Man of the Hour

I realize that this time of year people are enamored with their NCAA Brackets, Spring Training, Tim Tebow, etc etc…but this really might be the best month for tennis. The 5th & 6th biggest events in the world – BNP Paribas & Sony Ericsson Opens – occur back to back, on American soil, and even get (some) coverage by ESPN. By and large, every top player on both the ATP & WTA Tours compete, and going far at both events takes just as much, if not more, physical and mental stamina than making a deep run at a Grand Slam does. Keep your TV’s tuned to the Tennis Channel, ESPN, and whoever else might be covering all the action down in Miami. For now, here are some links to keep you entertained.

Lots of these types of articles out there this week…here is Greb Garber on that guy who can’t win anymore, Roger Federer (please tell me you could sense my sarcasm).

ESPN Power Rankings.

Terrific piece on ‘Gonzo,’ who retired after his first round loss in Miami. Here is the video tribute the ATP put together for him down at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Men’s Sony Ericsson Open Draw Analysis. And the Women’s.

Bodo compares Azarenka & Djokovic in his typical insightful way.

And does the same discussing Isner and the other big men.

Here’s a little doubles instruction for you.

Wertheim tackles conflicts of interest, doubles specialists, and more in his latest mailbag.

We’ll finish with grades from the BNP Paribas Open. Llodra did not receive as high of a grade as Isner.