CCC: Monday

By TW Contributing Editor, Ed McGrogan

Hey everyone – thanks for stopping by to read the first Canada Crisis Centre (CCC) of the week.  Each morning before play begins at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, I’ll be writing a short post with some thoughts on the previous day’s tennis, and a look ahead to some of the upcoming day’s matches.  I’m also planning a few separate posts for TennisWorld, and possibly a few other surprises on TENNIS.com.  If that’s not enough Masters Series coverage, Andrew Burton will be posting here as well, and, don’t forget the standout work of Kamakshi Tandon, who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “vacation.”

So, I was planning to write about Roger Federer, who gave one of his first post-Wimbledon media interviews on Sunday.  But on short notice, the Q&A session was scheduled much earlier than I expected.  It was half over when I arrived on the grounds.

I also was thinking about comparing the physical demands of tennis players to hockey players.  A few National Hockey Leaguers were going to take on some ATP pros in a faux-street hockey match on Grandstand court.  But it rained all day, and the tennis guys wisely passed.  (The hockey players still played – maybe that answers the question.)

Finally, I thought about reviewing some of Sunday’s qualifying matches.  But the inclement weather was persistent throughout the day, and no balls were struck.

Sunday was a day of obstacles.  I ran into a few more of my own.  See, when the Rogers Cup is in Toronto, it takes place on the campus of York University.  It’s odd to walk past an academic building and a massive stadium within a five-minute span, but that’s how it is here.  Kamakshi, a local Canuck, gave me a tip that York rents out their dormitories on the cheap to tennis media folk.  I booked a week’s stay for the convenience.

That convenience didn’t show itself yesterday.  I weaved my way through the labyrinth of York for what seemed like forever – tiny SUNY Geneseo this is not – and parked my car in four different lots throughout the afternoon.  Finally, I arrived at Vanier Hall, panting after lugging my belongings on a very muggy day.  Kamakshi warned me that the accommodations would be “spartan.”  Clearly, she knew the meaning of that word - her definition was spot on.

There’s no TV and no internet here.  The bed feels like DecoTurf.  I had a nicer desk and chair seven years ago as a freshman in college (again, Geneseo this is not).  And there’s no men’s bathroom – on my floor at least.  I didn’t just go back to school this week – I went back in time.

As for my neighbors?  I don’t think I have any.  In this thirteen-story edifice, I’ve only spotted two people, and heard just one other soul.  And I don’t think it’s Federer or Rafa Nadal staying on campus for the quick commute.

But I’ve forgot these minor troubles already. I’m really looking forward to a tournament that in one way represents a clean slate for players, and in another way is the start of the final chapter to this most interesting year. Wimbledon’s theatrics gave this summer hard-court stretch a shot in the arm, and you can sense the excitement in the tennis community.

Torontonians were hanging around until dusk, in hopes of a qualifying match being played.  You have to love tennis fans – the most dedicated in sport.

McGrogan's Matches

• Michael Llodra vs. Richard Gasquet (Centre Court, 11:00 am)

I saw both Frenchman play in Davis Cup this year.  That is, if you consider Gasquet's dead rubber "play."  But forget that for a moment.  This match represents a contrast of styles, and it should be entertaining no matter who wins.  Llodra's serve-and-volley could work well on this fast hard court, and Gasquet was a finalist in the last Toronto Rogers Cup (2006).

• Julien Benneteau/Frederic Niemeyer vs. Roger Federer/Stanislas Wawrinka (Court 1, second match after 3:30 pm)

Many prominent singles players are playing doubles this week (possibly to warm up for the Olympics).  Other star-laden teams include Roddick/Fish, Nadal/Robredo, and Murray/Murray.  Tiny Court 1 will be packed for this one; the Canadian Niemeyer is just a bonus.

• Frank Dancevic vs. Mario Ancic (Centre Court, 8:00 pm)

Real solid first round match here.  These two have never met before, so expect a feeling-out process early on.  Dancevic, Canada's best hope to do well here, will need to play even better to match his quarterfinal heroics last year.  If he can get by Ancic, he faces a rested Novak Djokovic next.