Author Archives: Jesse Pentecost

Local Culture

Dubai Semifinal (3) Berdych d. (2) Federer, 3/6 7/6 6/4 The tendency for broadcasters of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships to liberally sprinkle their coverage with images and footage of local architecture is apparently irresistible. Admittedly, it is a … Continue reading

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Turning Points

Marseilles, Buenos Aires, Memphis: Finals Typically, the third week of February had something for everyone, assuming any of them were watching. Aficionados of fast indoor tennis were well-served by a strong field in Marseilles. Lovers of clay doubtless enjoyed the … Continue reading

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A Tepid Glow

Sao Paulo, San Jose, Rotterdam: Finals Rafael Nadal won a tournament on clay, again. Julien Benneteau finished runner-up, again. Milos Raonic won San Jose, again. Whatever else one might expect from men’s tennis in February, do not expect the unexpected, … Continue reading

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Obscure Trivia and the Pursuit Thereof

Rotterdam, Quarterfinals Momentous events are unfolding, at least as the term ‘momentous’ is understood within the constricting parameters of men’s professional tennis in February. Of the three events being conducted this week, two managed to lose their defending champions within … Continue reading

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The Black Swan

Vina del Mar, Semifinals and Final By defeating his compatriot Carlos Berlocq in straight sets in Vina del Mar, Horacio Zeballos moved through to his first tour-level final in three years. He made sure the enormity of the moment was … Continue reading

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Groove is in the Heart

Vina del Mar, Second Round Montpellier, Second Round Hajek d. (7) Troicki, 6/0 4/2 ret. My tennis day began boisterously on a sun-mottled clay court in coastal Chile and concluded in the electric shadows of Montpellier’s whimsically titled Arena. Diana … Continue reading

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A Prolonged Bender

Davis Cup, First Round There is little that has transpired over the first Davis Cup weekend of the 2013 season that hasn’t been seen before, but I cannot recall that I’ve ever seen it happen everywhere all at once. In … Continue reading

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Filed under Davis Cup

A Blast on the Sousaphone

Davis Cup, First Round It has been a long week, and it isn’t over yet. The Australian Open concluded last Sunday, as ever seen out with considerable pomp by a 200-piece brass band performing a vexatious medley of tunes by … Continue reading

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The Next Point Annual 2012

The Australian Open is finished, Davis Cup is days away, and the golden clouds are gathering over South America, ready to release their usual spray. It seems like an appropriate moment to release The Next Point Annual 2012. Free to download – … Continue reading

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Enough is Enough

Australian Open, Final (1) Djokovic d. (3) Murray, 6/7 7/6 6/3 6/2 Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in the last match of the 2013 Australian Open, historically the match a fellow must win in order to be proclaimed champion. Given … Continue reading

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Filed under Grand Slams