by Pete Bodo
Afternoon, folks. I imagine most of you are just settling in to watch the Roger Federer vs. Stanislas Wawrinka match. Me, too.
It's been a bit of a downer day at the office today, the last on the job for our editor-in-chief, James Martin. He's moving on to become part of ESPN's soccer-coverage team, not the dumbest move for a soccer fan, what with the World Cup coming up in a few months. Soccer has been James' other sporting passion.
James was immersed in our game through 14 years atTennis **magazine, so you can see where a fella with executive responsibilities might be looking for a little change. It's easier for a writer, because there's no reason to burn out unless you get just plain bored, or over-exposed to the game and have no other outlets that allow you to rest and replenish your batteries.
It's been a pleasure working with and for James, whose excellent news sense and appreciation for the funny and quirky will hold him in good stead down the road. I won't get into the in-jokes represented by the special Tennis magazine "cover" (see photo) our creative director Gary Stewart designed, but I had to laugh at the cover line: Buy These Cookies - Or Else
James has a daughter in the Girls Scouts of America, and during every blessed GSA cookie-drive, everyone on staff was, ah, "encouraged" to load up. I actually developed a fondness for the Tag-Alongs (what's not to like about a combination of cookie-peanut butter-chocolate?), and have to admit that a few of those boxes never made it home. I'll miss those cookies (nobody else on our staff has a daughter who knows how to make a campfire) and I'll miss James. Good luck over yonder, hoss. And don't forget to email me when that next cookie drive comes around.
All I have to say about Madrid today is that John Isner ought to be feeling pretty good about himself. He made the Belgrade final (he lost to his pal Sam Querrey) and today he lost in Madrid to Rafael Nadal (who doesn't)?
Isner played nine matches in eight days to start his Euroclay swing, and if you know about the troubles he had getting to Madrid, you have to tip your hat to the way it took a player of Nadal's stature to sit him down. I could look this up quickly, but I'd rather just throw it out as an interesting question to ponder: Do Isner and Querrey play the ARAG ATP World Team Cup event in Dusseldorf next week?
Okay, I couldn't resist looking it up. Now here's a question for you: Who will represent the USA, Isner and Querrey, who are playing some high-quality doubles these days, or Bob and Mike Bryan?
It's time to watch Roger. Adios, until tomorrow.
PS - feel free to use this as a match-calling thread.