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2021 In Between Grand Slam Thread

12467…18

Comments

  • #152
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,007 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    I thought Nadal would be knackered playing so early after 3.5 hours yesterday. Straight into a 4-0 lead v AZ. Now 2-4.......


  • #153
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    whiterebel wrote: »
    I thought Nadal would be knackered playing so early after 3.5 hours yesterday. Straight into a 4-0 lead v AZ. Now 2-4.......
    Incredible, what's going on with that guy ?


  • #154
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,007 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    I wasn't insinuating anything.


  • #155
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    whiterebel wrote: »
    I wasn't insinuating anything.


    Questions still need to be asked, to come back less than 24hrs after a 3.5 hr match and just blow away a better player ???



    Nah, he is on something, 100% sure of it.


  • #156
    dominatinMC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,941 ✭✭✭dominatinMC


    TomSweeney wrote: »
    Questions still need to be asked, to come back less than 24hrs after a 3.5 hr match and just blow away a better player ???



    Nah, he is on something, 100% sure of it.

    A better player?? Just stop :rolleyes:


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  • #157
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    dominatinMC wrote: »
    A better player?? Just stop :rolleyes:


    a better play than Shapovalov, sorry should have made that clear.


  • #158
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    Pretty high level stuff here from Djokovic / Tsitsipas


  • #159
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    and, just like with Nadal a few weeks ago, Tsitsipas looses from a strong position. Very enjoyable high quality last set with a few momentum shifts.


  • #160
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Well that's my weekend ruined anyway, thanks Djokovic :mad:


  • #161
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    Great match between Djokovic and Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas played very well and was in a strong position but Novak went into beast mode towards the end. He is just so strong mentally. You would still expect Nadal to win in Rome but it would be great to see Novak beat him to at least make the French even slightly interesting.

    First of all Novak needs to get to the final, tough ask to go out and play two matches just hours apart and then a possible final tomorrow. Very big ask


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  • #162
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭sxt


    TomSweeney wrote: »
    Questions still need to be asked, to come back less than 24hrs after a 3.5 hr match and just blow away a better player ???

    Will you be asking the same questions if djkovic comes back from a 3.5 hour match with less than 4 hours recovery? Against an opponent 8 years younger and wins?


  • #163
    dublin49
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,427 ✭✭✭dublin49


    apologies if this has been covered but how can we watch Djock v Nadal tomorrow,are there any streaming services we can try,dont mind paying a few bob?


  • #164
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    dublin49 wrote: »
    apologies if this has been covered but how can we watch Djock v Nadal tomorrow,are there any streaming services we can try,dont mind paying a few bob?

    Most of tennis nowadays is one Amazon prime. It's a pretty decent service.


  • #165
    dublin49
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,427 ✭✭✭dublin49


    yerwanthere123 wrote: »
    Most of tennis nowadays is one Amazon prime. It's a pretty decent service.

    thank you ,will sign up,


  • #166
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    Djokovic takes out Sonego in 3 sets. Good win in the end particularly after the very tough match this morning against Tsitsipas.

    You have to think it all sets up for a Nadal win tomorrow as Novak will be spent physically. In situations like this tennis can be a bit unfair with weather delays and how the scheduling falls. It will take a monumental effort for Novak to win tomorrow.

    I really do think a Djokovic win is important to provide even just a tiny seed of doubt for Nadal heading into the French. Even that would be clutching at straws


  • #167
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭sxt


    Slashermcguirk wrote: »

    You have to think it all sets up for a Nadal win tomorrow as Novak will be spent physically. In situations like this tennis can be a bit unfair with weather delays and how the scheduling falls. It will take a monumental effort for Novak to win tomorrow.

    Why do you think he is physically spent now ? And not physically spent in his previous two matches?


  • #168
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    He didn’t just play two matches today, he had two really tough matches, both went the distance. It’s the worst possible scenario because he played Friday evening, Saturday late morning and Saturday evening.

    It doesn’t matter who you are, that is very draining physically and mentally. Nadal on clay is the last match you want the day after that!
    sxt wrote: »
    Why do you think he is physically spent now ? And not physically spent in his previous two matches?


  • #169
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Swiatek destroying Pliskova here. 9-0 up after 33 minutes.


  • #170
    Joe_ Public
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,023 ✭✭✭✭Joe_ Public


    Didnt see match but according to stats Ka Pliskova had two break points while only winning 3 receiving points the entire match. Which would imply Swiatek won 5 of her 6 service games to love. Anyway, just another dismal performance from Pliskova. Have to think the womens game is in far better shape since the time she was No.1.


  • #171
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Yeah, Pliskova never showed up from the outset, won 13 points in total and just four in the first set. Swiatek was unreal though. She's now joined the top ten, and should be the dual favourite for the RG title alongside Barty. Biggest question is whether she can handle the pressure of being defending champion.


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  • #172
    Joe_ Public
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,023 ✭✭✭✭Joe_ Public


    Swiatek is now clear favourite for RG, and understandably so. But yeah, definitely gonna be pressure as defending champion and media are going to keep bringing it up to her. Be interesting to see how she deals with it. Sabalenka up there too, would be a big danger if she can translate her recent good form to a slam.


  • #173
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    Women’s tennis is such a joke. 6-0 6-0 in a 45 minute final is pathetic. You contrast that with the men’s final and Nadal and Djokovic on court for nearly 3 hours. Well done to Nadal and credit to Djokovic for making a great match of it after having to play 5 hours yesterday. He could so easily have thrown in the towel after losing the first set.

    I like Nadal but really wish someone else would win the French open this year


  • #174
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    Slashermcguirk wrote: »
    Women’s tennis is such a joke. 6-0 6-0 in a 45 minute final is pathetic. You contrast that with the men’s final and Nadal and Djokovic on court for nearly 3 hours. Well done to Nadal and credit to Djokovic for making a great match of it after having to play 5 hours yesterday. He could so easily have thrown in the towel after losing the first set.

    I like Nadal but really wish someone else would win the French open this year


    No new winners in French Open till 2025 minimum unfortunately.


  • #175
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    Yes Nadal a certainty to win French open this year and most likely next year. There just aren't enough contenders on clay

    quote="TomSweeney;117180742"]No new winners in French Open till 2025 minimum unfortunately.[/quote]


  • #176
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Mad to think this time in four weeks Nadal will (almost certainly) overtake Federer for most grand slams of all time.


  • #177
    Augme
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,112 ✭✭✭Augme


    yerwanthere123 wrote: »
    Yeah, Pliskova never showed up from the outset, won 13 points in total and just four in the first set. Swiatek was unreal though. She's now joined the top ten, and should be the dual favourite for the RG title alongside Barty. Biggest question is whether she can handle the pressure of being defending champion.

    I'd be more wondering if anyone can actually get close enough to put any pressure on her. If someone can take a set off her it will be very interesting to see how she copes, but I'm not sure there are many players who will be able to achieve that.


  • #178
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,148 ✭✭✭✭josip


    What happened Nadal in the 2nd set today?
    Did he give up/get bored/saved his energy for the 3rd?


  • #179
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    I don't know why people are surprised, the dogs on the street know that Nadal will continue to dominate on clay for the next 5 years - maybe even decade if he takes it easy on other surfaces.


  • #180
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    josip wrote: »
    What happened Nadal in the 2nd set today?
    Did he give up/get bored/saved his energy for the 3rd?




    Like the Shapovalov match, a shot of energy juice in between sorted him right out ;)


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  • #181
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭sxt


    TomSweeney wrote: »
    No new winners in French Open till 2025 minimum unfortunately.

    This should be a good investment opportunity for you then for the next 5 years. Why don't you put money on it if you are so sure ?


  • #182
    sxt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭sxt


    josip wrote: »
    What happened Nadal in the 2nd set today?
    Did he give up/get bored/saved his energy for the 3rd?

    Djkovic upped his game, and Nadal maybe lost a little bit of focus, probably thinking about those dangerous wire trip lines that kept tripping him up

    The think I admire about Nadal, is that he doesn't bitch or complain or throw tantrums to imtimidate people . Some other players would have called a lengthy medical time to get his scrapes seen to or have the game halted to argue with the tournament director.


  • #183
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    sxt wrote: »
    Djkovic upped his game, and Nadal maybe lost a little bit of focus, probably thinking about those dangerous wire trip lines that kept tripping him up

    The think I admire about Nadal, is that he doesn't bitch or complain or throw tantrums to imtimidate people . Some other players would have called a lengthy medical time to get his scrapes seen to or have the game halted to argue with the tournament director.


    :D hilarious, no nadal just time wastes and has umpires removed from tournaments that he doesn't like.


  • #184
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    Based on what I saw this week, hard to see anything but Nadal winning the FO. Nadal has worked himself into pretty good shape by the end of the week and rose to anything Djokovic threw at him in the final.

    The final proved that Djokovic has to be basically perfect for 3 or 4 sets to beat Nadal. That's a high wire act so he will probably try to pull a 'strategy' like he did last year with the drop shots etc. Nadal dismantled that in short order in the final. Djokovic would be as well to just go for his shots and let the chips fall where they may.

    I can see anyone else coming close to Nadal over best of 5 to be honest, Thiem looks to have lost his way somewhat and its much of a muchness otherwise. The draw will be interesting with Nadal seeded 3 and Medvedev seeded 2 (possibly the least proficient clay courter to ever hold that rank).


  • #185
    dominatinMC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,941 ✭✭✭dominatinMC


    I watched all of Rome and, Opelka apart, Nadals route to victory must be one of the most difficult M1000s in recent years. Sinner-Shapo-Zverev-Djokovic can't be underestimated, even for Nadal on clay. What was most apparent, however, is that he got better with each match, without ever reaching top form. Which is a scary prospect, because Djokovic threw the kitchen sink at him yesterday and played his best clay tennis since 2015-2016, and still lost.


  • #186
    TomSweeney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,246 ✭✭✭TomSweeney


    dominatinMC wrote: »
    I watched all of Rome and, Opelka apart, Nadals route to victory must be one of the most difficult M1000s in recent years. Sinner-Shapo-Zverev-Djokovic can't be underestimated, even for Nadal on clay. What was most apparent, however, is that he got better with each match, without ever reaching top form. Which is a scary prospect, because Djokovic threw the kitchen sink at him yesterday and played his best clay tennis since 2015-2016, and still lost.


    EPO a helluva drug!!!


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  • #187
    irishguy1983
    Registered Users Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭irishguy1983


    TomSweeney wrote: »
    EPO a helluva drug!!!

    I don’t think Nole takes EPO....


  • #188
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    It is interesting to note though that anabolic steroids can cause hair loss through higher levels of DHT in the body as a result.

    images-58-17.jpeg


  • #189
    Slashermcguirk
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭Slashermcguirk


    What I dont get is why Djokovic doesnt just stay more patient playing Nadal on clay. When the points went longer than 5 shots on Sunday, Djokovic won majority of the points. When you look at 2011 and 2015, Novak was dominating Nadal and often beat him physically. I think the two matches Djokovic had on Saturday probably meant he was less patient.

    Nadal is an absolute beast on clay and I agree that at the French a player has to max out for 3 sets to beat him, such a difficult thing to achieve. I still believe though that Djokovic is the only one deep down who believes he can beat Nadal on any court. For me Novak is the more gifted player with a wider arsenal but over the past few years vs Nadal on clay he has been too impatient, I think he needs to go toe to toe with him more. At the end of the day while the clay head to head is heavily in Nadals favour, Djokovic has more wins on clay vs Nadal than any other player (7 wins and one of only two players ever to beat him at the French).

    I fully expect Nadal to win the French open but I just hope if Novak does play him in the final, he shows more patience and he adopts the strategy he used to use more, biding his time before striking. Novaks game style has always caused Nadal the most problems, hence the 29-28 head to head lead. I should also add that even aside from beating Nadal at the French in 2015, Novak should also have beaten Nadal the time they had that epic 5 setter, I think Djokovic led in that decider but lost about 9-7 in 5th set.

    quote="lostcat;117184002"]Based on what I saw this week, hard to see anything but Nadal winning the FO. Nadal has worked himself into pretty good shape by the end of the week and rose to anything Djokovic threw at him in the final.

    The final proved that Djokovic has to be basically perfect for 3 or 4 sets to beat Nadal. That's a high wire act so he will probably try to pull a 'strategy' like he did last year with the drop shots etc. Nadal dismantled that in short order in the final. Djokovic would be as well to just go for his shots and let the chips fall where they may.

    I can see anyone else coming close to Nadal over best of 5 to be honest, Thiem looks to have lost his way somewhat and its much of a muchness otherwise. The draw will be interesting with Nadal seeded 3 and Medvedev seeded 2 (possibly the least proficient clay courter to ever hold that rank).[/quote]


  • #190
    Royale with Cheese
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,158 ✭✭✭Royale with Cheese


    Can't find Geneva on Prime Video. Are they not showing it or is their search function just brutal as usual?


  • #191
    tiegan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭tiegan


    Royale with Cheese wrote: »
    Can't find Geneva on Prime Video. Are they not showing it or is their search function just brutal as usual?

    Can't answer your question, but glad its not just me that cannot find what I am looking for with their search function!!


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  • #192
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,007 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    A bit short sighted by Fed to only play Geneva. Uncharacteristically shaky on the serve and too many UEs. I suppose he’ll be on the practice courts for the rest of the week in Geneva.


  • #193
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    Royale with Cheese wrote: »
    Can't find Geneva on Prime Video. Are they not showing it or is their search function just brutal as usual?

    On Prime this week I can see Parma, Lyon and Belgrade advertised so they don't seem to have Geneva. Searching on Prime is even worse than searching for something using Bing.


  • #194
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    Slashermcguirk wrote: »
    What I don't get is why Djokovic doesn't just stay more patient playing Nadal on clay. When the points went longer than 5 shots on Sunday, Djokovic won majority of the points.

    They are both looking to finish points quicker, they are getting on in fairness, and I don't think either is overly keen on many 20 shot chess openings before pulling the trigger at this stage.

    I think he was trying out some stuff last week but Nadal was willing to pull the trigger fairly quickly so being patient is not always an option. Good tactics from Nadal, as he won. I think they will both be happy enough with where they are at v the rest of the field at the moment.

    Federer will probably try to get another tournament under his belt next week, he needs match play.
    I see Murray has pulled out of Paris, unfortunately I don't think we will be seeing much more of him at the business end of things.
    Baby Fed has just turned 30 btw :O....


  • #195
    Floppybits
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,732 ✭✭✭Floppybits


    Halap has pulled out of the French open due to a calf injury.


  • #196
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    French Open thread:
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058189271


  • #197
    Floppybits
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,732 ✭✭✭Floppybits


    Whatever happened to Chung Hyeon? Had a great run at the Aussie Open a couple of years ago. I remember he got injured but that was the last we ever heard of him, not even an attempted comeback.


  • #198
    NoviGlitzko
    Registered Users Posts: 2,582 ✭✭✭NoviGlitzko


    Hey folks - looking to attend Wimbledon this year. I have my vaccine etc. Has anyone else here gone before? What exactly is my best route to obtaining a ticket. Any recommendations? Thanks.


  • #199
    yerwanthere123
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    NoviGlitzko wrote: »
    Hey folks - looking to attend Wimbledon this year. I have my vaccine etc. Has anyone else here gone before? What exactly is my best route to obtaining a ticket. Any recommendations? Thanks.

    I don't think there's any queue allowed this year, so your best best is probably the few tickets that get released on Ticketmaster 24 hours before play probably. I don't think you'd have much of a chance this year unfortunately, probably the wrong year for trying. Although maybe I'm wrong, unless anyone else has any ideas?


  • #200
    lostcat
    Registered Users Posts: 695 ✭✭✭lostcat


    NoviGlitzko wrote: »
    ... What exactly is my best route to obtaining a ticket. Any recommendations? Thanks.

    at this stage, i'd recommend that applying for a wildcard and ploughing through a few rounds of qualifiers might be your best bet of getting in....


  • #201
    Rob2D
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,449 ✭✭✭Rob2D


    Another next gen falls today as Cilic defeats FAA to win Stuttgart.


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