04/26/24
January 22, 2003
In a match lasting nearly five hours and entailling a whopping 83(!) games, Andy Roddick beat Younes El Aynaoui 4-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, 21-19(!) to advance to the semis of the Australian Open. This match surpassed the previous record for games by ten and nearly reached the record for longest match ever (Boris Becker/Omar Camporese, 5 hrs 11 mins, 1991). Roddick now faces Rainer Schuettler, who played a mere 34 games in his quarterfinal, in the semis on Friday.
posted by Ufez Jones to tennis at 01:59 PM - 7 comments
I am really, really hoping for an Agassi-Roddick final. Two of the gutsiest shotmakers in the game, beating the almighty crap out of the ball. I used to think Agassi hit groundstrokes with consistency about as hard as it is possible to hit them, but for sheer power Roddick may actually be a notch above him. Still, I think Agassi has more angles and a more reliable serve, and his greater experience should make him the favorite if they meet. (And how brave is that, given the seedings?) Just learned Venus has deprived us of the chance to watch Henin's peerless backhand, one of the most nearly perfect executions is sports :-( But I like Venus' game almost as much, so cheers to her.
posted by jason streed at 10:41 PM on January 22, 2003
Incredible. I'm not a tennis fan and hardly ever watch it, but I sure wish I saw this.
posted by swank6 at 09:11 AM on January 23, 2003
Guess who plays Venus in the final?
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:20 AM on January 23, 2003
btw, I hope Agassi wins. I've always liked his "loud" play and quiet peaceful demeanor. But, the best part is, if he wins, he and Steffi Graf will play mixed doubles at Wimbledon. That may be the only tennis I watch this year.
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:25 AM on January 23, 2003
Oops: Missed adding the Agassi-Graf link.
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:26 AM on January 23, 2003
It was a great match, I was really rooting for Younes El Aynaoui to win though. The amount of games that these men played was unreal, i'm blasted after a 3 sets.