Sportsmeat

First, my apologies for being an absentee blogger for the past few weeks. I was working at the US Open and couldn't access the blog from there. Alas, the Open is finally over so here are my thoughts from the past few weeks:

-) The Open was again a pretty decent one. Albeit a little sparse on Americans, Justine Henin and Roger Federer both put on pretty incredible performances. Henin did not drop a set, beat both Williams sisters back-to-back in a Grand Slam and won the title (never done before) and beat three former champions in the last three rounds. Moreover, Henin did not lose a set at this year's French Open and did not lose a set in her only hard-court tournament leading up to the US Open (at a Tier I event no less). At this point there is no question she's the best player in the world.

As for Federer, he won Wimbledon and the US Open for the fourth year in a row. No one in tennis history had even accomplished that double three times. His four consecutive US Opens are the most in a row since Bill Tilden won his fourth of six in 1923. Federer has played in 10 straight Grand Slam finals (the former record was seven, and also set many moons ago) and, in the past four years, has won three, two, three and three of four Grand Slams. Amazing. Even more impressive when considered his losses are 2007 French in the final to Nadal (who is on his way to becoming the best clay player ever), 2006 French final to Nadal, 2005 French semi to eventual winner Nadal and 2005 Aussie semi to Marat Safin in a five-setter that is still the best match I've ever seen (and yes, Safin went on to win the title). In my eyes, Federer has already passed Sampras on the GOAT list, with only Rod Laver to beat. If Fed can win the French, it's no longer a conversation.

-) A lot was made of Serena's completely classless exit from the Open. The response was typical Serena, who consistently lacks any hint of grace when losing, but should not also be applied to Venus. Despite baiting from reporters (and an apparent dizzy spell), Venus still gave full credit to Henin and has, throughout her injury-riddled career, shown a reverence for the game and those who came before her. It's a mistake to paint both Williams with the same brush simply because they're sisters.

-) Other Open notes: Got to meet some cool people and came away impressed by Chris Russo, and particularly by Ron Darling and John Feinstein. Couldn't hope to meet two nicer guys.

-) OK, after that last Larry King-style note, we'll move on from tennis. This season has once again shown that college football should wait until after Week 3 or 4 to release the first poll. Two weeks ago App State over Michigan was the biggest upset of all-time. Now, Michigan just might not be any good after losing their front 4 on defense and All-everything corner Leon Hall. Of course, that doesn't explain the offense sucking as well, but still ... In other sports the polls don't matter, but in football they do, considerably. A great team could go 12-0 but if they start Week 1 unranked, they may never ascend to the Top 2. It's better to get a look at everyone and then decide.

-) Not much on NFL thoughts because people tend to over-react to Week 1. I will say this, though: If I were a fan of the Pats, Colts or Panthers I'd be feeling pretty good right now. Not so much for the Browns, Jags and Falcons (the former two will be looking for new coaches soon, courtesy of both bungling the QB situation). As to the Jets, bad game, but not one I expected them to win. I don't think they'll win this week either, but they can still bounce back and go 10-6. I think 8-8 is more likely, but anything is possible (well, except for Joey Harrington getting into the Hall of Fame).

Anyway, this has gone on long enough so I'll call it a day here. But do keep an eye out for the NFL Week 2 picks and for the College Football Maddog 15-point underdog challenge to return this week.