The 2014 In Between Grand Slam Thread

yerwanthere123 · 05-04-2014 2:15pm

Ahh you've no excuse so!

McGee-Safwat would be an excellent match. They're close enough in the rankings too so it should be very competitive.

Another thing that impressed me yesterday was McGee's volleys. They were sublime. I'd say not a single shot got past him when he came to the net.

RosyLily · 05-04-2014 3:04pm

Fedrinka lost their doubles match earlier. If you read the stats and ignored the score, you'd think the Swiss should have won it! I'd say it was tight. They gotta win their next 2 matches to get into the SFs.

Doubles in Ireland-Egypt tie are at 4pm.

yerwanthere123 · 05-04-2014 5:34pm

Yay, another win for Ireland. I imagine we have it in the bag now, no way both McGee and Barry are going to lose tomorrow.

yerwanthere123 · 05-04-2014 5:51pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Petko just beat Lisicki 6-1 6-0 in Charleston.

I know she's always been flaky, but it's amazing that's she managed to become less consistent. Just two years ago she took Sharapova to three sets in the Australian Open 4th round. Before that she also got to the 4th round of the US Open. Would anyone actually be surprised if she didn't win another match throughout the claycourt season?

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Genie Bouchard is backing up her Australian Open run with some good wins in Charleston. Took out Venus over 3 sets and took out Jankovic today. She's not the complete package yet but it's amazing to see the changes she's made in her short time on the tour from how she was as a junior. She could do well. Definitely one of the strongest mentally of that age group.

It really is amazing how quick the transition has been. I remember the first time I ever saw her play, it was against Sharapova at RG last year. She looked so hopelessly ordinary. I doubt anyone could have anticipated this change. I'm also surprised at how well she's playing on clay this week, I wasn't sure how it would go. She just took the first set 6-1 against Petkovic.

Another impressive thing about Bouchard is that she's good on all surfaces. Could be a very dangerous player.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 05-04-2014 7:23pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

It really is amazing how quick the transition has been. I remember the first time I ever saw her play, it was against Sharapova at RG last year. She looked so hopelessly ordinary. I doubt anyone could have anticipated this change. I'm also surprised at how well she's playing on clay this week, I wasn't sure how it would go. She just took the first set 6-1 against Petkovic.

She said it herself recently, she knew the game she had on the junior tour wouldn't cut it on the senior tour and she wants to be as good as she can as soon as she can and have 10 years at the top rather than take 3 or 4 years to adjust and then only have a few years of success. Seems to have a very good head on her shoulders.

RosyLily · 05-04-2014 7:34pm

Sensible girl. She's definitely one of my favourites of the up and coming bunch.

Just lost to Petko in the Family Circle SF 6-1, 3-6, 5-7. Tough match but she played well. It's Petkovic's first Premier final since 2011 and she'll move up to #28, I think. Pretty good considering she was in the 120s this time last year.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 05-04-2014 7:42pm

^ Yeah, Petko's taken ages to get back to where she was before all her injury problems. Nice to see her get a bit of a run going.

yerwanthere123 · 05-04-2014 9:08pm

Unfortunately for Petkovic, I doubt she'll ever get anywhere near the type of level she found in 2011. Three grand slam quarter finals, that was some year. She's been so terribly unlucky with injuries though.

Also, I think I read that her father wouldn't let her turn professional until she finished school? That will be something she regrets later in life.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 05-04-2014 10:34pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Also, I think I read that her father wouldn't let her turn professional until she finished school? That will be something she regrets later in life.

Well, with the WTA age rules they can't compete that much at that age anyway, although they probably weren't in place when she was that age. She's older than I thought she was.

yerwanthere123 · 06-04-2014 12:57am

Didn't even realise but Louk Sorensen was in the Houston qualies. He just lost in three sets to Ryan Harrison.

yerwanthere123 · 06-04-2014 2:46pm

McGee wins and Ireland survive relegation

Can someone tell me how the hosting works? Ireland hosted once this year, twice last year, didn't host at all in 2012, and twice again in 2011. How is it decided?

Johnmb · 06-04-2014 9:30pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

McGee wins and Ireland survive relegation

Can someone tell me how the hosting works? Ireland hosted once this year, twice last year, didn't host at all in 2012, and twice again in 2011. How is it decided?

If the teams played before, whoever was away last time is home this time. If it's a first meeting I think they draw lots.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 06-04-2014 9:46pm

Petko won Charelston this evening. Biggest win of her career so far, which is kind of sad considering she's 26. I don't know why but I kind of thought she was one of the younger ones. Not the Robson/Bouchard age group but maybe like Wozniacki age group.
She's only 5 months younger than Sharapova. Such different success levels though.

yerwanthere123 · 09-04-2014 11:48am

In irrelevant tennis news, apparently Laura Robson and Genie are no longer friends. You never see any photos of them together any more, and Laura has unfollowed Genie on Twitter.

yerwanthere123 · 16-04-2014 8:28pm

Not looking for Laura Robson right now, she'll probably have to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.

http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/300307.html

Rjd2 · 17-04-2014 12:36pm

I hate clay, I really do.

And while I admire all his hard work and he is a nice lad etc, Ferrer bores me senseless
Really hope we don't get to see he and Nadal play each other much in the next few months.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 17-04-2014 1:05pm

I hate the clay too

There's so much of it and then less than a month of grass

Rjd2 · 17-04-2014 1:11pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

Really hope we don't get to see he and Nadal play each other much in the next few months.

Tomorrow they play each other.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXb3yqKfofAXWt6YbD7Iccw7Z3Tw98LQP4dfrVgx-p57sP5xb2Vw

yerwanthere123 · 17-04-2014 3:51pm

Good to see Tsonga finding a bit of form here. He needs it.

yerwanthere123 · 17-04-2014 9:10pm

Confirmed by Laura today, she's having wrist surgery, so will miss the French Open and Wimbledon and who knows what after that. Basically I think it's safe to say her 2014 is pretty much a write-off. Good news is she's still crazy young

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 17-04-2014 10:55pm

Laura and Delpo should play doubles with their bionic wrists next year

mickmackey1 · 18-04-2014 12:56pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

Really hope we don't get to see he and Nadal play each other much in the next few months.

That result just now is quite interesting though

walshb · 18-04-2014 3:55pm

Ferrer meets Stan in semis. Federer pulled through in 3 vs. Tsonga.

Floppybits · 18-04-2014 4:03pm

Can't believe Nadal was beaten on clay. He is starting to loose in cloak of invincibility now. I'd say Novak is dying to get him at the French open.

WaterLily. · 18-04-2014 4:53pm

Something doesn't seem to be quite right with Nadal, since the AO final. He committed nearly 50 unforced errors in two sets (albeit very long ones) which is unusual for him. Ferrer did play very well though in fairness.

I think Novak will win Rolland Garros this year as well, he came so close last year, but I hope he doesn't dominate the tour for the rest of the year if Nadal is not there to challenge him. I found following tennis in 2011 unbelievably boring

Really annoyed that Tsonga couldn't beat Federer! He was 2 points away!! He saved 17 out of 19 break points though which is pretty impressive, just couldn't keep it up right to the very end. Hopefully he will gain some much needed confidence from this week and find some form leading up to the FO. I know it is almost definitely never going to happen but I would love to see Tsonga win in Paris, that would be incredible!

Floppybits · 18-04-2014 5:59pm

Djokovic lost the first set in his match playing awful but from 3-3 in the second set he has been on fire. Won the second 6-3 and winning the third 3-0. Can't see him loosing this match now but this guy Lopez is putting up a good fight.:)

Rjd2 · 18-04-2014 7:37pm

Floppybits wrote: »

Djokovic lost the first set in his match playing awful but from 3-3 in the second set he has been on fire. Won the second 6-3 and winning the third 3-0. Can't see him loosing this match now but this guy Lopez is putting up a good fight.:)

Garcia lopez has beaten Rafa and Murray before so he can be quite dangerous, Novak just to good in the end.

Floppybits · 19-04-2014 12:51pm

Just looking at Wawrinka and Ferrer here and it looks like Wawrinka is carrying a bit of extra weight. He certainly doesn't look as fit as he did in Australia, then again it could be the clothing.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 19-04-2014 2:30pm

I think Stan always looks chubby. I was surprised to see him with his shirt off a while ago because he was surprisingly well toned underneath.

Robson Lobson · 19-04-2014 4:55pm

Nice win for Fed, chance now to claim his first Monte Carlo title, though with the form that Wawrinka is in it will be far from easy.

yerwanthere123 · 19-04-2014 10:36pm

Djokovic has a wrist injury, which is very concerning. Says he's taking a break from tennis but he didn't say how long for. Hope he doesn't have to miss RG.

Genie refused to shake an opponent's hand during a Fed cup press conference. Hardly the smartest move.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/genie-bouchard-gives-opposing-slovak-fed-cup-bulletin-022356714.html

Donna Vekic will play her 3rd final tomorrow, incredible since she's just 17.

RosyLily · 19-04-2014 11:12pm

Ah, the wrist! Rears its ugly head again. RG is still a good bit off. If he actually rests (i.e. NO practice whatsoever) he might be okay. Hate when players say they're resting because of injury, then post pics of themselves in practice on Instagram! You need your body healthy to do your job ffs!! Pretty heavy taping on the Nole wrist and forearm today though....could be more serious than he's saying.

What's up with Genie these days?? Teen hormones?

Nobody really seems to be mentioning Vekic anymore. All about Genie, Keys, Stephens etc. She might prefer it that way thought tbh, less pressure.

yerwanthere123 · 19-04-2014 11:19pm

RosyLily wrote: »

Ah, the wrist! Rears its ugly head again. RG is still a good bit off. If he actually rests (i.e. NO practice whatsoever) he might be okay. Hate when players say they're resting because of injury, then post pics of themselves in practice on Instagram! You need your body healthy to do your job ffs!! Pretty heavy taping on the Nole wrist and forearm today though....could be more serious than he's saying.

What's up with Genie these days?? Teen hormones?

Nobody really seems to be mentioning Vekic anymore. All about Genie, Keys, Stephens etc. She might prefer it that way thought tbh, less pressure.

Fun fact: Vekic has reached more finals than all three of them combined!

John.Icy · 20-04-2014 3:24pm

Very tight match till the 3rd set, but Wawrinka is strolling to it now, incredible display. Great prospects for him in the clay season.

Robson Lobson · 20-04-2014 4:22pm

Dissapointed for Fed not to win his first Monte Carlo title but pleased for Stan. No reason why Stan can't win the French Open.

WaterLily. · 20-04-2014 4:40pm

Stan is fast becoming one of my favourite players on the tour; great attitude on and off the court, seems like a nice guy and he is putting in the hard work and reeping the rewards!

As I think the previous poster said, there is no reason whatsoever why he cant win Rolland Garros. So pleased for him.

Eugenie Bouchard has gone down a lot in my estimation since that incident. It just made her come off as downright rude. If you dont like the tradition, tough, suck it up, dont act like a spoilt child!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 20-04-2014 4:51pm

I don't really see the big deal with the whole Genie handshake thing. She shook hands with her at the pennant exchange thingy and after their match, how many times do they need to shake hands?

RosyLily · 24-04-2014 3:29pm

Announced on his FB page, Novak and Jelena are going to be parents!:)

John.Icy · 25-04-2014 8:12pm

What is going on with Nadal!

If Novak is out for abit, Nadal struggles to find form, Federer chooses to skip the FO for family as he is prepared to do, Stan could almost walk to his 2nd GS if he keeps up some form, or Ferrer could almost win his first!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 25-04-2014 8:14pm

John.Icy wrote: »

What is going on with Nadal!

If Novak is out for abit, Nadal struggles to find form, Federer chooses to skip the FO for family as he is prepared to do, Stan could almost walk to his 2nd GS if he keeps up some form, or Ferrer could almost win his first!

Novak's planning to play Madrid next week. Said his wrist isn't as bad as he thought.

mickmackey1 · 25-04-2014 8:16pm

omg Nadal was 1/33 when I stopped watching :eek:

yerwanthere123 · 26-04-2014 10:15pm

Nadal is a bit puzzling at the moment, but it's too early to say if he might be in danger of losing his RG crown. Even is he has a bad Madrid/Rome, it'd be no surprise to see him waltz to another RG crown.

Fantastic to see Sharapova playing well on the dirt, into another final

yerwanthere123 · 26-04-2014 10:17pm

RosyLily wrote: »

Announced on his FB page, Novak and Jelena are going to be parents!:)

Jesus can't believe no-one even acknowledged your post!

Delighted for the both of them, but disappointed to see so many comments across the net criticising the fact they're not married :rolleyes::rolleyes:

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 26-04-2014 10:24pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Fantastic to see Sharapova playing well on the dirt, into another final

Was reading earlier she's won 49 of her last 50 matches on clay against opponents other than Serena. That's actually an amazing record for someone apparently known for being terrible on clay.

yerwanthere123 · 27-04-2014 1:35am

^ Perhaps a bit premature of me, but with Vika seemingly out of the picture (she's withdrawn from Madrid & Rome) and if she can avoid Serena, Sharapova will likely be the one to beat in Paris. Would be so excited to see her win another slam

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 27-04-2014 9:53am

^ Only problem is her ranking has dropped way down so she could face a tough draw, maybe even get Serena early on. I don't think Serena has played since she lost early in Charleston (?) and was going on about being exhausted and needing a rest, so who knows where she is mentally. She'd probably still beat Maria even if she was half dead though.

Gunslinger92 · 27-04-2014 10:04am

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Jesus can't believe no-one even acknowledged your post!

Delighted for the both of them, but disappointed to see so many comments across the net criticising the fact they're not married :rolleyes::rolleyes:

My mom told me that Novak did marry Jelena, and that Andy Murray was his best man? Where did she get that? :pac: I'm delighted for them too

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 27-04-2014 10:31am

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

My mom told me that Novak did marry Jelena, and that Andy Murray was his best man? Where did she get that? :pac: I'm delighted for them too

There was a rumour maybe 2 years ago that Novak and Jelena were going to get married in the off season and Andy Murray was going to be best man. No idea where it came from but there was no truth in it. They only got engaged quite recently.

Gunslinger92 · 27-04-2014 8:03pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

There was a rumour maybe 2 years ago that Novak and Jelena were going to get married in the off season and Andy Murray was going to be best man. No idea where it came from but there was no truth in it. They only got engaged quite recently.

Haha, thanks, good to know she didn't pluck it out of mid-air :pac:

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 28-04-2014 4:01pm

This is kind of cute

Dimitrov just posted this on his twitter page, with the caption "no, you did it." (he won a title yesterday too)

The 2014 In Between Grand Slam Thread

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