Australian Open Thread

[cheessus]

Anyone watching?

Glad to see Federer pull through the tough 5 setter against Berdych. And once again, Djoker bitches out. I'm really looking forward to a Federer-Nadal final. As boring as it may be for most people, they put together epic battles which will never get boring.

I haven't really been following the women's side, other than Dokic, because my favorite player crashed out in the first round. I'm looking for a Safina-Serena final.

 

[FiveFiveFive]

Originally Posted by cheessus

Anyone watching?

Glad to see Federer pull through the tough 5 setter against Berdych. And once again, Djoker bitches out. I'm really looking forward to a Federer-Nadal final. As boring as it may be for most people, they put together epic battles which will never get boring.

I haven't really been following the women's side, other than Dokic, because my favorite player crashed out in the first round. I'm looking for a Safina-Serena final.

F**k Djokovic. Seriously, the guy's got no sack. Roddick's supposed to be the Tour *****, yet he was the one who looked like he was ready to go the full 5 in that awful heat. Djokovic was gassed by the 2nd set.

By the way, stay away from the online sportsbooks, kids.

 

[phreak]

looks to be another rafa/fed final

 

[Douglas]

Poor Andy. I love Roddick. I used to hate him but he's really such a classy guy, clearly bright and articulate, and he does work his butt off so to improve what is a pretty one-dimensional game. And no matter what he tries, Roger is always in his way saying "Sorry, Andy, you still suck and I'm still the king." And so it goes again, as Roger will likely dismantle him, all his off-season work notwithstanding.

There is real honor is dusting yourself off with humility and going back to the fight. I respect that. I'll be rooting for him as he inevitably goes down in 4 sets... probably something like 7-6(7), 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-3.

 

[Neo_Version 7]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Poor Andy. I love Roddick. I used to hate him but he's really such a classy guy, clearly bright and articulate, and he does work his butt off so to improve what is a pretty one-dimensional game. And no matter what he tries, Roger is always in his way saying "Sorry, Andy, you still suck and I'm still the king." And so it goes again, as Roger will likely dismantle him, all his off-season work notwithstanding. There is real honor is dusting yourself off with humility and going back to the fight. I respect that. I'll be rooting for him as he inevitably goes down in 4 sets... probably something like 7-6(7), 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-3.
+1 And your results couldn't be more correct. Story of his life. :/

 

[cheessus]

Before I saw the Federer-Del Potro match, I thought Roddick would have a chance since he did beat Federer the last time they met, so he at least had that going for him, not to mention the fact that he looks incredibly fit right now. But, Federer has rebounded amazingly and I believe he is going to destroy Roddick. How do you double bagel a top 10 player? That was just ridiculous. Del Potro won 36 points the entire match. Plus, I think they will be playing at night, and the roof may be closed, so Roddick cannot use the weather to his advantage.

BTW, I really like Roddick though I feel his career will be defined by near-misses. And to a degree, it is just bad luck, with the emergence of Federer. If Federer didn't exist, Roddick would probably have 3 Wimbledons and at least one more US Open, for a total of 5 majors, if not more, thereby making him of the great US mens tennis players. He's a great ambassador for the sport and his interviews are always great.

 

[FiveFiveFive]

I really feel for Roddick right now. You get the feeling he's always right there against Federer in the first couple of sets -- one shot, one big ace, one crucial break could turn the tide -- and somehow Federer just finds a way to stifle it. Once that happens, the match just completely collapses for Roddick.

The simple answer is that Federer is just better than him. But shouldn't a guy with Roddick's talent be good for an "any given Sunday" type victory in a major tourney every now and then?

This is really just pathetic. You know you're done for when you start joking sarcastically with the crowd, but we've seen this with Roddick too many times before.

 

[Douglas]

Roddick's game is just too one-dimensional. Fed has his number. Poor Andy.

 

[michaeljkrell]

I am a little surprised that Serena beat Dementieva as easily as she did. The Nadal-Federer final should be epic.

 

[FiveFiveFive]

Originally Posted by michaeljkrell

I am a little surprised that Serena beat Dementieva as easily as she did. The Nadal-Federer final should be epic.

Wow, already X'ing Verdasco out, huh? I think his game's pretty similar to Nadal's, and he may even be a bigger hitter, at least with his serve and forehand. Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if it's Verdasco/Federer.

 

[whacked]

Originally Posted by FiveFiveFive

I think his game's pretty similar to Nadal's, and he may even be a bigger hitter, at least with his serve and forehand. Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if it's Verdasco/Federer.

Haven't watched Verdasco play yet but he did beat the hottest(no ****) player on the Tour a few days ago, Andy Murray. So let's hope he keeps form and gives Nadal a good game.

 

[cheessus]

To me, Verdasco's game is a lot like Nadal's, except he hits the ball a lot flatter. He could take this to 5 sets and possibly win. I'll take Nadal in 4.

 

[michaeljkrell]

There is no way on earth Verdasco is going win. He has a nice game and that match against Murray was a great one to watch, but he wasn't scared of Murray or Tsonga. He is scared of Rafa. Verdasco has never been on this stage before, and Rafa doesn't beat himself.

The bookies have this as a blowout (Nadal in 3 sets).

Edit. If Verdasco did pull off this upset (he won't) Gil Reyes should triple his prices.

 

[cheessus]

Hantuchova's legs are bomb.

 

[michaeljkrell]

Dang, where are you watching doubles? I always liked Hantuchova. She always had the talent, but was/is very fragile emotionally.