The Tennis Thread
Discussion
I think Dimitrov has a great chance. Having had the flu Raonic won't be as potent, he served quite a few doubles today. Nadal is looking a lot better than he has for a number of years; both attack and defence. Federer looks pretty good but he's surely lacking that edge after being out for quite a while.
It's really the best grand slam I remember for ages, will be a good story whoever wins.
It's really the best grand slam I remember for ages, will be a good story whoever wins.
Good win for Wawrinka over Tsonga and my money's on him for the title; nobody has really been talking about him but in recent years he's had an uncanny knack of coming good in Grand Slams and I can see him doing it again here.
Think I heard yesterday that some of the bookies were making Federer the favourite but I don't see it personally; if he makes it to the semi-final and loses to Wawrinka I think he'll still consider it a pretty reasonable tournament given he's just back from such a lengthy lay-off.
Think I heard yesterday that some of the bookies were making Federer the favourite but I don't see it personally; if he makes it to the semi-final and loses to Wawrinka I think he'll still consider it a pretty reasonable tournament given he's just back from such a lengthy lay-off.
Babw said:
I remember seeing Raonic a few years ago and thinking he's the last thing tennis needs - big serve and no backhand. Has to be one of the most improved players in recent years. Completely changed his strokes and style of play, still a bit ungainly when he's on the move though.
Well he was given a bit of a tennis lesson by Nadal this morning! First I've seen of Rafa at the Australian Open and have to say he looked impressive; generally hitting the ball well and, while he was never overweight, he appears to have fined-down slightly and even by his standards looks in pretty good condition. Having picked Wawrinka for the title I suppose I'd better stick with him but on the evidence of today Nadal will give anyone a tough match - great to see after all the injury problems he's had! 
Well, I was wrong (again!) in predicting another Grand Slam title for Wawrinka! Genuinely surprised (and delighted) to see Federer make the final but I'll be amazed if he's not facing Nadal on Sunday and from Fed's point of view that particular match-up rarely has a favourable outcome. I suppose Dimitrov could yet spoil the party but if Nadal plays the way he did against Raonic I doubt Dimitrov will manage more than a set (perhaps not even that).
Would really love to see Roger lift the trophy but Rafa looked to have his old game face on against Raonic and if he keeps playing that way I think he'll take some stopping....
Would really love to see Roger lift the trophy but Rafa looked to have his old game face on against Raonic and if he keeps playing that way I think he'll take some stopping....
Disappointed in Stan re his knee time out. The way he played in the third, no sign of any issue. I like him, but that was sharp IMO, did him no favours.
He needs to start fully concentrating on his game 100% too. Think he'd win a few more if they took the big screen out, stop him looking up every other second. Bizarre.
He needs to start fully concentrating on his game 100% too. Think he'd win a few more if they took the big screen out, stop him looking up every other second. Bizarre.
anonymous said:
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I hope with the faster surface and federer's bigger racquet - he can offset the weakness of his backhand in this match up and beat a Nadal who had 1 less rest day after the gruelling match he had against baby federer.Not that I dislike Nadal, it's just that his pre-shot routines prolong the game too much. The guy is a nervous tick machine.
Edited by Moobs on Saturday 28th January 04:14
anonymous said:
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My sentiments exactly! I really like Rafa but I don't think Roger will get many more chances at winning a Grand Slam and hence I'd love to see him do it tomorrow. However, as the head to head record shows, Nadal just isn't a good match-up for Federer and sadly I don't see that changing for this next meeting....Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff