tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192302362024-03-07T19:50:57.973+01:00GWH von Helvete Mens Tennis Blog51% fun and 49% seriousness when it comes to men's tennis. Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.comBlogger345125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-55488538347816369972024-02-04T05:49:00.003+01:002024-02-04T08:09:19.422+01:00The Mailman Delivered: Thank you John Millman<div>Yes, John "The Mailman" Millman has retired from tennis. Of course everyone would like to retire with a title aka Pete Sampras, but life isn't always like that. It was the body that let him down in the end. I mean it's just a fact of life the older you get, the longer it takes to recover. It's a fact in your teens and 20s going out every weekend and having fun that gets more difficult as you get older, even more so in professional tennis with the travelling, the surface changes, speed endurance of the sport grinds you down after a while. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbG_EoEJKDYg-vFhOgpSE1MF5zfWa7EaLsaOZPGJO9cYwLRjL8Us3VmsbVmkzHQ8eK3G5JdsLgdcU-mcbdkDliLGPecD2OjpQ9wYj6pAI2QNgCR-TDU1tIdy0uAn2LTfYawydL7bW7et1mHFTyffg9W9nCleJb-z1t-D2z81hyBxjM6FJhDSiIA/s442/Millman%20young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="337" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbG_EoEJKDYg-vFhOgpSE1MF5zfWa7EaLsaOZPGJO9cYwLRjL8Us3VmsbVmkzHQ8eK3G5JdsLgdcU-mcbdkDliLGPecD2OjpQ9wYj6pAI2QNgCR-TDU1tIdy0uAn2LTfYawydL7bW7et1mHFTyffg9W9nCleJb-z1t-D2z81hyBxjM6FJhDSiIA/w219-h319/Millman%20young.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Millman was never one of the favoured sons of the establishment or junior hotshot like Tomic who peaked at a young age and had everything give to him. Unlike many of his peers Millman finished school before attempting to make it on the tour. It definitely wasn't a smooth rise up the rankings as Millman had suffered a lot of injuries especially to the shoulder, hip, in addition to managing an ongoing back condition. For further information about the early days and emerging career please check an older interview I did with the Mailman <a href="https://mtfsucks.blogspot.com/2014/04/finally-mailman-has-come-back-to-tennis.html" target="_blank"><b>John Millman Interview</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It could be argued that Tennis Australia did treat Millman's career as an afterthought. Online there was a big backlash about Millman not getting a wildcard to the main draw of the Australian Open. This sentiment was shared with the numerous people of different and diverse backgrounds that I spoke with at the venue. Yes, that was universally a poor decision, though at the same time it was very strange he never got a wildcard to Brisbane, considering how much he promotes the city, it was his last event and all of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Millman was top 40 in the world, played Davis Cup, represented Australia at the Olympics and achieved the rare feat of winning 6-0 6-0 at the Tokyo Olympics, defeated Roger Federer at the US Open and probably should have done it as well at the Aus Open. You know the Spanish and French federations would make sure their well established veterans would get a main draw wildcard to their final event.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Connection</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I had first come across Millman at the Burnie Challenger many years ago. Yes, kids it's fun watching Challengers and qualies at Slams, especially when you see how they develop their careers. Even the current big guys played at that level once.</div><div><br /></div><div>This sums up Millman in many ways. In the words of former Spanish player and former TA coach Felix Mantilla. " When you play like me that you must be running all the day, I don't have the serve of Sampras or the volley of Rafter or the talent of Agassi, you know. I must be very focus every point. I must be strong mentally", To adapt that for modern times it would be the serve of Isner, the return of Djokovic or the talent of Federer.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Millman did not have the natural talents of Federer, Kyrgios and other players, he made up for it with work ethic, fighting spirit and doing everything possible to maximise his talents. Just like our new Aussie Open Jannik Sinner, Millman was raised by outstanding parents who can be proud of the man he has become. A great competitor, resilient after all the injury comebacks, an outstanding sportsman who has the respect of fans and peers.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Best Wins</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Court 3 at Melbourne Park is easily the best show court at the venue and it's not close. This is where Millman won his first ever 5 set match against the Luxembourg serving machine Gilles Muller. The fact Millman was hititng with Wayne Arthurs a leftie who could hit a 100 serves off the same balltoss helped him a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DWuls6IEEl0" width="593" youtube-src-id="DWuls6IEEl0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Millman was returning well and showing a lot of positive body language. Millman is stepping into the court getting the balance right between attack and defence. The crowd are loving it and spurring him on. There was the chant “I believe, I believe, I believe he will win” and the Mailman delivered a great victory in the end. That was the match that put him over with the crowd and developed a connection with them which became Millmania, as he is relatable and accessible to the average punter . It was the court that he became familiar with and fitting he played his last match there.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46WZtT7ElAdD4DBQEqqTag7kgUX9EH0Ac9e2IDXvfRk9uZphbb-N5FRWjmSfHmJ8CSeQxL85UfBEwp308tegrc1ILWyHrubs3DIlToEIpTQzoysh68wy5kO0LuagN12TCBVJgcA/s620/Mllman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46WZtT7ElAdD4DBQEqqTag7kgUX9EH0Ac9e2IDXvfRk9uZphbb-N5FRWjmSfHmJ8CSeQxL85UfBEwp308tegrc1ILWyHrubs3DIlToEIpTQzoysh68wy5kO0LuagN12TCBVJgcA/w367-h180/Mllman.jpg" width="367" /></a></div> <b>The taste of victory</b><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was very happy that Millman managed to win an ATP title before retirement, especially after what happened in Budapest. On the clay Millman had made his first ATP final and potentially was going to play against Seppi in the final. This was averted by a certain Italian lucky loser Marco Cecchinato who ended up winning the title and beating Djokovic at Roland Garros.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily Millman was able to get another opportunity to win a final in Kazakhstan against Mannarino and was able to do so. If there was ever an individual to deserve an ATP title it was Millman.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6_91cCZq0Q" width="459" youtube-src-id="M6_91cCZq0Q"></iframe></div> <b>Millman winning the title</b><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In terms of ranking the Mailman delivering the feat of beating Roger Federer at the US Open would classify as his biggest win. I was at work unable to watch the match but following on the scoreboard. In the final set tiebreaker decided to take an unscheduled break and watch the buster with shit reception. I was waiting for the confirmation that he had actually won the match, such a great moment. Of course everyone in the local media wanted to know about John Millman and the parents got bombarded with media requests. Yes, the 15 minutes of fame thing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yKjedw8kt24" width="435" youtube-src-id="yKjedw8kt24"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I still hate the 5th set tiebreaker and Millman had 8-4 against Federer to win in Melbourne Park. It was the classic playing the situation and not point by point and sadly lost the match. Tennis is such a brual sport, there are some days you play well and lose, others you play like a donkey and win.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Closing Time</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Millman after he lost in qualies was working for the local commentary and also on a tennis podcast during the Open. Yes, he was outstanding in those roles and hope he comes back next year to do them. Doesn't talk too much during commentary and adding information at the right time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now the new chapter begins back in his beloved Brisbane. Hanging out with the friends, partner, pets, watching Liverpool FC and going down the academic route. You just know that he will do well in whatever direction life takes him. From the Burnie Challenger, the injuries, the comebacks and the other stuff it was an honour to follow his career.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not always about the titles and the money. There are only so few places at the top of the tennis tree. After some time to reflect, the question for the athlete is did they give themselves the best opportunity to maximise their abilities</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note the Mailman definitely delivered.</div><div><br /></div>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-29498652479361144952024-01-28T15:40:00.002+01:002024-01-28T15:40:42.708+01:00The Prince who became the King: Jannik Sinner welcome to the clubLong time readers of this rather idiosyncratic blog know that the great man Andreas Seppi is known as the King of South Tyrol and Sinner is the Prince. Now the coronation has been complete with Jannik Sinner winning the Australian Open and doing it from 2 sets to 0 down in first Slam final joining the likes of Gaston Gaudio to do it. The first Italian man to win a Slam since Adrian Panatta.<div><br /></div><div>It was not a question of if but when, in relation to Sinner winning major titles. Sinner has a great temperament and excellent work ethic always willing to build and add new things to his game. He was easily the best player in event, but that counts for nothing unless you get it done in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK60XQEXp13y7Hq58TXGk3z91jCzGR9bWtLCFIvAjjEb606f-1ew9jZT2bYbDVKRV6aqmk_NEs5sLXGb5ZicopXcymWmtJQE45y-IS015NSSMFZ-Y_RJuNxP5FR0_iiFSHeBw91vjjG2o7wmsAp-npLUUs1H-8b9Fsn34_SEOxI5fpYrZV5SOkdg/s700/Baby%20Jannik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK60XQEXp13y7Hq58TXGk3z91jCzGR9bWtLCFIvAjjEb606f-1ew9jZT2bYbDVKRV6aqmk_NEs5sLXGb5ZicopXcymWmtJQE45y-IS015NSSMFZ-Y_RJuNxP5FR0_iiFSHeBw91vjjG2o7wmsAp-npLUUs1H-8b9Fsn34_SEOxI5fpYrZV5SOkdg/w475-h320/Baby%20Jannik.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3ce-jMbcAAj1Ub?format=jpg&name=small" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="540" height="680" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3ce-jMbcAAj1Ub?format=jpg&name=small" width="540" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>You don't start building a house with the roof. The foundations are so important and the fact Sinner played football in addition to being an outstanding skier has helped his tennis so much. Leaving his home region to work with Ricardo Piatti in the development years, the original coach in South Tyrol to the current crew of Vagnozzi and Cahill.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sinner has brilliant balance, the core strength and the ability to hit huge off both sides makes it harder to get him on the defensive. As well as tinkering with the serve, he has added some more muscle and improved his defensive skills.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GIXkA8KwK0s" width="427" youtube-src-id="GIXkA8KwK0s"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The fact that Sinner beat Mr Australian Open Djokovic in the semis had many people thinking he would just waltz in the final just needing to turn up and defeat the quirky Danil Medvedev. The gangly Russian who did well to make the final after coming back from 2 sets down twice to win matches and another 5 setter with Hurkacz. Medvedev was on fire the first 2 sets being ultra aggressive serving well, returning from close to the baseline and not making errors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sinner did not panic, he started to improve his first serve percentage which helped him get more free points and gave him opportunities to step into the court and dominate with his groundstrokes. Medvedev could not keep that level up and Sinner breaking at 5-4 to take the 3rd set changed the momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was obvious the cumulative fatigue was catching up with Medvedev and naturally in pressure situations players tend to revert to type. The Russian became more defensive, though Sinner was hitting with more pace, penetration and depth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sinner's definitely got the South Tyrolean temperament where he is less volatile than say Fognini and other Italians. He was able to turn around the match and as he was so much fresher than Medvedev who was clearly gassed in the 4th set, but still got to be good enough to execute the plan. The thing that was impressive with Sinner besides coming back from 2 sets down was that he played the match instead of the situation. What I mean is "hey, I am in the 5th set and close to winning my first major title" that's the situation and he played point by point to deservedly win the title.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tje9iKOyIKE" width="469" youtube-src-id="Tje9iKOyIKE"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMV9IRXAzvo" width="448" youtube-src-id="MMV9IRXAzvo"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Personally I am very happy for Sinner as he is a good guy, as well as an outstanding player. He gave a shout out to his parents and it's obvious that he was raised by good people. Always respectful, humble, dry sense of humour and it's great that he didn't have those parents who are trying to live their dreams through their kid.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's fantastic to see Italian tennis on the rise. They have a lot of players, plenty of places to play tennis, very passionate and knowledgeable fans. Italian challenger events get excellent crowds as well as the major events. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazayMIo8r_JzMpUrudN5bvnCGPuuLO7VorNMElI_UzMv3aMJUAVyzCb4y4_bB55Oug4DJVYM51fMpFSObd2jkZWzuBd8Q2zqWPNqpmJ08BvNgh5CqZdyF13c8eohi2L-rCssx4rxiVK-biK0-UKK27tNiCb_6Q1t9-CY_fktOy7BnjtIL5H20KQ/s680/JannikS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="680" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazayMIo8r_JzMpUrudN5bvnCGPuuLO7VorNMElI_UzMv3aMJUAVyzCb4y4_bB55Oug4DJVYM51fMpFSObd2jkZWzuBd8Q2zqWPNqpmJ08BvNgh5CqZdyF13c8eohi2L-rCssx4rxiVK-biK0-UKK27tNiCb_6Q1t9-CY_fktOy7BnjtIL5H20KQ/w396-h222/JannikS.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO7ANl3GrTbhRLYxbKQcFXy5c05pEEbI0QPRbj1d_P1C3G9tFVJ_nnMVmv6OZSzbQuXT7ZxK9Vsc5my16gcrxxAfXjEpuT5M2EIKm1sKL2-8xMiJIRG9CLMXTCWRdwvi3g22hEgyH3ISZGTX6Q7CVtIi1V5oO0VKeO56kuFPT1fkH2zVIPIgLQA/s680/Jannik%20and%20Andy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO7ANl3GrTbhRLYxbKQcFXy5c05pEEbI0QPRbj1d_P1C3G9tFVJ_nnMVmv6OZSzbQuXT7ZxK9Vsc5my16gcrxxAfXjEpuT5M2EIKm1sKL2-8xMiJIRG9CLMXTCWRdwvi3g22hEgyH3ISZGTX6Q7CVtIi1V5oO0VKeO56kuFPT1fkH2zVIPIgLQA/w431-h320/Jannik%20and%20Andy.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div>The fact the great man Andreas Seppi from the tennis hotbed of South Tyrol had a very successful career definitely helped inspire Sinner in the early days. Now the transition from Crown Prince to King is now complete.</div>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-55051519094767966902024-01-22T12:42:00.001+01:002024-01-22T13:22:17.408+01:00The final round up, time to leave the circus<p>Yes, this is the end of my Australian Open reports as one most of my players are knocked out and two I have to impersonate an employee this week, as I can't live off my looks.</p><p>It has definitely been a different tournament, the on court action on the men's side for the most part has been excellent. There have been a lot of 5 set matches, the majority of them have been enjoyable and not a shit show, though the shit shows can be entertaining in their own way.</p><p>The organisers in their wisdom thought the Sunday start would be a great idea in the guise of reducing the late night finishes, yes maybe on Rod Laver but as to be expected this was not the case and there were plenty of late finishes. The fact there was 81 000 on the Sunday with a shit order of play will mean the organisers will do it again as it will bring in more money irrespective of the client experience.</p><p><b>The Good</b></p><p>The Carota Boys coming to Australia for those who don't know they are the Jannik "The Prince" Sinner cheer squad. Yes, Jannik was eating a carrot at a change of ends and then a group of Italian lads wear carrot suits and cheer him on. Too bad they had to go back to Italy, but they were cool cats and yes I'd like Sinner to win the event to end the Djokovic reign of terror.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0116%2Fr1278101_1296x518_5%2D2.jpg&w=920&h=368&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=origin&format=jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="800" height="319" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0116%2Fr1278101_1296x518_5%2D2.jpg&w=920&h=368&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=origin&format=jpg" width="666" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Djokovic embracing the heel role, when that heckler was giving it to him and asking him to say stuff to his face. The thing these jabronis don't understand is the more you needle Djokovic the more he likes it. Yes, he is one of the greatest ever to play the game and if you don't think that, then grow grass on a highway. Indifference or silence would annoy him more and when Mannarino more on him later finally got on the board, there was some sarcastic cheering from Djokovic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WiDf29OM9k8" width="614" youtube-src-id="WiDf29OM9k8"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>Adrian Mannarino what a guy, he's a different cat and dances to his own tune. I mean if you saw the guy just walking around you would not think he is a professional athlete. He could hardly win finals and now after 34 he has won more title. His secret is tequila, that and an unusual gamestyle which works against these forehand factory bots. Mannarino is one of those guys who have to watch live and see how impressive he actually is, moves the ball around very well absorbs pace and creates angles. The match against Shelton was definitely brains triumphing over brawn.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="304" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yT0ineebctU" width="478" youtube-src-id="yT0ineebctU"></iframe></div><br /><p>Cameron Norrie lost a very tough 5 setter against the very likeable Sascha Zverev. He has never got close before, but this tournament he has been a lot more aggressive and willing to take the game to the opponents. As he is one of the fittest men on tour, he was able to win by a war of attrition. That can only take you so far. </p><p>Last round win over Casper Ruud was an example of that. The Norwegian had a lot of chances, but he saved the break point by using his serve to open up the court especially on the backhand side. Once he was doing that and seeing the floating returns, he snuck into the net and put away a lot of volleys. Against Zverev, he used a lot of drop shots as the big German loves to be 3m behind the baseline hitting forehands. Zverev was just too good in the buster.</p><p><b>Other stuff</b></p><p>Jakub Menšík has a big future as long as he stays injury free. He and Zeppieri should finish the year inside the top 100.</p><p>Marinko Matosevic is doing an excellent job as a coach with Chris O'Connell and Jordan Thompson. Of course it helps being injury free, but they have finished the last few years inside the top 100. At the end of the day, the player has to look at themselves and ask have they maximised their ability. Too bad Thompson doesn't know the meaning of the word woke.</p><p>Yes, John Millman should have got a wildcard to the main draw instead of McCabe, but he has been doing an excellent job at commentary and yes there will be a tribute about him.</p><p>There are a lot more French fans these days and it's a good thing as they provide a fun atmosphere. Also there are so many Italian players these days as well.</p><p>Court 6 is the equivalent of the party hole in golf. Building a bar next to a tennis court, not the greatest idea. The reasoning behind it is, to get more fan involvement and other buzzwords. The thing with tennis being played in a quiet environment, especially at the elite level they rely a lot on sound coming off their racquet and opponents. The Russian player Pavlyuchenkova was getting meow chants from the gronks in the crowd. Many people are there to be seen and not give a crap about the tennis.</p><p>As you get older certain things change. I mean I am not interested in the same women at 18 as I am at 45. Progress is good, but like anything there are negatives as well as positives. The fact the event in many ways become uncomfortable for regular punters, taking a very long time to get into match courts, congestion and bigger is not always better.</p><p>But on a positive note it is always good to run into people I have not seen in a long time. Watching matches, shooting the shit, people watching and all that good stuff.</p><p>So thank you Andrew, Andre, Sean, Peta, Kristen, Lance, Owen, Tim and Lizia and running to Blaz Kavcic again.</p><p>Yes, I maybe grumpy at times, but I will be back again next year.</p>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-40450130833887540072024-01-18T17:16:00.000+01:002024-01-18T17:16:27.850+01:00A Day For All Seasons : Round 2Well today had a bit of everything. There was sun, wind, rain and a variation of this theme until mid afternoon, where there was more on and off that a teenage romance. That's the lot of a tennis player and have to adjust to these things. <br />
<br />
<b>Norrie vs. Zeppieri</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>These were difficult conditions all round. The young Italian started well with some excellent serving and using his forehand to take advantage of a sluggish start from Kiwi Norrie who has been struggling with some wrist issues. Two things about Norrie are one that he is ridiculously fit and two that he is a player you have to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zeppo was playing at a very high level for the first 2 sets and then the delays did impact the momentum of the Italian. He was not able to dominate as he had previously and Norrie got an early break in the 3rd set. Once he was able to do that, Zeppo was unable to find Norrie's backhand often enough to exploit that weaker side. Norrie, it depends on who you talk to is either a weaponless pusher, the solid tradesman who will do an excellent job or someone who has maximised his potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norrie was able to use his greater experience to turn the match around. He improved his serve with excellent placement to keep Zeppo off balance and frustrated with his own inability to dominate as before. The Kiwi Brit was just too solid and used his greater experience.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/tennis/2023/05/30/TELEMMGLPICT000337629373_16854535909550_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqFPFhL3U3M1c3Nuhj1mJa5xa306WnPHVE_UdBq2uCdwc.jpeg?imwidth=680" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="680" height="426" src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/tennis/2023/05/30/TELEMMGLPICT000337629373_16854535909550_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqFPFhL3U3M1c3Nuhj1mJa5xa306WnPHVE_UdBq2uCdwc.jpeg?imwidth=680" width="680" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Zeppieri had a good tournament qualifying and winning a match in main draw. He will learn a lot from this defeat and what it takes to make it as this level.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Davidovich Fokina vs. Borges</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was an awful performance from Foki. He was unhappy with his form in the last round thinking he was playing shit. Tennis is brutal sport, but at the same time you only have to be better on the day and it's not like ski jumping where you get style points for winning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Foki up an early break, then plays a dumb game to get broken back. In the first set TB he was leading as well but couldn't close out. Then after that Borges was solid, absolutely nothing spectacular but effective.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was difficult to see what was going on out there, Either there was complacency, grumpiness and it was a very flat performance. It's something that Foki needs to achieve the emotional balance, he's not someone who is going to be an Easter Island moai on court, but being a raving lunatic does not help here. Very disappointing result but he did not deserve any better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roundup</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The run of Hugo Grenier ended in a 4 set loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime. This was a never in doubt result but happy Grenier got a set and kept the crowd entertained. This match showed the difference between an elite ATP tour player and a challenger player. Let's hope the great man Stephane Robert can the best out of Grenier.</div><div><br /></div><div>As per previous blog Fernando Vicente's summary of Eubanks game was pretty funny and blunt. The scouting mission worked as Rublev was reading Eubanks serve easily and returning with a lot of interest. Rublo is no tennis Einstein but he played very well and Eubanks was in no danger of breaking any strings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://phantom-marca.unidadeditorial.es/57ae7c4d5b67d54d5cbdd75320f073ff/f/jpg/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2020/12/21/16085445548624.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://phantom-marca.unidadeditorial.es/57ae7c4d5b67d54d5cbdd75320f073ff/f/jpg/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2020/12/21/16085445548624.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My countryman Casper Ruud won a very tough match against Max Purcell in a 5th set tiebreaker. Purcell is a man who dances to his own tune and the tennis world really needs that. Yes, there's the curly mullet, the moustache, the junk and the serve volley game which makes a welcome change to the forehand factories that are producing tennis players. A match like that could do wonders for Ruud and for Purcell if the lessons are learned,<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/alias/player-gladiator-headshot/ph71" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="379" height="603" src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/alias/player-gladiator-headshot/ph71" width="379" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Too bad for the young lad Jakub Menšík who went down in a 5 setter to Hurkacz. I though the youngster would win, but a bit of extra experience and fitness got Hubi over the line. Next year he won't have to worry about qualies barring injuries.<div><br /></div><div>Around the grounds seen the greatest Tasmanian player of the modern times, Rossignol racquet user and afro Richard Fromberg. He is just doing the private coaching these days and yes if this blog was around during his days, there'd be a lot of Frommy propaganda.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/28b20851f85b7ec96bd379fef379d26b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/28b20851f85b7ec96bd379fef379d26b" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The great man and Dexter lookalike Blaž Kavčič was also spotted, he's coaching on the WTA tour these days. It's definitely a different world for sure.<div><br /></div><div>Today you'd have great value for money with the long matches. It's 3.15am and Bullshit Russian Medvedev and Emil Ruusuvori into a 5th set. Huge respect to the fans who have stayed there to the end.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-43924922136699736212024-01-15T17:32:00.001+01:002024-01-15T17:32:39.848+01:002024 Australian Open : The circus has come to town<p>Yes, it has been a while since I have done one of these, but thankfully there are a couple of people who wanted to read my nonsense related to the event and thank you for that.</p><p><br /></p><p>Before we get to the matches today, there are few things that I will point and address now. Two of my personal favourites as players and as people John Millman and Pablo Cuevas have retired, they will each get an individual write up after the tournament is over for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>The organisation have decided to start the event on a Sunday now. Of course it's a clear money grab, though there have been some interesting findings of the local government giving the organisation a massive loan that didn't need to repay. The reasoning behind it was to prevent late finishes and player welfare, sure you may prevent it on the main courts, though it won't change on the outside courts. The fact they had 87K on Sunday means it is here to say, but an absolute awful customer experience. There were way too many people for the matches provided and almost impossible to get into courts, including matches that would normally get their coaches and friends there.</p><p><br /></p><p>As evidenced on Day 1 with the great man Chris O'Connell defeating Cristian Garin in 5 sets with a great atmosphere and also Diego Galan beating Jason Kubler in 5 sets in 4 hours and 59 minutes. The Colombian fans are awesome, always provide a lively atmosphere and the Colombian players are so appreciative, especially the recently retired Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another addition next to Court 6 is a bar, not sure how this is going to work. Seems like they are trying to take from the party hole idea from LIV golf. Can imagine some drunk gronks annoying some players, this could be entertaining in its own way.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now onto the tennis for the day and there was definitely a lot of variety and drama.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Shelton vs. Bautista Agut</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This match was the classic contrast in styles. Shelton huge serve, creativity and a lot of energy vs. Bautista Agut who is the ultimate professional and plays to well rehearsed patterns. Both guys are in different parts of their careers, Shelton is in the early part of his career and RBA in the latter part after a difficult year with injuries and looking to restablish himself on tour.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bautista Agut is a guy who have play well to beat, but there comes a time in all players careers where they lose that little step. This impacts in so many ways, especially if they are not a player who is serve reliant. If they are not as fast, then they won't be able to get into position to maximise their groundstrokes, will lack depth and get punished by opponents. The jury is out whether he has reached that stage.</p><p><br /></p><p>Shelton started off a bit nervously, but the difference in this match was Shelton's serve. Bautista Agut had lots of break points and the conversion rate was poor, though this was due to Shelton saving break points through his own play more so than blown opportunities by RBA, Shelton loves the big stage and the tennis tour needs more characters.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Davidovich Fokina vs. Lestienne</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Foki does have a reasonable draw this time around and has to take advantage. He is on the cusp of a big result in a Slam, then again he could the guy who will provide the great moments but riddled with inconsistency. Then that's part of the charm, if I wanted to watch a robot then I'd watch Milos Raonic.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just outside the court where was a mouse that had been walked on. Not a huge fan of mice, but even this one needed to be put out of its misery.</p><p><br /></p><p>The result was never in doubt. It was humid today and Foki did have the trainer out early in the 2nd set to check his blood pressure. After the break, Foki was able to settle enough to win in 3 sets, though in his words he was playing shit. Some days you play shit and win, then vice versa. Only need to be good enough on the day.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbgk8sv8p33XhLlTSbqspeN5p3uSnGNwtrnGAVnzmwf3TivIB-mQnUFElI-oUA6nSEn0S6x5JLNMRaLbuEBA3NCCsa4tXj39ktrl0W8oE-d5TXIrv0axHWDYNfi6rEtDDLJRdEMnX3jlHaZjroWe1c90zyFTXoZFQhJ_LzvnJPP2HBZ3DAWUuyQ/s2210/Foki%20forehand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="2210" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbgk8sv8p33XhLlTSbqspeN5p3uSnGNwtrnGAVnzmwf3TivIB-mQnUFElI-oUA6nSEn0S6x5JLNMRaLbuEBA3NCCsa4tXj39ktrl0W8oE-d5TXIrv0axHWDYNfi6rEtDDLJRdEMnX3jlHaZjroWe1c90zyFTXoZFQhJ_LzvnJPP2HBZ3DAWUuyQ/w640-h552/Foki%20forehand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Foki Forehand</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai8ZrwSj1-iNMxQl_svAv-4IHVlrqeI2DNDHqVBRzG1VRF63h10XLiQH59UKHPAH6ScHksJr4FBCqZEezDb5fbdNWN-jJ7irsadJJjBbZQ1FJbbNfiDu-vc91UPw11XepRKCBfvFHPxlFuu8blnFPsk_i3GmJV0zhBPmR6r729lXCHlm3HfvhzA/s1910/Foki2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1910" data-original-width="1023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai8ZrwSj1-iNMxQl_svAv-4IHVlrqeI2DNDHqVBRzG1VRF63h10XLiQH59UKHPAH6ScHksJr4FBCqZEezDb5fbdNWN-jJ7irsadJJjBbZQ1FJbbNfiDu-vc91UPw11XepRKCBfvFHPxlFuu8blnFPsk_i3GmJV0zhBPmR6r729lXCHlm3HfvhzA/w342-h640/Foki2.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Daniel vs. Eubanks</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>The great man Taro Daniel who made the Auckland final last week and career high ranking against the very well spoken and big serving American Eubanks. This was another contrast of styles.</p><p><br /></p><p>Backing up from doing well the week before the Aus Open is never easy. The match up on this surface was not good for Daniel, especially as Eubanks was serving from tree, he did not lose his first point on serve until the 2nd set.</p><p><br /></p><p>Both guys were holding serve comfortably until Daniel lost the 10th game and the set 6-4. The warm conditions were helping Eubanks as he was hardly missing first serves and consistently in the 220km/h range. As he was holding so easily, he was able to more aggressive on Daniel's service games and after the American took the 1st set, the momentum express was not stopping.</p><p><br /></p><p>At one point the great man Fernando Vicente the coach of Andrey Rublev was there too look at the opponents. His commentary was hilarious about how Eubanks would never break as he doesn't use them a lot in the rallies. </p><p><br /></p><p>Daniel was under pressure the whole time and was unable to have long extended rallies as Eubanks was teeing off on the groundstrokes, yes including some backhand winners among the ones that bounced into the next twice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD5X3_Zoa-BxOjbFHJ_MUItc5f5avSFvL991Zyg-KSrW1aEybyGXlfST5ji_dqc600R4YNJm_RSqL1COhCYGbi-leicINI29jj701fc0Uw5oziEPSGvW-qbyhgpQ6vDZrzkbA3qYDS-LS7EWNBda7UeH6a9B2e6CJeOyBxKSmTu_9rpL-6ZSbew/s2068/Air%20Taro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="1435" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD5X3_Zoa-BxOjbFHJ_MUItc5f5avSFvL991Zyg-KSrW1aEybyGXlfST5ji_dqc600R4YNJm_RSqL1COhCYGbi-leicINI29jj701fc0Uw5oziEPSGvW-qbyhgpQ6vDZrzkbA3qYDS-LS7EWNBda7UeH6a9B2e6CJeOyBxKSmTu_9rpL-6ZSbew/w444-h640/Air%20Taro.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div>Daniel was getting visibly pissed off or frustrated depending on your take and unloaded on the coach for not giving him any energy and the like. In this case it's a question of a bad match up on this surface, with a huge server got to be able to block returns and create some variety to throw them off their rhythm, but Daniel doesn't have that in his game. Eubanks was just too good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Grenier vs. Muller</b></div><p><br /></p><p>Matches between countrymen always carry a different dynamic and this one was no different. Grenier now coached by the great man Stephane Robert who qualified for main draw. His former coach Lisnard is now coaching Muller, so that had the extra edge.</p><p><br /></p><p>It's really hard to do this match justice. Was it the highest quality, well I would not say that but it was damn entertaining and a clash of styles. Muller does not have weapons, just a very consistent player where Grenier has a decent serve and is willing to go for his shots.</p><p><br /></p><p>Muller was up a set and a break, then Grenier managed to steal the 2nd set. Muller's level did not vary too much, whereas Grenier who is up and down having some issues and goes down 2 sets to 1. Towards the end of the 4th set Grenier started cramping badly, could hardly walk and was on the pickle juice. </p><p><br /></p><p>Grenier serving big and just slapping the ball was able to break back and Muller did not know how to play in this situation. Muller had an early break in the 5th set, but Grenier still cramping and fighting hard was able to get it done in the final set tiebreaker. As much as I hate final set tiebreakers, the champions tie break is the least worse option.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Rest</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Tough day for Chilean fans both Jarry and Tabilo losing in 5 sets. Jarry with his massive serve losing from *5-3 up in the 5th was a surprise.</p><p><br /></p><p>Young Czech lad Jakub Mensik continues on his winning ways against the formerly overrated Canadian Denis Shapovalov. Mensik just gets it and for a young lad understands the game very well. He was impressive in qualies and it's not a surprise that he beat Shapo who is clearly underdone, but even then the best way to describe the Canadian is all sizzle and no steak.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://885f68c731.clvaw-cdnwnd.com/7d5639b3f4a3191c80f809478326af34/200000251-a4597a4598/image0_res.webp?ph=885f68c731" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://885f68c731.clvaw-cdnwnd.com/7d5639b3f4a3191c80f809478326af34/200000251-a4597a4598/image0_res.webp?ph=885f68c731" width="600" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Jakub Mensik</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Big shout out to the agent Corrado who manages both Foki and Struff. Foki was the second match of the day and at the Struff match which went past midnight. Struff defeated Hijikata in a champions tiebreak, he has not done well in Australia as of late. I think Casper Ruud is happy that Struff isn't in his section of the draw.</p><p><br /></p><p>On that note, the circus never stops.</p>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-31859787642337004482022-10-26T16:53:00.003+02:002022-10-26T16:56:54.546+02:00Andreas Seppi : Last drinks
The day has come when the King of South Tyrol, Kaltern’s finest, Seppio or otherwise known as Andreas Seppi exits the tennis circus. <br />
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It won’t be easy to write this, but got to embrace the challenges. We all have an expiration date and are replaceable. The machine keeps going, that is the same for sport and life. It’s funny when you arseclown gamblers telling players to retire, cause they lost a bet or aren’t as good as they were. Players know when it’s time to finish, plus if you watch closely enough you can see the signs. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgg5dbnmwRoXu1LFmD4isRBtv2JHuCdfAivtWCmWjJioNi7AaIESgiuAT_VuPDJcrTRAWAImXI50r1scE0eppO3j-DuEGxRIihyKN27mOGAl1Yfbo15R5LPg16SySTDOTC17_M2sjD5OT1ekXUbn1e07W3WfxxLUe3KgvUd5jhtAhj3laeA0/s720/Young%20Seppi.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgg5dbnmwRoXu1LFmD4isRBtv2JHuCdfAivtWCmWjJioNi7AaIESgiuAT_VuPDJcrTRAWAImXI50r1scE0eppO3j-DuEGxRIihyKN27mOGAl1Yfbo15R5LPg16SySTDOTC17_M2sjD5OT1ekXUbn1e07W3WfxxLUe3KgvUd5jhtAhj3laeA0/s320/Young%20Seppi.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>Young Andy</b>
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Seppi has been very durable only Feli Lopez and Verdasco had played at more consecutive Grand Slam events. This year when I watched him live in Melbourne, he looked a step slower which is natural in your late 30s though he still looks youthful. As tennis keeps evolving, being a step slower especially without a major weapons, not getting to the ball which means the weaker shots get hammered and more on the defensive. For sure there are still good days but the base level isn’t there. With the Kaltern’s finest getting more injuries and more difficulty playing, it makes sense for him to retire at this time. <br />
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As for the Italian federation they have treated Seppi’s career is an afterthought. Then with the farce in Napoli it’s good that he didn’t play there. The fact the federation refused Seppi a wildcard at Florence and Napoli as a way to say goodbye to the Italian fans is disgraceful. He was a top 20 player, played Davis Cup, the Olympics, was the Italian number 1 for a while and huge inspiration for fellow South Tyrolean the Prince Jannik Sinner. There are plenty of young Italian players who won’t struggle to get into events. <br />
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<b>King and the Prince</b><br />
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Sure it’s a Challenger but thankfully Seppi finished in Urtijëi which is the name of the town in the dominant local Ladin , St. Ulrich in Gröden or as it’s known on the ATP in Ortisei. Yes, for those who don’t know there are 3 languages in South Tyrol German, Italian and Ladin plus many speak English well. It’s fitting he is retiring in the province, it’s where he’s from, where he met his wife. The families will be there and friends as well, he deserves a good send off. <br />
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There are many reasons why people gravitate to certain players. Some it’s the visual, some it’s the game, the attitude, then there are absolute random reasons. As for Seppi, he’s from a region which is known for their winter sports and Reinhold Messner, it was unusual that Seppi took this path but a good thing. Super coach Jack Reader who was living in Italy at time was the first person Seppi hit with, then not long after he met Max Sartori who was his only coach during his career which is admirable. <br />
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Seppi was the epitome of professional, totally maximised his ability as a tennis player which is all you can ask. Well respected by his peers, even the controversial cats like Kyrgios appreciate him, as an excellent competitor, and not one with histrionics nor bending the rules. If I had a junior, I’d tell them to watch how Seppi competes and learn from that. <br />
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2012 was the golden year for Seppi where he won 2 titles and made 2 finals, sure it would have been great if he had won more titles or made a quarter final at a Slam where he had numerous 4th round exits, but we can’t have everything. Slams are not won because you are a good person. <br />
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<b>Staying Cool</b><br />
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Before his peak season Seppi’s improvement was a gradual process, as the game has become more physical and speed endurance is key the majority of players are having later breakthroughs. Seppi did not play that many Challengers earlier in the year, as his coach Max Sartori wanted him to play better players, so once the ranking was high enough he’d play qualifiers at the ATP that was they went. It definitely helped when it came to be competing and helped improvement as it should when playing a higher standard. <br />
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Seppi’s first final was in Gstaad and it came out of nowhere as he was in poor form before the tournament and ranked outside of the top 100. He won 2 3rd set tiebreakers to make main draw and managed to get through and was leading 5-3 in the 3rd set before losing 7-5. Only I could support players that lose a lead against Paul-Henri Mathieu haha. Seppi said, “Maybe I was too nervous as it was very unexpected. It was tough to lose 7-5 in the 3rd but it was a good week as I made it back to the top 100”. Then when he won Eastbourne in 2001 it was on a retirement while leading in the 3rd set against Tipsarevic. <br />
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<br />
<b>Best Wins</b><br />
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The two most memorable matches for King of South Tyrol were both against Swiss players for very different reasons. In 2012 the against Wawrinka in Rome, one thing that is known in the tennis world is that the Italian crowds are very passionate, like to get involved and if they like you then it’s a lot of warmth, if they don’t like you then they’ll get on your case ask Ivan Lendl and Steffi Graf. <br />
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<br />
Wawrinka was the higher ranked player but Seppi urged on by the Roman crowd who created a great atmosphere like it was Davis Cup, managed to save 6 match points and win the match. Seppi was a player who generally had to beat and wouldn’t just give you matches. The last set tiebreaker is on Youtube and definitely worth watching. <br />
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<br />
<b>Federer</b><br />
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Seppi had a poor record against Federer like many players. Tennis is about match ups and this one did not favour Seppi. However there was this glorious day in Melbourne where Seppi was the master. There are those rare days where everything just goes well. <br />
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From the man himself, “Of course it was the best win of my career for sure. I think beating him in a Grand Slam is very difficult you know. In the last 10 years he was always in the quarters and semis, so beating him was something special for sure.<br />
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<br />
I’d have to say this was a match where I was very calm and in the important moments I didn’t get very nervous. It’s hard to find that feeling again as I don’t know how it happened. I was feeling very calm and never had that feeling before on the court, so it was a strange situation and that’s how I could beat him”. <br />
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<br />
Yes, Seppi beat Nadal, Federer and took Djokovic to 5 sets at Roland Garros. Tennis is a bit like wrestling in the way that there are only limited spots at the top of the tree, though some would say wrestling is more believable. At the same time it takes all kinds of players and the sport needs variety especially in these times of uniformity. <br />
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<br />
Seppi was almost on the tour for 20 years, achieved a lot, maximised his potential, the ultimate professional, one that the Prince Jannik Sinner looked up to and hopefully Seppi will coach Sinner in the future. We are all replaceable and it’s important to know when to go. One great chapter has closed and the new one is beginning. Seppi can spend more time with his wife, 2 kids Liv and Hugo who will grow up in a multilingual environment and there are worse places to be than Boulder and Val Gardena. <br />
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<br />
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It has been a pleasure following your career, yes the wins and losses, but it was never about the results. Andreas Seppi wins at life, that’s all you need to know. <br />
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Danke King of South Tyrol
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-21055654225063223352022-09-24T14:27:00.000+02:002022-09-24T14:27:45.260+02:00Roger Federer : Time's Up
This is a rare entry these days, though to be fair Roger Federer is a very rare kind of individual. Finally Federer has retired from tennis, sure he has hardly played for the last few years to injury. Can understand people who believe that the end should have come at his hometown event in Basel where he was a ballboy and is also a big FC Basel fan. Then, who are people to begrudge Federer the manner of how he wanted to finish his career. The achievements and palatitudes from his peers, journalists and most others involved in tennis speak for themselves and there really isn't anything new to add in relation to this.<br />
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Time stands still for no person and Federer is no different. We as individuals are a product of our time, which leads to why GOAT debates are irrelevant pissing contests. These have an inevitability of my grandad is bigger than your grandad. Tennis has changed so much it's not funny, not just the equipment, the sports science is a lot better and the surface homogenisation which has impacted on the game to the point of devaluing certain achievements.
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There was a time when a career Grand Slam was rare. The grass was so fast and low bouncing, then the different hardcourts and the clay challenges. Federer in 2012 himself said "Anyway, every surface is very similar today, otherwise we couldn't have achieved all these things on all these different surfaces so quickly, like him and myself". He was referring to Nadal there and this definitely includes Djokovic as well. The biggest challenge these days is the movement, not having to adapt their games which leads back to the product of their time.
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<br />
One of the understated reasons for Federer's appeal was that he started as the talented prodigy in 1998 where he was playing a very attacking game, serve and volley, and being aggressive. At the time tennis on fast surfaces was almost unwatchable, just servefests and the authorities decided to slow down the faster surfaces and use a lighter ball on clay. It made tennis more predictable and took away a lot of the different adaptable skills required to the one size fits all approach.
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<br />
<b>Early Days</b><br />
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Federer was definitely a prodigy and you could see the ability there, but the question was whether he could harness it and the volatile temperament which would surface now and then as a pro. After the death of his first coach Peter Carter in a car accident, the next appointment was Swede Peter Lundgren which was perfect for Federer at that stage.
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<b>Federer and Peter Carter</b><br />
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Lundgren was a very talented player who enjoyed the nightlife in the playing days, but is an outstanding coach. He took the very gifted Marcelo Rios to the top 10, while Federer and Rios were amazing talents temperamentally they could not be any different. Lundgren allowed Federer to develop his game to the changing environment and did not restrain the creativity. It was like the cool older brother and definitely the right fit for Federer.
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<br />
The Marseille 2000 final was an all Swiss final with Geneva's finest Marc Rosset and Federer. Rogi after he lost the final was in tears. 'It wasn't a pleasant feeling', Rosset recognised. 'I was sad when I beat him in Marseille. I lifted my arms up on the sky after the win but then I looked on the other side of the net and I got heartbroken because I saw he was crying. <br />
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<b>Marc Rosset and Federer</b><br />
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It seemed like the end of the world for him. I tried to calm him down telling him that he would have played other finals, but at the same time I understood his reaction because it was his first ATP Final.' Asked if he expected Federer to win so much during his career, Rosset replied: 'Nope. Did I think Federer would be a fantastic player, definitely. Like Rosset, I did not expect him to win that much. <br />
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In 2003 it started to come together with his first Wimbledon title and the Masters at the end of the year. The new chapter began when Federer and Lundgren had split out of nowhere, there are some interesting theories around this. Lundgren had given him the tools to succeed and his job was done. Federer went coachless for a few years, many thought he wouldn't be able to succeed without a coach but that was blown out of the water with those dominant years. <br />
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<b>Federer and Peter Lundgren</b><br />
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<b>New Challenges</b>
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<br />
Nadal came along and was able to break down the Federer backhand with his huge and heavy forehand. This presented another challenge for Federer, then a skinny Serbian kid with a lot of ambition and very humourous Scottish lad with big hair. Was it the Big 4 or Fab 4, who knows? Two very important things they all offered different challenges to Federer who was forced to improve because of the other 3 and vice versa taking the game the next level.<br />
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Lucky tennis isn't ski jumping as Federer would have won the most style points and the aesthetics with the throwback to a bygone area of tennis was a definite appeal. Federer is one of those athletes who bought people into tennis, the casuals know the name and tickets to his matches were always the hottest around. <br />
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When I saw the young lad with the Samurai ponytail did I ever think he would be one of the greatest players ever, absolutely not. Is he the GOAT who knows and who cares. The fact it was a privilege to watch the uber talented young hothead with the aggressive game and his career evolution whose legacy will live on in the tennis world for multiple generations.
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Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-74429699413115906082022-04-15T19:47:00.001+02:002022-04-16T08:46:26.474+02:00Closing Time : Thank you Blaž Kavčič Today one of my favourite players Blaž Kavčič announced his retirement from tennis. This is was not a surprise as he has been struggling with different injuries over the last few years. As the game has advanced it was getting more difficult for Kavčič to come back and continue to be competitive at the level that he expects. Yes, you see many people online wishing for players to retire, especially when they lose a bet but the reality is the players themselves know when it’s time to pull the pin.
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This will not be an easy entry to write and I will do my best to do it justice. Full disclosure you could say I was the lead member of the Norwegian/Australian Kavčič Appreciation Society, then the niche following I have already known this. So, how did this come about? I had seen some results on the Challenger circuit and remember kids Challengers are fun to watch and follow, especially when you see someone come through and do well on the main tour.
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Slovenia is not known for its tennis players, sure it has fantastic skiers, ski jumpers, kayakers, basketball and other sports. Back in the day I’m talking around 2008 there were tennis livestreams but the quality wasn’t great. Yes, it’s good to watch tennis via electronic devices but it’s much better live as you get a different feel of the sport, the strokes, movement, patterns and the subtleties. The year was 2009 at the Aus Open qualies where I seen this Dexter lookalike beat Bozoljac easily and I took notice. Then in the next round he lost to the quirky German Florian Mayer after a tough first set, he had no clue as Mayer junked him around with the slices and the funk finishing it off with the donkey kick dropshot.
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<br /> <b>Australian Open</b><br />
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In that year there was the very prestigious Burnie Challenger in northwest Tasmania. Another great thing about the challenger circuit is the events are smaller, less spectators but they tend to be knowledgeable and also greater accessibility to the players. I was at the event and watched Kavčič beat Ebden, then after speaking with him for a bit I was sold.
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From there I was following his career seeing how far he could progress and always going to watch his matches at the Australian Open. 2010 he qualified for the AO and just finished the year inside the top 100 but missed direct entry to 2011 event where he ended up qualifying. The main draw had a couple of interesting moments. He played Kevin Anderson in the 1st round, the match is at 1 set all and one of the stranger things happened. Kavčič ripped his shoes and didn't have any extra, so he looks at Adrian Voinea his coach and says "give me the shoes". Voinea gives them to him and watches the rest of match in his socks. That’s something I have not seen before and not seen since. Kavčič led 2 sets to 1, then was down a double break in the 4th. Once he got used to the new shoes, he took it to a breaker and won in 4.
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<b>Voinea and Blaž</b> <br />
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The next match was against Youzhny who was in the top 10 at the time. The Colonel won the first 2 sets, then Kavčič comes to back the next 2 sets. When Kavčič was down he played aggressive when he was in front he went into his shell. Youzhny screaming “I can’t make a fucking ball cross court”. The turning point in this match was at 2-1* Kavčič serving. He was struggling very hard, mostly because Kavčič couldn’t make enough first serves and relying on his very weak 2nd delivery. The game went for over 10+ minutes. At Kavčič’s game point, there was a slow ball hit and Kavčič doesn’t play it because it’s out. I didn’t see it at the time, but saw it later and he was right. There was no overrule from Pascal Maria and Kavčič was going crazy at the lack of overrule. This impacted on him and the Colonel was able to break serve and the extra experience and class carried him to victory in this match. Pascal "the Peacock" Maria came up to me after the match and asked me if I knew where Voinea was. I said I didn't know at all, he wasn't happy at all with the spray Kavčič gave him at the end of the match and during the bad call. <br />
<br /> The most famous Kavčič match at the Aus Open was with James Duckworth. It was brutally hot about 40 degrees and Court 3 at the time did not have the greatest amount of shade. In the first round Kavčič beat Bellucci who was seeded in straight sets. These conditions were so hot, I remember at the change of sets dunking your head under cold water and you were dry in 10 minutes. Kavčič won in 5, and ended on a drip afterwards and I almost suffered some severe dehydration, needed 3 hours in the ice bath.
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<br /> <b>Changes</b><br />
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Not long after this Australian Open, this is where things started to change and the end result wasn’t the best. Voinea had been doing excellent work with Kavčič. You could see Voinea was trying to make him play more aggressively, sure there’d be a few losses in the process but this was what Kavčič needed. What was successful on the Challenger doesn’t work day in and day out on the main tour. This is a point that I will come back to.
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Kavčič was not the biggest natural talent but had incredible work ethic which was a strength and a weakness. Voinea knew straight away that Kavčič to stay in the top 100 and do well on the main tour he couldn’t just rely on defensive skills. At the same times you could see the plan working, but at others when struggling he would retreat to type. While Voinea wanted to do better quality work, Kavčič was insistent on doing high volume double gym sessions and double on court sessions, which were a detriment to improvements. Of course, as a player you got to work hard, but it has to be quality work. In addition to that Voinea didn’t want to go to all events and they ended their collaboration way too early.
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<b>Blaž and Blaž</b>
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Kavčič ended up with a new coach who happened to be the Davis Cup captain at the time. Sure, he had someone with him every week but there weren’t tangible improvements to the game. There were some good results, but it was the classic play lots of Challengers chasing the points for the ranking but not necessarily improving as a player. <br />
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What ended up happening was Kavčič was a top tier Challenger player but not quite good enough to prosper on the main tour. Kavčič finished with a 19-17 finals record in Challengers which shows how excellent he was at that tier. In his last year on tour, he made a Challenger final as a qualifier before losing to Rola in the final. In the early days he was at his best on clay, then towards the mid to later part of the career he was predominately playing the Asian hardcourt challenger events which to be fair were of a lower overall standard chasing the points. <br />
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When the taxi breaks down
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<b>Beginning of the end</b><br />
<br /> As was stated earlier Kavčič has an outstanding work ethic which compensated for the lack of natural ability, whereas his compatriot Žemlja was the opposite. There is an argument that Kavčič did overtrain, as he had a lot of injuries during his career. It was a mix of long term and short term issues with the knee, hand, toe. It was very difficult for Kavčič to build any momentum to have a sustained run in the rankings start getting some good results, get injured, recover, attempt to rebuild the game which requires matches, then that leads to the mental struggles and the cycle continues.
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<br /> The biggest disappointment for Kavčič would be that he wasn’t able to retire on his terms. It was due to the injuries, leading to the decline in form and ranking where the desire wasn’t there to make the comeback again. At the end of a players career it’s on them as to whether they maximised their potential. Thanks for the memories Blaž it was enjoyable to watch your career unfold, yes that includes the chokes and almost passing out from severe hydration. Now, enjoy the coaching gig and life after tennis.
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Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-74039830801663476852022-01-23T02:50:00.002+01:002022-01-23T02:50:08.652+01:00The Prince Who Will Become King<br /> Today is the last of my reports. Not sure I'm going to the tournament anymore and most of the fun stuff on the outside courts has finished.<br />
<br /> Saturday is the busiest day of the tournament in what I like to call "Bogan Saturday". As it was a very warm day, there was lots of alcohol consumed, the crowd was very loose as more liquid flowed . <br />
<br /> Tennis with a bunch of drunks is a very fluctuating experience, sometimes it can be fun and others not so fun. Yes, the siiu needs to get in the bin. Kidney punching is an acceptable punishment for this nonsense, of course Danil Medvedev trolled these gronks expertly. <br />
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<b>Bautista Agut vs. Fritz</b> <br />
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Definite contrast of baseline styles in this one. RBA who is very solid whereas Fritz is a lot more aggressive and now coached by the legend Michael Russell. With players coached by Mikey Russell, they will be well prepared.<br />
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Fritz just came out smoking in the first set. He was slapping forehand winners for fun as RBA was struggling to handle the bouncier conditions. Fritz hands out a bagel with a ration of 12 winners and 4 unforced errors, it's very unlikely to lose a set .<br />
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<br /> Bautista Agut is a tough competitor and is holding some long service games as Fritz is making a few more errors. RBA was able to get some better depth on his strokes, but still not at his best level where it is almost impossible to hit through. The match is levelled at 1 set all and the same pattern continues in the 3rd set, where both players aren't playing well at the same and struggling with serve. RBA takes the 3rd set, but still under his usual level.<br />
<br /> At 2 sets t 1 the match was still up in the air. There wasn't a feeling that RBA was going to run away in the 4th, as he was struggling on serve. Once he was missing serves, Fritz was all over it like a cheap suit and besides the huge forehands is hitting some solid backhands as well to open the court up. . <br />
<br /> Fritz is swinging freely, anything slightly short has been getting punished as he turns the match around in the 4th set which he takes. RBA is broken at the start of the 5th set and Fritz unlike in previous sets has been holiding comfortably. The match ends with a double fault from RBA. Fritz definitely deserved the win he had more winners than errors as RBA wasn't able to stem the tide.<br />
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<b>Daniel vs. Sinner</b> <br />
<br /> The Taro Daniel show continues on with him playing "The Prince" Jannik Sinner. This one is a much different challenge to previous. Sinner is a huge talent with a very professional and excellent attitude.<br />
<br /> Daniel started a bit nervously and lost his first service game. It took him a few games to settle into the match. Sinner was a bit up and down and started getting behind in early service games but managed to do enough to take the first. <br />
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<b>Jannik Sinner</b> <br />
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The Prince had a bit of a letdown as Daniel who improved his level using his beefed up serve to get free points and to open up the court moving Sinner around. Daniel was very solid from the baseline with the forehand dominating stretching Sinner who is making more errors under pressure. Daniel takes the 2nd set 6-1 to level at 1 set all <br />
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Even though Daniel took the second set, the feeling of the upset wasn't really apparent. Both guys are starting to play at around the same level. It's great watching tennis as you can see how well balanced Sinner is when he is moving and it's clear the skiing background helped a lot. Daniel still continuing to serve well and has not gone into his shell .<br />
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<b>Taro Daniel</b> <br />
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Daniel went down 0-40, managed to serve three quality serves to get it to deuce. Sinner was able to break in this service game taking the 3rd set. Once Sinner took a 2 sets to 1 lead, he stepped up with level being a bit more agressive and make the move. He was winning the extended rallies with forays to the net and takes the final set 6-1.<br />
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<br /> Sinner Winner was too good, he now plays de Minaur. Let's hope he continues in the event. As for Daniel, this was a great tournament for him to continue his excellent start to the year. Thankfully Daniel has been very good in relation to injury prevention and may that continue, he is making changes to his game which are necessary to improve. Based on what I've seen, there is a fantastic base for the year.<br />
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<b> Cilic vs. Rublev</b> <br />
<br /> Not going to do a full match report on the Cilic vs. Rublev game but what a performance from Marin Cilic. The first two sets he turned back the clock to his US Open title form. Cilic nailed it tactically, which isn't something you would always associate with.<br/>
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<br /> Rublev is the classic example of someone who hits tennis balls and is not a tennis player. He only has the one style, the classic see ball, hit ball and not much else. When it's not working, it tends to be hit it harder. Cilic was getting the first strike in, which was successful if not then he'd be chasing the shadow of the ball. <br />
<br /> Cilic stuck to the plan and while Rublev has a sneaky good first serve. The second serve still doesn't have much speed or spin, and Cilic teed off. The great man Fernando Vicente will need to add a few different dimensions. Sometimes take pace of the ball to set up for the big play. Cilic playing FAA next will be interesting. <br />
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<b>Observations</b> <br />
<br /> Now the Aus Open is over for me. I did enjoy my time, some of the results were shit but Taro Daniel making the 3rd round is a bonus. It was fun to watch tennis live, there are just so many little things you don't see on TV. In addition there are 2 cats who I want to give a shout out to Lance and Owen, these guys are hardcore fans, a love of the obscure and kept me on my toes. . <br />
<br /> Hopefully I can get some interviews done this year, but ambition doesn't always match reality. <br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-52807078801307665402022-01-21T00:36:00.003+01:002022-01-21T00:38:14.406+01:00Day 4 : Taro Daniel making history and Foki loses a heartbreaker<br /> Sorry for the lack of reports yesterday, it was a one match deal and will add the information to the odds and ends bit.<br />
<br /> It was a very warm day thankfully not too much humidity, a big contrast to the cool conditions on Tuesday. Then again Melbourne weather is as temperamental as a teenager. Now, on that note time to start reporting. <br />
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<b> Bautista Agut vs. Kohlschreiber</b> <br />
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This was a glorious beatdown, as Kohli is definitely in the deep south of his career. RBA didn't play that well in the 1st round, but this was better for sure and will need to in the next round against Fritz.<br />
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<b>Davidovich Fokina vs. Auger Aliassime</b> <br />
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This match had a lot of potential as both are shotmakers and apart from the result, it didn't disappoint. Foki and FAA ae well known to each other as they grew up in juniors. Foki won the Wimbledon juniors and FAA the US Open.<br />
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While both are shotmakers, they definitely do it differently. Auger Aliassime is very calm on the court except when he is playing finals where he seems to be very withdrawn. Foki on the other hand is a bit volatile and moody, there are some days when he is under pressure he brings the fight and others he'd be somewhere else.<br />
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Both settled fairly quickly in the warm conditions. Foki got an early break with a combination of good play and errors. Unfortunately at 4-3, he plays that one dumb service game which he's liable to do and FAA breaks back not through any great pla. The thing with Foki is very up and down, it's a question of when peaks and troughs happen. Both guys held serve to the first tiebraker, which is the equivalent of the penalty shootout. FAA was more solid and took it.<br />
<br /> The second set continues in a similar vein to the 1st. Both guys are hitting the ball well. FAA using his forehand to dictate and Foki working the angles and using the dropshot occasionally. They take care of their serves in the set and Foki had the peak during the buster to level at one set all. <br />
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<b>Foki forehand winner</b><br />
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<br /> Definitely wasn't expecting two tiebreakers nor what was to come. Usually in a best of 5 set matches there tends to be a slight dip in quality, a flat patch at some point which is understandable given the context. This was not the case here and we enter another tiebreaker. The unusual thing here is the quality of serving from FAA. Foki dropped an early point, and was unable to get it back after a miss hit from FAA landing on the corner of the baseline where Foki just misses the backhand.
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<br FAA takes a 2 set to 1 lead. As per first set Foki manages to get the break, but as we know in tennis it's not a break unless it has been held. FAA breaks back and it's back on serve. The forehand is still doing the damage, but it's the Karlovic like serving that has kept him in it. Yes, it's another tiebreaker which was very similar to the 3rd set buster which Foki dropped a point on serve. The match point Foki hits a fantastic backhand pass and FAA hits an outstanding low drop volley to take it. <br />
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<br /> After the match there was a great embrace at the net where it was played in the proper way. Both guys served over 65% first serve. The fact that FAA's serve held up under pressure which is what got him the win here. Foki had 2/9 break points where FAA had 2/5. Foki had his chances, but FAA peaked where it counted. <br />
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<b>Daniel vs. Sir Andy Murray</b> <br />
<br /> The Taro Daniel show continues on with him playing Murray. Daniel played Murray once before in Davis Cup and got chopped badly, but this is a different time.<br />
<br /> As anyone who has been following this blog knows there is some Taro Daniel appreciation and he has been playing very well this year. Murray after having the new hip and a huge week in Sydney, there were some questions about his physical state after a 5 set win in the first round. <br />
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This was a very different match for Daniel for two specific reasons. One he was not favourite and in essence was playing with the houses money. Two, while Murray maybe gassed he still has the experience and his style of game can throw people off.<br />
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<b>Taro Daniel taking it all in</b><br />
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Daniel had settled into the match quickly. Serving well against one of the best returners and used his heavy forehand to move Murray around to expose the physical limitations. Once, Daniel managed serve out the first set convincingly, he settled down and stuck to the plan and was rewarded with another straight sets win.<br />
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<br />For sure, I am delighted with the Taro Daniel result. Personally, you want to see good people having success, which is happening here. 2022 has been good so far. Qualified for the week 1 in Adelaide, defeated Musetti in 1st round without facing break point before losing a tough match to Tommy Paul. That has been built on here with 5 wins without dropping a set. Going to very tough in the next round against Jannik "The Prince" Sinner but whatever happens, the first time in a third round of a major is a fine achievement. <br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-48103123652309228492022-01-18T15:04:00.001+01:002022-01-18T15:04:34.238+01:00Day 2 : Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit<br /> Day 2 was much busier than yesterday in the amount of tennis and as the Loaf would say 2 out of 3 ain't bad.<br />
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Thankfully all of the matches were on the same side of the complex, though walking to the other side is a good cardio exercise.<br />
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<b>Bautista Agut vs. Travaglia</b> <br />
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On paper this match looked like it would be a routine straight setter. Then tennis isn't played on paper, if it was just rankings based then the lower ones wouldn't turn up.<br />
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Bautigol started slowly, making an unusual amount of unforced errors due to perhaps some nerves and Travaglia was successfully going for broke. He served for the first set and was broken. RBA played a solid tiebreaker and took the set.<br />
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<b>Bautista Agut</b><br />
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Bautigol settled into a bit of a groove and improved his level a bit, whereas Travaglia's dropped as the big shots weren't going in as previously, comfortably took the 2nd set.<br />
<br /> Based on the above, you'd have believed RBA was going to win it easily. Travaglia raised his level, hitting more winners and took his chances to take the 3rd set. He was unable to sustain that level and Bautigol was there to take advantage to win in 4. Not the best performance but got the W, which is all that counts. <br />
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<b> Sinner vs. Sousa</b> <br />
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Was watching this match while waiting for the other ones to start.<br />
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This was a perfect 1st round match for Sinner as he got to hit a lot of balls but the result was never really in doubt here. As for Sousa, I don't think he will get back in the top 100, but there were some good signs.. <br />
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<b>Daniel vs. Barrios Vera</b> <br />
<br /> This was a qualifer vs. qualifier match. Daniel was the most impressive player in qualies whereas Barrios got through for the first time in Melbourne <br />
<br /> The first set of this match was crucial. Both players weren't at their best. It's a big match for them and nerves played a part. Daniel was shanking a lot of forehands and Barrios was just getting the ball in for the most part, but hit some excellent volleys. <br />
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The turning point in this match was the 1st set tiebreaker. Barrios was up 5-1 and through a combination of passive play and more aggression from Daniel, the Japanese player was able to turn it around winning 7-5.<br />
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Once Daniel had won the breaker. He started serving better, hitting more freely which allowed him to hit more penetrating strokes to keep Barrios pinned behind the baseline. <br />
<br />Halfway through the 2nd set it was obvious that Barrios was gassed and there was little resistance in the last 2 sets, which Daniel took for the loss of 2 games. He plays Andy Murray in the next round, prepared to be junked around.<br />
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<b>Davidovich Fokina vs. Bolt</b> <br />
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This was a good draw for Foki as Bolt has been in very poor form. Even then Bolt will always get a wildcard as caudillo Lleyton Hewitt is a huge fan and what he says goes.<br />
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<b> Davidovich Fokina</b> <br />
<br />
The only people who were cheering for Foki were his two coaches, myself and a couple of other people. There really isn't too much to say about this match. Conditions were cool and windy. Foki did enough to keep the crowd quiet and didn't have too many emotional foibles. He should have won in straight sets and he did. He's excited about the next match with Auger Aliassime, whereas today was get the win and get out .<br />
<br />
<b>Seppi vs. Majchrzak</b> <br />
<br />
This sums up the match perfectly.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJHUbtR0yI8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
Not a good performance from the King of South Tyrol and this maybe the last time we see him in Australia. Hopefully this is not the case, but time is the one thing we can't cheat and every generation has its own disease, which needs to be regenerated. <br />
<br /> The cool conditions definitely didn't help Seppi at all, as he has a reasonably flat game the timing needs to be spot on. It was definitely off as there were errors flowing like Santa on speed at Christmas.<br />
<br /> In addition the young Pole was swinging very hard and the shots were going in. There were some audacious winners and even the mis hits were landing in good positions..<br />
<br /> In tennis just as in life, sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit.<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-87655379384244642712022-01-17T13:43:00.002+01:002022-01-17T13:43:34.113+01:00Main Draw Day 1: The Mailman delivers a win and Bublik brings the entertainment<br /> Today was the first day of the main draw and the crowds were not as large as previous year, then the beer virus will do that. Of course there were some drunk bogans around, but it wouldn't be an Aussie sporting event without them.<br />
<br />
Today there weren't as many matches on the card that interested me, but at this stage, there are always matches to watch. It's a question of interest and what courts aren't too full.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Martinez vs. Delbonis</b> <br />
<br />
Pedro Martinez who was previously coached by the great man Daniel Gimeno Traver who has now moved on to Bautista Agut. DGT did a great job with Martinez getting him to be more aggressive on the forehand, establishing himself in the top 100. Now, Gerry Granollers is working with him. Delbonis is predominately a clay courter, though he has had his moments on this surface.<br />
<br />
Martinez started slowly through nerves as he was expected to win this easily. Delbonis was serving well initially and using his forehand to open up the court, going up a break. Martinez breaks back and gets it to a tiebreaker.<br />
<br />
In the buster there was an incident where the ballkid collapsed on Martinez's set point. Both players stopped play, waiting with the ballkid to receive treatment before contnuing. Martinez takes the breaker 17-15.<br />
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<b>Pedro Martinez</b><br />
<br />
<br /> Martinez had a mental letdown, which Delbonis took advantage of and was able to take the 2nd set. During the set there was a medical timeout for Martinez, relating to a foot issue. <br />
<br /> The match is at one set all, yet there was never really a feeling that Martinez was in trouble. Delbonis was having footfaultitis, providing too many opportunities to Martinez which he took to take a 2 sets to 1 lead. <br /> <br /> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y0Stg9LtKaI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br /> In the 4th set Martinez was hitting some excellent groundstrokes, showing his superior hardcourt ability to take the match. He has a big chance against Garin in the next round.
<br />
<br />
<b> Bublik vs. Escobedo</b> <br />
<br />
When in doubt about to watch, there is never a bad time to watch the unpredictable Bublik.<br />
<br />
I got there during the 2nd set tiebreaker. Escobedo takes the 1st set. Bublik, he will never change, he had some great strokes and hilarious misses. He's difficult because of his unpredictabiity. <br />
<br />
Once Bublik levelled at 1 set all, that was vital for the match. The Russian was able to relax, start playing more consistently, hitting big serves, with the drop shots. Bublik did a great drop shot and lob combination, which is one of the best things in the sport. <br />
<br />
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<b>Bublik</b><br />
<br />
After taking a 2 sets 1 lead. Bublik steps it up and Escobedo can't live with the heat. One of the enjoyable things about Bublik besides not knowing what you will get is the running commentary he provided. Normally it's in Russian and English, but this time mostly English and joking with the fans after hitting a huge winner.<br />
<br />
Bublik closes out the match without too many issues. He's definitely one cat who doesn't like the heat, thankfully today was not too hot.
<br />
<br />
<b>Observations</b> <br />
<br /> The nice Lopez aka Marc Lopez Tarres is loving life as a father. He's joined the Rafa Nadal Academy as a coach, which is good for him as he has an extra mouth to feed, we all need job security in addition Nadal respects him as an individual. Glad he has landed on his feet. <br />
<br /> Roberto Bautista Agut was hitting with DGT today. Gimeno Traver hasn't played much, but he still hits a mean forehand. It's interesting watching them coach. <br />
<br /> Marinko Matosevic is back on tour, he is working with Chris O'Connell. It's a definite contrast of characters there. O'Connell is one of the best people on tour, will be interesting to see what Matosevic can offer. He has always danced to his own tune, he's a vegan, living in Bali. <br />
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<b>Matosevic</b><br />
<br />
<br /> Ending the report on a positive note the Mailman John Millman gets his first win of the year over Feliciano "Pretty Boy" Lopez in 4 sets. Millman struggled mentally with Covid last year and the harsh restrictions of entry into Australia until recently. The Aussies and the South Americans are the ones who are away from home the longest time, but the South Americans could get home. Millman hasn't had a break or a pre season, but he delivered a win which is good for the sport.<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-20833481813426080612022-01-15T14:14:00.003+01:002022-01-15T14:14:47.533+01:00Final Qualifying Round Musings<br />
Apologies for the lack of reports, a combination of feeling average and a lack of sleep. So, decided not to write rubbish, well even more than usual. Now onto the fun stuff.<br />
<br />
Final day of qualies where it's all on the line. The points and first round prizemoney covers the cost of the trip to Australia. It also helps with the finances that many players outside the top 100 struggle with as life on the Challenger tour is far fom glamorous.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tabilo vs. E.Ymer</b> <br />
<br />
Elias Ymer when he makes the final round of qualies normally makes the main draw. Tabilo qualified here for a couple of years ago, played one of the best 1st round matches against Galan in a festive atmosphere. Both guys had got through to this stage, while not playing that well.<br />
<br />
Conditions were a bit different than previous days. Even allowing for this, the scoreline was unexpected at best .<br />
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<b>Alejandro Tabilo</b><br />
<br />
Tabilo stepped up this level from the previous two matches. He doesn't have a massive serve but was moving it around to keep Ymer off balance when the rallies started.<br />
<br />
Once Tabilo got the early break, he wasn't missing from the baseline and Ymer was making errors. Ymer did not try anything different, no balls down the middle to prevent the angle or a high forehands. If you're getting smoked, then try something different, there are days it will help and others it wont. Tabilo way too good.<br />
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<b>Skatov vs. Elias</b> <br />
<br />
Came over to this match in the 2nd set. Skatov who was number 1 junior in the world and defeated Seppi for his first professional win. He has been training in Spain .<br />
<br />
Elias had a very tough second round match over Varillas with plenty of extended rallies in hot conditions. Skatov definitely looked fresher, he played a very intelligent match and the big points well. <br />
<br />
Skatov, you can tell he has been trained in the Spanish school. Mostly used a heavy kick serve to open the court up, using his forehand to push Elias behind the baseline where he was retreating and attacking the weaker backhand side. <br />
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<b>Skatov</b><br />
<br />
Unlike the Varillas match, the Elias backhand was being broken down and the slice wasn't as effective. Skatov was patient, going to the forehand at the right time to stretch Elias, then work him over. Deserved win for Skatov, as for his potential who knows. One thing I like the way he constructs points, there is a thought process there unlike some players who are "see ball, hit ball". <br />
<br />
<b>Daniel vs. Caruso</b> <br />
<br />
The man Taro Daniel who previously played 2 Italians without losing a set against Salvatore "Don't Call Me David" Caruso who had two long matches. <br />
<br />
This match had a court change and missed the first few games. Daniel was a bit nervous, not striking the ball or serving well. Caruso is doing what Caruso does, he manages to get the early break. <br />
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<b>Taro Daniel flying through to the main draw.<br />
</b>
<br />
It's never really a break serve unless the player holds their next game. Daniel took his break chance to level up the scores. Once he managed that, he started to settle down and play like he has in the previous two matches. Daniel starts serving better which allows him to use his forehand to work Caruso over . The momentum has changed and Daniel takes the first set. <br />
<br />
Caruso is starting the feel the cumulative fatigue from the previous matches. Daniel is playing aggressively working Caruso side to side. He is defending well when he needs to. Daniel finishes the job, qualifying for the main draw without losing a set. <br />
<br />
<b>Observations</b> <br />
<br />
During the 2nd round match of Elias Ymer and Martinez. In the final set tiebreaker where Elias up 7-0, younger brother Micke was celebrating the win. The physical trainer and myself told Micke, it's a champions tiebreaker here. Either he truly forgot or didn't know. <br />
<br />
Gombos what an effort to qualify for the main draw. He definitely dances to his own tune, he's erratic. Capable of world class play mixed in with some rubbish. His 2nd round match with Olivo went to a 3rd set tiebreaker. In this case it's was Gombos being more proactive that got him win, whereas Olivo was too defensive.<br/>
<br />
Matt Ebden was the last remaining Aussie in the qualies. He and Gombos had a very long match with a contrast of styles. Ebden, doesn't have huge power or spin in his game. He gets by with a bit of craft, using changes of pace and moving to the net. It's a different style that not many are used to playing on the tour these days. Gombos winning in 3 sets after being inspired by the Slovak fans whereas Ebden was irritated by them.<br />
<br /> Andrey Rublev really hates tennis balls from the way he smacks them. He and Carlos Alcaraz were having a contest to see who can hit the hardest. Coach Fernando Vicente hasn't given up smoking. <br />
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<b>Rublev and Vicente</b> <br />
<br /> The Lleyton Hewitt stranglehold on Aussie tennis is still as strong as ever. Maxi Purcell is going to either have to make the top 100 or just play so well he can't be ignored. Interesting that his favourite Alex Bolt got a WC and he turned up to his training session with King of South Tyrol. Not even I stuck around for that.<br />
<br /> Speaking of South Tyrol, watching the Prince hit with Auger-Aliassime was a pleasure. Sinner has a great attitude, knows when it's time to work and when to have fun. Sinner will be the Prince until Seppi retires, yes he could have won 4 majors and still be the prince. The next step for him is to go deeper in majors and have more wins against top 10 players.<br />
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<b>Sinner Winner</b><br />
<br />
In some bad news the great man Pablo Cuevas has withdrawn from the tournament due to catching Covid. He arrived on Wednesday, trained on Thursday and didn't train on Friday, then he released a video of him in quarantine. This time I don't expect 14 days of entertainment unlike last year. He looked and sounded awful.<br />
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<b>Pablo Cuevas</b> <br />
<br />
I was going to do a preview but couldn't be bothered. All I know is most of the matches I want to see are on Tuesday. For those who are going to the event, just a note on the mask policy. No mask if you are sitting down, but walking between the courts and indoors then you need to wear a mask. On that note time to get ready for Monday, yes there's a big dark cloud but it will pass eventually.<br />
<br />
To end on a positive the Kokk aka Thanasi Kokkinakis won his first ATP title in Adelaide. Winning your first ATP title would be a great moment, even more so when it's your hometown in front of friends and family. <br />
<br />
The Kokk has had so many injuries and setbacks, but he has showed resilience and knows which people were there during the dark times. Kokkinakis instead of relying solely on wildcards, decided to play a full season on the Challenger tour last year. <br />
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<b>The Kokk</b><br />
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Kokkinakis got stronger physically and was able to play a full season. It definitely helped the first two tournaments were in Adelaide. As for his ranking ceiling this will depend on his body. The tennis game was never in doubt, but the durability is. Let's hope no more injuries for the Kokk.<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-4908901004932448002022-01-11T14:55:00.000+01:002022-01-11T14:55:04.063+01:00Day 2: It's Taro Daniel Day<br />
Today was Taro Daniel day and the man did not disappoint, but more on that later. Thankfully the order of play was good enough for me to have a late start. There wasn't anything that needed me to be there at 10am, this plus I could wash my clothes because if I didn't, then they would start walking by themselves.
Enough of the jibber jabber and onto individuals hitting round balls over a net in between a set of lines.<br />
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<br />
<b>Giannesi vs. Heusler</b> <br />
<br />
This was an all leftie battle which aren't too commonplace and that has its own interest levels. The classic patterns they use especially on the ad side swinging the serve to the right handers backhand to open up the court, isn't as effective. On a sidenote the great man Pablo Cuevas is the only right hander to win a tournament defeating only left handers.<br />
<br />
There was not much between the two players. In fact they played a very similar gamestyle. Pretty much the standard Challenger level, lots of long rallies and moving the ball around moreso waiting for the opponent to make a mistake instead of being proactive. <br />
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<br />
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<b>Marc Andrea Heusler</b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately there was a controversial incident that had a negative influence on the match. There are automatic line calls at this event, whether this is right or wrong, it depends on your perspective. <br />
<br />
Heusler had a break, lost it and then Giannessi broke to serve for the match at 5-3. At 30 all, Giannessi serves a clear let that anyone with functioning hearing would have heard. For some reason the let cord machine doesn't go off and Giannessi wins the point. Heusler is naturally very urined off, he gives the umpire a serve and they are unable to overrule the machine. It's a common thing seeing kick serves clearly over the net, yet being called. Needless to say Huseler couldn't behind him and Giannessi closes the match out. Technology is great when it works..<br />
<br />
<b>Kamke vs. Gaio</b> <br />
<br />
Just a few years ago Tobias Kamke was part of the best matches at the Aus Open with Dolgopolov in 5 sets. He has an excellent game for faster surfaces whereas Gaio is much better on the clay.<br />
<br />
Kamke started off quickly with the double break as Gaio was unable to get into the match. Today, Kamke was stroking the ball with good timing and adjusted to the conditions better. There isn't really too much to say about this match. The better hardcourt player won the match. While Kamke played well, the highlight of the match was the presence of the great man Franky Moser. <br />
<br />
<b>Daniel vs. Arnaboldi</b> <br />
<br />
Daniel had a good week in Adelaide, qualifying for main draw defeating Musetti before losing to Tommy Paul. Arnaboldi is another Italian leftie , not that they play in a similar way but I am always reminded of Alessi "Too Good" di Mauro.<br />
<br />
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<b>Taro Daniel</b><br />
<br />
Court 15 is right in the back of the complex, which is a great thing. As today was warm, the court was a bit lively and this help Daniel on serve. He was serving well, hitting spots and not being under pressure at all.<br />
<br />
Daniel was able to put pressure on Arnaboldi's service games through his heavy forehand dominating and not making errors from the backhand side. Eventually Arnaboldi's serve was broken and continually on the defensive where he had a few good moments but in reality he got bullied around by Daniel .<br />
<br />
This was an excellent straight sets win by Daniel. He did everything well, yes including making some volleys. Definitely went for the serve more, got some pace and positioning, once he got the short replies was able to put the Italian on the run with the forehand. If he plays like that, Daniel will easily qualify for the main draw.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Random</b> <br />
<br />
Blaz Rola murdered his match against Caruso. He only converted 2/14 break points, had multiple match points in the 3rd but unable to convert through a mixture of passive play and well played points by Caruso. The final set advantage should be played, but the champions tiebreak is the least shit version. <br />
<br />
Shout out to Andres "Gringo" Schneiter he is an underrated coach for sure. He did excellent work with Christian Garin who hasn't improved since he left and Londero who has gone backwards after their collaboration ended. Gringo has no issue working with 2 players at the same time.<br />
<br />
Now, he is working with Federico Coria who reached his best ranking. Before, he could win at Challenget level, but once he stepped up to tour level he was a walking bye. For sure Coria is best on clay, through Gringo he managed to get him to be more aggressive where has improved their results.’<br />
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<b>Gringo Schneiter</b> <br />
<br />
Just as I leaving the grounds Matt Ebden was praxctising just after he finished his match. He was very unimpressed with the performance and he won. Ebden is definitely a different cat, makes things interesting. He's playing doubles with Max Purcell if they had a team name it would be the Pariahs, that or the not Lleyton Hewitts.<br />
<br />
On that note that's enough for Taro Daniel Day.”<br />
<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-30814570209710540872022-01-10T14:30:00.002+01:002022-01-11T02:26:47.880+01:00Day 1 Qualies : Here We Go Again<br />
Yes, it's that time of year when this quirky blog actually has some action. I thank the very niche audience who reads this stuff. For sure there was some tennis news relating to anti vaxxer, idiotic government and an organisation who are sketchy at best. My only comment on that subject is, once you get the money, you get the power and that helps.<br />
<br />
Ok, enough of the shit and onto the important matters. Today was the first day of the Aus Open qualifying event, which is my favourite day of the event. You get a mix of the hardcore fans who give a shit about the game, the professional gamblers, the wannabes, friends and support staff of the players. It's so peaceful and will be a huge contrast compared to next Monday, so got to enjoy when I can.<br />
<br />
<b>F. Cerundolo vs. Cachin</b> <br />
<br />
The all Argentine battle was played in good spirit. Cachin is your standard Challenger player, fights hard, no real huge weapons, makes you work hard to beat him and his level doesn't deviate too much.<br />
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The Cerundolos are known in the Argentine tennis community, sure they aren't ubiquitous like the Ingebritsens. Francisco is the elder brother who plays totally different from his higher ranked younger brother. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately today it was more of the bad side. He was easily the more talented and aggressive player with what he can do with the ball. Took a hard fought first set, but then lost his concentration making a lot of cheap errors to allow Cachin back in the match. Cachin took the 2nd set and maintained his level, unlike Cerundolo who was getting irriated with his own play going for big shots when he hadn't earned the right.<br />
<br />
Cachin was solid and played to his strengths and deserved the win today.<br />
<br />
<b>Varillas vs. Uchiyama</b> <br />
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This wasn't a bad match and on court 5 which was built around trees. It's good for fans but the court services are forever cleaning up the leaves.<br />
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<b>Juan Pablo Varillas</b><br />
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Varillas is the lone Peruvian player in the top 200. Peru needs a successor to the great Luis Horna, Varillas like Horna is coached by an Argentine Diego Junqueira who back in the day was very good at Challenger level but couldn't win on tour.<br />
<br />
Uchiyama was fighting hard as Varillas was using his heavy forehand to open the couer to dominate the match and stretch Uchiyama. It was a close match on the scoreboard but there was that feeling that Varillas was never losing this match. I do hope he can make the main draw.<br />
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<b>E.Ymer vs. Kovalik</b> <br />
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This was played in the new Kia Arena. This is not a bad court but definitely there was a lack of air today. Hope it's not a factor when the huge crowds arrive next week, then again I don't see the main courts very often.<br />
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The eldest of three Ymer brothers is a veteran of Grand Slam qualies. If he makes the final round, then he makes main draw. When I arrived at the match he was making a lot of errors on the forehand side. Kovalik wasn't doing too much but enough to have a break.<br />
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<b>Elias Ymer</b> <br />
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Ymer breaks back in the 1st set to level it up and starts to tighten up his game with less errors. After he takes the 1st set, then Ymer settles down and starts to play better. Kovalik is struggling with the low balls on the forehand side and is handing out the errors like Santa on LSD at Christmas time. Ymer keeps playing that side and Kovalik smashes his racquet.<br />
<br />
Ymer isn't the most dynamic player but you know that he will grind and he did that to Kovalik.<br />
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<b>Marchenko vs. Watanuki</b> <br />
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Tennis's favourite Youtuber Ilya Marchenko I hadn't seen him play live for years against the young Japanese.<br />
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<b>Marchenko</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
Marchenko lost the opening service game, well that will happen when you miss every first serve. Watanuki he isn't very tall but has an excellent serve which he used very well in this match, hitting high 190s consistently. Marchenko had a lot of break chances in the 1st set but Watanuki for the most part was able to play an excellent serve to get him out of trouble and take it. <br />
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In the second set Marchenko started serving better and had a bit more pop on the groundies. Watanuki was serving well and using the forehand to push Marchenko around. Games were going on serve and then Marchenko takes the 2nd set 6-4 after Watanuki double faulted.<br />
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Marchenko was not able to take the momentum from taking the 2nd. He served poorly and was looking gassed as Watanuki kept up his high level of play to run out an easy winner in the 3rd set. After the 3 setter Watanuki asked for some of the match balls as he didn't have enough practice.<br />
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<b>Comment Of The Day</b> <br />
<br />
Max Purcell wins the day with the best comment about not getting a wildcard into the Aus Open. Credit to Mark McGowan for this. <br />
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“I actually was told I’d know on Thursday,” Purcell explained. “[Then] I’m hearing whispers in the Australian locker room from Lleyton saying something to [Australia coach Jaymon Crabb].<br />
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“Then, at like 11pm, I messaged Wally [Masur, Tennis Australia performance director] saying, ‘Mate, I’ve got three hours to pull out of [the Sydney Tennis Classic], otherwise I’ll be stuck playing Sydney instead of quallies – what’s going on?’<br />
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<b>Hewitt vs. Purcell</b> <br />
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“He’s like, ‘Oh, no, Lleyton was supposed to tell you. I wasn’t supposed to tell you. I told him to tell you considering he was the one who didn’t want you to have it’.<br />
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“So, I didn’t end up finding out until 11pm Thursday, because I guess he didn’t have the balls to tell me in person.”<br />
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Tomorrow is Taro Daniel day.
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-6966596486516829382021-02-21T15:18:00.000+01:002021-02-21T15:18:26.580+01:00The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same<br />
The 2021 Australian Open has been completed and in a huge upset that Novak Djokovic won his ninth Australian Open title but this post won't be about Djokvic as there are other outlets and individuals who can cover his trial and tribulations better than myself.<br />
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As we are living through some strange times due to the pandemic this has impacted in all areas of life including professional sport. Australia has done an excellent job in damage limitation of the beer virus. This was due to the regional governments imposing tough restrictions, which were a bone of contention for many people. Successful suppression of the virus was necessary for the event to be held with spectators, where this had not been an option for previous events due to the virus being at higher levels.<br />
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Many of the players were not prepared for the strict quarantine measures that were required for the event to go ahead and more imporantly that there was not a community outbreak which is a lot more important than a tennis event. Some players made the best of the situation and others did not handle it all which impacted on their performance. Now, that they have gone through this, they should better equipped to deal with challenges.<br />
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<b>Pablo Cuevas Quarantine</b><br />
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As a fan it was a very different experience attending the Covid major. The complex was divided into three zones and the organisers didn't account for tennis fans who want to see everything and bought tickets to more than one zone, as there was no freedom of movement between the zones. People had to scan tickets out of one zone and then travel to another zone to scan in. It wasn't all shit as the numbers were less due to the event being held not in school holidays and limiting numbers made watching tennis a much more confortable experience. In the last few years the Australian Open has become almost unbearable to watch to excess crowds which tend to consist of gronks who go there to be seen and not give a shit about the tennis ruining the experience. Sure, most of the players I like tend not to do as well and that the ruins the experience in other ways.<br />
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<b>Tennis</b><br />
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<br />
Now the on court stuff, there was some good stuff. The progress of the Prince Jannik Sinner, sure he lost in 5 sets to Shapovalov but his body gave out on him and some questionable tactics on the second serve in the 5th set. He's a kid with a big game and a great attitude, which will stand him in good stead.<br />
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<b>Jannik Sinner</b><br />
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The challenge of playing in a home Slam can either lift players to above their regular levels or they can be burdened to the point where they can't play their best tennis. John Millman he wants so badly to do well in Melbourne, but his loss to Moutet was disappointed. Normally the Mailman gets pumped up by the crowd, but there was a lack of energy at his match and also the way he played was more not to lose, than to win. Tennis is not like football where you can play to protect a lead.<br />
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Pablo Cuevas and the Seppi match was very difficult to watch. Cuevas with the right draw can do well in the South American clay season, definitely showed some good signs. On the hardcourts, he just doesn't have the firepower to win consistently on the surface. Seppi did not play well, but managed to get some wins this week in Biella. There maybe some hope for another top 100 finish at the end of the year, but he's getting ready for the next phase and time does not wait.<br />
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The Gael Monfils breakdown after the loss to young Finn Ruusovori was tough to watch. Before the beer virus he was in good form, then after the return to the tour. He has been unable to win a match and the more he tries, the worse it gets. At his best Monfils is an entertainer and tennis needs characters in the sea of robots. As for how Monfils gets out of the funk. He has to remember why he started playing the game initially. I don't expect him to break Vincent Spadea's record of first round losses.<br />
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Aslan Karatsev the man from Ossetia who had been on a tear from last year dominating the Challenger tour. He qualified and ended up winning 5 matches in the main draw to join 4 other players to make the semi finals as a qualifier in a major. The Challenger tour is definitely worth following if you are a fan of the sport, it has a great mix of players. The young ones starting their career, guys who were highly ranked but have dropped down due to injury, loss of confidence and the seasoned battlers. Karatsev has had some issues in the past, but finally having his breakthrough at 27. Now the challenge for him will be to establish himself on the main tour.<br />
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Danil Medvedev made another major final but was unable to get the job done. The first set was tight and he really needed to win it, but the bulshit Russian got an early break in the 2nd, which was not confirmed. Djokovic decided to set up and Medvedev capitulated mentally. It's an experience he needs to learn from. The Big 3 have been dominating so long, there are flashes but the more things change, the more they stay the same.<br />
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Red card to the absolute shitheads booing the Vic government and the other gronks. Melbourne was lucky to have the event. Those in the crowd wouldn't be there if it wasn't for getting the beer virus under control. Let's be honest the government aren't even close to perfect, but got to pick your moments. Yes, lockdowns are shit but yes as anyone with functioning eyesight knows the alternative is worse
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<br /> This version of the Australian Open will be memorable for many reasons. There were fans, no fans, fans again, some good tennis and some rubbish. I don't think 2022 will be like this. On that note I'd like to give a shout out to Lance and Owen, you two cats love the sport, do it with humour and cynicism which always makes it a pleasure to see you at the event. Hope next year we are doing qualies in Melbourne. Andres it was great meeting you. The great men Seppi and Cuevas no matter the result and also super coach Stephane Robert who wins at life.
<br />Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-66818233980259064362021-02-10T15:43:00.003+01:002021-02-10T15:43:33.413+01:00Day 3: Save Pedro and Mannarino cutting like a surgeon Australian Open reports
Today was very hot and tomorrow will be worse. As for the tennis, some of it was hot and then there was the Kyrgios show which many people can not look away from whether they like or loathe him .<br />
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<b>Martinez vs. Ruusovori</b><br />
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Interesting fact about this match Martinez is coached by 2 guys, one of them the great man known as Daniel Gimeno Traver with the massive forehand. Gimeno Traver had defeated Ruusovori in 2019 at the Scheveningen Challenger.<br />
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Martinez started slowly and was unable to get into the match at all. Ruusovori was solid, but not really having to do much at all as Martinez was making errors and hitting a lot of short balls. The young Finn takes the set 6-1 .<br />
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In the 2nd set Martinez is holding serve but not without difficulty, At 3-3 *0-40 on Martinez's service game was the turning point of the match. After a huge hold like this, it is very common for the player who came through the tough situation is able to break serve in the next game. Martinez is freed up from some nerves and is able to break serve and serves out the set to take it 6-3.<br />
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There was a bizarre incident which is something I have not seen before. Rafael Nadal was training on the next court and there is someone from the tournament setting up in a spot next to us to film a video camera and microphones. My friends and I are looking at each other and thinking what is this nonsense, there's a match going on. Martinez hears them talking loudly and glares, then has enough and told them to be quiet. Finally they get the message and move.<br />
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After taking the 2nd set Martinez is now hitting the bal with much greater depth, defending when he needs to and taking advantage of the short balls. Ruusovori is unable to make much of an impression and is feeling the heat. Martinez strolls to a 2 sets to 1 lead .<br />
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Martinez starts the 4th set in the same manner and runs out to a 4-1 lead with a double break and this is where the next twists begin. Martinez got a bit passive forgetting what got him to the lead and manages to lose the double break. Ruusovori is making less errors but not really going for it, whereas Martinez was playing the situation and not the score.<br />
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Ruusovori at 5-5 plays a game of errors which gave Martinez a chance to serve for the match which he fails to achieve. The 4th set tiebreaker was more a question of who is able to manage a combination of fatigure and pressure. Martinez took the long way home but got it done in 4.<br />
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<b>Lajovic vs. Bublik</b><br />
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Bublik is always entertaining, you will get a running commentary in Russian and English whereas Lajovic is all business and do everything not to hit a backhand.<br />
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It's an interesting clash of styles Bublik is all power and drop shots and Lajovic is working the angles with his forehand waiting for the short balls. One of Bublik's comments was why won't Lajovic serve a double fault on Bublik's break chances.<br />
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Bublik had his chances in the 2nd set but Lajovic saves them and Bublik plays his one dumb service game a set, which Lajovic took and leads 2 sets to 0.<br />
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Bublik is still continuing with the monoloigue and I believed that he was going to tank the set. Thankfully Bublik hung around and with a mix of big groundies and deft volleys while taking the 3rd set. The Russian's attitude has not changed and played a dumb game with errors and Lajovic broke taking the match. Bublik's response well I am leaving with 150K.<br />
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<b>Mannarino vs. Kecmanovic</b><br />
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This match intrigued me and was wondering why Kecmanovic was the favourite. First thing I noticed about the strong Serbian player is that he is not a great mover this was from last year against Seppi. It didn't change my mind at all here. Kecmanovic is excellent when he is set, but not good on the move.<br />
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Mannarino he looks so sleepy and you think what does this guy have to keep winning matches. He's one of those players who is more interesting to watch in person. The crafty French left hander was moving the ball around getting Kecmanovic on the stretch to expose the average movement. Mannarino took the first set easily.<br />
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<br />
The match continues on the same path. Mannarino using angles and then going down the line to wrong foot Kecmanovic. In reality this was a dissection of Kecmanovic, a bit like the star junior who plays the wily club veteran who knows where to put the ball in spots that the upstart can't handle and they implode. To be fair Kecmanovic wasn't screaming but he got his pants pulled down..<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-90426274502796968372021-02-09T16:01:00.003+01:002021-02-10T14:37:03.031+01:00Day 2 Australian Open Cuevas wins the match but Seppi wins at life<p>Yes, it's the Australian Open the corona virus edition. There have been quite a few strange happenings, but it fits the times we are living in.</p><p><br /></p><p>No qualies in Melbourne which is my favourite part of the event. There are 3 zones and it's very inconvenient if you want to go from one zone to the other. Security has been very strict when it comes to standing up at matches on the outside courts. The one positive is that there are less people around which is a good thing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here are the Day 1 reports, as it was an awful day for a few reasons and they were done as a microblog. Read below if interested.</p><p><b><span style="color: white;">Day 1 Australian Reports</span></b></p><p>Now onto business at hand, the reports from the outside courts as that's where the best action happens in the early part of the tournament.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>M Ymer vs. Hurkacz</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>This was an interesting match for a number of reasons. For those who aren't aware there are 3 Ymer brothers. The eldest Elias who lost to Diego Schwartzman in 4 sets yesterday and the youngest Rafael.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p>Micke Ymer is the highest ranked Swede, yes there are black people in Sweden. He was a good junior, but has taken his time to transition to the seniors. It's a combination of a game which was great in juniors but not good enough in seniors and not rushing the development. For Ymer to get the most out of his abilities he needs to be more aggressive.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hurk, it's hard to say what his caper was today. Maybe he doesn't like the heat, has a decent serve but was not really hitting the ball. It wasn't ballbashing, but it wasn't Gilles Simon passive. Hurk has been playing well this season and took the first set fairly comfortably.</p><p><br /></p><p>With Elias giving support, younger brother Micke starts hitting ball with better depth making it difficult for Hurk to attack or come to the net. As Micke became more aggressive in the match, he created opportunities which he took to take the 2nd set. Micke was definitely into the match, yes he was defending well and he loves it. Hurk took the 3rd, but Ymer full of self belief hangs around and manages to change the momentum by being more aggressive than usual.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUG_VF4DRi84TVYUiP-o2qsF-Pi_K59kGCeDsfBraL02rmoUjulfeGwDos_W-tHuYqme-FuCYSnKD4hhlG_ltPefUDKGEHXQGXaTLv8_jKMwokBBYHSzSQUpy7aLbC9NhTWv3rA/s2048/Micke+in+the+air.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="2048" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUG_VF4DRi84TVYUiP-o2qsF-Pi_K59kGCeDsfBraL02rmoUjulfeGwDos_W-tHuYqme-FuCYSnKD4hhlG_ltPefUDKGEHXQGXaTLv8_jKMwokBBYHSzSQUpy7aLbC9NhTWv3rA/w320-h270/Micke+in+the+air.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div> </div><div> </div>
Ymer takes the 4th set and breaks in the 5th to get an excellent win over an in form player. Mikael has to be more aggressive, the passive 10m behind the baseline stuff needs to go. It's the classic trust the process and now plays boom youngster Alcaraz for a place in the 3rd round.
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Cuevas vs. Seppi</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This match between two of my favourite players. Who did I cheer for? You just clap for both players when they hit good shots and hope for an entertaining match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seppi started very slowly and was down a double break. This was due mainly to Seppi's errors on both sides. Cuevas was having some issues with the kick serve on the ad side, but was able to resolve it and Seppi was having a lot of issues handling it which lead to a lot of errors.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbjJadjRIbgSyrFJOjo_k9Dt0JNXY_6jnMlXpI1q4LjVjDajlLczvBazGr00UUpxQgtSk4aoE6P6ujTJ9HdkL7cqOLr9Mb3hXZDBDPRk1PfgvK1suTlqHa0qrmt3HQHkPDG4Ew/s2048/Cuevas4.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbjJadjRIbgSyrFJOjo_k9Dt0JNXY_6jnMlXpI1q4LjVjDajlLczvBazGr00UUpxQgtSk4aoE6P6ujTJ9HdkL7cqOLr9Mb3hXZDBDPRk1PfgvK1suTlqHa0qrmt3HQHkPDG4Ew/s320/Cuevas4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cuevas gives back one of the breaks but was able to take it 6-4. The level wasn't great and continued in the 2nd set. Seppi was making less errors and serving better. Cuevas was playing at the same standard and this lead to a closeness in the scores. On cue when Cuevas served to stay in the set, he managed to be broken and Seppi gets to 1 set all.
There was still a strange mood around the match Cuevas got an early break and Seppi digs in and the first 4 games of the 3rd set are the best ones of match where both players are at a reasonable level. Seppi had some chances to get back on serve but was an unable to do so. Cuevas using his excellent kicker to open up the court and control the rallies, not making many errors takes the 3rd set 6-2.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>With Cuevas up 2 sets to 1, still thought this had the potential to be a 5 setter but the theme of the 3rd set continues. Seppi was unable to put enough pressure on Cuevas services game due to the unforced errors from both sides. Cuevas wins the match in 4 and the last set was more about Seppi's level than Cuevas being brilliant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cuevas will play and has played better matches where he will lose and that's the joy of tennis you only need to be better on the day. As for Seppi, he is in the southern part of his career and he loves playing in Australia, but there were signs that he isn't enjoying the game at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its difficult to watch, we all lose a step in speed. Seppi is one of the most professional players out there and a great competitor. Today and last week, it seemed something was off mentally, as for physically who knows. He is a new father and enjoying his life off court in Colorado and understandably the priorties have shifted. Going to be an interesting year for both players, but for different reasons.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Troicki Blows It</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It's almost time to stick the fork in Viktor Troicki, though being named Serbian Davis Cup captain is an indication of his future career. In his match against Michael Mmoh was up in the 4th set serving for it. He was up 4-0 in the 5th set and manages to lose from this position.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know it's Slam time when there is a 5 setter with Troicki on the outside courts, It's as natural as breathing but this time he couldn't get it done and Mmoh was delighted. One thing about Mmoh he is one player who never skipped chest or biceps day at the gym.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Norrie vs. Evans</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a very enjoyable match and not just the result either. I'd only seen the 4th set and standing next to me was Jan De Witt one of the better coaches out there on the ATP. He isn't working with anyone but it was fantastic to get a bit of insight . He said "Yes, I'm watching for fun, but the inner coach never really sleeps".</div><div><br /></div><div>Norrie and Evans know each other so well, they have trained together and played Davis Cup. Evans has a crafty game and his patterns happen to suit Norrie's game. Evans has the game but is generally not the most pleasant, whereas Norrie has a bit of a Guido Pella like backhand and a bit unorthodox, great competitor and a solid citizen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Evans won the title last week and Norrie tactically played it very well not giving Evans rhythm. He'd hit maybe 2 to the forehand, then backhand the line to open the court up and breaking down Evans backhand in the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>UKIP Evans served for the 4th set. Norrie was grinding and believed in the process as Evans was getting tight which can happen. Evo serves a double for Norrie to get the break back, at this time Evans is starting to get tired after the effects of last week. Norrie serves it out and deserved the victory.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<b>Highlight of the day</b>
<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ZgCsOSThMPc" frameborder="0"></iframe>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-28445949137410465042021-01-29T12:35:00.002+01:002021-01-29T12:35:58.699+01:00Retro Review - The Chilean Edition<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On the suggestion
of my great friend Sammy he suggested to do a retro review of some of the best
matches from the outside courts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As any
sage tennis fan knows in the first four days that all the best action happens
on the outside courts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s be honest
top guys on the centre court beating up their opponents is not fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As I have
been going to the tennis longer than Jannik “The Prince” Sinner has been alive,
so there is a lot of material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure,
how this will go, but it should be fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Massu
vs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What a contrast
in styles,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yes they both play from the
baseline but in such different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Massu with bristling energy,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>loud
grunting, intense and hitting off forehands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simon looks asleep, moves the ball around well and counterpunches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Massu is
the more experienced player whereas Simon in week 1 had won the Noumea
Challenger and qualified for the main draw. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Frenchman played a lot of matches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowd was mostly Chilean but with a few
Frenchies which gave it a fun atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0h0n_GyqTaUYIw6OfCL7NJHd_HbhGF1-ttpkimgY8GYoryOXnx56rxQBPpgTCkY_gRuIPWnLz4L9Gs17EOu4elXeUHopjUFwsgJejjkys9TyuZQrLoV7wt4DbRPxyYf5DwMUw/s623/Simon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0h0n_GyqTaUYIw6OfCL7NJHd_HbhGF1-ttpkimgY8GYoryOXnx56rxQBPpgTCkY_gRuIPWnLz4L9Gs17EOu4elXeUHopjUFwsgJejjkys9TyuZQrLoV7wt4DbRPxyYf5DwMUw/s320/Simon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They
split the first 4 sets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">the 5th set Massu was up 3-1
with a break and I expected him to win due to his experience and multiple
opportunities to break. Simon's body was going down and Massu looked like he
could run for ages, it was Simon that was able to win this match, his
anticipation was excellent and he played a very smart match with good touch at
the net and wrongfooting shots.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Massu was just seething inside and out, he knew it was a huge match and he
managed to blow it. Simon couldn't walk after the match due to cramps and had
to be helped back to the locker room by two people and his court was one of the
furthest ones away from it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Bogomolov Jr vs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gonzalez</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This was a highly entertaining and humorous as well for a lot of reasons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feña was having some problems with his body
and even served underarm at one stage, he was hitting a lot of dropshots attempting
to conserve energy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpEqUwlh0MmdTFufQpe-fcraTsk-RLo2L1ujRvDDLmnwBGYrOTMf4twogWiJIqDnL1ETuOBYjQEeU-UjfVdutbc6-tHnGojB1qAfrlfclUTbL4SRfgYaJc0LJhkw2cRSveFmJEA/s1024/Bogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1024" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpEqUwlh0MmdTFufQpe-fcraTsk-RLo2L1ujRvDDLmnwBGYrOTMf4twogWiJIqDnL1ETuOBYjQEeU-UjfVdutbc6-tHnGojB1qAfrlfclUTbL4SRfgYaJc0LJhkw2cRSveFmJEA/w467-h244/Bogo.jpg" width="467" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Bogomolov was fighting very hard and the Chileans made plenty of noise with
their “Viva Chile” chants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chilean
fans were giving Bogo a lot of stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of them were unaware that Bogomolov speaks Spanish as he spent
formative years in Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They split sets and in the 5th set, Bogo after winning a huge point gave it
the big "come on" and Feña gave him a big glare. The crowd loved it
for sure and were getting into it. At the change of ends, Gonzo went over and
had words with Bogo/ Pascal Maria had to get down from the chair to separate
them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gonzo got tight, missed a forehand wide and Bogo won the match. A dejected
Feña walked off, waved to his fans and there was a standing ovation. After the
match Alex throws his shirt in the crowd and towels. He went to the throw one
in the Chilean direction and then he baulked and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trolling masterclass.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"><b>del Potro vs. Gonzalez</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">After Gonzo got past a difficult 1st rounder against Korolev, the next
match wasn't going to be easier against the talented del Potro and this was
proven to be the case.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">The Chileans were on one side of the court with their red shirts and their
"Viva Chile" chants and on the other side of the court were the
Argentines. It was only Sammy, myself, an Argentine friend Rodrigo and his
feisty Bulgarian girlfriend initially, but after Nalle had finished with
Lapentti they were over in force. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">It was the first time I have seen del Potro in the flesh as well, which is
always different from TV. He seems to have a good future in the game if he can
look after his body and he is still growing, so management will be the key. The
thing I like most about him is his temperament, which is something to always
look out for.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">The match itself was very close. The
first set could have gone either way as there was a break between them and it
went to a TB. Gonzo wasn't as patient as he has been in the past and del Potro
was serving well and had his chances to take the first set but Gonzo is too
solid in the breaker.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">Delpo then forgets about that set and focuses on the next one and is
hitting good length on his shots. He was serving well frustrating Gonzo who is
getting pissed off with the Argentine fans and Juan seems to be handling the
Chilean fans a lot better. With some steady play mixed in with attacking at the
right moments del Potro takes the 2nd set 6-4.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">del Potro rides the wave and continues giving it to Gonzo, who is either hitting
winners or making errors and this pattern continues into the 3rd set and fired
up by his fans he takes the 3rd set as well.
It was a fun football atmosphere with the Chilean fans making jokes
about the Malvinas and Argentines responding with their own chants.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Md2-aKOZLQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">Even though he is leading 2 sets to 1, the feeling around is if somehow
Gonzo gets the 4th set, then he will win the 5th and this was eventuated. Gonzo
tightens up his play and the youngster is getting tired. Gonzo fights hard to
get the 4th. At the start of the 5th del Potro starts to serve slower and the
big Chilean takes advantage of this and his greater experience was the key here
in that he found a way to win, not playing well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">del Potro had cramps or a side strain, but he was brave and has something
to build on with this performance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This is end
of retro review part 1 and there will be more to come.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-30459483784188284572021-01-21T11:31:00.004+01:002022-04-15T15:10:18.111+02:00Good Times Bad Times an Interview with Taro DanielHello readers, yes, it has been a while and we are living in very strange times.
<br />
<br />
Today I completed an extensive interview with the cosmopolitan Japanese player
Taro Daniel who has an American father and Japanese mother born in New York
City, moved to Japan and then Spain. Taro was very generous with his time for
which I am thankful for as he spoke eloquently about many different subjects.
<br />
<br />
<b
>2020 was a strange year and 2021 has continued on the same path. You had to
play Australian Open qualies in Doha and now have a 14 day quarantine. How has
the experience been for you so far?</b
>
<br />
<br />
It’s been very interesting to go through a time like this. Good or bad times are
changing and we have to accept certain things and let it be unless it is under
your control. <br />
<br />
<b>How have you managed your time in quarantine?</b> <br />
<br />
My time in quarantine has been going well for now. I've been keeping busy with
training and talking to a lot of people. <br />
<br />
<b>How old were you when you started playing tennis?</b> <br />
<br />
I was 7 in Saitama Japan. <br />
<br />
<b
>Did you play another sports? If so, when did you decide to focus on tennis?
</b> <br />
<br />
I only played a little bit of soccer in kindergarten but nothing else really. I
wish I had played more other sports when I was younger. <br />
<br />
<b
>Do you thinking playing different sports as a kid before focusing on tennis
would have helped your career?
</b> <br />
<br />
Yes, for sure. Most top players played something when they were kids. <br />
<br />
<b
>How old were you when you moved to Spain and how was the culture shock
arriving from Japan?</b
> <br />
<br />
I was 13 and I struggled in the beginning because people in Europe were not very
friendly at first sight 15 years ago. They become great friends once you get to
know them and that was a difficult part in the beginning. <br />
<br />
<b
>How long did it take you to learn Spanish and feel comfortable using the
language?</b
> <br />
<br />
It took me about 4,5 months and once I was at conversational level, it went very
quick. <br />
<br />
<b
>How beneficial was it for your tennis career and development as a person by
moving to Spain?</b
> <br />
<br />
Even though I struggled in the beginning, it was definitely the most enriching
experience of my life. I was able to experience the Spanish culture and learn
tennis from many quality coaches. Being able to speak Spanish is a very big
bonus as well for being on the tour. <br />
<br />
<b
>There are many Futures events in Spain how advantageouswas it for you to have
access to so many tournaments?</b
> <br />
<br />
It was great to have so many of those quality futures driving distance from
Valencia. The quails were 128 draw always and there was a year when I passed
every single one of them. It definitely made me tougher. <br />
<br />
<b>When did you think you would be able to make it as a professional?</b> <br />
<br />
I always believed in it or knew that it was what I was going to do. Even when I
was a kid. I was not that worried about what I had to do if I didn't make it. <br />
<br />
<b
>You won your first Challenger event in Vercelli against Pippo Volandri. What
do you remember about that match and the week?</b
> <br />
<br />
I remember that I had a massive argument when my coach at the time before the
tournament started. I went through some tough matches and played a great final
against a great player. I do not remember too much of the details though. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DxOdnKuDYk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<b>Do you enjoy playing in Italy? </b> <br />
<br />
It’s a love and hate for me in Italy. I have great weeks there but also bad
ones. I love it because of their passion and food but also there are many times
when things are not well organized. So, it is a mix. <br />
<br />
<b
>What have been your experiences on the Futures and Challenger tour. Do you
have any funny stories you can share?</b
> <br />
<br />
There are many little stories that are fun. But I will share the craziest one
that I had. I was in Shenzhen China and I was on my way to Japan after I
finished. As you know, China is massive and even if you are in the same city you
need to leave 4-5 hours before your flight to get to the airport. My taxi driver
got into a car accident with a massive truck and made me miss my ferry to get to
the airport in Hong Kong. I had to negotiate with some black market taxi drivers
to get me to the Hong Kong airport as soon as possible and I barely made the
flight <br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AH46sfYEoZI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<b
>In 2018 you defeated Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. What do you remember
about the match and your feelings afterwards?</b
> <br />
<br />
It was a great moment where I know I did something special for my career. I
remember being happy but also, I knew that he was not nearly at his best. I was
able to take advantage of that. <br />
<br />
<b
>Also, in that year you won your first ATP 250 in Istanbul. You were down 0-4
in the 3rd set vs. Dutra Silva. What do you remember about that match and the
week?</b
> <br />
<br />
I remember that Dutra was playing great tennis that match. I just went point by
point when I was 40 down and before I knew it, I was 64 up. That week was more
of a relief since I felt that I really felt that my level has the potential to
go higher in the rankings. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ss6VZbDJqBQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYqTkUXmonsaKdIhMrts_nYBXF2qzGeRmUDR9-2tVylHjSXihR7ennvs_NvnFcpGE3hbtW081oaL3wh7iRWvel-gFfPq6fKbalKV2w_ArgJ9bQ7Lk7LSpOPGUXZraHCiwo0WVBA/s680/Taro+Istanbul.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYqTkUXmonsaKdIhMrts_nYBXF2qzGeRmUDR9-2tVylHjSXihR7ennvs_NvnFcpGE3hbtW081oaL3wh7iRWvel-gFfPq6fKbalKV2w_ArgJ9bQ7Lk7LSpOPGUXZraHCiwo0WVBA/s400/Taro+Istanbul.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>Taro Daniel wuith ATP Istanbul 250 title</b> <br />
<br />
<b>How disappointing was it that you were unable to defend the title?</b> <br />
<br />
I did not mind it that much. It actually happens a lot with titles that I have
won. Vercelli, Furth, Yokohama, Istanbul a lot of those tournament did not get
repeated. <br />
<br />
<b
>Futures prizemoney has hardly changed the since 1980s. Challenger prizemoney
at its worst had decreased 30$ from 1995 relatively. Before the pandemic it
has increased slightly. What can be done to readdress some of the balance?</b
> <br />
<br />
It is very difficult to see what is necessary to have prize money increases in
Challengers and futures. I think the approach for each circuit will be different
because challengers are run by ATP and the futures by ITF. The challengers
perhaps will benefit more from better quality streaming since I know that many
people enjoy watching it. That might increase stream flow and bring in more
money. For the futures, I think take some of the money from Grand Slams and
trickle it in down there. I think that these futures players should be getting
more as well, <br />
<br />
<b
>You said " When money or sponsors come into your life, they bring new
problems. Sometimes I feel almost guilty for having them. You'd have the
players around my ranking struggling financially sometimes I feel the pressure
to keep on improving my ranking in order to maintain status I have gained in
Japan". Can you explain the new problems that have increased and how you are
dealing with them?</b
> <br />
<br />
I think I am passed that stage of feeling guilty right now. I am simply grateful
of the support I receive and also am aware of my value. I am working to let
things be and not desire anything too much. Keep being in the moment in order to
enjoy whatever that is in front of me. <br />
<br />
<b
>The ATP is meant to be a joint union between players and tournament
directors, but it seems to favour the tournament directors. Are there ways to
improve the organisation to have better representation and reputation among
the players?</b
> <br />
<br />
I think the representation of the players need to improve drastically and also;
we have to get rid of obvious conflicts of interest within our player board
reps. We deserve representatives that their sole purpose in tennis is to
represent players interest without having to work for TV channels and data
companies. We also need a better structure within the player council. Currently
it is very top heavy because of the allocation of the seats. We need more seats
outside of the top 100 and 200 so that we can have the voices of all the members
heard instead of only the top 50. <br />
<br />
<b
>Willy Cañas said “The ATP practices discrimination from an economic
standpoint, like any multinational corporation. It’s just another of millions
that there are in the world. Point being that I accept it, but I'm not buying
into it that it is a group of players that decide (players union) because it
isn't like that”. Do you believe that Willy is correct on this particular
issue?</b
> <br />
<br />
Players from Latin countries are very misrepresented despite being a very strong
tennis community. Grand Slams have too much power over what tennis does and I
think players need to have some of that power by having a strong representation
within the ATP and outside of the ATP. <br />
<br />
<b
>How can the current ATP Player Representatives ensure that the players who
earn the vast majority of revenue through prizemoney and not sponsorship are
able to survive in the sport?</b
> <br />
<br />
I think to fight for a bigger piece of the pie in the Grand Slams? But this is
difficult since money is a tough topic right now with so many people suffering
from COVID-19 and business closures. <br />
<br />
<b
>What do you think about the Professional Tennis Players Association? Has this
been put on hold due to COVID-19?</b
> <br />
<br />
The PTPA is being established right now I believe. In the US Open players simply
showed up and supported the creation of the organiz\sation. I believe the PTPA can
be great for the players especially if they set up the representatives
correctly. <br />
<br />
<b>What is the purpose of ATP University?</b> <br />
<br />
ATP University is to educate the players on basic things that ATP provides in
terms of medical, integrity, doping, media etc., but I think they need to focus
a lot more on player representation and how the ATP structure is set up because
I do not remember learning too much about that. <br />
<br />
<b>What do you think of new format of Davis Cup?</b> <br />
<br />
I have mixed feelings about it. There is no doubt that it is easier on the schedule and the money is better but on the other hand there were barely any crowds in the stands. Playing home and away had a special feeling but it took a very heavy toll on our body and the schedule. <br />
<br />
<b>One of the things the sceptics were questioning about the new event was the lack of crowds for matches not involving Spain. For the other semi final not involving Spain there were many empty seats which was unheard of during the previous format. It was not a good look and how can they resolve that going forward?</b> <br />
<br />
I have no idea how they can resolve it. I was very surprised myself that not many people came to watch especially in the later rounds. I know that in the round robin, the tickets were sold per tie so maybe that was the reason. Also, I think that the people were confused with the new rules and the format. This Covid timing is not positive for the flow of the new Davis cup either. <br />
<br />
<b>Your first Davis Cup win was a World Group promotion tie away in Colombia defeating Falla with Japan coming back from 2-1 down to win the 5th rubber. What do you remember about the match, the atmosphere and the feeling of winning an away tie in front of a tough crowd? </b><br />
<br />
It is a great memory. One of the more exciting ties I played in my Davis career. The atmosphere was against us but very energetic with Colombians. I also felt for the first time that things were up to me for Japan to pass to the World Group and I played a great match dominating him. I enjoyed it a lot. <br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97VMr9Dc8Xs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<b>Daniel winning in Colombia</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The new format has killed the points of difference that Davis Cup had from regular events. Players going to places where they normally wouldn’t play. Playing in front of partisan crowds with some players rising above their normal levels and vice versa. Was the decision to change just based on financial consideration, or were there any other alternatives discussed for example moving to a Ryder Cup format playing it every 2 years in a non Olympics year?</b> <br />
<br />
Well, the old format was great. It is hard to beat the honorable feeling of playing at home or the energetic against crowd. The thing was that we could not fit that much Davis Cup every single year. So, I think either played it every 2 years or playing it over 2 years was a valid option. The financial compensation was very poor for being such an important event. So, for a lot of players, it felt like the negatives were too great even though they wanted to keep playing. In my opinion, the old format played over 2 years would be the best! <br />
<br />
<b>What do you think of the ATP Cup? Can the ATP and Davis Cup co-exist or will the ITF and ATP negotiate a compromise between the events? </b> <br />
<br />
Co-exist is what we want. But I think it is very complicated given the relationship that the ITF and the ATP have. I hope they come up with something because I thought the ATP Cup was great. It had the crowd and the energy that the new Davis Cup did not have. <br />
<br />
<b>What do you think about the length of the tennis season? </b> <br />
<br />
I was actually talking about this with my coach. If points lasted 2 years instead of 1 year the way it is currently, players could choose to play less tournaments. The reason is because you can be more selective with the weeks that you are more likely to earn points and not play the weeks where you did well last year. I hope this will be something that is considered in the future So instead of playing 30 weeks a year, we could play anywhere from 20-25. <br />
<br />
<b>What solutions would you propose besides a 2 year ranking system in relation to the schedule? </b> <br />
<br />
I would like more space between swings. Something like 3-4 tournament swings and 2 weeks off but this is impossible due to the high demand of tournaments. <br />
<br />
<b>How widespread do you believe doping is on the tour and have you ever been tested at an unreasonable or ridiculous hour? </b> <br />
<br />
I really doubt that doping is wide spread. In this day and age, I find it impossible for someone to successfully dope because of the amount of times we get tested. I have gotten tested in my home in very early times of the morning yes. <br />
<br />
<b>How widespread is match fixing on the tour. Are there any solutions to minimise the impacts of corruption? </b> <br />
<br />
I know that match fixing definitely exists in the futures levels. You only hear stories about it but I can image that it is very scary once you get into it. I think only way to get rid of it completely is to ban betting on tennis I believe. <br />
<br />
<b>With the rise of social media one of the negative aspects are the small percentage of idiotic gamblers who send abusive messages to players who have lost a match. Are the tennis authorities or social media platforms taking this problem seriously enough?</b> <br />
<br />
I find it impossible to completely eradicate these messages. How do you know someone will send an abusive message before he or she does it if they just created a fake account? Because most of the times they come from fake accounts that they don't mind having it banned. <br />
<br />
<b>What are your favourite tournaments?</b> <br />
<br />
I don't have favorites because it depends many times on organization and how you do in that tournament! <br />
<br />
<b>Where is the worst place you have ever stayed on tour? </b> <br />
<br />
There was a tournament in Suzhou, China. That was tough. It was very hard to reach and the courts were in the middle of a chicken farm. <br />
<br />
<b>Who are your best friends on tour? </b> <br />
<br />
I would say all the Japanese guys, some of the Spanish players, Millman, and JP Smith, <br />
<br />
<b>Can you name the best and worst matches you have played? </b> <br />
<br />
I think the best tennis I have played was against Nadal in US Open and the worst probably 2 years ago in Milan against Musetti. <br />
<br />
<b>You have played Djokovic and Nadal, what was it like playing them?</b> <br />
<br />
They have a special quality to their ball. They also have a presence that not many other players have. I really enjoyed feeling the speed and the quality of their ball. Especially Djokovic's backhand down the line really stretches like crazy. <br />
<br />
<b>You played your best tennis against Nadal in the US Open but you didn't win. What did you take away from that match? </b> <br />
<br />
I hit so many winners that night it was a strange feeling for me. I never swung so freely in a match before. I also felt that in order to beat Rafa, you have to play perfect for 3-4 hours straight. <br />
<br />
<b>You have never played Federer, is he the one guy you have never played but would like to before he retires?</b> <br />
<br />
Yes, Federer is on my bucket list haha <br />
<br />
<b>Are you still a fan of Movement Culture? Can you explain what it is and how you got into it?</b> <br />
<br />
Yes definitely am. It is a practice of endless movements deriving from countless practices. It really opens up your mind to new possibilities your body gives you. I got into it because of my father. I am certain that exercises and the discipline I gained from this practice has kept me off injuries. <br />
<br />
<b>How long have you been doing it and how does it benefit you?</b> <br />
<br />
I do not practice as much anymore but I have been involved in it for over 2 years now. There are many prehab exercises that are extremely tough and tests your joins and ligaments. You learn how to do them with calculated risk and that makes you have more bulletproof joints. <br />
<br />
<b>How important is nutrition and are there any foods that you can’t resist even though they are not good for you?</b> <br />
<br />
Nutrition is extremely important but I do not have hardcore restrictions. I am pretty healthy by nature. I try to eat as many things as possible. I do like pairing beer and wine with food so I only do that once in a while. <br />
<br />
<b>What are your favourite cuisines? </b> <br />
<br />
I like anything. It is about quality. <br />
<br />
<b>What is the one food you never tire of? On the flipside the worst thing you have ever eaten?</b> <br />
<br />
I never get tired of bone broth. Worst thing is probably some type of sweets. Not a huge fan of sweet stuff. <br />
<br />
<b>You went to Iceland in 2019. How did you rate your Icelandic experience and your best memories?</b> <br />
<br />
Iceland was amazing. There was one hike I loved which had a natural river hot spring at the top. It is called Reykjadalur. The nature is completely different over there and I also enjoyed the cold. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDel7X-4gBPgpRebSspuccG2stNCEo28Q3RSFrvJiHclF8H70adwsiRZlzWyj_Sc2G25UouIO2WO5Q5NSDthnYkQ8vjKSJ3rkV3SwhqLaoq4uiWMK7bqTgKRZ3J44RVy6IUNG5uA/s525/Taro+Iceland.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDel7X-4gBPgpRebSspuccG2stNCEo28Q3RSFrvJiHclF8H70adwsiRZlzWyj_Sc2G25UouIO2WO5Q5NSDthnYkQ8vjKSJ3rkV3SwhqLaoq4uiWMK7bqTgKRZ3J44RVy6IUNG5uA/s400/Taro+Iceland.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTRRVKhsHrieh_LfQDyhgba0F9ZgXTLYm_M1zgjpcDr1UGHH-4HoWNUpV9OyldaJAxGZX19m1RJV-0S0ee110H9eMFbDq3EABWI7jk2F4MG5l9_MW58zf2hH6lzbXSHqtylwWvg/s609/Taro+in+Iceland.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTRRVKhsHrieh_LfQDyhgba0F9ZgXTLYm_M1zgjpcDr1UGHH-4HoWNUpV9OyldaJAxGZX19m1RJV-0S0ee110H9eMFbDq3EABWI7jk2F4MG5l9_MW58zf2hH6lzbXSHqtylwWvg/s400/Taro+in+Iceland.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>Taro in Iceland</b> <br />
<br />
<b>Did you enjoy the anonymity in Iceland?</b> <br />
<br />
Definitely. The culture was very interesting as well. Very progressive in a way but also felt like I went back few hundred years in time. <br />
<br />
<b>How would you sum up the 2020 season?</b> <br />
<br />
2020 was a strange year for everyone. I think I learned a lot and made a lot of progress as a person and also as a tennis player. <br />
<br />
<b>How did the partnership with coach Sven Groeneveld begin? What are the areas where Sven can help you maximise your potential?</b> <br />
<br />
I knew him from few years ago but my dad connected me to him. My dad was living in Amsterdam and that is why they were able to connect easier. Sven is helping me maximize on every area of the game. I do not want to get too specific on that. <br />
<br />
<b>What are your goals for 2021?</b> <br />
<br />
To keep raising self awareness and live in the now. There are obvious goals like going back in top 100 and making Olympics but that is out of my control. <br />
<br />
<b>It’s time for word association</b> <br />
<br />
<b>Paella-Valencia <br />
<br />
Millman-Respect <br />
<br />
Melbourne-Australian Open <br />
<br />
Sushi-Best in Japan <br />
<br />
Dani Gimeno-Great Guy <br />
<br />
Anime-Demon Slayer <br />
<br />
Airport-Singapore <br />
<br />
Hakarl-Odour <br />
<br />
Led Zeppelin-Best band ever</b> <br />
Once again I must thank Taro Daniel for his time in giving such an extensive and enjoyable video.
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-62876453907573103892020-01-30T13:45:00.000+01:002020-01-30T13:52:11.098+01:00Australian Open : Closing TimeYes, my time at the Australian Open is over and this summary has been a while coming. Life and other things have got in the way which happens to all of us except the most privileged on the planet.<br />
<br />
Even now unsure as to how to describe my experience at the tennis year. Looking at the overall, it was mixed. There were some good moments, some disappointments and there’s always the positive part of meeting new people, sharing experiences and learning from each other.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Qualifying</b><br />
<br />
One thing that has been reassured over the many years of attending the Australian Open is that the qualies are the best time to go. Yes, it’s free for the first few days but they now they’re charging for Kids Day on the Saturday which is just another money making opportunity for the organisation, more on that later.<br />
<br />
The beauty about the qualies you get to see a great mix of players, the youngsters just starting out the tour, the ones who have had success on the Challenger Tour like young Finn Emil Ruusovori who won’t be needing to play these in the near future. The players who were top 100 previously who have dropped down whether to injuries, loss of form or a combination of both and the guys who make their living on the Challenger Tour hoping for a big break to main draw in the terms of ranking points and finances.<br />
<br />
<br />
Is the tennis as polished as the main draw, no of course not but it’s of a high standard and considering what is on the line makes it interesting to follow. Yes, I remember a skinny 17 year old Serbian kid with a very long neck making the main draw from qualies, in addition to a fun loving Cypriot who had some rowdy fans and the charismatic Canadian who looks like Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons achieving it.<br />
<br />
There was Bananagate which was expertly filmed from the man Alex Theodoridis from Tennisportalen. This was the entitled French clown Eliot Benchetrit who requested a ballkid to peel a banana for him. Umpire John Blom laid the smackdown on him for that request or also telling him off for being rude to ballkids.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/73QwA8J5HE0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The best match in qualies for sure was Peter Gojowczyk vs. Blaž Kavčič in relation to quality of tennis, though not the result. The best thing about the qualies, the people who are there are the ones who are definitely not gloryhounds, of course free is never a bad thing and there are gamblers there who are either punting or the smart ones doing research.<br />
<b><br />
Main Draw</b><br />
<br />
This is where the least enjoyable parts of the tournament come into play. The price of the ground passes has doubled in 4 years. It used to be around $30 and was fantastic value for the first 4 days as there are plenty of matches to watch. Though tennis fans aren’t exactly revolutionary, definitely couldn’t imagine fans staying away because of the price of tickets.<br />
<br />
Tennis has always been a middle class sport at the best and totally upper class at worst. The vibe of the event has changed and not for the better. That’s the joy of progress, it’s not possible to take the best stuff and dump the rest. Every time progress happens, it creates a different set of problems and yes that includes surface homogenisation which has not been addressed. The big cheese Roger Federer acknowledged this<br />
<br />
“Anyway, every surface is very similar today, otherwise we couldn't have achieved all these things on all these different surfaces so quickly, like him and myself”. This was said in 2012 about him and Nadal, yes this would now include Djokovic. Anyone with a functioning brain cell would be able to see this<br />
<br />
The event has now become increasingly corporate in a blatant way. Naturally, the event is there to make money and all that filters into Tennis Australia. Yes, they have provided more shade, building a new show court which will have further increased ticket prices. I mean when there are courts that are 20 deep to get in when most of the punters don’t know who the players are, then it’s a problem.<br />
<br />
Kudos to John Blom telling off the Greek fans who were just waiting on court 8 for Schwartzman and Davidovich Fokina to finish so they could cheer for Sakkari. He told them to go somewhere else if they weren’t interested in the match and to shut up as they were annoying everyone. To be fair the Greek fans complied.<br />
<br />
Bogan Saturday they had over 90 000 people on the grounds. The ground passes should be crapped and most of the people who are attending main draw are there to be seen, just to say they went to the tennis and couldn’t tell you who they watched.<br />
<br />
To finish off on a positive note. The Seppi and Millman matches are enough disappointment for a while but for very different reasons.<br />
<br />
Cilic and Bautista Agut was the match of the tournament. I was surprised at how Cilic played, but based on that he should still have some good performances in him. Bautista Agut is an example of persistence and maximising his potential.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Alejandro Tabilo from Chile qualifying for his first main draw playing against the Colombian Galan late at night on Court 5. The atmosphere was fantastic with the Chilean and Colombian fans chanting loudly for their guys and it went the distance. Nico Massu the Davis Cup captain was there supporting Tabilo, the ecstasy on Tabilo’s face when he won the 5th set. His first ever win on the main tour, definitely could use the points and the money. The question is now can he build on that for the rest of season.<br />
<br />
On that note thanks to Sam, Alex, Kristen, Peta, the Craven and all the other people who I interacted with who left a positive impression on me, despite the increasing issues and accessibility of the event.<br />
<br />
Now Dominic Thiem please win the event.Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-14489626842953995952020-01-23T16:40:00.001+01:002020-01-23T16:40:16.644+01:00Chances : You Got To Take Them<br />
<br />
Apologies for not blogging yesterday but that was due to a combination of feeling a bit crap. Takes longer to recover and too many 5th set tiebreakers.<br />
<br />
<b>Gulbis vs. Bedene</b><br />
<br />
The enigmatic Latvian Gulbis qualified for the main draw and upset the Canadian upstart Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round whereas the Slovenian formerly British, now Slovenian Bedene defeated the double barrelled chested Aussie Duckworth in 5 sets.<br />
<br />
Gulbis is a cat who definitely dances to his own tune. Some find it refreshing and others irritating. The knock on Gulbis was never about his ability, but his lack of work ethic which many of his critics believed is due to the fact he is from a very wealthy background. Yes, it may be true but this doesn’t explain the desire of Rafael Nadal who came from money, it all comes down to individuals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84UkehkXC6G10bVPFXYM0pDEH8G4rf1eEEusSqFsZcoOnjkovO5p08jWuwADtl7gcQjsjM_90fQOCYdHT6s4upNsCTPeroVINgyynrimVEe_rbXcI2-8fepC_iMRZ8PEG_pFszQ/s1600/Gulbis.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84UkehkXC6G10bVPFXYM0pDEH8G4rf1eEEusSqFsZcoOnjkovO5p08jWuwADtl7gcQjsjM_90fQOCYdHT6s4upNsCTPeroVINgyynrimVEe_rbXcI2-8fepC_iMRZ8PEG_pFszQ/s400/Gulbis.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="720" /></a><br />
<b>Gulbis</b><br />
<br />
Play was delayed due to rain and a bad dust storm last night. Once play got under the way Gulbis started well and was able to move Bedene around the court with ease forcing the Slovenian into mistakes. The forehand has been modified and not looking as ridiculous as usual, the backhand is still world class which he was using to pin Bedene back behind the baseline and then fool him with the dropshots.<br />
<br />
Gulbis took the 1st set and this was pretty much the match as a whole. Bedene looked flat and after the 3rd set called for the trainer to do some work on his hip. Lord Gulbis moved him side to side and then Bedene would provide the error on cue. This was done in straight sets and for the most part Lord Gulbis behaved very well.<br />
<br />
<b>Seppi vs. Wawrinka</b><br />
<br />
This was a match where I thought tough draw but there is a chance to win it as Wawrinka while still having some of his peak tennis in him, he’s more vulnerable these days. They have played a lot over the years and not too many secrets out there.<br />
<br />
Seppi lost his first service game and Wawrinka jumped to an early lead. Once Seppi took his first game he was able to get into a rhythm moving the big Swiss around the court. Seppi gets the break back and on serve to 4-4 where Seppi breaks and takes the 1st set.<br />
<br />
There were a couple of major turning points in the match. The second set continued with extended rallies with Wawrinka volleying and defending well, whereas Seppi was moving the ball around the court controlling the points. Seppi served for the set at *5-4 but played an awful game where he hardly made any first serves, as Seppi doesn’t have a Berrettini like monster kick serve, at best it’s a flick with not much work from the legs. If it’s not placed correctly, then it’s fodder for the better players. This plus a couple of cheap errors gave Wawrinka the break back, then he got his confidence to start winging hard which was successful for him to reel off the next 3 games to get the set.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBQFbVYU_BqzcGTbf0dubshhEoyVzslxpnZ0ZRcOBVlrPu1-KWBRRQc6pCCsqLYdTmLpnbfovnM9Y_Hy_c0us313-t8zMe6lB_-QONVHFHX4J3eSd2ChwbTkXo13urvz3UHsXCg/s1600/Seppi+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBQFbVYU_BqzcGTbf0dubshhEoyVzslxpnZ0ZRcOBVlrPu1-KWBRRQc6pCCsqLYdTmLpnbfovnM9Y_Hy_c0us313-t8zMe6lB_-QONVHFHX4J3eSd2ChwbTkXo13urvz3UHsXCg/s400/Seppi+water.jpg" width="400" height="312" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="624" /></a><br />
<b>Seppi got to take the chances</b><br />
<br />
1 set all Wawrinka was serving well and not threatened at all was able to play his game and broke Seppi taking a 2 sets to 1 lead. Wawrinka has his patches in matches where he is average and makes a lot of errors, just a question of whether he is on song enough to win or the opponent can ride out the storm.<br />
<br />
Seppi is finally returning better and putting them in difficult spots where he is getting the better of them. He manages to break the big Swiss and successfully serve out the 4th set, of course this was not done without some problems.<br />
<br />
Now into the 5th set where both players are playing well with plenty of extended rallies side to side. One thing Wawrinka did very well was not give Seppi opportunities to hit his backhand down the line. The final nail in the coffin comes after Seppi breaks for 4-3 he’s 40-30 up went for a big first serve and just missed. As per second set he was unable to confirm the break of serve, a couple of passive shots and Wawrinka sniffed the opportunity out became more aggressive again, not losing another game to win 6-4 in the 5th.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYRDangKhWo1-_7_mhk2yRHo9p1xJsR4F8JvMh3ewu16ylrA120oevfOHL8nfSk_f6V2st9O6te7h46rsPNo1b0Hpahw3dvpWySiMDrwy2qDj5QKSSH8HvmmyxGnxvAqd2K2DcQ/s1600/Stani.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYRDangKhWo1-_7_mhk2yRHo9p1xJsR4F8JvMh3ewu16ylrA120oevfOHL8nfSk_f6V2st9O6te7h46rsPNo1b0Hpahw3dvpWySiMDrwy2qDj5QKSSH8HvmmyxGnxvAqd2K2DcQ/s400/Stani.jpg" width="400" height="229" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="400" /></a><br />
<b>Wawrinka</b><br />
<br />
In this case it’s easier to be chopped 2, 2 and 3 as that’s a clear defeat whereas this leads to more frustration and devastation after the end. The opportunity to take a 2 sets to 0 lead, another to go to 5-3 in the 5th on your racquet. As was stated the other day tennis is a cruel beast, can play well and lose, then play shit and win on others. At the end of the day, just got to take your chances.<br />
<br />
As for Seppi he’ll be a dad in March and will be interesting to see how he performs in the North American circuit, but as long as he makes a couple more trips Down Under then all is good.<br />
<b><br />
Random Stuff</b><br />
<br />
Micke Ymer lost a very tough 5th set tiebreaker which is an abortion on the sport of tennis. At majors you break serve to win matches. I blame John Isner for all this madness.<br />
<br />
Kevin Anderson continues to have a poor record in Melbourne losing from 2 sets up.<br />
Massu and Muster aren’t going to be happy with Domi Thiem going 5 sets but to be fair the 3 sets he won were easy. He is the best hope to stop Nadal making the final.<br />
<br />
Once again there were too many people on the grounds during the day, but thankfully at night it seems a lot easier to get seats at matches outside.<br />
<br />
Only a couple more days and the adventure will be over.<br />
<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-44837428436184623392020-01-21T17:24:00.000+01:002020-01-21T17:24:50.449+01:001st Round: You Never Forget Your First<br />
Today was a long day but that was bound to happen when you had most of the matches cancelled yesterday due to rain. The unfortunate flipside to this, was that the venue was very full today with the vast majority of the crowd being the types who go to be seen and not actually care about tennis. You know this is the case when the Ito vs. Gunnesawaran match was full and the audience wasn’t just the coaches, friends or fans from the respective countries.<br />
<br />
The Mailman and Schwartzman were on at the same time but very difficult to get a seat. So yes, the day started at Court 11, someone has to cover the marquee matches.<br />
<br />
<b>Davidovich Fokina vs. Gombos</b><br />
<br />
Gombios had qualified for the event whereas Foki has not won a match this season as of yet. First set started Gombos was hitting the ball well with Foki a bit unsettled and making errors. Gombos was too solid and took the first set. In the second Foko was able to move the big man around using his variety of spins and angles to keep him off balance to take the second set.<br />
<br />
It’s not a Davidovich Fokina match without some swings in momentum from the glorious to the ludicrous. Gombos kept it at a steady level and out of nowhere Foki plays the dumb service game to get broken and the Slovak takes a 2sets to 1 lead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR-RoFT-10L-ho0OkQT3kEr1rExWlelGM_tIYjBL7K4WJfrjLZPllVliMI2Exzg_VSA9Zl8vVcNASoK9AFzk-t-ujipqBsVB7Yl7ECSAoFm6t6H7vv6BVSgNV99Zuut3l9dOkXQ/s1600/Foki+BH.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR-RoFT-10L-ho0OkQT3kEr1rExWlelGM_tIYjBL7K4WJfrjLZPllVliMI2Exzg_VSA9Zl8vVcNASoK9AFzk-t-ujipqBsVB7Yl7ECSAoFm6t6H7vv6BVSgNV99Zuut3l9dOkXQ/s400/Foki+BH.jpg" width="315" height="400" data-original-width="1258" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<b>Davidovich Fokina</b><br />
<br />
Turning point of the match was at *2-2 with Foki serving , he saved a multitude of break points and ended up holding serve. The next game Foki broke Gombos to love with some excellent strokes and drop shots to move the bigger man around. The changes of pace was contributing to Gombos being out of position and heavy legged. Foki levels at 2 sets all.<br />
<br />
Foki breaks Gombos first service game in the 5th. Of course he went down 15-40 but managed to hold on. From there he gained confidence with drop shots, lobs and moving serve around as Gombis was gassed and Foki got the double break and comfortably won his first ever match at Slam level. The joy was there to be seen and enjoyed he now plays Schwartzman who chopped Lloyd Harris big time.<br />
<br />
<b>Mayer vs. Paul</b><br />
<br />
There is one player who is in form and then there is Leo Mayer. Paul has started the season well after rebuilding in 2019. Mayer has been in his down part of his up and down like career,<br />
<br />
Big Mayer took the1st set but managed to go down an early break in the 2nd which he never recovered from. Turning point of the match midway through the 3rd set was 30-30. Mayer manages to serve two double faults in a row into the net to give the Paul break. Once Paul had the break he never felt threatened as Mayer was too erratic to sustain and create chances to put pressure on the American. A comfortable win for Paul.<br />
<br />
<b>Micke Ymer vs Uchiyama</b><br />
<br />
Speaking of comfortable, this was the way to describe this match. After a semi competitive first set. Ymer lost 3 games in the last 2 sets, he was hardly making an errors on the backhand side. The forehand has more loop and the side he needs to be more aggressive on if he is to progress up the rankings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdPTPOUcgE1oc6E6wrx29ioXLEKFW7TxR-UcA1yGgFPSSgnjs7BVNQ9EEa5iGG8lNZwOAjLvFKjcM0WFDM-9OxPayrC_RXuu-bCEK_d3Fhk01-IE62hRmGGVJtg-iusgOrXwlQA/s1600/Micke+Ymer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdPTPOUcgE1oc6E6wrx29ioXLEKFW7TxR-UcA1yGgFPSSgnjs7BVNQ9EEa5iGG8lNZwOAjLvFKjcM0WFDM-9OxPayrC_RXuu-bCEK_d3Fhk01-IE62hRmGGVJtg-iusgOrXwlQA/s400/Micke+Ymer.jpg" width="400" height="224" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="897" /></a><br />
<b>Micke Ymer<br />
</b><br />
What Micke Ymer has is an understanding of the game, well that’s natural when you can’t brainless ballbash like the bigger guys.<br />
<br />
<b>Seepi vs. Kecmanovic</b><br />
<br />
For some reason Kecmanovic was a huge favourite over the King off South Tyrol who normally plays well in Melbourne. They have never played each other, so the first set was the feeling out process.<br />
<br />
Seppi was serving well hitting the spots and striking the forehand cleanly to keep the Serbian off balance. Seppi had many chances to break in the 1st set but only needed one to take the set.<br />
<br />
The 2nd set continues in the same pattern with Seppi not making errors from the baseline and moving the serve. Kecmanovic was not serving that well, making a lot of forehand errors but showing that his double handed backhand is world class.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoJu_uu2bcekDVxca7v-FmmosgyCUMmtYTqiZCp3V6WFKbrrAia3RRGfoemKz8u9ZFqBRqOGlgCd_uha_Ml5VsPXi8nGe9B12xuYQ-o0w3anWBd7ZKClcYSvg7ZO1bQ5C5snR7w/s1600/Seppi+fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoJu_uu2bcekDVxca7v-FmmosgyCUMmtYTqiZCp3V6WFKbrrAia3RRGfoemKz8u9ZFqBRqOGlgCd_uha_Ml5VsPXi8nGe9B12xuYQ-o0w3anWBd7ZKClcYSvg7ZO1bQ5C5snR7w/s400/Seppi+fashion.jpg" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="683" data-original-height="1024" /></a><br />
<b>Seppi</b><br />
<br />
In the 5th game of 2nd set Seppi breaks and hold serve to go 4-2 up. At 5-4 30-30 when Seppi doesn’t challenge an out call but thankfully Kecmanovic makes another forehand error and Seppi takes a 2 set to 0 lead.<br />
<br />
Seppi takes an early break in the 3rd but gives back the break with some loose errors. The Serbian is serving better and making some forehands. The King doesn’t panic while not serving as well as previous 2 sets and a few poor drop shots he is doing enough to keep holding serve. Both hold serve to the tiebreaker, <br />
The King of South Tyrol played a quality tiebreaker as Kecmanovic made a few forehand errors for Seppi to win in straight sets. It was an excellent and solid performance from the King of Kaltern.<br />
<br />
<b>Sinner vs Purcell</b><br />
<br />
This was a continuation of the match yesterday. Sinner aka the Prince, he will only be the King when Seppi retires from the sport. Sinner is a big talent when you start from outside 1000 in 2019 and end up in the top 100 that speaks for itself. Sinner is a tall guy but he plays tennis whereas other big guys hit tennis balls there is a difference.<br />
<br />
The timing on the Prince’s groundstokes is crisp and very little difference between forehand and backhand side which along with court intelliegence make him a forimidable opponent already. He lost his serve in the 1st set and Purcell served for it 5-4 30 all had a very easy mid court forehand, missed it and once that chance was gone. There was only one winner.<br />
<br />
Match finished very quickly today but not before Sinner tubed Purcell. The tube otherwise known as drilling the ball hard at the net player. There’s nothng wrong with it as it’s the easiest way to win the point.<br />
<br />
<b>Martinez vs. Koepfer</b><br />
<br />
Another straight sets win for Pedro Martinez. That’s 3 qualie matches and this today, that’s 9 sets in a row. Coach Daniel Gimeno Traver might need to take this up full time.<br />
<br />
Martinez plays the percentages very well, will defend if necessary but no problems going to the net to finish points off which is never a bad thing. Koepfer served for the 3rd on the ad side tried the left handed swinging serve but not could not get it wide enough where Martinez hits a backhand return winner. Koepfer dropped his bundle and Martinez does it again.<br />
<br />
<b>Cuevas vs. Simon<b></b></b><br />
<br />
Cuevas wins at life.<br />
<b><br />
<b>Tablio vs. Galan</b></b><br />
<br />
Quailifer vs. Qualifier can be very fun matches at best with so much on the line for these guys in relation to points and money.<br />
<br />
The crowd for this was fantastic with duelling chants from Chilean and Colombian fans creative a festive atmosphere where both players were trying their hearts out. That’s what the Challenger tour is about grinding, courage and waiting for the moment to shine on the big stage when it happens.<br />
<br />
Tablo ended up breaking to win the match and what a celebreation the raw emotion was someone who won their first ever match on the main tour. Yes, he never won one at ATP level. Tablio hugged the Chilean fans, took plenty of photos and got an interview with the king of ESPN Latin America Miiguel Simon.<br />
<br />
As they say you never forget your first.<br />
<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-36487626969722064522020-01-16T14:09:00.000+01:002020-01-16T14:09:03.097+01:00Day 2/3 Qualies; You Just Got To Better On the DayWe’re back again, thankfully after the rain has cleared most of the smoke haze where something more than 10cm can be seen. Some results were better than others, then if I liked tennis players for results then I’d be a Fedalovic which is a very special species of gloryhound<br />
<br />
<b>Daniel vs. Milojević</b><br />
<br />
This resumed from 5-5 in the first set. The first 10 games were a lot of long rallies in difficult conditions. It’s always tough to start suspended matches, but it’s part of the sport which players should have coping mechanisms for it.<br />
<br />
Daniel started slowly and dropped his first service game and the Serbian took the 1st set 7.-5. The second set started like it was going to be a comfortable game for Daniel who was 40-0 up, then through a combination of errors and solid play from Milojević he manages to break.<br />
<br />
The pattern of the 2nd set continues with Milojević just being consistent, not making any errors and while not having a big serve was placing it very effectively. It got to the point he was hitting more lines than a cocaine dealer which lead to extreme frustration from Daniel.<br />
<br />
Daniel was late on his forehand quite often and while Milojević’s groundstrokes don’t have much power he moved the ball around effectively. Daniel really has to become more aggressive, perhaps this is what new coach Sven Groeneveld will be looking to add to his game. It was a disappointing loss for Daniel but Milojević was just too solid and deserved the win.<br />
<br />
<b>Ruusuvuori vs. Mena<br />
</b><br />
This was the first time watching Ruusuvori live and I do like what I see. This was one of those matches where the result was never in doubt at all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f5UOuUdQrh0hd5-Cf3_r5WM_GSChOdkS6ZaN79jhr7COJf7mptiIfpvvdVEbK9lx_6TIVXj7pgOmULaqhOd67oJ-mYrKAXhkby2eh1VWRyoux9w1FhgdH4euZoolTTmlEPwN2A/s1600/Ruuuusovri+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f5UOuUdQrh0hd5-Cf3_r5WM_GSChOdkS6ZaN79jhr7COJf7mptiIfpvvdVEbK9lx_6TIVXj7pgOmULaqhOd67oJ-mYrKAXhkby2eh1VWRyoux9w1FhgdH4euZoolTTmlEPwN2A/s400/Ruuuusovri+3.jpg" width="363" height="400" data-original-width="1453" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<b>Ruusovori</b><br />
<br />
The young Finn was a class above Mena. He moved the ball around well, took his opportunities to come to the net which is a good thing in a young player, there needs to be a point of difference. At the same time, he’d normally coming in off good shots and not junk.<br />
<br />
Ruusovori should be qualifying here and he won’t be needing to qualify for Slams anymore.<br />
<br />
<b>Martinez vs. Villaras</b><br />
<br />
Gimeno Traver’s protégé against the Peruvian Villaras who is definitely more comfortable on the clay and had the crowd behind him, especially this one very vocal ginger Peruvian lad. Martinez had an opponent who was not as awful as Lienz, but continued where he left off in the last round.<br />
<br />
Varillas, hasn’t quite worked out how to play on hardcourts as of yet. Martinez was placing the serve well, using angles to open up the court as he doesn’t have the most powerful game. He is a smart player, knows his limitations at the moment and plays within them. Once he got the first set, there was only one winner as Varillas wasn’t playing well enough to change the momentum and put pressure on Martinez.<br />
<br />
<b>Rosol vs. Lorenzi<br />
</b><br />
Not enough these days where Rosol is the younger player. This was the classic difference in styles which made this intriguing. Lorenzi, the man who is all heart, endeavour and willing to come to the net whereas Rosol is more see ball, hit ball. Character wise Lorenzi is well respected and admired, grinding all these years on the lower level winning his first ATP title at 34 now still going at 38. Whereas Rosol isn’t the most loved out there, personally I enjoy both cats for different reasons.<br />
<br />
Rosol took an early break was looking fairly comfortable in the 1st set, then as he is known to do he threw his one dumb service game and Lorenzi broke back. The match is pretty much as expected with Rosol hitting big from the baseline and Lorenzi scrapping throwing in some off pace balls and sneaking to the net. Rosol was the better player in the 1st set but that’s not how tennis is, got to win the points that count and Lorenzi did that to take the 1st set.<br />
<br />
The second set pretty much has exactly the same pattern as the 1st set where Rosol has an early break, but manages to lose it not long afterwards. Rosol going for big forehands and Lorenzi scrapping to another tiebreaker. The buster for the first 5 points all points went against the server. Lorenzi has match points but unable to convert. Rosol takes the buster and it’s 1 set all when he should have been in the locker room.<br />
<br />
<br />
Onto the decider, the match is definitely on Rosol’s racquet as he’s the more aggressive player but the question is whether he is patient enough or not make donkey errors at the wrong moments. No early breaks but Rosol was down 0-40 and manages to hold service which was a big moment in the match.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A5d0vG4LxI9g4FkSodA7k1qv17yaounnbBxhVBQtBIENuok-5jUDjdMVgYfdcYmY7D1Zl4My3eCPaUX-1oDxWkXzxV2NSnwZ9k61mYzT1xFCQFYDvg1EaxwfbAFb1iRG8GQkmw/s1600/Rosol+fist.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A5d0vG4LxI9g4FkSodA7k1qv17yaounnbBxhVBQtBIENuok-5jUDjdMVgYfdcYmY7D1Zl4My3eCPaUX-1oDxWkXzxV2NSnwZ9k61mYzT1xFCQFYDvg1EaxwfbAFb1iRG8GQkmw/s400/Rosol+fist.jpg" width="285" height="400" data-original-width="712" data-original-height="999" /></a><br />
<b>Rosol</b><br />
<br />
Good old Rosol he was at his niggling best, just before Lorenzi serving tapped the racquet on the ground, screaming out yes in Italian after he hit a winner. At 6-5 was thinking hope this doesn’t go to a 3rd set buster, as players should be breaking serve to win matches and thankfully this was the case. Rosol was able to break Lorenzi to win the match and he was very emotional after the match, as he knew it was a very difficult match. He ran over to his friend/coach and shared a warm embrace.<br />
<br />
<b> Kavčič vs. Gojowczyk</b><br />
<br />
This was probably the best match in terms of quality I’ve seen so far. Kavčič got an early break was unable to hold serve, but broke again. He was playing well and Gojowczyk was making too many errors, as Kavčič was able to take the 1st set.<br />
<br />
In the second set the Slovenian lost his serve early and Gojowczyk was making less errors than early in the match. He was playing on and near the baseline making Kavčič going coast to coast who was defending very well but willing to have a go when the opportunity was there. Gojowczyk started placing the serve better leading him to dictate the match with his flat shots taking the 2nd set.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcIohIl8e-cq7k8Bwdw8udQ88593-5c9I7pHRu1DJIGybKLzyB1ul2U0evORDt3p7dVQgQLHuARP6s8z_1H4pa9MVXMIwseiSfyJUA6zOxg7uBjp5CdaMS_wzaep3X1JCO2xPeQ/s1600/Bkavcic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcIohIl8e-cq7k8Bwdw8udQ88593-5c9I7pHRu1DJIGybKLzyB1ul2U0evORDt3p7dVQgQLHuARP6s8z_1H4pa9MVXMIwseiSfyJUA6zOxg7uBjp5CdaMS_wzaep3X1JCO2xPeQ/s400/Bkavcic.jpeg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="768" data-original-height="512" /></a><br />
<b>Kavčič</b><br />
<br />
Kavčič dropped serve early in the 3rd set just made some backhand errors and a couple of short second serves. The 3rd set is still Kavčič fighting manfully, hitting well but mostly from a defensive position and the German working the ball around. Unfortunately for Kavčič he was unable to put enough pressure on Gojowczyk’s serve during the 3rd and the German closed it out.<br />
<br />
Even though Kavčič lost there were some very good signs for 2020. He has started the season well, it’s a question of being injury free for a year and the results will come. There is still some life in the legs. Tennis is a funny sport, some days you play well and lose, others you play like a drunk donkey but still get the win.<br />
<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19230236.post-91417833813549224982020-01-14T15:04:00.000+01:002020-01-14T15:04:34.935+01:00Day 1: Smoke On The River The Aus Open Qualies ReportYes, it’s that time of the year where I actually write about tennis. Well it has been an interesting start to the year with the ATP Cup which already has more credibility than the Pique Cup in spite of the huge disparity in ranking points and players who can count an additional event.<br />
<br />
Now, let’s get on with the real stuff aka the Australian Open qualifiers. Today was an experience for sure. It was warm, humid and the air pollution was disgusting to the point of dangerous. Play was initially meant to be start at 10 am but it was suspended for an hour, whether this was a good thing or not, who knows.<br />
<br />
<b>Rosol vs. Lamasine</b><br />
<br />
Naturally the day started at Court 22 aka the car park. The organisers have expanded seating capacity and provided more shade which is a good thing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg499sEhi32tshPkdwY187Sk3eBi8NhXqpkEhhi7zrz2VysMn1RXmCpezf6gqZtwJDy7QiX1G8ALp86f5j2MpvT2VWipILFhtLxIjv3LxG5z1l7eI98A2Pjb7KPFlg5c2Q5fb0uuw/s1600/Melb+Background.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg499sEhi32tshPkdwY187Sk3eBi8NhXqpkEhhi7zrz2VysMn1RXmCpezf6gqZtwJDy7QiX1G8ALp86f5j2MpvT2VWipILFhtLxIjv3LxG5z1l7eI98A2Pjb7KPFlg5c2Q5fb0uuw/s400/Melb+Background.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><br />
<b>Skyline<br />
</b><br />
As for the match itself it was played in awful conditions with the smoke haze. Rosol was class above Lamasine who had nothing at all to hurt him with. He wasn’t able to hit with enough depth and penetration to get Rosol on the move. That’s the thing even at his best Rosol was never the quickest, but he has a lost a step. The serve and the groundstrokes still have pop, but a lot more vulnerable these days.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNrUuSpsmRLZ9hCvIthXW00LJov3GJpr4z0_YnNk5CxgGDvVqJW5tDunqpCV_oDEzNQfl22Jym6yoKkEOpMgXWA8G_REij-awJNS6H9Bal4FLL4ezY2fVL5Y9IB69rdn7xAR-tg/s1600/Rosol+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNrUuSpsmRLZ9hCvIthXW00LJov3GJpr4z0_YnNk5CxgGDvVqJW5tDunqpCV_oDEzNQfl22Jym6yoKkEOpMgXWA8G_REij-awJNS6H9Bal4FLL4ezY2fVL5Y9IB69rdn7xAR-tg/s400/Rosol+5.jpg" width="400" height="293" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1173" /></a><br />
<br />
Today, Rosol was very comfortable and never looked like losing. He was serving well and dominating with the forehand. He found it very difficult to breathe but apart from that, said it wasn’t too bad. He will need to improve to beat Lorenzi in the next round, but tennis is a funny sport.<br />
<br />
<b>Martinez vs. Lienz</b><br />
<br />
Pedro Martinez is coached by Daniel Gimeno Traver who has not retired from tennis. He is currently injured with a knee problem. He will continue to work with Martinez while he is injured.<br />
<br />
What can one say about a 6-0 6-1 score in around 45 minutes? Lienz was handing out the errors like Santa Claus on speed at Christmas, he probably should have gone to Lienz instead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDOWxaKTyLBJdBPvNJxBSG894HXLhg272_Hoe4CNaBbBifFrUVKw16E5t9T6zI6TrmrZnLH3kEaCZxEclqdqRfe2FPUZYbnb6QKfIQSU-h83xbxG4OkTyqFRXxxRi_j2QQk0eJA/s1600/Pedro+Martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDOWxaKTyLBJdBPvNJxBSG894HXLhg272_Hoe4CNaBbBifFrUVKw16E5t9T6zI6TrmrZnLH3kEaCZxEclqdqRfe2FPUZYbnb6QKfIQSU-h83xbxG4OkTyqFRXxxRi_j2QQk0eJA/s400/Pedro+Martinez.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
Pedro Martinez<br />
<br />
On the other hand, Martinez played a very smart match with hardly any mistakes. In the rallies he was 2-3 metres behind the baseline, but he did move into the court when he had a short ball to put it away. At the same time based on what was seen Martinez he is a bit passive, but classic Spanish stubbornness, definitely needs a bit more stick on the groundstrokes though there is potential for improvement.<br />
<br />
<b>Kavcic vs. Clarke</b><br />
<br />
This was definitely a unique match in many ways. They played last week in Noumea where Kavcic won in straight sets and was hoping for more of the same.<br />
<br />
In the 1st set both guys were struggling in the conditions Kavicc couldn’t get into any rhythm on serve especially. He was serving so many faults into the net, just not getting enough leg drive. Clarke was playing a mixture of good shots and some tripe. They traded breaks, but neither player played well at the same time.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEbm4KqLl3N3YzTF07vXC34Y3uqfU8fs2BObdFGNEHvHiurqfa503nwhvjcms1FcZnXIewxjAXPLG506j9JrPQhL8Bbb5YathFCI-jl3NiLpmsIJhJn-AY5KCmQRbp4le1rwAKg/s1600/Kavcic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEbm4KqLl3N3YzTF07vXC34Y3uqfU8fs2BObdFGNEHvHiurqfa503nwhvjcms1FcZnXIewxjAXPLG506j9JrPQhL8Bbb5YathFCI-jl3NiLpmsIJhJn-AY5KCmQRbp4le1rwAKg/s400/Kavcic+1.jpg" width="400" height="257" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1029" /></a><br />
<b>Kavcic</b><br />
<br />
Clarke broke for 6-5 and was 40-0 up, but through a combination of tightness from Clarke and Kavcic playing the break points intelligently and managed to break to get to the tiebreaker. Kavcic plays an excellent tiebreaker to take it.<br />
<br />
The match continues with the same pattern as the previous set. Kavcic lost serve again but this time Clarke was able to hold serve throughout to take the 2nd set. Nearly every time Kavcic had a break point Blue Jay Way was hitting the lines with the serves or a good forehand.<br />
<br />
There was an unfortunate incident just behind the court. A ballkid has collapsed outside of the court. Both Kavcic & Clarke went over gave them drinks, checked on their welfare. The child has wet towels on them, they were able to walk away after about 10-15 minutes. They had assistance and people checking on her. There was a lot of heat and humidity with the lack of air didn’t help at all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBd_nzsK09eL8FvT2EJyC7DVAJsFA08wgZEmEtYS86qdtfFDJ-xGFoiSF3I43TlMkyWtxmSgR7lC2xn85ikyopvmv7CGFtYUsw-Drm0CAdAj71V6cyXTw68q35JrmbNdA4fUJwg/s1600/Kavcic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBd_nzsK09eL8FvT2EJyC7DVAJsFA08wgZEmEtYS86qdtfFDJ-xGFoiSF3I43TlMkyWtxmSgR7lC2xn85ikyopvmv7CGFtYUsw-Drm0CAdAj71V6cyXTw68q35JrmbNdA4fUJwg/s400/Kavcic+4.jpg" width="400" height="346" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1385" /></a><br />
<br />
Kavcic loses serve at 2-1 but Clarke is gassed big time. He is cramping and had the physio out in the 2nd set. In the 4th game Clarke could not drive up on his serve was just using his arms and some underarm serves. Kavcic was able to break back and able to maintain his focus against a very fatigued opponent. The Slovenian did not lose another game in this match to win in 3 sets.<br />
<br />
After the match Kavcic was debating with the umpire about the tine violations both players got during the match. He said you’d never do this to Nadal or any of the top players, well he is not wrong. If these conditions were for main draw, then they wouldn’t have played but since they are qualifiers they are too low on the totem pole of significance to worry about.<br />
<br />
<b>The Random stuff</b><br />
<br />
Stakhovsky vs Rola : Stakhovsky has not served that well in 5 years, played well from the back but Rola really didn’t change his positioning on return to give a different look but well played Stakhovsky.<br />
<br />
Spoke with 2 guys from Spain, one from Madrid and the other from Barcelona. The Barcelona man is an Espanyol fan, yes we spoke about La Liga for about 10 minutes thinking what a shady club Barca are and growing up an Espanyol fan in Barcelona was living on the edge.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Rz0PSjJlarJhmLgVa0MatxQx0P3KEA0rgy_aVmHgaKg2suQUF5pdPzVlU1TNHdt9Iyp_92EfRZ3953lPKndNG1XuyieW3n8fF8XyZZKhSc-3Awu4mnz2BhdRAcksEr3c9A_9A/s1600/Melbourne+smoky.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Rz0PSjJlarJhmLgVa0MatxQx0P3KEA0rgy_aVmHgaKg2suQUF5pdPzVlU1TNHdt9Iyp_92EfRZ3953lPKndNG1XuyieW3n8fF8XyZZKhSc-3Awu4mnz2BhdRAcksEr3c9A_9A/s400/Melbourne+smoky.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
<b>View from the courts</b><br />
<br />
Nicola Kuhn had some great shorts but he was swinging so hard and Viola just kept getting the ball back that Kuhn ended up retiring in the 3rd set.<br />
<br />
Umpire Mo Layhani noted that he was feeling it in the voice with all the smoke. My shirt smells like smoke. On that note from a smoky Melbourne, until tomorrow and the show must go on.<br />
Sigurd Sigurdssonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937029670025123913noreply@blogger.com5