Australian Open 2018

Rekop dog · 22-01-2018 2:20pm

Tenneys Sandgren is quite an unlikely looking tennis player(or tenneys player), be more suited at a rodeo event. Some tournament for him though.

He'd be hoping he catches Chung on an off day which often happens after overcoming a great in the previous round.

yerwanthere123 · 22-01-2018 2:56pm

Oh
https://twitter.com/fogmount/status/955358020929597441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.digitalspy.com%2Fprofile%2Freactions%2FIrishguy123

RosyLily · 22-01-2018 3:16pm

Finally got to see some tennis over the weekend! Really impressed with how Kerber and Keys are playing!! Looking forward to their QF. I'm torn as to who'll win the women's title. Could be anyone of Kerber, Halep, Svitolina, Keys or Wozniacki.

I see why people are calling Chung a younger version of Djokovic. Mentally strong, quick on the court, gets back nearly every ball and flexible. Great start to the year for him. Hope he capitalises on this big win. Loved that Courier gave him the opportunity to speak Korean, nice touch and it got a big cheer!

Rekop dog · 22-01-2018 4:57pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Oh
https://twitter.com/fogmount/status/955358020929597441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.digitalspy.com%2Fprofile%2Freactions%2FIrishguy123

So he has the same political leanings as more than half of UK who followed Farrage's Brexit advice and US who voted for Trump! He's basically just the average guy from America. Why is getting abuse for that?

splinter65 · 22-01-2018 5:00pm

Rekop dog wrote: »

So he has the same political leanings as more than half of UK who followed Farrage's Brexit advice and US who voted for Trump! He's basically just the average guy from America. Why is getting abuse for that?

I follow people I can’t stand and/or disagree strongly with just to read what kind of nonsense they are spouting today.
It wouldn’t be any indicator of my own leanings.

Rob2D · 22-01-2018 5:01pm

Rekop dog wrote: »

So he has the same political leanings as more than half of UK who followed Farrage's Brexit advice and US who voted for Trump! He's basically just the average guy from America. Why is getting abuse for that?

Agreed. As long as he hits a decent tennis ball I could care less who he follows.

Just watching some highlights there. Impressive from Chung. Funny enough he actually reminds me of Agassi at times.

walshb · 22-01-2018 5:03pm

Nadal-Fed due to meet at semis or finals?

Hector Savage · 22-01-2018 5:30pm

Rekop dog wrote: »

So he has the same political leanings as more than half of UK who followed Farrage's Brexit advice and US who voted for Trump! He's basically just the average guy from America. Why is getting abuse for that?

Because he has different opinions then fascist neo leftists !!
How DARE HE !!!

Hector Savage · 22-01-2018 5:31pm

walshb wrote: »

Nadal-Fed due to meet at semis or finals?

Final, as 1,2 seeds ..

yerwanthere123 · 22-01-2018 6:23pm

splinter65 wrote: »

I follow people I can’t stand and/or disagree strongly with just to read what kind of nonsense they are spouting today.
It wouldn’t be any indicator of my own leanings.

More stuff here.

https://twitter.com/hbryant42/status/953976172475535366/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.digitalspy.com%2Fdiscussion%2F2260964%2Fthe-tennis-thread-part-32%2Fp62

https://twitter.com/amyohconnor/status/955391195710148608/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.digitalspy.com%2Fdiscussion%2F2260964%2Fthe-tennis-thread-part-32%2Fp62

Couple of (albeit heavily biased) blog posts about him here and here.

So yeah, I'd say we've got a fairly large indicator as to his leanings now. All I'll say is I hope Chung takes him out quickly and emphatically.

Rekop dog · 22-01-2018 6:41pm

It's a weird one. Perhaps the money is so lucrative for the lesser tournaments that they've "made it" without needing to win a slam. Like Alex Zverev at 20 has made 7 million in career earnings without ever reaching a slam quarter final. That ludicrous and doesn't even factor in sponsorship deals. Maybe his incentive to kick on is less than those 20 years ago who needed to win slams to turn over similar money. He probably will win some imo but the ridiculous money given is breeding spoilt brats such a Kyrgios who has all the talent in the world but poor discipline.

Like in terms of academy fundings and facilities and improved nutritional information and huge take up the sport has never been in a healthier place so they should be coming through in droves but that player born in the 90's stat is telling.

Christy42 · 22-01-2018 6:53pm

Rekop dog wrote: »

It's a weird one. Perhaps the money is so lucrative for the lesser tournaments that they've "made it" without needing to win a slam. Like Alex Zverev at 20 has made 7 million in career earnings without ever reaching a slam quarter final. That ludicrous and doesn't even factor in sponsorship deals. Maybe his incentive to kick on is less than those 20 years ago who needed to win slams to turn over similar money. He probably will win some imo but the ridiculous money given is breeding spoilt brats such a Kyrgios who has all the talent in the world but poor discipline.

Like in terms of academy fundings and facilities and improved nutritional information and huge take up the sport has never been in a healthier place so they should be coming through in droves but that player born in the 90's stat is telling.

Judging by Zverev the other evening I don't think he is happy to sit on his Masters winnings. God knows what is happening to that generation though.

I mean they will get it through the older guys getting injured/retiring but then it will be tough to judge if they have finally improved or if the competition simply went a way.

mickmackey1 · 22-01-2018 7:11pm

Poolband wrote: »

Marat Safin is right, there is something not right with the current generation of tennis players. The fact no tennis player born in the nineties has won a slam is a shocking statistic and really illustrates how bad the current state of the game is.

This has to be one of the weakest eras for tennis in the history if the game, there should be slam winners coming through before they reach their 21st or 22nd birthday, it's just not happening.

But what about the 1980s when THREE 17 year olds won Slams?? That couldn't possibly happen right now and would indicate that winning has got a lot tougher. I think we may actually underestimate the Big Three and just how impossibly good they are to maintain such dominance.

Rekop dog · 22-01-2018 7:20pm

Christy42 wrote: »

Judging by Zverev the other evening I don't think he is happy to sit on his Masters winnings. God knows what is happening to that generation though.

I mean they will get it through the older guys getting injured/retiring but then it will be tough to judge if they have finally improved or if the competition simply went a way.

Maybe it's also the case we should just be appreciative we got to live through a golden generation where the four stars dragged each other to such highs that it's unobtainable level for anyone coming through.

Like I'd know of a coach whose witnessed Murray's gym routines and he apparently takes his body to inhuman places on unparralled levels to any other sports star to give himself an edge. Looks like himself and Djokovic have broken their bodies trying to chase those heights now.

WickIow Brave · 22-01-2018 11:36pm

Quite fancy Berdych to go all the way.

mickmackey1 · 23-01-2018 12:17am

Just in case anyone missed this crazy point overnight

yerwanthere123 · 23-01-2018 12:37am

The stuff that's being unearthed from Sandgren's Twitter account is pretty shocking. He really is an utter c*nt.

lostcat · 23-01-2018 12:54am

Will be interesting to see how Chung goes against Sandgren, in a match he will prob be expected to win. He was really good today, but whenever Djokovic kept it together for a few games in a row he had the better of him I think (I didn't see the last few games.)

Sangren however is no Dkokovic, and I haven't seem any of his matches (or twitter feed)

Berdych is playing pretty well, but a bit like Cilic against Nadal, I can't see him having the belief to wrench the match out of Federers hands if/when he has the chance.

nobody has been tested yet (apart from Dimitrov maybe, and Chung) so its still difficult to gauge anybodies true level.

this lack of a consistent big 4 is rather disorientating

Rekop dog · 23-01-2018 4:05am

Seeing Mertens excel here reminded me of Belgian period of winners with Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters. Amazed to see they're still only 34/35 respectively, seems an age ago when they played. Just makes you respect the longevity of a Serena or Federer even more.

Chivito550 · 23-01-2018 9:50am

Edmund wins. A walkover for Nadal to reach the final now.

jr86 · 23-01-2018 10:20am

I'd agree but to be fair when Dimitrov beat Kyrgios that was his only serious threat gone anyway

Delighted for Edmund, I never thought we'd see a new British major semi-finallist in this era. He always seemed like a good pro, so fair dues to him. Can't be easy getting little to no coverage at home given he's been in Murray's shadow for so long

Bar that Kyrgios match Dimitrov hasn't looked comfortable all week. I think he may just go on to become a player who always flatters to deceive

I disagree about Berdych being a contender, he's often breezed through a few rounds only to crash and burn against the first big 4 player he meets. Can I see him beating BOTH Federer and Nadal? I'm afraid not, and I think it's inevitable we'll get the big 2 in the final

As for Sandgren and Twitter I could not care less, but I don't take Twitter seriously in the slightest anyway

NoviGlitzko · 23-01-2018 11:13am

With Nadal's path so far he hasn't played against anyone who's in a decent run of form. Edmund will be the exception, but he's currently ranked 49th in the world. Given his toughest opponent at the USO was Kevin Anderson you have to think it's remarkable luck how he's avoided anyone who can trouble him. He's gotten can's and pigeons without having to play well himself.

I think Berdych has a solid chance against Fed. Roger played the highest level of tennis I seen last year at Wimbly to beat Berdych and it was very tight. He also had to be at the very top of his game to beat him here last year too. He saved match point against him in Miami I think. He's extremely dangerous in this form and if Federer pulls through I'd be confident he'll win the tournament because his level will have to be top notch to beat him.

sxt · 23-01-2018 11:16am

NoviGlitzko wrote: »

With Nadal's path so far he hasn't played against anyone who's in a decent run of form. Edmund will be the exception, but he's currently ranked 49th in the world

Eh Nadal is losing against Cilic and could lose that match. Why does everyone give him matches as if his opponents don't exist

NoviGlitzko · 23-01-2018 11:32am

sxt wrote: »

Eh Nadal is losing against Cilic and could lose that match. Why does everyone give him matches as if his opponents don't exist

Cilic's form going into the tournament was near awful and it's only improved during by small margins. He's doing pretty well today admittedly but his head to head against Rafa is shocking.

For Marin to actually win this he'll need to channel his USO14 self but his serve isn't the same and the mental clutchness left him when those 2 freak weeks where he was unstoppable ended.

C__MC · 23-01-2018 12:02pm

Is Edmond not really South African:pac:

mickmackey1 · 23-01-2018 12:25pm

C__MC wrote: »

Is Edmond not really South African:pac:

Well in the same way Ronan O'Gara is American.

splinter65 · 23-01-2018 12:37pm

Until the age of social media we had no idea what ideologies or politics any sports stars espoused.
We know nothing about so many we’ve idolized all over the years.
Anyone who is judging and condemning a sports person on their twitter/Facebook account needs a swift kick up the butt.
Just enjoy the sports and stop your histrionics.

WickIow Brave · 23-01-2018 12:45pm

splinter65 wrote: »

Until the age of social media we had no idea what ideologies or politics any sports stars espoused.
We know nothing about so many we’ve idolized all over the years.
Anyone who is judging and condemning a sports person on their twitter/Facebook account needs a swift kick up the butt.
Just enjoy the sports and stop your histrionics.

Nah, anyone who says 'how is America racist if it voted for a black president' is a scumbag. He deserves all the condemnation he gets.

Mint Sauce · 23-01-2018 12:52pm

Almost 11pm in Melbourne, do they not have a curfew time there. I have stuff to do!

splinter65 · 23-01-2018 12:53pm

WickIow Brave wrote: »

Nah, anyone who says 'how is America racist if it voted for a black president' is a scumbag. He deserves all the condemnation he gets.

How do you even function on a day to day basis in the real world knowing that literally millions of your fellow humans don’t agree with you on any level?
It must make life very difficult.
I’m not being sarcastic or caustic or anything.
If I had to check the social media accounts of every person I come into contact to make sure they are someone with the same world views as me I would be trapped in my bedroom.
What do we know about tennis players who don’t have social media accounts? How do we know how they feel about the trans gender movement or Harvey Weinstein?

Floppybits · 23-01-2018 12:55pm

Nadal in big trouble now, he can barely move. McEnroe reckons he may concede.

Mint Sauce · 23-01-2018 1:00pm

Floppybits wrote: »

Nadal in big trouble now, he can barely move. McEnroe reckons he may concede.

He really is suggesting it.

Floppybits · 23-01-2018 1:03pm

Nadal concedes.

Mint Sauce · 23-01-2018 1:03pm

hes gone

Hector Savage · 23-01-2018 1:08pm

Wow ... I know Nadal retired , but if Cilic reaches the final I really hope he can take it to Federer this time.

ballyargus · 23-01-2018 1:09pm

Berdy could face Cilic.

WickIow Brave · 23-01-2018 1:10pm

splinter65 wrote: »

How do you even function on a day to day basis in the real world knowing that literally millions of your fellow humans don’t agree with you on any level?
It must make life very difficult.
I’m not being sarcastic or caustic or anything.
If I had to check the social media accounts of every person I come into contact to make sure they are someone with the same world views as me I would be trapped in my bedroom.
What do we know about tennis players who don’t have social media accounts? How do we know how they feel about the trans gender movement or Harvey Weinstein?

Haha. I function just as well as you seem to be doing. He thinks America isn't racist and I think he's a scumbag. Lol. It's not that deep. I have life long friends who hold worse views than him. You're the one who seems to be having difficulty that others have a problem with his views. Relax. Hope this helps.

WickIow Brave · 23-01-2018 1:13pm

It's Berdych's year imo. Thought he was outstanding against del Potro and he's beaten Federer at slams before.

jr86 · 23-01-2018 1:31pm

That now means that Nadal has only beaten 1 top-tenner in a non-clay slam since the Aussie Open in 2014. And that was Raonic here last year - who was struggling with injury himself that day

While I'm disappointed to see Nadal injured I couldn't really deal with seeing him cruise to another final without beating any real tough opponent for him.

What a chance this could be for Kyle Edmund though. Cilic is rightful favourite but far from a world beater.

NoviGlitzko · 23-01-2018 1:33pm

Cilic surprised me. He played really well. Edmund will be no gimme with the high risk tennis Marin plays but I expect to see him in the final. The Cilic - Berdych final prediction could well materialise.

mickmackey1 · 23-01-2018 1:40pm

So the rest of the Big 4 are crocked but Fed remains standing despite having years on the rest of them. What a legend.

lostcat · 23-01-2018 2:43pm

Not sure about the legend re injuries, he took 6 months off and came back properly healed, the others are unfortunate that they did the same thing and are not healed.

One could surmise that Federer got better medical treatment/advise, but I imagine Djokovic / Murray get the best of the best as well..

its interesting that tennis players are generally quite adverse to surgery when compared to say rugby or soccer players...different types of injuries I guess

Rjd2 · 23-01-2018 3:02pm

NoviGlitzko wrote: »

Cilic surprised me. He played really well. Edmund will be no gimme with the high risk tennis Marin plays but I expect to see him in the final. The Cilic - Berdych final prediction could well materialise.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Some call though tbf though:)

Rob2D · 23-01-2018 3:59pm

Rjd2 wrote: »

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Yup. Wake me when it's over.

Rekop dog · 23-01-2018 8:16pm

Don't think the Berdych form line is that strong. Del Potro was out on his feet after his gruelling match in the 40 degree heat against Khachanov in the previous round, thought he was gonna retire at times in that match so I think most players would have beaten him next match.

Good to see Edmund and hopefully next gen winner Chung make the semis though after all the talk of no younger players going deep in these slams anymore.

splinter65 · 23-01-2018 8:37pm

Rob2D wrote: »

Yup. Wake me when it's over.

Cilic crying and pussing through the entire Wimbledon final last year kinda finished me forever with him.

NoviGlitzko · 23-01-2018 10:39pm

What are the predictions for tonight/morning?

I expect Chung to just beat Sandgren in an entertaining match-up and Federer coming through in 4 or 5 very tight sets. I just can't bet against him!

jr86 · 23-01-2018 10:58pm

Surely we've been here before numerous times with berdych?

Fly through a few rounds and then his limitations get shown up by the big 4

mickmackey1 · 23-01-2018 11:04pm

Federer has won the last 8 meetings and I'll be shocked if he loses this, albeit Berd has been impressive. I wouldn't rule out Sandgren at all, Chung may not be tuned in properly after the Djoker festivities.

jr86 · 23-01-2018 11:07pm

I fancy Sandgren aswell. Have been watching his highlights and I can't get over how confident he's striking the ball, amazing court coverage too

Chung is solid but is inconsistent and his result against a very hindered Djokovic is being so overblown it surely can't help but have an effect on him

Australian Open 2018

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