Before today is over, I need to get in my love for Nalby and Kuz (sorry Caro, it was your home tournament) who took home the Washington and San Diego tournies respectively.

I can’t say enough about Nalby’s game. For me, he proved that he’s both one of the most naturally talented players on tour, and one of the best match players on tour. Sure, there’s something to be said about someone like Rafa who is balls to the wall on every point, but there’s also something to be said about guys who maybe can’t do that, but know how to play the big points.

Even at times where he wasn’t striking the ball as cleanly (like in the Gilles match) or playing his best, he adapted and found a way to win.
And yes, the variety. It makes my pants giddy. Huge returns, powerful forehands, wicked slices, defence… and yes, that disgusting backhand. The guy just invents disgusting cross court angles by using that left arm to take the ball early and rip it. Can you tell I’ve missed him?

And yes, Kuz, who seemed wickedly inspired and in the zone (maybe it was the haircut?) most of the time, and playing aggressively. Specifically, she looked to come to the net a ton and always looked comfortable when trying to do so, especially in the blowout that was the Flavs match. Kuz is much more of a solid, all-around player than she often gives herself credit for. Most definitely one to keep an eye out for over the next two weeks.

All aboard the MSS Kuzonator! Next stop: US Open!

If we all take the time to remember the last time Sveta put together a huge run, we all might remember a clay season where, well, only two players mattered. Her, and Dinara Safina. That was the clay season last year. We all know how that ended.

This isn’t exactly a huge run or anything, but it is the first final for Kuz, and if she was able to win the whole thing against a wickedly consistent A-Rad, that would be a big deal. She’s also got Masha in Cincy, which is a huge litmus test as to where her game is right now. I hope you’re all taking notes.

Who doesn’t love waking up to nice things? It’s always nice to sit down at the computer in the morning with a nice coffee, but I had no idea what giddy love was awaiting me. Thanks, @MercuryInsOpen, you rule. They hit together under the lights of Stanford last Sunday, and now are besties. Guess they couldn’t wait to see each other in San Diego.

Pretty sure I’m tiling this as my wallpaper. Like, in my bedroom, not my computer.

ATP – Washington (500)

Official Site: Here
Draw: Here
Top Seeds: T-Berd, Dick, Fer, Marin, Tree, Q-Man, Stan, Baggy.

Relatively stacked draw for a 500 event (far more than Hamburg) and there’s a lot of players of similar value (thinking top 6 seeds) that could cause some seriously damn good matches later on in the tournament. You also have Baggy, Ernie, Fish, Llodra and Lleyton floating around, and the now married The Sex makes his return to the big time after what seemed like an eternity away from the game. Pick carefully, ye tennis poolers. Personally I really like Thunderbird, he should be fresh and ready to go. Definitely have to keep an eye on Dick, too.

Also, if you’re on Twitter, make sure to follow @julesdc and @lynnlovestennis who are going to be at the tournament a ton this week (they’re already there). They should have some epic tweets and pictures to whet your appetite. And just a quick note for the future: if you know of people that are heading to tournaments and I’m not following them, or even just as a reminder, hit me up and I’ll tip them in my “The Week Ahead” post. Brings us all closer to the game.
Edit: Fellow podcasters @beckcl78 and @LexiDV are going to be there too. Everyone already knows they rule, so follow up.

WTA – San Diego (Premier)

Official Site: Here
Draw: Here
Top Seeds: JJ, Superhero, Bepa, A-Rad

“How to Combine Great Tennis with Great Wine” says the first slide on the home page. Um, if you’re in the area, I’d recommend heading out.

In all honesty though, this is one freaking stacked draw. Hell, if you throw Serena and Kim in there, that’s a reasonable remaining 32 for a slam. Flavs, Shahar, Mono, Rezai, JZ, Dinara, Ana, Nads, Slava, Kiri, Domi… ridiculous. And that was leaving out the top 4 seeds, obviously, three of which are slam finalists. Great tennis all week long.

WTA – Copenhagen (International)

Official Site: Here
Draw: Here
Top Seeds: Caro, Nails, Kvitova, Pironkova

Not sure if you know, but Caro’s kind of a big deal back in Denmark. So they gave her a tournament! Awesome. Indoor hard courts, and Caro obviously leads a more watered down draw that offers little opposition outside of Nails and maybe Pironkova. And yes, Polona is here too. Word.

Make sure to follow @FootFault_ and his Copenhagen blog here.