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Archives - Saturday, August 12, 2006
Oudsema into the final against Lacko
Singles Semis
Lukas Lacko def Sam Warburg 7-6(3), 6-3
Scott Oudsema walkover Mark Philippoussis
Sunday, Doubles at noon, Singles to follow
Mark Philippoussis withdrew today, citing his toe problem that came up last night in the quarters. What can you say? It is a bummer that it kind of goofed our schedule for today, but on the other hand... can't complain much about a talent like that playing here at all. We kind of figured when he said he was coming here 10 days ago, we might have to worry about the injuries... just not his toe. But still, can't complain about seeing a former top ten with the accomplishments he has had. Good stuff for the fans here. As he says below... we saw him playing good tennis. He at least came to Rec Park one last time and went out onto centre court and saw off the fans himself. He thanked 'em all, stated his dilemma and bad news, and then said he appreciated the support.
Oudsema can't complain, and the USTA probably isn't going to either. It would have been a good experience for the young American, but he is in the final of a Challenger 2 weeks before the Open.
In the other semi... well, we couldn't get the All-American final. Sam Warburg seemed to run out of gas today. Lukas Lacko played some great tennis... no special weapon, just the basics and a little 'hit it where he's not'. "Routine shots, these are all routine shots and you are missing them", Sam said to himself during the match, and it was somewhat true. It wasn't the prettiest match, but Lacko kept his opponent off balance enough. "That serve is like 70mph", continued Warburg frustrated with his inability to get some consistent pressure. It was close in the first set, going to a tiebreak. Lacko hit 3 crosscourt winners in his last 3 points of that tiebreak to take it. Warburg came out in the 2nd trying some new stuff, like some more drop shots... but it still didn't get him going. Lacko broke in the 6th game and that was enough. Sam probably felt like he let a good opportunity slip by.
And here we are. Ready for the finals. Lacko against Oudsema. Both new to this... neither have gotten to a Challenger final. They've seen each other in juniors. Oudsema has the bigger shots. We'll see if the nerves affect those big shots. We will witness a kid reaching a big milestone either way.
Also have some good stuff in the doubles. Lipsky/Martin who are a heck of a team dating back to college. Fleming/Murray dating back to before that... and having some good results this year.
Comments from Mark Philippoussis:
On today's decision to pull out:
It's extremely disappointing. This was a week I've been looking forward to and every match I played here I felt like I got better and better. I really thought that even towards the end I started having some great rhythm on my serve and groundstrokes. Yesterday I got through that match, it was very painful, this is the worst thing I can do. I hate pulling out. I was hoping one night would make a big difference and it didn't. I've got to do what's best for my schedule in the next few weeks and rest my toe and see how fast I can get ready for the next event.
What is the specific injury:
It is the outside of my toe. It is bad bone bruising and something that could get worse and could turn into a fracture. I've played with something similar in the past, but a specialist said it could become a fracture and I don't want to take chances with that.
