The Worm Effect

What is it about the Worm? I've watched both his quarter and semi final showings at the Brisbane tournament, and both times he's been getting his arse kicked heavily in the first set, only to somehow turn the tables in the second two sets when he really has no right to. He did it to Soderling and then he did to Gasquet. Does he only kick into action in the second set? What's with it? And why do these guys let him do it? They're both quality players - what exactly is going on? It doesn't look like he lifts his level of play that exponentially - the wheels just sort of fell off for Robin and Richard. Is this Worm Effect a documentable phenomenon? I don't get it.

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The final of this tournament is going to be interesting, though I doubt it's going to be anything resembling the cracking Djokovic/Tsonga rematch the organisers were clearly hoping for. Stepanek against Verdasco. Verdasco has been looking very very good (unlike his belaguered girlfriend) and he's in the doubles final as well... so will tiredness come into play? One would hope not - and anyone, he's Spanish, and they don't seem to ever get tired (Rafa and Ferru, anyone?) But what will happen with the Worm Effect? Nando shouldn't rest too easy if he claims the first set without breaking a sweat - beware that evil worm!

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The women's final was last night, and it was pretty anticlimactic, considering some of the awesome matches we've had this week (like Mauresmo/Coin - that was fabulous!) Victoria Azarenka absolutely pounded on Marion Bartoli. I'm still not keen on Azarenka after her behaviour in her match against Gajdosova, but you have to admire her consistency. And man, Marion Bartoli is a weird tennis player. Whenever she was at net I just wanted to pry her left hand off her racquet. Playing two-handed volleys just killed her - she had next to no reach as well as far fewer options. Two-handed backhand, sure. Two-handed forehand, weird, but if it works for you... two-handed volley was just bad. What is next? Two-handed serving? Bartoli's service action seems to change every single time I see her play. At the moment it seems to be comprised of so many elements that it's pretty bizarre just watching her prepare to throw the ball up - one of the commentators said she found it almost hypnotic, and I totally agree.

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And how about the Chennai final? Cilic versus Devvarman, the wildcard? Whoever wins there it'll be good. Sure, Devvarman got there via a Schuettler walkover, but whatever. It's always good to see a total random in the final, particularly if they're a local total random... and always good to see one of the Stars as well! We've had a reasonable week, me and my Stars - we have Cilic in a final, Nishikori in the quarters and Gulbis taking out Djokovic. Not bad, eh?

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Oh, and Dementieva beat Vesnina in the Battle of the Elenas, and Murray beat Roddick in the Battle of the Andies. I bet no one saw those wins coming. At all. Ever. I am stunned and surprised.

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Today's Results

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Brisbane International (Brisbane)

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Men's Draw

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Fernando Verdasco def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-2 6-1

Radek Stepanek def. Richard Gasquet, 2-6 6-2 6-4

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Women's Draw

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Victoria Azarenka def. Marion Bartoli, 6-3 6-1

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Chennai Open (Chennai)
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Marin Cilic def. Marcel Granollers, 6-4 6-3

Somdev Devvarman def. Rainer Schuettler, walkover

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Qatar Exxonmobil Open (Doha)

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Andy Murray def. Andy Roddick, 6-4 6-2

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ASB Classic (Auckland)

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Elena Dementieva def. Elena Vesnina, 6-4 6-1

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Josh's Tennis Tips

Focus: Backhand

Today's Tip: One hand or two?

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When you start playing tennis, you need to decide if you are a two handed or one handed player for a backhand. You should try to do the one that feels best for you! Do not try to do the most stylish or best looking one.