rudi must stay Posted January 20, 2020 Share Posted January 20, 2020 That time of the year again, always a high quality tournament. Not sure who you'd put as favourite, but Djokovic has just dropped a set v Struff, a hard hitting and big serving player, the sort of player that can beat a big seed in the majors so we'll see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 20, 2020 Share Posted January 20, 2020 Very hard to look past Djokovic for a tournament that, recently, has demanded phenomenal stamina. All being well, his third round will be against Dan Evans (very pleased to see him keeping up a good standard of play) and then Djoko may come up against Kyle Edmund (who really should be above Evans in the rankings - properly gone off the boil.) Djoko' has got Federer in his half. The Aussie open's not a great one for Fed. Others lurking in that half include Shapovalov, Dimitrov and, most likely to shake things up, Tsitsipas. Nadal's half includes Kyrgios (potentially) in round three - depends on his mood, of course; Thiem, Medvedev (who I like a lot), and Zverev (another who suffers inconsistency and ought to have appeared in some semi-finals or finals by now, based on his promise of 3 years ago.) Other than keeping a vague eye out on the Brits, I'm not particularly grabbed by the early rounds for this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 20, 2020 Share Posted January 20, 2020 I don't want to quote myself but have to give myself credit for giving Shapovalov and honourable mention, probably as he was about half way to losing in the first set. I haven't lost it; not one little bit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 Tough draw from Edmund. Lajovic is on form right now and is a tricky player who seemed utter rubbish till recently but seems an improving player now maybe he's got some nuggets of gold from Novak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 Not Edmund's greatest fan, but fair play to him he can defend well and is quite an athlete. I feel with the shackles off and abit more self belief (he gives away cheap points) and they are often shots he's doing nothing with, simply reacting, with a more positive attitude he could do something good in the game in my opinion. IP you are quite right he has more to his game than Dan Evans and I don't see Evans doing anything in Australia, McDonald was a fantastic opening draw and he nearly messed it up. Although I could be analysing that totally wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 This year's tournament, should it have been cancelled or put back a wee while? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Brown Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Posh Knickers dumped out in the first round, shame. Just don't patronize her. Edmonds out in straight sets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilnunb Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Edmund is rotten. So over-rated. 4 hours ago, rudi must stay said: Not Edmund's greatest fan, but fair play to him he can defend well and is quite an athlete. I feel with the shackles off and abit more self belief (he gives away cheap points) and they are often shots he's doing nothing with, simply reacting, with a more positive attitude he could do something good in the game in my opinion. IP you are quite right he has more to his game than Dan Evans and I don't see Evans doing anything in Australia, McDonald was a fantastic opening draw and he nearly messed it up. Although I could be analysing that totally wrong 🤣 well Evans has already done more than Edmund this tournament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilnunb Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) As for bloody Konta 😐🤔 Edited January 21, 2020 by neilnunb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 8 hours ago, rudi must stay said: Not Edmund's greatest fan, but fair play to him he can defend well and is quite an athlete. I feel with the shackles off and abit more self belief (he gives away cheap points) and they are often shots he's doing nothing with, simply reacting, with a more positive attitude he could do something good in the game in my opinion. IP you are quite right he has more to his game than Dan Evans and I don't see Evans doing anything in Australia, McDonald was a fantastic opening draw and he nearly messed it up. Although I could be analysing that totally wrong It's hard to put a finger on just what's gone wrong with Edmund's game. Not long ago, he was in the top 16 and was playing some superb attacking tennis - with a killer forehand. He's just gone completely off the boil. Has he stopped his winter training camps with Andy Murray? Whatever it is, it seems to be in his head. Jo Konta's done exactly the same; from knocking on the door of the top 8, she's dropped like a stone. Cam Norrie into a 5th round with P-H Herbert. Having been spoiled with Andy Murray, I think GB tennis is heading back to the good old days of occasionally having a player making to the third round of a grand slam and going mental if there are two or more doing so. Well done the LTA in capturing the momentum of a country! Just noticed that Ivo Karlovic is playing. He must be nearly as old as me. Fair play to him - dull as ditchwater but making the most of it. Same with Isner, I wouldn't pull back the curtains if he was playing in my back garden but he knows how to milk it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) 26 minutes ago, I P Knightley said: It's hard to put a finger on just what's gone wrong with Edmund's game. Not long ago, he was in the top 16 and was playing some superb attacking tennis - with a killer forehand. He's just gone completely off the boil. Has he stopped his winter training camps with Andy Murray? Whatever it is, it seems to be in his head. Jo Konta's done exactly the same; from knocking on the door of the top 8, she's dropped like a stone. Cam Norrie into a 5th round with P-H Herbert. Having been spoiled with Andy Murray, I think GB tennis is heading back to the good old days of occasionally having a player making to the third round of a grand slam and going mental if there are two or more doing so. Well done the LTA in capturing the momentum of a country! Just noticed that Ivo Karlovic is playing. He must be nearly as old as me. Fair play to him - dull as ditchwater but making the most of it. Same with Isner, I wouldn't pull back the curtains if he was playing in my back garden but he knows how to milk it. We have been spoilt probably because there's no tennis infrastructure here, there doesn't seem to be any idea to find the next Andy Murray to help us, yes he has talent but his Spanish training made him good comments on the last two. Isner has a brilliant attitude actually, totally believes in himself. That's been key to him overachieving, I expected to find a shy retiring type but he works his socks off off the court Edited January 21, 2020 by rudi must stay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 Rublev plays the ultimate game of tennis Wham it as hard as you can every shot. I have the same strategy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 12 hours ago, Tommy Brown said: Posh Knickers dumped out in the first round, shame. Just don't patronize her. Edmonds out in straight sets. LOL @ posh knickers. She really is an annoying snooty git. Glad she got booted out as well as Sharapova. She needs to retire promptly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 4 hours ago, jonnothejambo said: Nah they are ok to play. Had a fair bit of rain and your typical Melbourne weather will come into play over the fortnight. But I see what you are getting at with the fires but hopefully the worst is over for now although that could change very quickly..... Visited Melbourne Park in November when they were getting the outside courts ready. It really is an impressive sporting area literally within fifteen minutes walk from the downtown area. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 Kyrgios doing his bit to entertain and setting up for a grudge match with Nadal (remember his underarm serve against the time-waster last year?) He and his oppo (Gilles Simon) were each given a time violation in their match today and reacted by doing impressions of Nadal's service routine. Making a good point, how Nadal is never pulled up for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simo Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 Got ground pass tickets for this yesterday so will be there on Saturday now 🙌😍 Really looking forward to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 (edited) How good is Kyrgios now? Made Simon look daft in their match and Simon's pretty good Could be a dark horse if he can take this form into matches v the games top players (they are always his undoing although he always puts in a good performance v them) his intensity and shot selection is improving all the time, he's happy to rally now and wait for his chance. He is also attacking his opponents serve which has got him plenty of points. Good to see he is taking the game more seriously Edited January 23, 2020 by rudi must stay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 Another great player on tonight, Diego Schwartzman. He reminds me alot of a young Andy Murray, he has fantastic defence and given the chance can hit winners for fun He has given Lajovic a lesson. Schwartzman looks like a man that believes he belongs at this level and could have an excellent career Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 Fair play to Lajovic, he is an excellent player too. It is when you see them up close and the spin and slice they can put on the ball it is impressive, and a miss when there is one will be top of the net. Club players will tell you a top of the net miss is not bad at all infact it's unlucky. I think the standard of men's tennis right now is very very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 6 hours ago, I P Knightley said: Kyrgios doing his bit to entertain and setting up for a grudge match with Nadal (remember his underarm serve against the time-waster last year?) He and his oppo (Gilles Simon) were each given a time violation in their match today and reacted by doing impressions of Nadal's service routine. Making a good point, how Nadal is never pulled up for it. C'mon Rafa! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 6 hours ago, rudi must stay said: Another great player on tonight, Diego Schwartzman. He reminds me alot of a young Andy Murray, he has fantastic defence and given the chance can hit winners for fun He has given Lajovic a lesson. Schwartzman looks like a man that believes he belongs at this level and could have an excellent career I thought Schwartzman was poor. Plays a better player than Lajovic and he would have been out. Wozniaki and Serena out on the womens side. Wozniaki with an embarrassing exit challenging a correct call which lost her the point and put Jabuer on match point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 11 hours ago, rudi must stay said: How good is Kyrgios now? Made Simon look daft in their match and Simon's pretty good Could be a dark horse if he can take this form into matches v the games top players (they are always his undoing although he always puts in a good performance v them) his intensity and shot selection is improving all the time, he's happy to rally now and wait for his chance. He is also attacking his opponents serve which has got him plenty of points. Good to see he is taking the game more seriously He'll lose his mind at just the wrong time. Possibly see his way past Rafa (he's got the head to head advantage on hard courts) before slipping up against someone like Ernests Gulbis after that... 7 hours ago, ri Alban said: C'mon Rafa! If Rafa meets Kyrgios, I'll be backing Kyrgios. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, Homme said: I thought Schwartzman was poor. Plays a better player than Lajovic and he would have been out. Wozniaki and Serena out on the womens side. Wozniaki with an embarrassing exit challenging a correct call which lost her the point and put Jabuer on match point. I don't think he was. Schwartzman plays a very good game of tennis, he is deceptive. He's only young and will keep on improving (as well as Murray's game he has his hangups at times in lack of confidence at some moments and that let Lajovic in) but in 3 sets v a decent player in Lajovic that's another good win. I like these guys because they play a very nice game of tennis technically and are clever on court with their shot making. A lot of it is defensive to some but actually they are thinking all the time on the court Edited January 24, 2020 by rudi must stay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 Very good match A modern classic I would say Federer through in five Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 17 minutes ago, rudi must stay said: Very good match A modern classic I would say Federer through in five By the skin of his teeth. I stopped looking when he was 8-4 down in the tie break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 1 hour ago, I P Knightley said: By the skin of his teeth. I stopped looking when he was 8-4 down in the tie break. I thought it was to 7 so was quite happy when he won the 7th point. But they kept on playing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 I'm hoping this comes in tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 34 minutes ago, Homme said: I'm hoping this comes in tonight. Kachanov Krygios is a good match on paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 18 minutes ago, rudi must stay said: Kachanov Krygios is a good match on paper. So frustrating not being able to watch these as you would like, what with the time difference. I watched the Schwartzman and Wozniaki matches last night and can barely keep my eyes open today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 13 minutes ago, Homme said: So frustrating not being able to watch these as you would like, what with the time difference. I watched the Schwartzman and Wozniaki matches last night and can barely keep my eyes open today. Absolutely right, and it's nice to watch these matches live. Guess I'll have to stay up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 4 minutes ago, rudi must stay said: Absolutely right, and it's nice to watch these matches live. Guess I'll have to stay up No chance I'm managing tonight. If I wake up through the night I might stick on whatever match is on at the time. Good card tonight with the Rublev, Thiem and Krygios matches all very interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi must stay Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 Just now, Homme said: No chance I'm managing tonight. If I wake up through the night I might stick on whatever match is on at the time. Good card tonight with the Rublev, Thiem and Krygios matches all very interesting. I have work, but works easy :wheresthatdaftcheeringemoji: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 (edited) 18 hours ago, I P Knightley said: He'll lose his mind at just the wrong time. Possibly see his way past Rafa (he's got the head to head advantage on hard courts) before slipping up against someone like Ernests Gulbis after that... If Rafa meets Kyrgios, I'll be backing Kyrgios. Hands at my chin and Oooooooooooohhhhhh! Edited January 25, 2020 by ri Alban Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 I think Serena has to call it a day now. I felt this was her best chance to get that elusive 24th as couple good players got bombed out and the US champion ( cant remember her name) wasnt playing in this tournament. Shame. She has a great legacy and is surely the greatest female player of all time? Well between her and Monica Seles in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
132goals1958 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 1 minute ago, JamesM48 said: I think Serena has to call it a day now. I felt this was her best chance to get that elusive 24th as couple good players got bombed out and the US champion ( cant remember her name) wasnt playing in this tournament. Shame. She has a great legacy and is surely the greatest female player of all time? Well between her and Monica Seles in my opinion. Martina was the best IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 1 minute ago, 132goals1958 said: Martina was the best IMO. Yes Martina was incredible. I just feel that Serena has that edge or Monica. However Martina also had an outstanding doubles and mixed doubles record so perhaps the greatest all round tennis player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
132goals1958 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 2 minutes ago, JamesM48 said: Yes Martina was incredible. I just feel that Serena has that edge or Monica. However Martina also had an outstanding doubles and mixed doubles record so perhaps the greatest all round tennis player. Can,t remember how long it was but she held the top spot for both singles and doubles for an inordinate length of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Kyrgios v Nadal Nice one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 (edited) 4 hours ago, 132goals1958 said: Can,t remember how long it was but she held the top spot for both singles and doubles for an inordinate length of time. I think she was number 1 for 167 weeks which was a record. But Graf then beat it. Incredibly Seles won 8 grand slams by the age of 19. There is no doubt she won have won far more as she was on the ascendant until the tragic knife attack. That attack skewered Grafs record as she benefited from it as Seles was out for a few years and was sadly never the same player when she returned. Williams has displayed her versatily by wining all the slams more than 4 times. Thats evidence of her greatest. Martina only won the French twice. Edited January 25, 2020 by JamesM48 typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 5 hours ago, 132goals1958 said: Martina was the best IMO. Steffi actually! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
132goals1958 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 16 minutes ago, JamesM48 said: I think she was number 1 for 167 weeks which was a record. But Graf then beat it. Incredibly Seles won 8 grand slams by the age of 19. There is no doubt she won have won far more as she was on the ascendant until the tragic knife attack. That attack skewered Grafs record as she benefited from it as Seles was out for a few years and was sadly never the same player when she returned. Williams has displayed her versatily by wining all the slams more than 4 times. Thats evidence of her greatest. Martina only won the French twice. All world class sport legends without doubt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
132goals1958 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 14 minutes ago, ri Alban said: Steffi actually! Nah Equal head to head but Martina was a lot older when they met. Both in their prime 2 great players but Martina was the queen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 18 hours ago, 132goals1958 said: Nah Equal head to head but Martina was a lot older when they met. Both in their prime 2 great players but Martina was the queen. Yes Graf overtook Martina around 1987/8 then regularly beat her . However Martina was getting older and not playing as well . It always happens in tennis , another player dethrones the number 1 then they have their turn . Monica dethroned Graf ! And it goes on today ! They all had amazing skills . Graf and that forehand , often disguised . Martina and her serve and volley , Monica with that incredible two handed backhand which she often Did on the run , which physically is almost impossible . ! I enjoyed the 80s and 90s . It seemed a golden age . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 18 hours ago, 132goals1958 said: Nah Equal head to head but Martina was a lot older when they met. Both in their prime 2 great players but Martina was the queen. Agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
132goals1958 Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 6 minutes ago, JamesM48 said: Yes Graf overtook Martina around 1987/8 then regularly beat her . However Martina was getting older and not playing as well . It always happens in tennis , another player dethrones the number 1 then they have their turn . Monica dethroned Graf ! And it goes on today ! They all had amazing skills . Graf and that forehand , often disguised . Martina and her serve and volley , Monica with that incredible two handed backhand which she often Did on the run , which physically is almost impossible . ! and 90s . It seemed a golden age I enjoyed the 80s . Likewise. -- More household names and charisma than nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 27, 2020 Share Posted January 27, 2020 Entertaining match going on between Nadal and Kyrgios at the moment. Kyrgios has done the obligatory under-arm serve (dumped it in the net) but is generally playing to a very high standard. I suspect he'll be worn out sooner than Rafa so won't win it in 5 sets (currently trailing 2-1). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted January 28, 2020 Share Posted January 28, 2020 Some comeback from Roger. Down, injured and out after 3 sets. Hopefully he finishes this cocky no mark soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 28, 2020 Share Posted January 28, 2020 Delighted to see Ons Jabuer out after she cost me just shy of 2k for a £10 bet when she beat Wozniacki. Up ye! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted January 28, 2020 Share Posted January 28, 2020 Wins for Zverev, Nadal, Halep and Mugaruza tomorrow morning i reckon. Good to see Barty go through too, hopefully she wins the Womans title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted January 28, 2020 Share Posted January 28, 2020 5 hours ago, ri Alban said: Some comeback from Roger. Down, injured and out after 3 sets. Hopefully he finishes this cocky no mark soon. I feel a bit sorry for Sandgren. When your parents have called you "Tennys" (pronounced 'Tennis') and forced you through tennis lessons throughout your childhood, they've built up a massive expectation on you, against which you're only going to fail. That's the reason I changed my name from Bygshagger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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