Keeping the Powder Dry

[Hope you all enjoy this contribution by Todd and in Charge, one of the many TWibe members who will be enjoying the tennis in MIami this week and next - PB]

By TW Contributing Writer, Todd and in Charge

Well, when I arrived at the tournament just before noon Wednesday, it felt like a different place than the one I left just two days ago, after watching the qualies.  Today, the tournament had its "game face" on.  Cops were directing traffic, buses were bringing in fans, concessions were open, hot nuts were roasting and many staffers, players, and fans were running around. This place was ready for business!

And boy, there was a lot of tennis in store, under mild (for Miami) partly-cloudy skies.  When I got to the site at Crandon Park, I went straight to the giant scoreboard to see the schedule. I was immediately intrigued by the Xavier Malisse/Oscar Hernandez matchup. I always find myself rooting for Malisse, I guess because I see so much potential there even though it rarely manifests itself on court, on a consistent basis  Today, Malisse executed a game plan that patiently put Hernandez on his heels, and everyone watching knew that it was a matter of time before Hernandez, frequently throwing mini-tamtrums, succumbed.

I also managed to catch some of the demonstrations and interactive elements that the tournament provided to scores of junior tennis players and school teams who were here for Kids' Day.  My son (now 15) and his friends were thrilled that the Bondarenko sisters were there to provide tips and instruction. The girls happily answered questions, but I suspect it was for reasons unrelated to tennis. Max Mirnyi and Victor Hanescu were there as well, putting in the time with young players that is so essential to growing this great sport.

Over on the practice courts, a large crowd gathered to watch James Blake and Andy Roddick play a practice set.  These players are obviously good friends and colleagues, and they put on a spirited and entertaining display.  Up close, Andy looks very trim, muscular, and fit -- how that translates into great tennis over the course of the tournament is a different question.

Andy was moving and hitting well, his backhand looks better than ever. James was very analytical, conferring with his coach after nearly every point, fine-tuning and testing various strategies.  Meanwhile, on the practice court next door, Venus Williams chatted and occassionally practiced, wearing a purple warm up outfit that matched the courts nicely.  She did a drill for about 15 minutes in which she returned serves wide to her forehand - I guess it's something she's working on. I also watched Tsonga and Robredo play a practice set.  What can I say, I love Tsonga and his game, though Robredo was moving very quickly -  and giving up few points.  Both players looked very sharp.

Finally, over on stadium court, I had my first opportunity to watch Jesse Levine, a young lefty Floridian who has gotten a lot of good local press. You may remember that Jesse's the guy Fed flew over to Dubai to serve as his practice partner last year.

Levine was playing Juan Martin Del Potro, a popular Argentine with a large following here (like many of the South American players).  Levine had Del Potro in the first set, and he was looking to go up 5-3 on his own serve when he lost concentration, started to double-fault and hit wide, and immediately lost the set, as well as the next, 6-1.   While Jesse has drive, a good lefty serve, and plenty of punch in his strokes, he looks like he needs some bulking up, both mentally and physically.

As for Del Potro, there are elements to his game that I like -- he hits a big inside-out forehand -- but every time I see him I find his demeanor to be too passive, too reactive.  I wish he would get fired up a bit more, but maybe he's keeping his powder dry for later in the draw.

Thursday looks to be an excellent day for Key Biscayne, lots of stars under the sun.  Wish you all were here!