Hey guys,
I’ve just returned home to rest for a few days after a swing through Washington DC and Montreal in the US Open Series. I was happy to learn that I managed to earn the final bye as the 16 seed in DC following my tourney win in LA, so I got to rest for a couple of days before heading back to the court and winning a battle with Igor Kunitsyn. That set up a match-up that always pumps me up, myself vs the top-seeded American Andy Roddick. It was a match-up I’d prefer to see in a semi or final, but I was ready for the challenge. Andy and I battled back and forth throughout the match, but he came out on top for his 500th career victory. Congratulations to Andy, that’s an incredible accomplish that I hope to reach one day.
After catching a thrilling Nationals baseball game with Dan, we headed across the border to Montreal. It was a beautif
Crowds in Montreal were fantastic
ul city and the fans were really enthusiastic, showing up in hordes for qualifiers before the tournament was even underway! Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to stay long as I ran into a buzz saw in Phillip Petzchner. He played a tremendous match and playing deep into many tournaments in a row caught up with me a little. While I was sad that I had to leave Montreal so soon, it gave me the opportunity to return home to Southern California for some much needed rest still atop the US Open series standings with 115 points, second place is a tie between Juan Martin Del Potro and American Robby Ginepri, each with 70 points. I plan on coming back strong in Cincinnati and New Haven, possibly riding some momentum as the winner of the US Open Series leading into the Open in a few weeks. Wish me luck!
Until next time,
Sam
Hey Guys,
Hey Guys,
I spent a few hours at the Tennis Warehouse tent signing autographs with my buddy, John Isner yesterday. We had a long line of fans. I practiced on court 14 with Bobby Reynolds and took a few photos with some friends. Afterwards, I had lunch with a few of the Samurai’s at the site and then went back to my room and watched some of the NCAA basketball. Later on, I went to my favorite restaurant in the desert, LG’s and had a big steak; my favorite meal before a big match! I play today on court 3 and I am scheduled 5th up. I hope to see you all there! 
Hey Guys…I drew Guillermo Canas first round at Indian Wells. It was a hot day out there on the court! I have played Guillermo twice before and beat him in both meetings, but he’s always a tough opponent. I was a bit nervous at first, but my serve was working and I pulled out the first set in a tie break. I began the second set with a break and held my serve for the remainder of the match. It was great to have the Samurai’s in the crowd! Indian Wells is by far my favorite tournament because I have many friends and family here to support me. My next match is Sunday against Stepanek who is a seed. I have not played him before, but I will be pumped for the match.
Hey everyone…Last night my buddy John Isner stayed with me at my place in Santa Monica before we left today to come out to Indian Wells for the tournament starting tomorrow. When we got here, we checked-in to get our credentials and do all of that fun stuff, and then practiced for an hour. Out at the courts, John and I played a practice set and I won! When we practice we always say that we are playing for “butts up” (you tennis fans know what I am talking about!) which I won, but unfortunately when I served I missed him by a foot to the right! Later on we went to the hotel, and then grabbed some Mexican food at one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants our here – Lon Consuelos. Tomorrow I’m going to hit with Mardy Fish in the morning, and then do some media stuff with the ATP and for the upcoming US Open Series commercials and ads. I am excited to play at Indian Wells again this year and see some of the Samurai’s back out at the courts. Last year, the Samurai’s were more popular than me when I played on center court for my first night match here against Lleyton Hewitt. More news to come soon!