The Tennis Thread
Discussion
MiniMan64 said:
Bloody hell. The final. And beating USA, France and Australia to get there.
Say what you want about Murray but he's giving everything to this team.
Come on Argentina!
Say what you want about Murray but he's giving everything to this team.
Come on Argentina!
It looks like he could skip the tour finals in order to be ready for the DC final. However the organisers of the tour finals think otherwise.
bbc said:
Andy Murray is set to miss this year's World Tour Finals if, as expected, Belgium decide to host the Davis Cup final against Great Britain on clay.
bbc said:
"The O2 would obviously be a question mark for me if we were playing on the clay," Murray told BBC Radio 5 live after sealing Britain's place in the final.
"I would go and train and prepare on the clay to get ready for the final.
"You saw last year with Roger Federer that the matches at the O2 are extremely tough and physically demanding.
"If you reach the final and play on the Sunday you also need to take time off - you can't just play five matches against the best players in the world and then not take any days off."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/34309163"I would go and train and prepare on the clay to get ready for the final.
"You saw last year with Roger Federer that the matches at the O2 are extremely tough and physically demanding.
"If you reach the final and play on the Sunday you also need to take time off - you can't just play five matches against the best players in the world and then not take any days off."
sky said:
ATP president Chris Kermode - a long-time ally of Murray's - has made it clear he expects the 28-year-old to play in the capital.
He said: "The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is a mandatory event on the ATP World Tour and all players who qualify, unless injured, are required to compete in the event.
http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10001092/andy-murray-is-told-he-must-play-in-the-atp-world-tour-finalsHe said: "The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is a mandatory event on the ATP World Tour and all players who qualify, unless injured, are required to compete in the event.
Rafa possibly rediscovering a bit of form? Beaten fairly easily by Djokovic in the final in Bejing last week but at least he made the final and didn't go out to a lowly ranked player early doors as he's done so many times this year. He now looks to be backing that up with a decent showing in Shanghai; came through a tough match against Karlovic, then beat Raonic in straight sets and has just taken Wawrinka to the cleaners in the quarter final. Far too early to say he's back to his best but at least some encouraging signs over the last couple of weeks....
Djokovic killing it at the moment. Quite a few players mentioning outwardly that he's the biggest challenge in tennis at the moment. I don't like his style (or lack of it) but fair play to the guy, amazing consistency.
If he carries this form into next year then I can see him get the calendar slam. He'll be 29 so getting the 18 will definitely be on.
If he carries this form into next year then I can see him get the calendar slam. He'll be 29 so getting the 18 will definitely be on.
Really good and concise article on Djokovic.
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2015-...
Unless you're a big Djokovic fan, the ATP tour has become a bit predictable. Instead of watching the matches now I look at the results to see if Djokovic has lost, if he has I might watch the following rounds. However all the things they mention such as more compact swings, increasing flexibility, two serves off the same toss are things I've been working on over the past few years so Djokovic really is the players player. Where he excels can be applied more to amateur/club/county than what Federer might do with his ridiculous talent. However even being a few months younger than Novak but coming from a track & field background the huge flexibility is proving a bit difficult.
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2015-...
Unless you're a big Djokovic fan, the ATP tour has become a bit predictable. Instead of watching the matches now I look at the results to see if Djokovic has lost, if he has I might watch the following rounds. However all the things they mention such as more compact swings, increasing flexibility, two serves off the same toss are things I've been working on over the past few years so Djokovic really is the players player. Where he excels can be applied more to amateur/club/county than what Federer might do with his ridiculous talent. However even being a few months younger than Novak but coming from a track & field background the huge flexibility is proving a bit difficult.
Edited by Babw on Thursday 22 October 22:40
Another win for Djokovic *yawn* Murray was pretty dreadful and these two seem to bring the worst of modern tennis out of each other. I really hope someone else can mix it up with some actual attacking tennis to brighten things up a bit. To be fair Murray did try to play the more attacking tennis but the execution was poor.
The line up at the o2.....
It's hard to see past Djokovic making it 4 in a row. I wonder if Murray even turns up with the Davis Cup final around the corner. Hopefully we'll have a competitive tournament this time round - last year was very one-sided throughout and then we didn't even have a final.
It's hard to see past Djokovic making it 4 in a row. I wonder if Murray even turns up with the Davis Cup final around the corner. Hopefully we'll have a competitive tournament this time round - last year was very one-sided throughout and then we didn't even have a final.
Out of that list there's two people that have anything to prove. Murray that he can beat Djokovic (and is a true number 2) and Nadal that he can beat his peers again. Fed and Wawrinka are just pure class, I think Wawrinka can beat anyone on his day and to an extent Federer especially in best of 3. Nishikori just needs to prove he can go two seasons without getting injured. Berdych is getting better but too little too late and Ferrer is on the decline.
Beating Djokovic in a tournament he's had a strangle hold on for 4 years would be massive leading into next season. Djokovic is a confidence player and he's got more than he ever has. Murray released a statement this morning stating he wants to beat Federer and Djokovic more often as he feels he doesn't do well enough against them.
What you're saying makes sense on a logical level that he's not nothing to prove but to these guys they're only concerned with winning, having a losing record against anyone and to such an extent as Murray has this season against Djokovic will be causing him some concern (his words also).
Look at Nadal, 14 slams and his lucks run out. He's got an academy, owns a big share in some huge developments, bank balance looking great, sponsors still sticking by him, huge loyal base of fans yet he gives himself hell everyday on the court and the desire to win is there every time he talks about the game.
It's impressive what Djokovic is doing and Fed, Mur, Nad have been complimentary but behind the scenes they'll be wanting to knock him off his perch more than ever.
What you're saying makes sense on a logical level that he's not nothing to prove but to these guys they're only concerned with winning, having a losing record against anyone and to such an extent as Murray has this season against Djokovic will be causing him some concern (his words also).
Look at Nadal, 14 slams and his lucks run out. He's got an academy, owns a big share in some huge developments, bank balance looking great, sponsors still sticking by him, huge loyal base of fans yet he gives himself hell everyday on the court and the desire to win is there every time he talks about the game.
It's impressive what Djokovic is doing and Fed, Mur, Nad have been complimentary but behind the scenes they'll be wanting to knock him off his perch more than ever.
Got tickets for Tuesday 17th, at the O2 (both sessions). Can't wait, really hope Federer is playing that day, also hope Murray is still in contention at that stage too, last year he was knocked out at the group stage (to be fair he's playing much better this year - some said better than 2013 too).
Agree with the sentiment that Djokovic is almost unstoppable, he's just incredibly consistent and covers the court so well, and as mentioned, has incredibly quick reactions. For me, what makes him so good, is turning defence into attach with one shot, evident against Murray on Sunday. Quite a few times Andy had him on the run, only for Djokovic to hit a great angled shot, causing Andy to scamper across and hit a weak slice (or another type of shot) which allows Djokovic to then go for the killer blow.
He's so clinical, but I find myself not enjoying his style of play as much, almost too clinical. Wawrinka, Federer on the other hand, produce much more winners, and more exciting tennis for me.
Agree with the sentiment that Djokovic is almost unstoppable, he's just incredibly consistent and covers the court so well, and as mentioned, has incredibly quick reactions. For me, what makes him so good, is turning defence into attach with one shot, evident against Murray on Sunday. Quite a few times Andy had him on the run, only for Djokovic to hit a great angled shot, causing Andy to scamper across and hit a weak slice (or another type of shot) which allows Djokovic to then go for the killer blow.
He's so clinical, but I find myself not enjoying his style of play as much, almost too clinical. Wawrinka, Federer on the other hand, produce much more winners, and more exciting tennis for me.
Completely agree Mo D. Djokovic plays made to measure tennis, assuming his peak is last year I have yet to see him go to "Plan B". I don't think he even has that yet.
He's lost 5 matches on Plan A that I think it'll be awhile before Plan B emerges but his lack or risk/invention and just general unaesthetic tennis sees me watching his matches just to see if he loses rather than watching him play this great brand of world beating tennis.
When Federer was at his best I thought he was quite arrogant how he played with opponents and Nadal how he just blasted them off the court with that forehand. Djokovic just seems to wear them down and get them frustrated leading to higher unforced error count. He's usually winning finals with 5-10 winners and 5-10 unforced errors. That's just not a great spectator sport.
I would love for Nadal to do well next week and get back into form for next year to fight for Rolland Garros next year. That would be a hell of a story.
He's lost 5 matches on Plan A that I think it'll be awhile before Plan B emerges but his lack or risk/invention and just general unaesthetic tennis sees me watching his matches just to see if he loses rather than watching him play this great brand of world beating tennis.
When Federer was at his best I thought he was quite arrogant how he played with opponents and Nadal how he just blasted them off the court with that forehand. Djokovic just seems to wear them down and get them frustrated leading to higher unforced error count. He's usually winning finals with 5-10 winners and 5-10 unforced errors. That's just not a great spectator sport.
I would love for Nadal to do well next week and get back into form for next year to fight for Rolland Garros next year. That would be a hell of a story.
Edited by Babw on Wednesday 11th November 17:43
Anyone else think that if they made the courts a bit faster then perhaps we might see more exciting tennis? Can't see many outright winners being hit vs Djokovic on a court this slow. Even Paris a few weeks ago which used to be one of the faster courts on the tour is now like a slow clay court.
Watching Nishikori today wasn't great. Nishikori along with Raonic and Dimitrov were meant to be the next group of superstars in tennis however they seem to have regressed over the past year. All of them are in their mid 20s now so one would have thought if they were going to take their play to the next level they would have done so by now. I hope their careers don't go the way of players like Gasquet or Monfils.
Watching Nishikori today wasn't great. Nishikori along with Raonic and Dimitrov were meant to be the next group of superstars in tennis however they seem to have regressed over the past year. All of them are in their mid 20s now so one would have thought if they were going to take their play to the next level they would have done so by now. I hope their careers don't go the way of players like Gasquet or Monfils.
Edited by BlackLabel on Sunday 15th November 17:27
I think it would take Djokovic going on a season long winning run for them to consider speeding up the courts. I can definitely see it get to a point when the crowd would start questioning the management and organisers if the winner was pretty much known before the tournament started. At the moment people hope there's going to be some competition but if Djokovic isn't beaten by Wimbledon next year then there will be plenty of fans calling for change.
Total dominance in sport is never good apart from for the player/team involved.
Total dominance in sport is never good apart from for the player/team involved.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
The grass is definitely better currently than what it once was. I still remember the Becker, Sampras et al era - serve volley every point. Miracle if rallies went beyond 3 shots. Even Federer played serve volley when he first announced himself as the next big thing - Wimbledon 2001 QF against Henman?However - it would be sad if we see a succession of Djokovic clones in the next few years. Undeniably successful and arguably playing some of the greates match play tennis ever, Djokovic leaves me cold. Be honest - can you sit through Murray Djokovic games? I find it hard to watch.
Patent said:
Be honest - can you sit through Murray Djokovic games? I find it hard to watch.
God yes - although I find it hard to watch because I so want Murray to win. 
Joker's ability is a something to be marvelled at - his only bad side being the rope-a-dope routine that he falls back on when he's under the cosh.
Patent said:
Personally I think variety is key
Grass fast
Clay slow
Hard courts a spectrum inbetween
Tend to agree, there's a balance to be struck. Nobody wants lightening fast courts where the serve dominates but the bias on the ATP Tour definitely seems to be towards slower surfaces which favour the good defenders over the more attacking players. I'd be the first to agree that Djokovic is a terrific player but the speed of a lot of the courts does give his style of game a helping hand he doesn't exactly need! In saying that if the courts were faster I'm sure he'd adapt his game and still be successful but I also think players like Federer would be able to give him something to think about a little more often than has been the case of late!Grass fast
Clay slow
Hard courts a spectrum inbetween
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I wouldn't advocate radical changes either, I'd just ask that when outdoor courts are due to be replaced - or when temporary indoor courts are laid for events like the World Tour Finals - the organisers give it a bit of thought. I agree that fast courts which promote next to no rallies aren't where we want to be but on the flip side there should also be a reward for trying to play positive, attacking, tennis; at the moment the balance feels like it favours the passive defenders a little too much IMHO. JNW1 said:
I wouldn't advocate radical changes either, I'd just ask that when outdoor courts are due to be replaced - or when temporary indoor courts are laid for events like the World Tour Finals - the organisers give it a bit of thought. I agree that fast courts which promote next to no rallies aren't where we want to be but on the flip side there should also be a reward for trying to play positive, attacking, tennis; at the moment the balance feels like it favours the passive defenders a little too much IMHO.
100% agree with this.You only have to go back 15 years to watch for example Sampras v Agassi to see that attack dominated defence. Not one match was one in that era due to defensive abilities/low error count or high percentages. It was actually Federer who started to apply some great shot making in defensive position, starting with his squash forehand. You only have to look at the facts, Murray won a GS without being able to hit a proper down the line forehand, Djokovic won a GS (2008) having a serve that was so poor he was serving almost the same number of double faults as he was aces per year. You can't really blame the players but just the way the game has progressed, too much focus on conditioning and not enough on generating power in the strokes. Like Stan showed in the RG final Djokovic et al can't defy physics, he's a tall slight guy that can't hit the ball consistently hard like Stan etc unless you're practicing ripping the ball to push your opponent back then you can't just turn up to a game and do it. Djokovic game is based on percentages, younger guys coming through like Coric are already saying "on a good day my games like Djokovic, on a bad day it's like Murrays", shows that his game is based on high percentages a lot of defence. He has no aspirations to be like Federer, Sampras as his coaching conditioning won't allow him to develop into that style of player.
I'm not saying defence isn't easy as it takes so much commitment in the gym and flexibility as well but most tennis enthusiasts want attacking play by the best however if the surfaces isn't going to favour attacking players then the defensive players will shine. The rallies in the Sampras era may not be as long as the current but the shots were visibly more ferocious and with constant attacking intent. The 1999 Wimbledon final by Sampras was on of the greatest sporting performances.
Edited by Babw on Tuesday 17th November 19:27
Edited by Babw on Tuesday 17th November 20:53
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