KBCC, Day 3, Part 2

Hi everyone, this is an exciting day at the Sony Ericsson because so many of the stars are coming out.  That would include top American Andy Roddick, who made this intriguing comment while discussing his new coach and slimmer profile at yesterday's press conference:

"He [Stefanki] recognized there is a change in the game, seems like everything is slowing down a little bit as far as the surface and balls and whatnot, and therefore you see a lot more guys dependent upon their running ability and their legs. So we're just trying to keep up. It has worked so far.''

I've had the pleasure of playing on the Crandon Park courts many times, and I think this is spot-on.  The courts have a lot of grip to them, which makes them slower and allows for more time to set up a shot.  One benefit of this surface is the ball plays very true, so you can hit with more precision and confidence.

I noticed this yesterday while watching Sam Querrey defeat Gilles Muller 6-4, 6-3.  Sam hits with extreme topspin off of both wings, and watching from behind him I can see the amount of preparation required to set up his strokes.  The surface here, both in terms of surface speed and the way the ball grips the court, will favor Sam and players like him.

There are so many choices today in terms of matches that I suspect I will be running around the grounds all day.  The Djoker takes on Dancevic, Kevin Kim has a date with destiny Roger Federer, Blake takes on Benneteau, and Hewitt against Simon all look intriguing to me.  Roddick, Safin, Tsonga, Monfils and Robredo will all see action today as well.  Even Nadal will be on court - playing doubles.

Women playing today include Dementieva, Safina, Ivanovic, Kuzy, Mauresmo, Vaidisova, and my girl Jelena Dokic.

Call me a tennis dweeb but I will probably keep my eye on two under the wire matchups -- Mathieu against Baghdatis, and Soderling against Kendrick.  Mathieu is a curious case to me in that his game is so very complete except for what lies between the ears.  If he can summon up the game he (sometimes) is capable of he will give Baggy a run for his money.

I have been watching Kendrick all week through the qualies and he keeps getting better and better.  He is match-hardened and I believe will pose a real threat to Soderling, who in many ways reminds me of Mathieu.

I will be heading over there probably around lunchtime and you can follow my "tweets" here.

-- Lance Harke