Queen City Diary, Day 3
Blake's post-match presser was up first, following his loss to Istomin. I wasn't present for either the match or the presser, but as he revealed quite a bit about his state of mind and his upcoming plans, I thought it was worth sharing with y'all.
Throughout the presser, he noted that he was still feeling the effects of a number of injuries. He didn't attribute the day's loss to illness or injury, though - he just wasn't at his best.
He plans to take a break for a little while after the Open.
The last question asked was about Pam Shriver, and he let us know that he received a nice e-mail from her. So they've quashed their beef, I assume.
Federer's pre-tournament presser took place a few hours later. He arrived dressed in his training gear, as he was scheduled to practice for the first time in Cincinnati later that day.
There was something slightly off about his demeanor during the presser; former TWiber CNote and I described him as "testy," as he demonstrated too much of the reflexive defensiveness that makes even the most ardent of Federer fans wince. Still, he was talkative and self-assured and responded to each question with that singular Federer openness.
Generally, the presser was far more serious than the ones in Toronto, but there was one light-hearted interaction with a reporter:
Reporter: The perception is that your level has decreased ... I don't necessarily think that's the case ... what's the-"
When asked if he preferred the men's and women's tournaments being separate or combined, he decisively chose the former, saying it's much more quiet and "everything is a bit simpler."
Another reporter brought up his inconsistent results at the tournament - he either wins the championship or he's knocked out early - and Federer responded with, "Well, I prefer it that way than playing quarters every time." Is that how all players feel, I wonder?
Murray's presser was up next. (No transcript for this one. That makes me feel more useful.)
I was happy to see his eye contact improve as the presser progressed; the public speaking instructor in me always emerges when I watch him speak because his discomfort is so palpable.
He was asked about the role his mother plays, and he revealed that he doesn't actually speak to her before his matches, though she does try to scout his opponents. She's not fulfilling the role of a coach, really - he said it was just nice having someone in his family around.
He fielded several questions about his coaching situation, and he stated that he wouldn't replace Maclagan anytime before the Open "for sure," and that in some ways it's nice to be on your own. More responsibility in figuring things out, more freedom.
As for this tournament, he said he'd still feel confident going into the Open even if he doesn't have a great result here.
After a never-ending wait, Nadal arrived for his pre-tournament presser. (You'd think that pricey watch would help him manage his time a little bit better!)
In contrast to the Federer and Murray pressers, the vibe in this one was much more light. Nadal was his usual good-natured self and smiled/laughed often. Instead of describing his responses to questions, I'll let him speak for himself. Notable quotes include:
Another insightful part of the presser was when he discussed his previous performances at the Open and how his disappointing (for him) results had less to do with his physical state than his mental one, contrary to what most observers argue. Particularly interesting was his comment about the '08 Open, when he said he was actually fine physically but "destroyed" mentally, following his dream summer. We see, then, that while winning is nice, it takes its toll, too.
I missed Djokovic's presser, unfortunately, but ended my day at Isner's.
This was a fun one, more like a conversation than any of the others. Isner in person surprised me a tad; he's quite serious and a thoughtful, polished speaker.
He spoke at length about the after-effects of the Wimbledon marathon match, expressing that his win over Kubot was the best he's felt on court in a long time. He's been gassed for a while, and the fatigue hit him especially in DC, which prompted him to skip Toronto. He went home, didn't think about tennis, just hung out with his family (and his dog, a cocker spaniel!). He even turned off his cell phone.
Regarding the renovations, he said that the locker room is the best part, that it has more space that any other he's been in.
We all had a good laugh when he said the following, of his doubles success with Querrey: "We really don't know to play doubles. We have big serves."
As always, use this space to call today's matches.