Last night, Roger Federer looked like his full 37 years of age and fell to the #58 ranked player in the world in front of a crowd of 23,000 fans of which 99% were rooting for him in suffocating heat.  In the day session, Novak Djokovic managed to get through his match but was really suffering from the heat as well.

SU says here is the deal.  You can say Federer had not played enough tournaments this year and perhaps his stamina is not what it used to be because of that.  Djokovic in his career never plays well in the extreme heat.  But the problem is with the roof at Ashe Stadium.  The roof, even when open, traps the hot air and humidity, and creates an environment like you are playing tennis in the Lexington Line 42nd St. station in July.  You can take the position that the circumstances are the same for all of the players and SU agrees with that.  However, as a fan, you want to see the best players perform at their best and this is just not the right way to do it.  SU says Ashe Stadium has air conditioners that are activated when the roof is closed.  Why not put it on on for days like we have had this past week?  If not for the sake of the fans who are also suffering?  Today is going to be another one of those days and Nadal will be on deck next to deal with it.

Upsets are great but you shouldn’t create a scenario that is like the show “Survivor” where the players have to compete in extra extreme conditions.  At least on the outer courts there is a bit more of a breeze and air circulation.

The Yankees are also dealing with the “heat” of a Wild Card race out in Oakland and the A’s served notice yesterday: they have a top rated bullpen and in a one game playoff, that is scary.  SU watched the last 4 innings and the Yankees had no hits, not even a hard hit ball.  Sabathia, per usual, was terrible in Oakland as he grew up near there and never pitches well in that stadium.  Stanton continued his major slump since SU said he had been good – I take it all back by the way and should have trusted my instincts.  He is reverting to his lifetime .260 batting average and is trending in that direction.  McCutchen looks to SU like he has seen better days and is past his prime.  However, it’s not like he is keeping anyone on the bench although Neil Walker is now no longer starting.  The Yankees obviously miss Judge but Didi is the bigger loss and his left-handed bat.  His return will make a difference.

Boone will have some interesting decisions to make come playoff time.  Gardner will likely become a platoon player and they will look to put McCutchen out there every game.  Bird languishes on the bench but SU says he deserves a few starts as he appears to be getting closer to contributing.  They are still a home run hitting team and are challenged to get big hits.  They really need to win one of the next two games in Oakland.  Who will step up?