Tennis thread 10: Federer's emotional goodbye

[3CityApache]

4 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

Jinx. Gauff is out too, bummer. 

Yup. Entirely your fault. 

[Calibandar]

On 1/21/2023 at 5:55 PM, 3CityApache said:

It’s a very interesting last sixteen in men’s draw. I can’t remember so many unseeded and non-obvious choice players at that stage. 
 

Of course it all doesn’t really matter, as Djokovic is gonna blow them all away, unless the injury gets the better of him. 
 

In women’s draw, on the other hand, surprisingly low number of surprises so far. Number 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 seeds are still playing!

Definitely very interesting. Korda had a superb run up to the tournament and very narrowly lost to Djokovic in the Adelaide final where he had the best play really. Now he has continued that and just ejected Medveded, and Hurkacz as well ( who unfortunately beat Shapo in 5, too solid I guess).

De Minaur has been in great form, might make it hard on Djokovic.

Ben Shelton vs JJ Wolf, 2 young Americans.

Sinner just knocked out in 5 sets by Tsitsipas. Holger Rune, co-sensation of 2022 with Alcaraz, is still in the tournament.

Forgot to mention Tommy Paul, very attractive style of play on him, have been watching his game the last 2 years.

Edited January 22 by Calibandar

[Tywin et al.]

Watching the replay, Sabalenka was excellent during her comeback down a set. Given her age and form, she could be set up for a very good run this year. If she can control her serve, good luck.

[Tywin et al.]

So are we going to talk about how Novak needs the hard courts, specifically the one played in extreme heat? Half his titles basically come from it. 

Edited January 29 by Tywin et al.

[BigFatCoward]

He's a magnificent player, but also a massive cock 

[Tywin et al.]

Sad thing is prior to the anti-vax shit he was incredibly likable. Or at least was really funny. 

I've said the over/under on slams should be 25. He'll be the most decorated, but never the best in my eyes. And he's just boring to watch. Feds and Nadal gave you a show. The former was the definition of beauty, grace and a true artist, the latter fought for every inch until you could kill him. Novak by comparison has been uninteresting on the court. Great serve, best return ever and then wait you out, and did it mostly after Feds and Nadal were done physically without anyone younger to really challenge him. 

Edited January 29 by Tywin et al.

[Impmk2]

6 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

So are we going to talk about how Novak needs the hard courts, specifically the one played in extreme heat? Half his titles basically come from it. 

Extreme heat bit isn't particularly applicable to the Australian Open this year. Has been a very mild (and wet) summer. The final would've been played in approx 20C (68F), or a little lower.

[3CityApache]

15 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

Sad thing is prior to the anti-vax shit he was incredibly likable.

He really wasn't. He was a massive prick much sooner than that, sadly. Every time things didn't go his way he was being a dick towards his team, and his views were unhinged years before pandemic.

[Calibandar]

On 1/29/2023 at 5:02 PM, Tywin et al. said:

Sad thing is prior to the anti-vax shit he was incredibly likable. Or at least was really funny. 

I've said the over/under on slams should be 25. He'll be the most decorated, but never the best in my eyes. And he's just boring to watch. Feds and Nadal gave you a show. The former was the definition of beauty, grace and a true artist, the latter fought for every inch until you could kill him. Novak by comparison has been uninteresting on the court. Great serve, best return ever and then wait you out, and did it mostly after Feds and Nadal were done physically without anyone younger to really challenge him. 

I do think that sells short his performances. He certainly played Nadal throughout Nadal's entire prime, and a part of Federer's prime as well.

He was overwhelmingly the best player at this Aussie Open. It was a guarantee he would win the quarter final, you never doubted he would beat Paul or Tsitsipas. When Alcaraz withdrew his main challenger was out. On top of that Korda, who looked so strong so far, got injured. When Medvedev lost I knew his last challenger was gone.

[BigFatCoward]

Good for you Andy Murray. 

[BigFatCoward]

Rafa is out of French open and Wimbledon. 

Just retire mate, you aren't going to be able to walk when you are 50.

[Tywin et al.]

4 hours ago, BigFatCoward said:

Rafa is out of French open and Wimbledon. 

Just retire mate, you aren't going to be able to walk when you are 50.

I wonder what they have to shoot his foot up with and that's not even the issue here. He should have walked off after winning the French last year.

[Tywin et al.]

There's always some headscratchers. Medvedev going down was a big surprise. 

ETA: I never like rooting against anyone from France or Argentina, the WC Final was weird, but Monfils is showing heart. 

Edited Tuesday at 10:13 PM by Tywin et al.

[3CityApache]

The guy who defeated Medvedev played some really amazing tennis. And he looks pretty much like Guga Kuerten too.