Stepanek Overcomes 78 Aces by Karlovic in 6 Hours

This is ridiculous. It took 86 games and nearly six hours for Radek Stepank to overcome Ivo Karlovic's 78 aces (yes, that's 78 aces) in today's Davis Cup match between the Czechs and Croatia 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 16-14. 

Rose Interviews del Potro on US Open Win

Good, candid interview by Charlie Rose of PBS with Juan del Potro yesterday, the day after he ended Roger Federer's five-title streak. 

Thoughts on U.S. Open 2009

This year's U.S. Open tennis tournament, which ended with last night upset's of defending champion Roger Federer by Juan Martin del Potro, was one of the most enjoyable tournaments to watch in some time. 

Oddly, it was a great tournament, despite not having a single men's match where both competitors played at a high level for a sustained period. Here are my thoughts in no particular order:

How to Fix Professional Tennis

I love watching professional tennis, both men's and women's matches, but it's increasingly frustrating seeing fixable problems mar the sport. So, here are my not so humble suggestions for improving ATP and WTA matches. 

Can Anybody Here Serve?

It's become a standard line during this year's U.S. Open to deride the state of serving in women's tennis. 

Is Isner Tennis' Top Server?

John Isner may have suddenly emerged as the best server in men's tennis. (original Sept, 2009)

WIMBLEDON UPDATE: 6/24/10. It's over. Isner ended up with 112 aces. Click to see stats. 

WIMBLEDON UPDATE: 6/23/10. John Isner and Nicolas Mahut both blew by Ivo Karlovic's record of 78 aces in one match, both of them approaching 100 aces apiece in an astonishing war of attrition. When play was suspended Isner had 98 serves to Mahut's 94.

The match was suspended due to darkness at exactly 10 hours played over two days, at 59 games each in a nearly-seven-hour fifth set. Yes, that's one set (there's no tie-breaker in the fifth set at Wimbledon). Play will now stretch to a third day.