The 2014 In Between Grand Slam Thread

WaterLily. · 14-11-2014 12:01am

That was truly shocking by Andy, I know Federer played extremely well and Andy was clearly feeling the effects of the last few weeks but that was a very very poor performance. He barely looked like he was trying for a lot of it.

To be fair the final could be interesting... Djokovic and Federer are both playing so well.

But then again I wouldn't be surprised if Djokovic won it 6-1 6-2. Nobody seems to be able to figure out a way to beat him on this surface, he's just too good at the moment. I bet he wishes one or more of the slams were indoors!

Roll on Australia if you ask me, I always find the bit after the US open rather boring.

Rjd2 · 14-11-2014 3:26pm

What thread are we meant to be using for the WTFS?

RosyLily · 14-11-2014 4:33pm

The one tanya30 set up.

irishguy1983 · 14-11-2014 6:06pm

WaterLily. wrote: »

That was truly shocking by Andy, I know Federer played extremely well and Andy was clearly feeling the effects of the last few weeks but that was a very very poor performance. He barely looked like he was trying for a lot of it.

To be fair the final could be interesting... Djokovic and Federer are both playing so well.

But then again I wouldn't be surprised if Djokovic won it 6-1 6-2. Nobody seems to be able to figure out a way to beat him on this surface, he's just too good at the moment. I bet he wishes one or more of the slams were indoors!

Roll on Australia if you ask me, I always find the bit after the US open rather boring.

Totally agree - however final could be good.

I find Fed amazing - he just shouldn't be doing what he is doing at 33.5 practically. Should be at home getting fat watching TV - however he certainly ain't doing that!

yerwanthere123 · 14-11-2014 7:11pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

What thread are we meant to be using for the WTFS?

Dunno why another one set up, I'll be using this one anyway.

WaterLily. · 15-11-2014 4:17pm

Djokovic dropped a set :eek::eek::eek:

Come on Nishikori! At least Djokovic is being made to work for this now! :P

Rjd2 · 15-11-2014 4:19pm

Something interesting has happened:eek:

Lets go Kei:)

WaterLily. · 15-11-2014 4:45pm

We spoke too soon!!

John.Icy · 15-11-2014 9:25pm

Wouldn't it be typical if Stan plays out of his skin tonight to deprive Federer the chance to give Novak a good match. (Stan will get no where against Novak in the final.)

EDIT: Yep, it's happening.

EDIT 2: yikes, what a rollercoaster. Delighted

yerwanthere123 · 16-11-2014 6:50pm

What a week for the ATP :pac:

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 16-11-2014 6:53pm

Didn't expect Federer to put up much of a fight today anyway but it must be serious if he's pulled out.

CassieManson · 16-11-2014 7:04pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Didn't expect Federer to put up much of a fight today anyway but it must be serious if he's pulled out.

Fair play to Murray for agreeing to an exhibition match with Djokovic - considering he has already made an exhibition of himself against Federer a couple of days ago!

WaterLily. · 16-11-2014 7:06pm

Can't believe it! Wawrinka must be fuming!! That's a shame anyway hopefully it's nothing too serious.

What a complete shambles of a week overall!

Rjd2 · 16-11-2014 7:25pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Didn't expect Federer to put up much of a fight today anyway but it must be serious if he's pulled out.

Federer has won some of their matches this year and does not have a winning h2h overall, its never a mismatch.

mickmackey1 · 16-11-2014 7:32pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Didn't expect Federer to put up much of a fight today anyway but it must be serious if he's pulled out.

If he plays on Friday the sh1t will really hit the fan

Rjd2 · 16-11-2014 7:39pm

mickmackey1 wrote: »

If he plays on Friday the sh1t will really hit the fan

Why?

He could be fit by then and he has never won the Davis Cup. I think he would have be to really bad not to play the final, the reserves Switzerland have are awful.

RosyLily · 16-11-2014 7:59pm

The WTA finals were much better than the ATP ones. Fairly disappointing tournament tbh.

Rjd2 · 16-11-2014 8:13pm

RosyLily wrote: »

The WTA finals were much better than the ATP ones. Fairly disappointing tournament tbh.

Its been ****ing brutal to be honest,the Swiss semi final was great but the rest was meh or utter muck. Even the semi between Novak and Kei was a non contest for two sets.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 16-11-2014 9:48pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

Federer has won some of their matches this year and does not have a winning h2h overall, its never a mismatch.

I didn't say it was a mismatch.

He played a tough match against Wawrinka the night before, didn't get through with press until the early hours of the morning. Djokovic has pretty much cruised through the week without having to get out of 2nd gear and was finished his match hours before Federer's even started.

yerwanthere123 · 17-11-2014 12:00pm

Eurosport have posted an article on their Facebook page deriding Federer, with the headline "Shameful Roger Federer has betrayed spirit of sport". It's probably the most shameless example of clickbait I've ever seen. I would post a link but I'm on my phone.

whiterebel · 17-11-2014 12:19pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Eurosport have posted an article on their Facebook page deriding Federer, with the headline "Shameful Roger Federer has betrayed spirit of sport". It's probably the most shameless example of clickbait I've ever seen. I would post a link but I'm on my phone.

Do they think he played 4 matches just to cry off at the end? One thing Fed has never done is betrayed his sport. Surprised at Eurosport taking a cheap shot like that.

yerwanthere123 · 17-11-2014 12:35pm

whiterebel wrote: »

Do they think he played 4 matches just to cry off at the end? One thing Fed has never done is betrayed his sport. Surprised at Eurosport taking a cheap shot like that.

They've posted some trollish things before, although this article comes across like a writer who blatantly dislikes Federer and seized a flimsy opportunity to criticise him. Either way, its pathetic.

RosyLily · 17-11-2014 1:45pm

Link if anyone is interested or wants to read hack journalism!:pac:

It does seem like the writer doesn't like Federer. Very cheap shot at a player that has withdrawn from 3 matches in his long career. At 33, you're going to feel injuries more and it's going to take longer to recover. With the hassle Federer has had with his back in the past, withdrawing was a safe, 'protecting the body' option. Especially with the Davis Cup coming up.

It really annoys me when I see stuff like this! Does the writer even watch tennis?:mad:

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 17-11-2014 2:46pm

Never been a huge Federer fan myself but anyone can see from his track record that he doesn't just pull out of matches on a whim.

There's a rumour doing the rounds that Roger and Stan had a massive argument after their match the other night. Something to do with Mirka, apparently. There's lots of half heard things doing the rounds on twitter so I don't know what did or didn't happen but it'll make the Davis Cup final interesting.

mickmackey1 · 17-11-2014 4:18pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

There's a rumour doing the rounds that Roger and Stan had a massive argument after their match the other night. Something to do with Mirka, apparently. There's lots of half heard things doing the rounds on twitter so I don't know what did or didn't happen but it'll make the Davis Cup final interesting.

In the third set Stan was pointing his racket in a threatening manner, almost like he was putting a contract on some bloke in the crowd

didn't think it was in the direction of Fed's box however

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 17-11-2014 5:07pm

mickmackey1 wrote: »

In the third set Stan was pointing his racket in a threatening manner, almost like he was putting a contract on some bloke in the crowd didn't think it was in the direction of Fed's box however

What I heard was Mirka was talking constantly when Stan had BP or MP or something and when they were arguing after he was saying that she had done it at Wimbledon too.

irishguy1983 · 17-11-2014 5:20pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

They've posted some trollish things before, although this article comes across like a writer who blatantly dislikes Federer and seized a flimsy opportunity to criticise him. Either way, its pathetic.

Shocking article.

In saying that I hope he doesn't play Davis Cup - would make decision somewhat dubious although can't really question Fed.

RosyLily · 17-11-2014 5:47pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

What I heard was Mirka was talking constantly when Stan had BP or MP or something and when they were arguing after he was saying that she had done it at Wimbledon too.

Heard that too. Apparently Stan and Roger talked things out into the wee hours. Severin stuck in the middle trying to manage them. Not sure whether they've resolved things though.

Rjd2 · 17-11-2014 6:55pm

irishguy1983 wrote: »

Shocking article.

In saying that I hope he doesn't play Davis Cup - would make decision somewhat dubious although can't really question Fed.

It will be ****e without him, the Swiss reserves Chiundelli and Lammer wouldn't win a set between them.

Hope he plays and not bothered if one of the main reasons he pulled out last night was because he wanted to be ready for the davis cup final. Why would anyone?

If Roger was the type to pull out because he feared getting trashed, why did he bother to show up to play Nadal in Slams?:pac:

Tanya30 · 18-11-2014 12:57am

What are your thoughts on Murray-Mauresmo partnership?

Media including Barry Cowan, Annabel Croft and Greg Rusedski saying that s change is needed, which I 100% agree with.

Andy not been same since Lendl left and serve got worse too so something not right.

As for who I would like as replacement, John McEnroe or Andre Agassi. Barry Cowan reckons Mats Wilander but he has far to much media commitments so can be ruled out.

Any other potential coaches who could do a good job?

RosyLily · 18-11-2014 4:30pm

Rafa will return in January for the Abu Dhabi exhibition. Quite a long lay-off for him. Will be interested in see how he plays there and at Aussie.

I read Cowan's opinion on Murray's coach situation. I say give it more time. Mauresmo is only on board for 5 months and he was with Lendl for 3 years. If things don't improve after a year then I'd change it up. Murray doesn't seem like the type to jump to dumping the coach.

RosyLily · 20-11-2014 1:22pm

Davis Cup singles draw made. First is Wawrinka vs Tsonga then Federer vs Monfils. Reverse singles the next day.

Rjd2 · 20-11-2014 6:04pm

RosyLily wrote: »

Davis Cup singles draw made. First is Wawrinka vs Tsonga then Federer vs Monfils. Reverse singles the next day.

Don't forget the doubles, they are Saturday and reverse singles Sunday.

RosyLily · 21-11-2014 5:09pm

Wawrinka gives Switzerland the lead, beats Tsonga. Will be interesting to see how Federer plays against Monfils.

Rjd2 · 21-11-2014 7:32pm

RosyLily wrote: »

Wawrinka gives Switzerland the lead, beats Tsonga. Will be interesting to see how Federer plays against Monfils.

****e.

Monfils was great but watching these performances can't help but think nobody in men's tennis has pissed away so much natural talent inn the last decade, such a ****ing mental midget.

WaterLily. · 21-11-2014 9:46pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

****e.

Monfils was great but watching these performances can't help but think nobody in men's tennis has pissed away so much natural talent inn the last decade, such a ****ing mental midget.

I feel like that's the story with a lot of French players, Tsgona and Gasquet are both incredible on their day but just can't keep it together when it really matters. But Monfils has to be the worst of them all, he has so so much talent and could definitely win multiple slams if he really applied himself.

But I suppose that's the difference between Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and those kind of players. Talent only gets you so far.

RosyLily · 21-11-2014 11:59pm

France going with Olympic bronze medalists Benneteau and Gasquet for doubles tomorrow. Up against Chiudinelli and Lammer. Looks to be in French favour but you never know!

Would like to see Switzerland win their first DC.

Rjd2 · 22-11-2014 12:28am

Always a swerve with the dbls, Gasman and Benneteau will defo play, but would be shocked if Stan or Roger did not play for Switzerland.

Rjd2 · 22-11-2014 12:40am

WaterLily. wrote: »

I feel like that's the story with a lot of French players, Tsgona and Gasquet are both incredible on their day but just can't keep it together when it really matters. But Monfils has to be the worst of them all, he has so so much talent and could definitely win multiple slams if he really applied himself.

But I suppose that's the difference between Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and those kind of players. Talent only gets you so far.

I'd argue that Monfils has more attributes than both those especially Gasquet.

What are the flaws in his game? His court coverage is as good as Nadals, his speed immense, solid first serve and backhand and probably the best forehand in tennis, or at least up their with the one of Del Potro.

Sadly so often he can be really negative, he has spent his whole career playing defensively relying on the other player to make errors by pushing instead of utilising his beastly forehand in ending points quickly. Murray when young was guilty of this, but of course he evolved and won everything.

Monfils has the flamboyant personality, but in truth so often it is his lack of guts when playing and especially when closing a game which has killed him.

The French Open against Murray was a great example, on the back foot for the first two sets which Murray cruised, then went all out attack the next two sets and crushed Murray and then in the deciding set with Murray on the rack he bottled it and lost it 6-0. :rolleyes:

Have a look at this, break and set down and he tries this against Haas. Monfils has much more natural talent than Haas, but Haas is the one who has never been a mental midget and who has the better career? Monfils plays a trick shot to please the crowd, essentially giving up on the point, Haas does not acknowledge it, he would rather win the match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVy9Ix12ggs

And this at Wimbledon,some magic, but no effort most of the time. He lost against a much inferior but more determind opponent. :rolleyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3QJS5Y7dDI

highgiant1985 · 22-11-2014 5:30pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

Always a swerve with the dbls, Gasman and Benneteau will defo play, but would be shocked if Stan or Roger did not play for Switzerland.

good call Swiss went with R Federer (SWI) / S Wawrinka (SWI) they're leading 2 sets to nil so far but are 2-1 down in third.

Edit: now 4-2 up in the third set!

RosyLily · 22-11-2014 6:14pm

Good win for Fedrinka. Will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. Will Federer be the hero and win his match? Or will it be Wawrinka?

Could you imagine if Monfils lost a 5 setter and cost France the trophy!:eek:

Rjd2 · 22-11-2014 7:49pm

Not seen any of the doubles but from all accounts Gasquet was ****ing dreadful, a risk if their ever was one picking him.

Should have played Vassellin with Benny, but ah well.

whiterebel · 22-11-2014 8:53pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

Not seen any of the doubles but from all accounts Gasquet was ****ing dreadful, a risk if their ever was one picking him.

Should have played Vassellin with Benny, but ah well.

Yes, he didn't play well, way too many mistakes. They knew he was the weak link and went after him, from what I could see.

Rjd2 · 23-11-2014 12:09pm

Gasquet is playing ahead of Tsonga.

Which is as good a a bye.

Switzerland have won the Davis Cup. Pleased for Stan, hopefully ir sets him up for a good 2015.

whiterebel · 23-11-2014 3:05pm

Well done Switzerland, and in particular Fed. Absolutely awesome 3 sets of tennis. Still love Gasquet's backhand, though, what a weapon. He did give his all. I wonder what's going on with Tsonga?

RosyLily · 23-11-2014 6:37pm

whiterebel wrote: »

Well done Switzerland, and in particular Fed. Absolutely awesome 3 sets of tennis. Still love Gasquet's backhand, though, what a weapon. He did give his all. I wonder what's going on with Tsonga?

French camp was saying elbow injury. Commentators on Eurosport alluded to "something psychological."

Delighted for Switzerland!! Was well-deserved. Stan played unbelievably all weekend. Hopefully it'll give him and Federer and boost for the 2015 season. It did wonders for Djokovic in 2011!!:pac:

John.Icy · 24-11-2014 2:32am

I know it was Gasquet (who played well enough in fairness), but that's probably some of the cleanest hitting I've ever seen Roger do.

RosyLily · 26-11-2014 6:47pm

Nick Saviano and Eugenie Bouchard have parted ways. Statement was released from Saviano, not Genie. Quite surprising since it seemed like they worked well together. Wonder will he join Laura Robson's team for 2015?:pac:

Simona Halep has hired Victor Ionita as her coach. She also has Thomas Hogsteadt on board as coaching consultant for the first 3 tournaments of the season. Ionita worked with Sorana Cirstea before.

yerwanthere123 · 26-11-2014 9:09pm

Congrats Andy & Kim!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 28-11-2014 1:53pm

Murray and Sharapova are playing doubles on Sky Sports 3 right now. Once in a lifetime viewing.

The 2014 In Between Grand Slam Thread

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