Alamo City just a few days away. A bit of a shift this time around as Master of 4.5 Alfonso Rodriguez steps up to take on the 5.0 crowd, followed by fellow 4.5 Yien Zheng. Zheng will probably make it to the 2nd round and then get a rude send off by Brian Smith. Rodriguez will get a chance to prove his 3 set victory over Tim in 2005 (?) was not a fluke. I think he takes it but I do not see him as a sure thing in that match. I hope he does win the match because a Reader/Rodriguez match up would be extremely compelling. That one I would have to call a push as I have no idea who would emerge as both are very strong players. If you look at how Rodriguez has dominated Trautman this year it is hard to believe that he will not be able to hang with Reader, but I do not mind being wrong as Reader is also a tremendous player. Dibua should face Smith in the other semi and I would definitely have to go with Smith unless he has a problem playing in hot conditions. He seems fit, so probably not. After taking that one, I would assume he then wins the tournament. I wonder how shocked everyone would be, if Alfonso would somehow emerge champion. I can't say that it cannot happen.
4.5s, no Alfonso means that Trautman will have no reason not to show up and play, especially since he lives in San Antonio. Either Juan Dekruyff or Ben Hawkins might be able to give him trouble in the top half, especially Juan, but I think there is just a great a chance that Juan doesn't even show up for the tournament. If he does, watch out for him, he is a very interesting player. I do not know this Gruno guy that is being highly touted. If he can beat Alejandro in the 1st round then he definitely has the potential to take the tournament. If Alejandro takes it, I would pick him to win the entire tournament. A 2nd round match up between Anthony Tatu and Kris Knutson would be an interesting one to witness, especially 2nd match of the day. Should be a war of attrition, though not likely an exhibition of strong fundamental tennis strokes.
As always, I have no opinion on either Open or 4.0. Please fill in the blanks in those draws if you would be so kind.
To all the players with a shot at winner their draws, please don't go crazy on the free beer...you know who you are.
Blog for discussion of the Houston Recreational Tournament Tennis Scene. Feel free to share predictions, recaps, complaints, general thoughts, player opinions, scouting, etc. Focus is on USTA events and does not have to be confined to Houston Area tournaments but also all Texas events, especially Major Zones. In the spirit of fun, feel free to rag on your friends and opponents. Otherwise, what's the point.
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About Me
- The Journeyman
- Veteran of 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 levels. Fighting to stay relevant.
105 comments:
I agree I believe Green will lose to Alfonso as well because Green will not be able to match Alfonso groundstroke to groundstroke from the baseline. With that said I also believe Alfonso to be a 5.0 player as well so no harm done.
I've never seen Tatu play. Is he a hacker too? How does he play?
Anthony Tatu is a solid baseliner and should do some serious damage at Alamo City MZ.
I assume you mean Tatu from Ausin? If so I have played him a few times and he is solid with no big weapons. He likes to run, so keep the points short against him.
Hey Journeyman, it sucks to be injured.
Jochen Moser's brother Frank beat Marat Safin/Tomas Berdych in doubles today in straight sets at the Bastad tournament in Sweden. Congrats to Frank, he was always a super friendly guy when he was hanging out here in Houston the past couple of years. Maybe he will get a chance to hang with the big boys in top level doubles.
Go Lord of the Strings!We hope to see that butt in the finals!
this is worthless!!!!! everyone knows kallus sucks. i've never seen anyone with more luck, it cheap shot after cheap shot, and he foot faults on every serve and he get 2 let courts a game.
cheese city!!!!!!!
Poque Man out!
I'm tired of you JR, I'm gonna take that big belly of your to the woods and sweet it off you!!!!!!!!!!
Gruno is bieng highly trouted cause he has already defeated sanchez handidly in the gallery tournament 4 n 1 in the quarters, he then went on to give rodriguez a close match 6 n 4, not bad if anyone asks me, my respects to him
“You all can go to hell, I think I will go to Texas”.
Davy Crockett
Picks for Alamo City MZ:
Men's Open - Adrian Valdez
Men's 5.0 - Thomas Reader
Men's 4.5 - Alejandro Sanchez
Men's 4.0 - James Rice
I'm still going with Sanchez because he is over due for a MZ trophy.
If anyone cares, I was able to get a room off of priceline at the Fairfield Inn on/near the River Walk. Regular rate = $149. I got it from priceline for $60. I will now turn it back over to William Shatner to continue this commercial.
Beam me up Scotty...
kallus sucks
"kallus sucks"
Hey dude give it a rest man.
DUDE!!!! Can anyone guess who that is?
The net is to high and the wind is unbelievable. Who is that?
OUT!!! (when the ball lands inside the baseline by at least 2-6 inches. Who is this? And it could be a few Houston players.
Schmucker
Kallus
Foad, Sarosh, Reggie Black, and Ms. Casas
The high net and wind is me all the way.
There is no one who can accuse me of the second. I wish I could call a damn ball out.
Who is this?
"My arm kinda hurts, that is the only reason why I keep throwing in underhanded serves everytime I get behind in a service game."
Weather forecast for Alamo City MZ:
Sunny, dry, and Hot.
Temperature 110 F in the shade.
Good luck everyone!
Why isn't Schmucker playing in this?
Foad, Schmucker, and Sarosh are jerks. I've never seen more babies.
Hey Sarosh, play your level and stop beating up on 3.5 & 4.0 players. I'd be embarrased. Didn't you play college tennis?
Foad, get a second serve!
Schmucker, ahhhhh, where do I start?
Does anyone want to split a bed with me in San Antonio this weekend.
J.R.
Back to the 5.0 Draw..
How can anyone even think anyone other than Smith is going to win that draw? I believe he had major back surgury less than a year ago and still won the Coke. HE played on the Austin Open team last year that was one tie-breaker away from nmaking the finals at Nationals.
Everyone that played at the Open level last year got bumped down. I am assuming he is playing 5.0 "becasue he can" Thanks to the ustas rating system. There is no way he is a 5.0 player and is probably one of the best three doubles players in Texas.
If he dosent get bumped back up at the end of the year, something is seriously wrong with the rating system. I honestly think he could go undefeated this year in the 5.0 division. Sorry for the rant but just dont understand the rating sytem.
Do you really think ANY players in 5.0 have a chance against him? WHat are your thoughts?
Brian Smith is the real deal. however, the heat and conditioning are going to play a major factor. don't know if he's ready for that.
The great "S" belongs in 4.5, but he's not a good 4.5 player. he got killed 6-2, 6-1 a few weeks back. and barely pulled off a 3rd set tie breaker last week.
who did the great "S" beat last week? Was the guy he beat any good?
Sarosh does not play tournaments, so why is their league talk on the tournament blog? Move over and post those comments there, he is not playing the San Antonio tournament so WHO CARES.
Has anyone forgotten Reader as a contender against Brian Smith?You can't judge by one match.Although Reader couldn't be fatter and more out of shape,he seems to have a pretty good record.I don't personally know the guy,(although I'd like to!)I've seen him play a couple of times at Mcfarlin,and think he is a tremendous player as well as a very fun guy.I don't know why people don't like him.If you've seen him on the court,he acts nothing like people say he does.So I hope he wins all of his matches and proves all of those doubters wrong.
Thanks Foad for your potty mouth input about Sarosh.
I know Kallus will share your bed with you. That is a no brainer
you guys crack me up! too funny!
Leave Casas alone he's my friend
Leave Kallus alone, he's my friend.
if you share a bed with Kallus make sure the A/C unit is not on HIGH because it will be to "windy" in the room and he won't be able to sleep
Lol, dude you relly crack me up. Why so much hate & anger towards Kallus dude? Did you lose to him 0,0 and this is your way of getting back at him? Grow up dude and go have a cold beer or something.
The AC joke was pretty good...but he might like it cold and windy in the room sharing a bed with a guy. Better reason for him to stay under the sheets..
Too Windy to sleep. Yeah, that is pretty good, I have to give you that. Why am I now gay all of a sudden? Unless you are my wife (or Carmen Electra), you better stay the hell away from my bed.
Thanks. I will try...do you know where I can buy one in SA?
Matthew Sumrall will have a chance against Alfonso if he shows up ready to play which I believe he will. He can be a very flashy player and when on, he can be very good. I would have my hands full with either player if I get past the first round.
Kallus,
I just got the same deal at priceline for the Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Thanks
Kallus is a good guy, but I doubt he is bringing home a trophy. He would psych himself out if he played 4.0 and lose first round there too.
SHUT UP FOAD, KALLUS & SAROSH!!!!!
I know its you guys talking trash. Great "S",,,, what's that about? There is nothing great about your game,,,, I'll crush you like a peanut!!! And Foad,,, well all I can say about you is get a pair, you're game is a joke. And now you have a fake injury! Kallus, your game is no match for my power play,,,, Check Mate dude. Reader,,, Reader Smeader, I eat guys like you for lunch every day!
J.R. you have little girl game.
Great S out!!!
Maybe so Sarosh,,, but we can still share a bed.
Poken Poque is out!! And in, and out!!
Maybe so Sarosh,,, but we can still share a bed.
Poken Poque is out!! And in, and out!!
J.R. Pogue, last couple of times we played went toe-to-toe but you lost both times. So, shut the FUCK up about me and stop making excuses you sombitch. take your losses like a man.
Foad
Also, Sarosh, the great Roach, you also need to take some of that shut the fuck up. Also, someone told me that you are a "little man". Poor cockroach.
Foad
If there was any doubt about Green's 4.5 intentions next year, he throws in another tank job, this time against Rodriguez.
So far this year, Tim's losses have been to Gound, Dibua, Garg, and now Rodriguez. All quality players.
He has beaten everyone else including Gound twice and Schornick.
If he is tanking he is doing a bad job. I am sure some people on this blog can give him pointers.
There was a great match in the 5.0 Final. Reader came ready to play. After beating Rodriguez in teh final he play smith who comletly crushed manalo 6-1 4-1 before manalo called it quits.
In teh first set smith tried his patented serve and volley and reader was returning exceptijnally well. Reader won the first set 6-3. Watching the match, I thought Brian might be in trouble. Brian Changed his game and began to beat reader off the ground. He worn reader down his his big serve and good groundsrtoke work.
Final score smith won 3-6 6-3 6-3. Great match to watch. Did anyone else see it? Your thoughts.
I thought it was funny when Green said he was looking forward in playing Alfonso since they played a couple years ago. Tim you were crushed by a 4.5 player when you are a rated 5.0 player. Guess that brings up that awesome debate 4.5 vs 5.0 again.
All of my predictions about this tournament have come true.
G
look at the results from the qualifying in abilene
Journeyman, thanks for the comment, I did not make it to San Antonio as my father in law passed away and I had to go to Dallas. Will try to make it to Adult Sectionals. -AT
Congrats to Daniel Omana for beating the Valdez brothers back-to-back in Men's Open. Omana is a litle guy with a big heart. A class act player and fun to watch.
Has anyone noticed how these San Antonio 5.0 players (from the 2006 National Championship team) keep tanking ALL their matches in 5.0. It is amazing. For example, take a look at Daniel Cambon's record over the past 2 years.
These guys are tanking, not Tim Green.
Dinker is not up to par because he doesn't play as often as he used too. I was not one bit surprise by the score vs. Alfanso.
Daniel Camdon is on Al Torres leash to keep his rating down to 4.5. Torres is no different than Benzon, it inflates their egos when they get to ride a team all the way to Sectionals.
Don't make excuses for Tim Green. Tim thought he would beat Alfonso, but instead got crushed. Green does not have the baseline game to beat Alfonso. His dinking amd hitting moonballs from the baseline does not effect Alfonsos game. What is really funny Jason Kern had a closer match with Alfonso in Waco then Tim Green did. Kern is much better at the net then Green.
The score between Jason Kern vs. Dinker will be something like 3,2.
Green got crushed by Alfonso but he is still my friend.
Any thoughts on a kallus vs. rodriguez matchup?
Match up in what? Tennis? Kallus gets 1 game and only cause Alfonso is a nice guy. I guess that question was another shot at Kallus from the "Kallus sucks" crew. You guys are just mean. I guess I was just kinda mean too. Sorry Kallus.
I'd be happy if Dinker let me get five games off of him. I will admit I was surprised at how easily ARod took out Dinker (although in no way do I believe Dinker tanked). Like many people have said a lot has to do with matchups and how you play that day.
My top picks for 5.0
Smith
Reader
Alfonso
Can't count the Dibuas since they rarely play major zones.
The score between Jason Kern vs. Dinker will be something like 3,2 Kern's way, of course.
Congrats to Alfonso. He was by far the better player that day. Congrats to Reader and Brian for making the finals and having a good battle.
Who ever keeps saying I do not have the ground game to beat Alfonso...you are funny. I do not have the ground game to beat most players....so I would agree.
I will look forward to a good draw again at Sectionals.
Anonymous...I am glad we are still friends.
I pick Kern over Dinker. Post a Poll!
Dinker, Do you think that any of This years Hurricanes 4.0 can beat you?
Katy open draws are posted. Anybody have any predictions?
What's so freakin special about a non-sanction tournament dude.
dinker is trying to get a 4.5 rating...
No sh-t. He is a tool just like the Torress tankers.
"dinker is trying to get a 4.5 rating..."
Dude if he was really trying to do that then he wouldn't have won any MZ in 5.0 this year...
Tim may wish he could be 4.5 for league purposes but he would not tank in a tournament and losing to Alfonso in straights should not shock anyone who has seen Alfonso play this year. He is currently a better player than Tim. And that is not a slight against Tim cause he is a good player, but you don't run off 20+ lopsided match wins in a row at 4.5 unless you are a very strong player. No matter what all you 4.5 bashers would like to believe.
He makes sure he loses badly to any actual 5.0 rated players, and will lose badly on purpose to the players like Rodriguez that will be moved to 5.0 next year.
Be nice to dinker, he's my friend.
Katy open predictions.
4.5 winner Kallus
5.0 winner Dibua
4.5 - Either Paciotti or Martinez
5.0 - Dibua
Once more, what's so freakin special about a non-sanction tournament man. WHO CARES...
Dude, man, last time I checked this blog was called Houston tourney tennis scene. Why don't you go hit with Foad and shut the hell up.
A non-sanction tournament in July is a waste of time dude. Make it count and go play the sanction one dude.
The non sanction tournament must be good, it always has a nice adult group including some good open players, and a few of the top 4.5 and 5.0 players.
I think It's so funny,everybody(with the exception of a few)rags on Thomas Reader.The guy beats Alfonso Rodriguez in straight sets,and noone has hardly anything to say.What a suprise!I didn't see the final but Thomas was looking really good in the semis.I would have loved to stay and watch,but had a mixed doubles match to play.And I don't care what anyone says about his nose ring,I think it's sexy as hell!(no offense Mrs.Reader)
Tim beat Tracy Starkey in straight sets so I do not think he is tanking against 5.0 players.
My bad. Any tourney is a good tourney. Its just so "HOT" out there now a days!
That old fart looks good to me and beat Alfonso in straight sets!Nice legs too!
LONG LIVE LORD OF THE STRINGS, THOMAS READER...
All 4.5 Guys,
Is anyone playing Conroe next weekend? The deadline is tomorrow night. There's usually a decent draw there for singles and doubles.
Next weekend is Ft. Worth MZ dude.
Everybody is gonna be up there man.
Good luck finding player for that tourney.
I see. However, I don't see anyone from Houston representing in the Doubles draw at Fort Worth. Where are all the Houstonians?
Finding a partner to play Conroe is not the problem. Finding other teams to play us is the problem. Maybe they saw our entry into the tournament, and got scared...?
Does trying to provoke players to join in on a tournament usually work on this blog?
Oh Yeah...
FW Draws are out. Time for another post.
Picks for Fort Worth MZ:
Men's Open - Daniel Omana (little man with a big heart)
Men's 5.0 - Dinker (Tim Green)
Men's 4.5 - Yien Zheng
Men's 4.0 - Forrest Feuille
Men's 3.5 - *%^$& (I don't know and I don't care)
Nuff said...
Lake Corroe draws are out, any thoughts and predictions?
What! - No Dutchover at 4.0 - he is the MZ king.
Conroe...4.5 doubles...round robin. all these guys know each other well. all 3 matches should be close.
not sure who to pick as the winner.
Oh please, you putting me to sleep with the doubles talk.
i could say the same thing about all the singles talk.
4.5 and up doubles is a pretty intense game, below that I agree - grab a pillow.
Schmucker should win the 4.5 draw in Lake Conroe tourney, assuming he shows up and play!
i'll agree with the previous poster at 1:39 pm. Anything less than 4.5, there is not as much movement at the net, nor as much shot variety.
i would agree with you about Schmucker, except that I don't know how much he's been playing lately. if Daniel Morales gets to the final, it could be a close one. Daniel has been playing well as of late.
Hey Journeyman, how about a new post for Fort Worth tourney!
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