crowd. I just take issue with the comment that US crowds are generally the "best crowds in the world". Having watched tennis played all over the world, I don't see them as that much better than most anywhere else. Or worse. The French may boo, but I don't see the anybody refusing to play their tournaments based on it, if ya catch my drift.

I'm glad that this particular crowd was a lot of fun, though.

I don't doubt it was a good crowd. I just take issue with the comment that US crowds are generally the "best crowds in the world". Having watched tennis played all over the world, I don't see them as that much better than most anywhere else. Or worse. The French may boo, but I don't see the anybody refusing to play their tournaments based on it, if ya catch my drift.

:yeah:

some good news for US...BOB Bryan won the 5th rubber 6-2 3-6 6-1

I don't doubt it was a good crowd. I just take issue with the comment that US crowds are generally the "best crowds in the world". Having watched tennis played all over the world, I don't see them as that much better than most anywhere else. Or worse. The French may boo, but I don't see the anybody refusing to play their tournaments based on it, if ya catch my drift.

I'm glad that this particular crowd was a lot of fun, though.

Oh ok. Truthfully, I won't go so far as to say the US has the best crowds. But it was a good crowd today.

Oh well, I wasn't that surprised given that Ljubicic has been playing so well recently. Like Andy, if he serves well, it's difficult to break him. At least Andy fought on to a fifth set, and didn't give up like he did at last year's Davis Cup against Nadal. Too bad for Andre that his comeback met with such a flop.

Hey didn't Ljubicic and Roddick have a bit of a spat awhiles ago over which Andy called Ljubicic to talk and apologize about? Does anyone else remember this?

Hey didn't Ljubicic and Roddick have a bit of a spat awhiles ago over which Andy called Ljubicic to talk and apologize about? Does anyone else remember this?
yes and i remember how the Duck ran to the media to say that they had kissed and made up. but there's no love lost between those two.

yes and i remember how the Duck ran to the media to say that they had kissed and made up. but there's no love lost between those two.
Ljubicic, :worship:

Congratulations to Ivan for his great performances over the weekend and beating the Duck at home isn't the easiest thing and the fact that Duck has beaten him most times makes it even a better performance.

Wow, congratulations to Croatia. Ivan's truly on fire these days. Well done!

Congrats Ivane,

Croatian tennis is certainly on the up, i really do think this team with Ljubo in this form could make the DC final...

I got up for work this morning, put the TV on to get the results on teletext, and screamed so loudly that I frightened the cats :) So what can I say that probably hasn't been said already? Guess nothing new - just many, many, MANY congrats to Ivan and the Team for their tremendous achievements in the States. I am so happy for them - and for all the loyal Croat fans here! Ivan is such a sweet guy and I'm personally very happy for him, his new wife, his coach and everyone connected with him. He was due a win over The Duck and to do it in the States over 5-sets :bounce: Hajde Ivane - ajmo Hrvatska!!!!

Btw - where are you Heya and Hitchhiker :devil:

congrats to the big bald croat and croatia - i thought last sunday was crootia day with ljuby and super mario making finals but this definitely tops it

ljuby is a punters dream :)

congrats to Ivan and the team. great win for them.

hahaha i just noticed all the people with Croatian flag have alot of vcash.....some good bets we made this week...

Ivan:banana:
Congrats:yeah:

:sad: roddick..... :sad:

the match just end on espn2...wooooohooooooooooooo did ivan rip andy a new one in the 5th...wow...and john mac when clif asked his what he though..he almost cryed..and said i dont know what to say...then said..."i knew Ivan was good but i didnt know he was this good..he will be top 10 player or better"

the match just end on espn2...wooooohooooooooooooo did ivan rip andy a new one in the 5th...wow...and john mac when clif asked his what he though..he almost cryed..and said i dont know what to say...then said..."i knew Ivan was good but i didnt know he was this good..he will be top 10 player or better"

I wish I could see this :sad: Congrats again Ivan - I am still sooooo happy :bounce:

IVAN THE GREAT, 7.3.2005.
Ivan just won great, maybe the greatest match of his life, beating Andy Roddick 4:6 6:3 7:6(11) 6:7(7) 6:2 and won third point to beat Americans in the first round tie of Davis Cup. His dominance over Americans continued. Two years ago it was 3:0 with the help of Goran Ivanisevic, now it was 3:0 with the help of Mario Ancic in Carson City. Do you know when someone won 3:0 twice against Americans? It was one hundred years ago and his name was Laurence Doherty...

Ivan fired 18 aces, saving the last one for match point. When it looked as if everything was falling apart, when Ivan double faulted on Roddick's set point after saving three set points in a row, the question was left hanging in the air how much energy was left in Ivan's tired legs. But the break in the first game of the decider (to love), and another one in fifth game gave him wings regardless the cramps in his legs. His head and hand stayed firm. It was Roddick who fell apart.

The key moment was third set tie break. Ivan stayed firm after Roddick broke back. He managed to fight back after trailing 2:4 in tie break, saved three set points and converted his fourth set point. Not even the loss of the fourth set bothered him, he ran away with the decider and found himself in the arms of captain Pilic and the team.

Eight hours and 45 minutes on court and three points against Americans in California. Even Agassi couldn't help Americans. Ivan is playing in the form of his life. ATP had it right. On the ATP web page, under "One to watch" is Ivan Ljubicic... Americans will remember him, that's for sure

:aparty: Ivan :aparty:

:worship:

Sorry Andy :sad:

andys a nub who cant even beat some injured guy........but ivan is good......but u know wat ......argentina is far too superior for any teams out there

I dont care what you guys say about Ivan..the way he played last 3 days after a month of tennis....even being "tired" the way be played vs Andy.. there is no way he wont go deep in majors if he plays like this..the guy is just playing great.

WOW! This is awesome!

Well done Ivan!

.argentina is far too superior for any teams out thereYeah, they were saying exactly that about USA too.

omfg how awesome!! this is amazing :eek:

Yeah, they were saying exactly that about USA too.

There was plenty of crowing that the US were going to win this year. Nothing was going to stop them, and when I said no they wouldn't win. It was because I am anti-American.

They had the names, the crowd, the surface slightly in their favour. The media and many here were saying this is the year, they didn't rate the Croatians and look what happened.

Beautiful isn't it?

Fantastic Ivan,
US were sure to win with agassi in the team !
and it 's worse !!!!

Ok, as I didn´t want to read all ten pages...why the heck was Maria there?!? Not that I don´t like her... http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050307/483/camt11303070412 sorry, if that has been posted already. Indian Wells that close? Maybe she just wanted to cheer for her team;)

Impressive.
Beating the americans in their own yard. Sometimes even home doesnt help, does it.
WoW.

There was plenty of crowing that the US were going to win this year. Nothing was going to stop them, and when I said no they wouldn't win. It was because I am anti-American.

They had the names, the crowd, the surface slightly in their favour. The media and many here were saying this is the year, they didn't rate the Croatians and look what happened.

Beautiful isn't it?
everyone knew they wouldnt win it (apart from the bias americans). I actually thought croatia would take them out in the first round anyway :)

Ivan is a hero. :yeah:

I lost so much vCash on this.

I've always liked Ivan and his game, and could not quite understand how a player with such weapons could underachieve so badly, but now everything is coming together, and it's just incredible! :worship:

And I won some vCash too... ;)

Ivan.... :rocker2:
beat the duck in front of his homecrowd....what a sweet revenge :devil:


By the way, Was Goran there to support the Croats?

Congrats to Ivan on what sounds like a real gutsy effort :worship:

Pity I couldn't see this match.

Comisserations for the U.S. team :wavey:

Goran would have been there, but he wanted a low profile, so the media and everyone could focus on the team and not him.

The right team won and the US weren't good enough when it counted.

Ah, Davis Cup magic............there is no feeling like this on tennis. With a little of luck I will be able to see Ivan playing on Davis Cup this year. :)

Poor U.S.A, especially poor Agassi, I really wanted to see him doing well on his major chance to win something really big ............this really was their year on the paper, on the next year they will need to cross the hell to be able to earn.
Good luck for them.

Where are all those Ljubicic haters now, yesterday there were so many of them saying that Ivan is Roddick's bitch, well i'm afraid it's the other way around!! Good luck Ivan, rest and prepare yourself for Miami, you can skip IW!

Goran would have been there, but he wanted a low profile, so the media and everyone could focus on the team and not him.

The right team won and the US weren't good enough when it counted.Yes, even though I was cheering for the U.S., the best team won. Well, maybe team isn't the right word here since Ljubicic seemed to have done the job himself (with a little help from Ancic in the doubles match).

im glad the croats won they totally deserved it. congrats to ivan and the croatian team! yeah one does feel a little sorry for agassi...but then again i look at roddick and feel glad he lost so... its a good thing ivan put him in his place

Agassi has won the career Slam, an Olympic gold and a Davis Cup. Am I going to feel sorry for him? Hell no.

Well Mario contributed in the doubles to the victory, so he shouldn't be totally written off. Ljubo and Mario have seen the impact Goran made, so they want to follow in his footsteps.

Ok, as I didn´t want to read all ten pages...why the heck was Maria there?!? Not that I don´t like her... http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050307/483/camt11303070412 sorry, if that has been posted already. Indian Wells that close? Maybe she just wanted to cheer for her team;)
maybe she feels part American? :confused:

or she has a crush on the other Bryan brother? ;)

:worship:

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

well done to Ivan... but still.. nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Well done Ivan :(

Unlucky andy :sad:

every day more croats at MTF... i'm very happy because of it! :wavey:
(malo nas je al' nas ima...)

I couldnt be more happier to lose more vcash :aplot: :devil: ;) :)
Ivan had some divine intervention :lol:

I couldnt be more happier to lose more vcash :aplot: :devil: ;) :)
Ivan had some divine intervention :lol:
:haha:

oh yes

ivan :worship: :woohoo: :yeah: :bowdown: :D

what a performance, beating Rawdick in front of his home crowd at Davis Cup, more than makes up for that controversial defeat at the US Open :)
:devil:

well done Croatia! :bounce:

.... beating Rawdick in front of his home crowd at Davis Cup


I think i missed this part of the match :o

I actually thought Andy would have won this match, especially if the match goes to extent considering Ivan has to be the most tired man in the world after what 1023238 matches played already? It's not that I'm very surprised Ivan won coz I saw how well he played in Rotterdam but I'm more puzzled with yet another poor final set scores from Andy here especially when all odds were vs his opponent.


I totally agree. The weight of the DC has been on Andy's shoulders. Yes, Andy must have relaxed a bit with Andre back in DC, but it didn't matter, the weight still fell on him. Yes I am irritated by some of our "over glorified" tennis players who cannot support Andy. We do need a stronger team.

Funny how we read about how strong the US team is this year and now suddenly, we're talking about Andy having to carry the team?? They have one of the best double pair in the world who I believe DC records were close to perfect prior to this and I'm pretty sure many other teams will be happy having Andre as the second player. That line up is about as good as many other teams can dream for really. Yes as it turned out they didn't get the points for the team here, but can't be expecting the Bryan twins to win forever and who's to say if Andy did manage to beat Ivan, Andre can't deliver? Andy is hardly the only no.1 player in the team who more times than not were expected to win both the singles. Heck, for some throw in the doubles even. Then again, it's neither Andy's fault that the team lose here, Ivan was in hot form and I wonder if many other players could have beaten him anyway.

They just ran into a very hot team/player, that's it.

Undoubtedly though is the incredible effort from Ivan. That was certainly very special :worship:

Ivan is so Hot!!!! I love his ass!!!!

He is so yummy!!!!

some good news for US...BOB Bryan won the 5th rubber 6-2 3-6 6-1


who was he playing against? the croatian coach?

Ivan is so Hot!!!! I love his ass!!!!

He is so yummy!!!!


I noticed that too. He is not a hunk but he certainly has junk in the trunk!

Well done Ivan. Big props to you.

Isy, you are so right. They just ran into a man that is totally on fire with his game right now. I don't see too many players beating Ljubicic with the kind of tennis he's playing.

who was he playing against? the croatian coach?

no it was the coachs grandson.

Truth Time for the U.S. Davis Cup Team

By Richard Vach, Tennis-X.com Senior Writer


A few months ago the U.S. team was handed an understandable loss in the Davis Cup final in Spain where they failed to compete in singles on the red clay.

On Sunday the U.S. was knocked out in the first round of the 2005 competition, less understandably on their favorite hardcourt surface behind the "Dream Team" of Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and the Bryan brothers in doubles.

Once again the Americans "gave it their all," leaving American fans asking, "That's all we have to give?"

Unlike the final in Spain, the U.S. had numerous chances over the weekend that were blown by nerves, slowed reflexes and a repeated inability to close the door on opponents.

Up first on Friday, Andre Agassi making his return to the team after a five-year absence with all the fanfare due a former No. 1 Davis Cup hero filling a large hole at the No. 2 singles spot on the U.S. squad. But age touches even heroes, and Agassi struggled with an admitted bout of nerves and Ivan Ljubicic's kick serve. The hot-handed Croat made Agassi look slow -- Justin Gimelstob/Todd Martin/Lindsay Davenport-type slow -- curling the American wide then pounding winners to the open court as Agassi so readily did to opponents in days gone by.

Agassi's last three losses have been to Roger Federer, Jurgen Melzer and Ivan Ljubicic, only one of which you'll see in the Tennis Hall of Fame 20 years from now.

Formerly one of the hardest hitters on tour, Agassi can no longer hang with the biggest bashers in the Top 10, and was unable to pull the trigger during big rallies against Ljubicic where in year's past he would have ended the point with a dazzler, ala Federer.

While Agassi's on-court skills have diminished, his off-court persona still has a strong rankings lead at No. 1. Agassi's grace and philanthropy in his mid-to latter years on tour is a complete turn-around from his hair-rocking "Image is Everything" early days, and still manages to impress.

"After the match, Andre came in our locker room and he said that he was privileged to watch this match," said Ljubicic after sealing the tie for Croatia. "(He said) enjoy these moments -- enjoy this moment because it doesn't last forever. I really appreciate that from him and I think he's a great person."

But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

With Agassi's loss and the U.S. at an 0-1 deficit, Roddick stepped in to level the tie, shrugging off some first-set jitters with a four-set win over Croatia's Mario Ancic, who nervously double-faulted and unforced-errored his way out of contention during the match.

Ancic, who entered the match with a 2-6 singles win-loss record in Davis Cup World Group play, remained true to form with still his only two wins over Olivier Rochus of Belgium and American Taylor Dent.

The U.S. remained upbeat entering the Saturday doubles, with American stalwarts Bob and Mike Bryan taking their 5-0 career Davis Cup record against Ljubicic and Ancic, who they had beaten in all three of their career meetings.

With almost two sets completed the crowd at the Home Depot Center was rocking, with a set in hand for the Bryans and a set point in the second-set tiebreak. But after losing the first set point, and failing to convert on two more, the Bryans dropped the set, and the match momentum. Noticeably disappointed with a drop in their energy, the twins went down 6-4, 6-4 in the next two sets. Ljubicic continued to carry the Croatian flag in the doubles, displaying deft touch and movement as the net while the brothers struggled to return the service bombs of the twin towers.

On day three the U.S. faced a large hurdle with Roddick and Agassi needing wins, but U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe was confident with his best horses in the race. The younger McEnroe gamely suggested to the media that the pressure was still on the visiting Croats to close the door despite their 2-1 lead. Which drew a chuckle from Croatian captain Nikki Pilic.

Roddick opened the proceedings Sunday, hoping not only to level the tie at 2-2 but give his hero Agassi a shot at redemption. Ljubicic was having none of it.

The slow, gritty hardcourt laid for the tie, as ESPN commentator John McEnroe observed, was too slow. At least too slow for Roddick's game plan, if you could call it that, against Ljubicic.

The gritty hardcourt proved the undoing of Agassi, who prefers a ball that skids more into his wheelhouse rather than losing momentum and fluffing up. The gritty surface also aided the kick of Ljubicic's serve on Friday. But Roddick had no gripes with the surface itself, which was not a far throw from the slate trad upon during his 2003 US Open win.

Roddick has a nasty kick serve of his own, can hit through the grit more easily with his lively arm, and could appreciate the extra few seconds the grittier hardcourt could might give him to set up for his blistering forehand.

No, the problem for Roddick wasn't exactly the court itself, but how he approached it in the match against Ljubicic.

Roddick apparently came out of his pre-match coaching session, if there was one, with his own plan: 'I'm going to hit a lot of winners.'

Anyone who follows tennis saw the drill that Roddick needed to employ Sunday: Make Ljubicic, who had already this year played a lot of tennis reaching four finals and playing two matches in the last two days, run. Keep him moving, don't be afraid to get into some long points, keep the unforced errors to a minimum. But instead Andy went into Pull Mode, pulling the trigger sometimes from ridiculous positions on court, and doing anything but making Ljubicic grind out long points.

After the match Ljubicic said he had started cramping as early as the third set, but he didn't show any signs of cramping or slowing down until calling for a trainer late in the fifth set. By this time, trailing 1-4 in the fifth, it was too late for Roddick to employ any strategy other than wait and see if Ljubicic went into a full-body cramp, or was ordered to report back to Croatia at that moment for military duty.

Another perplexing aspect of Roddick's game against Ljubicic was his propensity to think it was a Wimbledon final. An interesting match statistic, in addition to net charges, would be to see how many times Roddick did his "all-this-and-the-kitchen-sink"-type approach shot where it seemed the sole hope was that Ljubicic would miss the pass. If I saw one more point of Roddick hitting a cross-court backhand slice approach and Ljubicic spanking a one-handed pass down the line, I'd have suspected ESPN of putting on a tape loop in lieu of a rain delay.

Roddick's goal of improving his transition and net game is noble in an effort to close the gap between himself and the all-court game of Federer, but frequently misapplied. How many times have you seen Andy get tight and seek to rectify the situation by immediately running to the net, as he inexplicably did against the tired and cramping Ljubicic to drop his serve to begin the fifth set?

"Bottom line, I didn't make him play good tennis," Roddick said afterwards in a moment of revelation. "I felt I was the fresher of the two of us, but I just kicked the game away."

Thus ended another run for the country that has won more Davis Cup titles than any other, has spawned more players who have spent more time at No. 1 than any other, but has failed to raise the Davis Cup for more than 10 years now.

We know Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi have personal coaches. We know the U.S. has a team coach. Perhaps they could put their heads together in the future, if there is a future for Agassi on the team, and figure out exactly the best surface for a tie, and exactly the best way to approach playing the game on the surface, and exactly how to approach a tired and cramping opponent.

After that you can all sit and ponder the chances of Andre saying yes to playing a potential September Davis Cup Qualifying tie in Chile or India or Pakistan. Probably about the same as Spain laying down a home grasscourt for a Davis Cup tie.

Meanwhile the fair-weather U.S. tennis fans will continue to crow about big-name stars failing to learn how to play like a team, while fans in the know will quietly sulk over what could have been, putting their crazy red, white, and blue hats up in the closet with their tiny American flags and crazy Styrofoam wavy-things and saying, yet again, "Wait until next year."

Judging from the tone of most of the American media's take on the US's performance in DC this year, its a low, low point for American tennis.

"By this time, trailing 1-4 in the fifth, it was too late for Roddick to employ any strategy other than wait and see if Ljubicic went into a full-body cramp, or was ordered to report back to Croatia at that moment for military duty."

"If I saw one more point of Roddick hitting a cross-court backhand slice approach and Ljubicic spanking a one-handed pass down the line, I'd have suspected ESPN of putting on a tape loop in lieu of a rain delay."

:haha: :haha: :haha:

It's alarming to me how much Andy Roddick has struggled in big matches since losing that tough 2004 Wimbledon final to Roger Federer. :eek:

But the main culprits in the first round Davis Cup loss to Croatia are the Bryan brothers who lost the pivitol doubles match. Roddick had a chance to pick them up with a big win over Ivan Lubicic but he couldn't come through in the clutch even though he had ample opportunities to do so.

But at some point we have to look at the Croatian team led by Ivan Lubicic and congratulate them on the upset Davis Cup win.

Looks like all people that told during past weeks Ljubicic was a journeyman and was not a top 10 player will finally respect Ivan as the great player he is. :yeah:

...Anyone who follows tennis saw the drill that Roddick needed to employ Sunday: Make Ljubicic, who had already this year played a lot of tennis reaching four finals and playing two matches in the last two days, run. Keep him moving, don't be afraid to get into some long points, keep the unforced errors to a minimum. But instead Andy went into Pull Mode, pulling the trigger sometimes from ridiculous positions on court, and doing anything but making Ljubicic grind out long points.
....
Another perplexing aspect of Roddick's game against Ljubicic was his propensity to think it was a Wimbledon final. An interesting match statistic, in addition to net charges, would be to see how many times Roddick did his "all-this-and-the-kitchen-sink"-type approach shot where it seemed the sole hope was that Ljubicic would miss the pass.
excelent analysis. both of these criticisms are very fair IMO. and what i don't get -- and this is my best argument for why Pat should lose his job -- is that Davis Cup is the only tourney in which a coach can tell a player what to do in the middle of the match. why didn't Pat tell the Duck how to approach this game? why didn't he tell him to stop going for broke and keep Lbj on the run? :confused:

or is it that he did and the Duck is just a complete pig-headed idiot?

time will tell. :devil:

excelent analysis. both of these criticisms are very fair IMO. and what i don't get -- and this is my best argument for why Pat should lose his job -- is that Davis Cup is the only tourney in which a coach can tell a player what to do in the middle of the match. why didn't Pat tell the Duck how to approach this game? why didn't he tell him to stop going for broke and keep Lbj on the run? :confused:

or is it that he did and the Duck is just a complete pig-headed idiot?


This is a good point as Ljubo looked like he coulda keeled over at any moment in the fifth :p He was definitely a very weary player, so yeah, you'd think P Mac would give the order to 'grind'. Very odd, but maybe he did and Roddick didn't have anything left to give. However, I don't think it would have mattered. Ljubo had been in grind mode most of the match (as opposed to Friday where he clearly had more energy and was hitting out more) and he was a man on a mission. Would likely just have postponed the inevitable.

I think Andy put everything into the fourth set tiebreak and was spent emotionally after it was done. Remember, he was points from losing the cup in that tiebreak, so he must have been extremely nervous. Nothing else really explains that horrible first game he played in the fifth. The other thing is, after Ljubo called the trainer in the fifth, he started trying to end the points very quickly by going for everything. It is very difficult to grind somebody who is going for broke on every shot, especially when they have a game like Ljubicic :)

I found it funny that Ljubo called a trainer (before trainers get there) goes out there break...after trainer easy hold..... then stands out there while Roddick serves to make it 5-2..any notice when roddick was in middle of swing at 40-0 Ljubo started to walk away ...then serve easy for the match....ace to finish in style.

Looks like all people that told during past weeks Ljubicic was a journeyman and was not a top 10 player will finally respect Ivan as the great player he is. :yeah:
I'm also glad you won your bet, Deivid23 ;)

[
why didn't Pat tell the Duck how to approach this game? why didn't he tell him to stop going for broke and keep Lbj on the run? :confused:

or is it that he did and the Duck is just a complete pig-headed idiot:[/QUOTE]

One wonders, but it is pretty clear than the big aggressive ego often obstructs smart strategy at such critical moments. I doubt that he is a good listner.

pat told him to keep him on the run from side to side, which i think roddick did do

but ivan probably expected this, and the balls get going back to roddick
who then pulled the trigger on poor choices

This is a good point as Ljubo looked like he coulda keeled over at any moment in the fifth :p He was definitely a very weary player, so yeah, you'd think P Mac would give the order to 'grind'. Very odd, but maybe he did and Roddick didn't have anything left to give. However, I don't think it would have mattered. Ljubo had been in grind mode most of the match (as opposed to Friday where he clearly had more energy and was hitting out more) and he was a man on a mission. Would likely just have postponed the inevitable.

I think Andy put everything into the fourth set tiebreak and was spent emotionally after it was done. Remember, he was points from losing the cup in that tiebreak, so he must have been extremely nervous. Nothing else really explains that horrible first game he played in the fifth. The other thing is, after Ljubo called the trainer in the fifth, he started trying to end the points very quickly by going for everything. It is very difficult to grind somebody who is going for broke on every shot, especially when they have a game like Ljubicic :)
i agree with your second paragraph. a lot. ;)

however i think the writer is referring to a complete gameplan that should have been in effect from the beginning. in other words, if the situation were reversed and the Duck had played Lbj in the opening match and then Agassi then had to face him after the twins lost, Agassi's gameplan would have been to wear him down and get those legs to seize up by Set 1. that was the obvious thing to do. but the Duck never employed that strategy. it looked to me as if he was just hoping and wishing that if he went for his big shots, Lbj wouldn't be able to get them back. stupid gameplan, especially on a slowed-down court. so why did Pat Mac not tell him even after the first set -- "time to change your plan DuckyLuv, stop going for broke and wear this goddam Croat down".

or maybe he did and euroka1 is right -- the Duck is so busy quacking that he just doesn't listen. :wavey:

i agree with your second paragraph. a lot. ;)

however i think the writer is referring to a complete gameplan that should have been in effect from the beginning. in other words, if the situation were reversed and the Duck had played Lbj in the opening match and then Agassi then had to face him after the twins lost, Agassi's gameplan would have been to wear him down and get those legs to seize up by Set 1. that was the obvious thing to do. but the Duck never employed that strategy. it looked to me as if he was just hoping and wishing that if he went for his big shots, Lbj wouldn't be able to get them back. stupid gameplan, especially on a slowed-down court. so why did Pat Mac not tell him even after the first set -- "time to change your plan DuckyLuv, stop going for broke and wear this goddam Croat down".

or maybe he did and euroka1 is right -- the Duck is so busy quacking that he just doesn't listen. :wavey:

I see your point. Maybe some info on P Mac's coaching will pop up in an article and find its way here. I'd definitely be curious to know.

Does Roddick have the ability to grind (at least with the top grinders)? To me, he always seems to get a bit tentative (especially on the backhand) when trying to grind, and then tends to float balls long. I don't think he's as comfortable grinding as hitting out and being aggressive, although it definitely would have been a good strategy for Sunday.

Ivan looked a bit tired to me most of the match and didn't seem to have as much pop on his shots as the previous two days. Although, it's possible Ljubo just said to himself 'I'm going to keep the ball in play today, wait for Roddick to make stupid errors, and beat him mentally. Regardless, Roddick still had his shots to win in the tiebreaks.

Do you know if the match statistics for that match are posted anywhere?

:)

however i think the writer is referring to a complete gameplan that should have been in effect from the beginning. in other words, if the situation were reversed and the Duck had played Lbj in the opening match and then Agassi then had to face him after the twins lost, Agassi's gameplan would have been to wear him down and get those legs to seize up by Set 1. that was the obvious thing to do. but the Duck never employed that strategy. it looked to me as if he was just hoping and wishing that if he went for his big shots, Lbj wouldn't be able to get them back. stupid gameplan, especially on a slowed-down court. so why did Pat Mac not tell him even after the first set -- "time to change your plan DuckyLuv, stop going for broke and wear this goddam Croat down".


Roddick isn't particularly known to have a genius for strategy. :rolleyes: He's an impulsive player who just doesn't know how to think and adapt when his gameplan isn't working. I often wonder if he has ADD. :confused: Its so strange because he seems like a pretty smart guy in interviews but not of the patient type who would sit still and think things through when he has to. Instead he's somewhat impatient and impulsive. A very fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of guy. Thats an ADD symptom if I ever saw one.

Maybe he just needs Ritalin Andy fans! :lol: Ship it to him!

roddick's biggest mistake was that he kept hitting to ivan's backhand. in a way, his second serve was as ineffective as dementieva's :tape: . ivan's bh is his stronger side and he's bound to get more balls back on that side and hit more winners. he also hit like 50 cross-court bh slice approach shots which ivan almost always put away for a winner. he had no second game plan (does he ever?). ivan said something very important in his pre-match interview: roddick's game hasn't changed in the past few years...after you play him enough times, you know exactly what he is going to do.

Roddick isn't particularly known to have a genius for strategy. :rolleyes: He's an impulsive player who just doesn't know how to think and adapt when his gameplan isn't working. I often wonder if he has ADD. :confused: Its so strange because he seems like a pretty smart guy in interviews but not of the patient type who would sit still and think things through when he has to. Instead he's somewhat impatient and impulsive. A very fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of guy. Thats an ADD symptom if I ever saw one.

Maybe he just needs Ritalin Andy fans! :lol: Ship it to him!
i have also had this thought, about if the Duck has ADHD. he comes across as quick-witted in interviews but i have never seen an interview with him that lasted longer than a few sound bytes so i'm not certain about his ability to really concentrate for longer periods.

but Ritalin (which ironically is a psychostimulant and therefore has a paradoxical effect on ADHD symptoms) might actually slow him down too much.

ftd: the match stats should be at the daviscup website (www.deviscup.com).

ivan said something very important in his pre-match interview: roddick's game hasn't changed in the past few years...after you play him enough times, you know exactly what he is going to do.

that strange, seeing as after beating him in their 1st meeting he went on to lose the next 5, despite "knowing what he's going to do" :rolleyes:

But the main culprits in the first round Davis Cup loss to Croatia are the Bryan brothers who lost the pivitol doubles match. Roddick had a chance to pick them up with a big win over Ivan Lubicic but he couldn't come through in the clutch even though he had ample opportunities to do so.

But at some point we have to look at the Croatian team led by Ivan Lubicic and congratulate them on the upset Davis Cup win.:yeah:

So goes the doubles, so goes the tie.

With the exception of the ROM v. BLR this round...that held true. Maybe GWH or Sjenster can provide more historical stats...but this tie was lost on Saturday.

that strange, seeing as after beating him in their 1st meeting he went on to lose the next 5, despite "knowing what he's going to do" :rolleyes:

well if you would stop and think for a min..it wont be so strange...1st time he beat him..it was not a full match. 2nd..he meant..by playing few times he didnt see any changed..did u notice the score before DC...6-1 6-7 6-7...i think thats when he noticed it.

well if you would stop and think for a min..it wont be so strange...1st time he beat him..it was not a full match. 2nd..he meant..by playing few times he didnt see any changed..did u notice the score before DC...6-1 6-7 6-7...i think thats when he noticed it.

oh dont talk nonsense. Andy is undisputedly still a better player than Ljubicic. Ivan can start saying "he knows what andy is going to do" once he beats him about 5 straight times, not after edging a 5 setter after losing the previous 5 matches.

Ivan can start saying "he knows what andy is going to do" once he beats him about 5 straight times, not after edging a 5 setter after losing the previous 5 matches.

Ivan learned his talk from Safin. ;)

oh dont talk nonsense. Andy is undisputedly still a better player than Ljubicic. Ivan can start saying "he knows what andy is going to do" once he beats him about 5 straight times, not after edging a 5 setter after losing the previous 5 matches.

What? Ivan has had the better results this year..............and is ranked higher than him.............and their head to head this season is Ivan 1-0............and it was on hardcourts in US........................

ivan said something very important in his pre-match interview: roddick's game hasn't changed in the past few years...after you play him enough times, you know exactly what he is going to do.

Ivan may say it too but it has been obvious to many others for at least the last year or so. It is one of the reasons that Roddick's games aren't particularly interesting to watch unless there is a more subtle opponent.

Well it looks like Ivan will be meeting Roger [yes again] in his quarter of IW. Let's see if he is that really good and survive a 4th showdown.

What? Ivan has had the better results this year..............and is ranked higher than him.............and their head to head this season is Ivan 1-0............and it was on hardcourts in US........................

What an absolute load of bull. I couldn't care less who's had the better year. Andy has hardly played any tournaments. Who got furthur at the important event of the year so far, the Australian Open? Lets look at the careers.

How far has Ivan gone in the slams? Andy has 1 Grand Slam title, a Grand Slam final and numerous Semi Finals.

Ivan has 1 career title. Andy has 16, including several Masters Series.

Ivan is 25 years old, Andy is 22.

Ivan is ranked 13 in the world. Andy is world number 3.

Ivan has earned $2.8 million. Andy has earned $8 million.

Andy leads the head to head 5-2.

Are you honestly telling me you think Ljubicic is a better player than Roddick?

What an absolute load of bull. I couldn't care less who's had the better year. Andy has hardly played any tournaments. Who got furthur at the important event of the year so far, the Australian Open? Lets look at the careers.

How far has Ivan gone in the slams? Andy has 1 Grand Slam title, a Grand Slam final and numerous Semi Finals.

Ivan has 1 career title. Andy has 16, including several Masters Series.

Ivan is 25 years old, Andy is 22.

Ivan is ranked 13 in the world. Andy is world number 3.

Ivan has earned $2.8 million. Andy has earned $8 million.

Andy leads the head to head 5-2.

Are you honestly telling me you think Ljubicic is a better player than Roddick?

Why wouldn't that factor in if you're talking about who's the better player RIGHT NOW? :retard:
And you have the nerve to consider my points invalid when you're bringing up career stats and earnings, etc? WTF. :retard:

Why wouldn't that factor in if you're talking about who's the better player RIGHT NOW? :retard:



Personally I would still take Roddicks 2005 so far over Ljubicic's. However in tennis your only as good as your last few matches and Ljubicic has certainly been better in those.

Why wouldn't that factor in if you're talking about who's the better player RIGHT NOW? :retard:
And you have the nerve to consider my points invalid when you're bringing up career stats and earnings, etc? WTF. :retard:

scroll back through previous posts

scroll back through previous posts

Yes. You stated that rodduck is UNDISPUTEDLY the better player right now............................................... ..

i took exception to ljubicic saying "he knew what roddick was going to do". i commented roddick is a far better player and got flooded with abuse. so i thought i'd provide some career stats to back up my comment.

you didnt answer the question about how ljubicic did in the 1 important event so far this season? did he not lose to baghdatis, who was playing about his 5th senior event

Yes. You stated that rodduck is UNDISPUTEDLY the better player right now............................................... ..

i said "undisputedly still a better player". the comment was meant in a general sense not necessarily the better player right now. even still, put it this way, if i was a player and i was asked if i'd rather play roddick or ljubicic at indian wells, i'd still rather play ljubicic despite him having a few more match wins under his belt this season.

i said "undisputedly still a better player". the comment was meant in a general sense not necessarily the better player right now. even still, put it this way, if i was a player and i was asked if i'd rather play roddick or ljubicic at indian wells, i'd still rather play ljubicic despite him having a few more match wins under his belt this season.

Of course, it's on American hardcourts. Who wouldn't? But Ivan has been the better player this year and is the better player right now.

Okay..adeegee does not get the part of "Who is having better year" he always goes back and compares whole career...just go to the "Best year of the year so far" he tryed telling me cuz Nadal is 18 and Ljubicic is 25...that Nadal will have better career...well not shit...we are talking about Now....this guy just dont get it or give respect.

i took exception to ljubicic saying "he knew what roddick was going to do". i commented roddick is a far better player and got flooded with abuse. so i thought i'd provide some career stats to back up my comment.

you didnt answer the question about how ljubicic did in the 1 important event so far this season? did he not lose to baghdatis, who was playing about his 5th senior event

The one important event between these two players were played on Sunday, which Ivan came out the victor, thus proving he's a better player than rodduck right now. :confused:

The one important event between these two players were played on Sunday, which Ivan came out the victor, thus proving he's a better player than rodduck right now. :confused:

dont waste your time..this guy just dont get it.

i took exception to ljubicic saying "he knew what roddick was going to do". i commented roddick is a far better player and got flooded with abuse. so i thought i'd provide some career stats to back up my comment.

Stirring the pot again I see? Roddick is one-dimensional and predictable, what part of that don't you get? The fact is that his one dimension has worked very well for him so far, it's not hard to predict what Roddick is going to do, the question is whether the respective player on the day is good enough to counter it.

Roddick is one-dimensional and predictable, what part of that don't you get? The fact is that his one dimension has worked very well for him so far, it's not hard to predict what Roddick is going to do, the question is whether the respective player on the day is good enough to counter it.

This is all there is to it. We are talking about the present 2005 and the future, not about the past/

oh dont talk nonsense. Andy is undisputedly still a better player than Ljubicic. Ivan can start saying "he knows what andy is going to do" once he beats him about 5 straight times, not after edging a 5 setter after losing the previous 5 matches.
will i be talking nonsense if i undisputably disagree with you?

Ivan has improved. he still makes too many unforced errors but there is no doubt that he has recently (from the start of this year) IMPROVED. the Duck is playing as well as he ever has. take that however you want to :o

I would take Roddick's year over Ivan's so far. Andy made a slam semi and won a title. Ivan has played a lot of great tennis and his final losses were not bad ones since he lost to Roger and even Pim Pim is very dangerous. I am glad to see Ivan improving because he is talented and I hope he keeps it up. He isn't bad on clay either so he could post some nice results during that season.

i wouldn't take either of their years bec it's not up for taking.

but i am impressed by Ivan's IMPROVEMENT which is the point.

Well with Ivan's talent he could do a lot for tennis in his country. I just hope he keeps on this path.

Well with Ivan's talent he could do a lot for tennis in his country. I just hope he keeps on this path.

me2. :wavey:

those were the days :tears:

His back injury is so annoying, :armed: his form drops off a lot as well. :crying2: Just say nonsense "Best of luck to him" again. :)

:dance:

:lol:

Ahh, March 2005, the last time Ljubo was any good. My freshman year in high school. Now im a senior, and he still sucks :)

CROATIA WON!!:yeah:

Well Done Ivan!!
Ivan is TOP 5 soon!!
I hope so!!

:eek:

what happened next? :awww:

Ahh, March 2005, the last time Ljubo was any good. My freshman year in high school. Now im a senior, and still havent gotten laid:)

well that sucks

This was one of the few times where i supported Ivan :lol:

So glad he won :rocker2:

well that sucks

You had to change what i said to make your point.

Sad, really.

Ahh, March 2005, the last time Ljubo was any good. My freshman year in high school. Now im a senior, and he still sucks :)

2008 :rocker2:

2008 :rocker2:

You too? Vamos '08 :rocker2:

What was the point of this bump?

What was the point of this bump?

Roddick sucks.

Roddick sucks.

damn right

you'd be good for this thread
http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=110320

Great win for Ivan!:dance:

and ur saying this now because?

You too? Vamos '08 :rocker2:

god to think that was our freshmen year.

shit, how time flies.

This is pathetic, even for you IL :yeah: :D

This is pathetic, even for you IL :yeah: :D
Desperate times call for desperate measures from the Croaties. :lol:

Desperate times call for desperate measures from the Croaties. :lol:

Which city is the andy roddick exhibition tour making a stop at next week?

What was the point of this bump?

Ivan Ljubicic (the poster, not the player) needed his daily Ljubo masturbation fix. Now he has it, aren't we all relieved?

Congratulations Ljubo! Well done neighbor...:bounce: