Closing Time : Final Australian Open report

My Australian Open adventure is over, yes I do watch matches where Andreas Seppi is not involved. At this stage most of the matches are moved to the major courts so there is less to report.

As this is the last report. Today history made at both ends of the spectrum. We have three new quarter finalists, two at the beginning of their careers the young American Francis Tiafoe aka Big Foe this is a man who never missed a day of bench press and Stefanos "El Greco"

Tsitsipas who eliminated the defending champion Roger Federer. El Greco took his chances and unlike his peers Tsitispas is not afraid of the net. He now plays Roberto Bautista Agit aka Bautigol who has come through 3 5 set matches to make the quarter finals deating crowd favourites Andy Murray, the Mailman and today was too good for the 2018 finalist Marin Cilic.

Bautista Agut

Bautigol is very underrated, his main goal was to make a Slam quarter final a goal he has finally achieved at 30 years ago. He is very unusual for a Spanish player his best surface is hardcourts, doesn't have the heavy spin, solid serve, very understated and non flashy game which makes it easy for him to be forgotten when compared to his countrymen.


Bautista Agut

He could have been a footballer as he was on the books of Villarreal who have an outstanding youth academy. Bautigol used to be a forward but he chose tennis at 13 because he was playing a year above his age group, he was unable to connect with his team mates and chose tennis instead. He is undefeated this year winning Doha defeating Djokovic and there is a massive opportinity ifor a semi final spot, the question will be who can play the match and not the occasion.

Big Foe

Frances Tiafoe who has made the quarter finals defeating Big Kevin Anderson, my man Seppi and pretty boy Grigor Dimitrov today. Big Foe is box office, he is very entertaining, huge forehand with its own unique technique, reasonable hands, even hititng some reasonable volleys this tournament.




As for why the Foe is over, his background is very interesting. His parents won the green card lottery from Sierra Leone, his dad got a job as a construction labourer that built the Junior Tennis Champions Center. He and his brother were living there with his dad who was given a room at the club. Tiafoe took advantage of the situation, thankfully his raw talent was spotted early by a coach. It's very unlikely if not for the living conditions as a child that he would not have been playing tennis.




What happens against Nadal who knows, but he has a lot to build on. His background won't allow him to change in spite of any success as he has good people around him. The thing I noticed there were a lot of kids of African descent more than usual, they were there supporting Big Foe. This is a n excellent thing especially when you are a member of a minority group when you see one of your own succeeding, doing it in their own style is definitely an inspiration.

Talking Points

People at the tennis who take selfies while the match is going iare totally disrespectful and deserve kidney punching.

Friday night and Saturdays are the worst days to go to the tennis if you actually want to watch the sport. Unfortunately it's the old classic go there to be seen, most could not tell the difference between forehand and forehead.

The venue is expanding at a great rate hopefully some of the money they are generating is going to the expansion. It's not like the players are getting a fair slice of the pie which leads to the latest stuff with the ATP and Chris Kermode. The North American faction and Djokovic want Kermode to be gone, but most of the players are happy with Kermode. Yes, he has been far from perfect but there have been significant improvements.

Qualies are free which is the only Slam which is the case and is a fantastic time to go. It's definitely a very different feel before the main tournament it consists of family, friends, tennis nuts and intelligent gamblers. The results were shit but still recommend going to qualies.

Jose Acasuso and Igor Andreev were there still look like they are in playing shape. Ryan Harrison confirmed what most people know that he is very unlikeable. Andreas Seppi is still the man. Stephane Robert had a successful start to the coaching career and yes he's still on the tour, not leaving us yet.

The best part thanks to one of my best friends Sammy who is such a tennis but, very knowledgeable who managed to help me through some shit days with his enthusiasm.

My younger sisters from another mother yes that is Kristen and Peta, met them years ago and they've not changed at all. Tennisguru Phil Mardh who is top quality, thanks for the Berlocq atory which almost made me spat out my water. The 2 Maltese brothers of destruction who are entertaining as hell , plus my very niche audience who I appreciate

Last of all the players I happen to support. Sure it's great when they win, but tennis is like life sometimes you play like shit and get away with it and others you do well without getting the rewards.

On that note we need a Tiafoe and Bautista Agut semi final and the Aus Open is over for another year.

Frances Tiafoe : It Can Be That Good

Thankfully after the rain the weather was much cooler which was needed after the awful humidity.

Seppi vs. Tiafoe

This was an intriuging match with the raw power of Tiafoe against the guile of Seppi. The first set was the feeling out the process both were holding serve easily. Unsurprisingly the 1st set went to the tiebreaker which Seppi took.

Big Foe has definitely not missed chest day at the gym, he definitely has a unique technique but generates so much power it's always a question of how the technique holds up under pressure. The crowd was very much pro Foe the spectacular will always get the people on side as they want to be entertaining.

Tiafoe took advabtage of a poor service game from Seppi and took the 2nd set, there was so little between these guys with the match played in a fun atmosphere and court 3 is easily the best show court at the Aus Open.

Seppi is a calm character, continues to serve well and use his forehand to open the court and expose the Foe forehand on low balls. Seppi served for the 3rd set at *5-3, anyone who follows the sport knows Seppi serving out sets and matches is akways interesting.. The Foe breaks serve and then plays a very loose game to lose the set 6-4.

This is the point where Seppi needed to be at his strongest mentally but was broken in the opening game. Tiafoe isn't missing much on the backhand side, he used some short shots which Seppi made easily but unusually did not make the next shots. Big Foe is starting to get into the groove while Seppi is getting further behind the baseline and Tiafoe levels 2 set all.


Tiafoe

Deservedly this match is going 5 sets, the one lowlight was Sharapova screaming so loud from Rod Laver Arema that everyone heard it on the court, they really should put a muzzle on her it's fair for nearly everyone.



Seppi started serving first and he went down 0-40, saving 2 break points and then the dead let cord. Big Foe breaks and is down 0-40 but the American was serving very well especially body serves and huge kickers on the ad side. With all that strength not a surprise he can generate that power.

Tiafoe is riding the momentum train which was definitely express using the huge forehand to slap winners once Seppi was unable to break back straight away. Tiafoe was clearly dominant there was a very small window of opportunity where Seppi got a bit passive. The Foe ran with that opportunity and broke for the match.

Excellent and hard fought match with Taifoe a deserved winner, the Lebron James celebrations at the end was quality. As they say in the pro wrestling Tiafoe is well over the crowd. Now take out Dimitrov


Bautista Agut vs. Khachanov

After 2 big 5 setters the question was how would Bautigol pull up against an opponent who has the power but lacks variety. The conditions were much cooler and with these balls fluffing up, Bautigol dialled in the radar and was his usual accurate self.

Khachanov needed it to be slightly quicker with his very heavy forehand to get more pop off the court. Bautista is undefeated ths season and it's easy to see why. He is not the most powerful but places the serve well, hardly misses backhands and yes for a Spanish player he hits very flat anf his timing is exceptional.


Bautista Agut

Bautigol takes the frist 2 sets and as per previous matches against Murray and Millman went down an early break in the 3rd set. Thankfully for Bautista he was able to break back with his solid play while the big Russian was trying to dominate with the forehand.

Khachanov definitely has a lot of hype, but this is a match where he didn't deliver especially as Bautista Agut has had 2 previous 5 set matches and didn't make him work him hard enough. A very delighted Bautista Agut wins in straight sets this was a case of brain over brawn.

Talking Points

Got to see some points of the Dream Team of Taro Daniel and John Millman having a hit of doubles. Great to see the brothers from another mother having a great time. Even Taro Daniel called Millman a machine when it comes to his subjects, but we know the Mialman is a man of the people.

Friday nights are not always fun at the tennis as the non tennis people who have been on the sauce with their expert commentary on matches and trying to get themselves over, they can get lost.

Day 4 : João Pedro Coelho Marinho de Sousa this is your day

Yes, it's Day 4 from a very humid Australian Open which was lacking air like Andre Agassi is lacking hair.

Sousa vs. Kohlschreiber

This was the highlight match of the day, the classic match up between the shotmaker and the grinder in very hot and humid conditions. In the previous round Joao Sousa played a very tough & high quality match with Guido Pella overcoming him in 5 sets. I thought this one would be a 4 setter but this was proven to be incorrect.

Kohli rocking the purple shoes think I may have to get a pair is a little bit off not passive but not aggressive , he was struggling to impose himself on the match. Sousa has dialled in 1800 time to grind, placing the serve well and looking to extend the rallies working Kohli side to side using the off forehand pinning Kohli deep in the corner. Sousa takes the 1st set, there was very little between them.


Sousa

The 2nd set continues along the same way as the opening set, the difference was that Sousa played a sloppy game and was made to pay for it. Kohlschreber breaks and able to take the 2nd set. In such a close encouter the 3rd set was going to be key especially in the heat, there weren't many opportunities to break. They get to the buster where Sousa was just more solid using the off forehand to dominate and takes a 2 sets to lead.



In the 4th set Sousa just dropped the level a bit, though he had a great serve for an absolute idiot who was walking in to the court in between points this was at *5-6. Sousa did not miss and it's something that has become plague like, then again at the US Open they will either call the police or shoot you. Kohli finally breaks on the 9th break pont to take the set 7-5.

At the start of the 5th set Kohli has a bit of a letdown and Sousa breaks serve. From there Sousa who is tougher than $2 steak was using his off forehand tempting to Kohli hit the backhand down the line which he wasn't able to hit often enough. Sousa did not lose serve for the rest of the match and a well deserved celebration at the end.

Shapovalov vs. Daniel

This was quite a fun match the young Canadian Shapovalov playing some aggressive tennis and flashy shots against Taro Daniel who was serving well & attempting to use his forehand.

The main take away from this match is that Shapovalov is just a better player on a quick hardcourt than Daniel. There was some stop start with the annoying rain drops which get the lines all wet, it was difficult to get momentum. Shapo had one break point in the 1st set and was able to take it with aggressive play.


Shapovalov


In the 2nd set, Daniel forced break points but was unable to convert due to some excellent play from Shapo along with not making a few returns. Daniel needed to win the 2nd set tiebreaker to have any chance in this match as the only way he could turn this around was Shapo making a lot of errors which did not happen in the tiebreaker. Shapo takes a 2 sets to 0 lead.

The 3rd set was pretty much the same as the 1st, Shapo just needed the one break and was able to run the match out comfortably. Daniel was 0/7 on break points and Shapovalov was 2/2 that's efficency.

Good for Taro D to sign autographs after the match even though he lost, most players tend to get off the court as soon as possible.

Talking Points


Fognini

The Fog won easily against the Alligator Leo Mayer and had an interesting outfit. I don't mind but there are others who disagree.

Danil Medvedev the less douchey racist routinely took out Ryan Harrison which is always a good day for the sport.

Pouolle and Marterer was an entertaining match wth both guys going for it. Pouille was very generous with the fans after the match, plus he hates the Pique Cup so points for him.

Alex Bolt is somehow in the 3rd round that's tennis for you. Gilles Simon that is one of the worst losses of his career.

Spoke to the ESPN Latin American guys, they interviewed Pablo Cuevas last night and stated that was the most downcast they've seen him after a loss in a long time. That's the thing about the sport, some days you will play well and not win, others you play like crap, yet get the W. Well it's a bit like life isn't it

Day 3 : Too good Seppi and the Mailman delivers the effort but not the victory

Sorry for the no report on Day 2, there wasn't that much though the best match I've seen was on this day and will include it in the talking points.

Definitely didn't expect 4 from 4 today but one can only do their best. The two expected winners got up but the other two were defeated but put on excellent performances.

Seppi vs. Thompson

There isn't much to say except this was routine, expected and never in doubt. Seppi started off with a double break to jump out to a 3-0 lead, then Thompson double break back to get to 3 all. Seppi steps up and takes the next 3 games to win 6-3.

The second set just went aloing very comfortably until the 10th game where Seppi breaks to take the second set and the third set was exactly the same.


Seppi

This match showed a clear difference in class between the two players. Thompson is a solid player at Challenger level but how will get more aggressive from the baseline to survive at tour level, whereas Seppi is a very solid professional who has maximised his talent though some would argue that he could have more titles. The match was very comfortable for the South Tyrolean and another 3rd round in Melbourne.

Schwartzman vs. Kudla

Was following this on the scoreboard seen Schwartzman was up 2 sets to 0, then seen he dropped the 3rd and 4th set. The court was packed and could smell the pig sweat in the air but was able to see the last set.

Topsy turvy and breakathon describe this perfectly. Schwartzman up a double break in the 3rd, loses was 5-4 40-0 up on serve in the 4th set and doesn't get the job done. Kudla dances to his own tune , turned the match around with free hitting.


Schwartzman

Kudla gets an early break in the 5th which didn't mean much in the context of the match. After the 4th game the super journalist, shrill & individual who thinks Slams should be best of 3 sets for the man aka Benjamin Rothenberg decides to leave the media room for the match. He could not even wait for the change of ends, definitely should know better.

Schwartzman kept fighting hard and Kudla started to think about what was happening on the court which is not his strong point. Schwartzman was able to turn the match around and sent the crowd home happy. Coming back from 2 sets down and losing in 5 must really suck.

Cuevas vs. Dimitrov

This was always going to be the toughest of the 4 for my guys to win. It needed Cuevas to play very well and Dimitrov to be a bit off. The court was packed with mostly drunk bogan, a few Bulgarians, fangirls and the odd tennis fan which made it an interesting mix.Unfortunately I had this older Andre Agassi fangirl behind me, yes it was as awful and they marked out when they saw his sanctimonious bald head in the player box.

Cuevas started slowly and dropped his first service game and was unable to get into Dimitrov's service games and the Bulgarian ran out a comfortable first set winner. In the second set Cuevas started serving better, though his usual quality kick serve on the ad side due to the cooler conditions was not jumping up and out as much as usual giving Dimitrov chances to return effectively.

In the second set Cuevas had 2 break points, one was saved by a good serve and the other was a passive return. No breaks of serve before entering the tiebreaker. Cuevas was able to play some quality tennis mixed in with a double fault frm Dimitrov, not long after Cuevas levels at 1 set all which shut the bogans and fangirls up.

The match was pretty much Dimitrov serving like Karlovic hitting the corners and Cuevas working the angles to open up the court. The Uruguayan was more aggressive from the baseline as in the first set and a half he was too passive and pushed around. The one break in the 3rd set was due to three double faults from Cuevas that is Christmas in January, players generally aren't getting away with 3 doubles in a game which was the case here.



Dimitrov took a 2 sets to 1 lead and the familar pattern continues with Dimitrov serving very well, playing some fine shots. Cuevas attempting to be more aggressive but unable to make any inroads into the Dimitrov serve. In the fourth set it was exactly the same pattern until the 11th game Cuevas was leading 40-0 up, served a double and then proceded to get broken. Dimitrov served out the match and continued the usual of winning matches when you don't want him to do and vice versa.

Based on what was seen here Cuevas should be fine for the clay season as long as he keeps fit.

Bautista Agut vs. Millman

This was the classic of watching one match and following the other at the same time. Bautigol was his usual solid self and Millman was a bit off, but anyone who has a clue about tennis knows what a great fighter Millman is.

With the local crowd driving Millman on he was able to take the 3rd set. The grinding continues and Bautigol had 4 match points in the tiebreaker but was unable to take then with Millman levelling at 2 sets all.



The question whether Millman train was powering through or Bautista Agut like he did against Andy Murray troll the crowd favourite to let them get back even and step up the pace. Unsurprisingly this match was about extended rallies and Bautigol was able to get the decisive break and was able to run out the match, letting it rip with an almighty roar.

Bautista showed great mental strength that's what confidence does to an individual when in difficult moments they're able to come through. The main difference between Bautista Agut and Millman is that Bautigol can flatten the ball more consistently which he did to get the break in the 5th. The embrace at the end made it worth it.

Day 1 Main Draw : Tennis wins when Tennys loses & the Mialman delivers another win

To use a wrestling analogy the pre show has been done and today was the start of the main PPV. For those who don't get that it means it's Day 1 of the Aus Open Yes, it was very warm and not much breeze around, as per usual it was a mess with the accreditation and picking up tickets that were being left for pick up was a sham.

Caught up with the main man Sammy and lookiing at the order of play it was pretty easy to see which matches I was going to be out and surprise surprise that's where I went.

Cuevas vs. Lajovic

Thankfully the first WTA match did not last too long, once the Seppi and Mackenzie McDonald finished their hitting session went over to court 20 to watch Salto's finest Cuevas against Lajovic. Cuevas hasn't been in good form for a while this is due to some injury issues and playing through them.

Cuevas started well got an early break in the 1st set. He was down a break point and Lajovic got a dead letcord to break back. Cuevas handled the setback, he kept hitting good length on the groundstrokes, moving Lajovic around to expose the movement and the backhand. Cuevas broke and served out the 1st set.


Cuevas backhand

The 2nd set was a familar pattern Cuevas serving well moving it around the box to open the court from where Cuevas was able to dominate from the baseline using quality angles with the forehand to set up the signature backhand down the line. The match was progressing comfortably on serve for both until the 11th game where Cuevas stepped it up and broke.

After taking a 2 sets to 0 lead in the searing heat Lajovic was demoralised. Cuevas sensed it and made very unforced errors which lead to an easy 3rd set win for Cuevas who got out of the heat with a straight sets win. The best match of the year for the Uruguayan and there were a couple of times where Cuevas hit kick serves to the ad where it bounced out of the court, too bad they were wide.

Schwartzman vs. Molleker

This match followed Cuevas on court 20 aka the car park as it's away from the main courts and suffers from a lack of shade. Schwartzman aka "The Big Man" with Chubby Chela in his corner started very well and showed Molleker what the main level tour is about.

The Big Man got into the groove early on serve and making very few unforced errors pressing Molleker into errors and frustrating the hell out of him. Schwartman took the first 2 sets easily and it looked like a routine straight sets win for the Big Man.

At the 3rd set had a couple of Gremio fans sit next to me and they were fans of Schwartzman which is always a good thing. Yes, Gremio is a football team in Brazil, they said when there no Brazilians they will support other South Americans which is a good thing. Molleker starts hitting better length while holding serve with more ease. The Big Man is crusiing along until the 10th game where plays an absolute stinker of a game and gets broken to lose the 3rd set.


Schwartzman

Schwartzman goes for a toilet break and gets cheered by the Argentine fans as he comes past them. That was the thing which annoyed me during this match there were people taking selfies with the tennis going on in the background. These are the people who go to a gig watching the whole thing through their phones or the ones who complain about 1 gram over on food at the deli.

After the break Schwartzman gets focused after the 3rd set lapse, becomes the human backboard and hitting the corners with the groundstokes. He easily takes the 4th set and was mobbed by fans after the match. If you get a chance to watch Schwartzman do it.

Seppi vs. Johnson

Of course what is this blog without a Seppi report. It's like a pizza without cheese or having a 20 year single malt whisky with coke. This was a tough match for Seppi as he was 0-3 in head to head meetings and only arriving in Melbourne yesterday afternoon.

The key to this match was Seppi attempting to break down the Johnson backhand. Johnson is a good fastcourt player serves well and a good forehand but the backhand is mostly slice. Seppi was a bit sluggish at the start which was understandable but was able to dig in and dominate from the baseline especially the backhand to backhand rallies.

It's not easy to back up after a big week previously especially when losing a final where Seppi let the occasion get better of him anf not play the match. Seppi was able to get the break and managed the serve the 1st set out comfortably which is something Seppi doesn't normally do.

The 2nd set continues on in the same manner. Johnson using his serve and forehand to get on the front foot. Seppi having some issues on serve but once the point was starting working Johnson side to side going to the forehand to expose the backhand. The match was progressing along comfortably until Seppi lost his concentration made a game of errors where Johnson broke and took the 2nd set.

Even afer 1 set all the match feels like it's Seppi's to lose. Johnson does not have a great Slam record and his return game is not a strength. Seppi was hitting well off both sides, got an early break and ran out the 3rd set fairly easily using his groundstokes to keep Johnson pinned on the baseline.


Seppi

We begin the 4th set which continued in the same as the 3rd. Both were holding serve fairly easily, Seppi grinding away and Johnson hitting the spots on serve until a controversial moment in the game where Johnson was broken.

At the first point Johnson cleans the line with a first serve which was an ace. Seppi was walking to the other side and gestured Johnson to challenge. Hawkeye showed it was on the line and the umpire called first serve. Johnson was very pissed off with the decision and debated with the umpire which is like arguing with a female, even when they are wrong, they are right. Seppi returned well after the first point and was able to get the break point where Johnson was being pushed around who floated a slice backhand long for Seppi to break.

Seppi having a few hiccups on serve but these were not fully exploited by Johnson who was making some poor errors especially on the backhand, In that rare moment Seppi served out a match easily and got the W.

After the match Seppi was delighted that the match did not go too long as he said he was feeling flat. He was grinding and Johnson made a lot of mistakes on the backhand after 3 or 4 shots, which Seppi said was unsuual for Johnson as he normally hits it well and keeps it deeps. Now, Seppi is going to enjoy his day off and have a very gentle hit with the coach.

Talking Points

The Mialman delivered with the effort and the victory over Delbonis in 4 sets. It was impossible to get a seat on the court which was way too small for Millman. He should have been placed on court 3 but Millman does not have the right management company, more on that later.

Millman was fantastic as per usual with the fans aftet the match. It's interesting as anyone who has followed this rather strange blog that I have been advocate for Millman. He is a hard and fair competitor but more importantly a fantastic individual. After defeating Federer last year at the US Open, there has been a bandwagon of course, but definitely a sense of happitness that there are more people realising what he's about.


Millman

After the match Millman spent at least 40 minutes taking photos with and signing autographs for fans making sure no one missed out. It's genuine and not done for PR purposes which will give fans fantastic memories. He will go on to play one of his friends Bautista Agut in what will be a big grindfest in the next round.

Roberto Bautista Agut is definitely playing the villain role this week. He played the dry witted Scot Andy Murray who announced that he will be finishing his career due to injury. The fact a player can't retire on their own terms is one of the worst things for a pro sportsman. Bautigol took the first 2 sets, then Murray came back taking the next 2 tiebreakers but once Bautista Agut saw Murray getting fatigued, he got focused.

Now to end this entry with some controversial comments from Nard Dogg Tomic. After losing straight sets to Marin Cilic. Tomic came out and made comments about Lleyton Hewitt's role within Tennis Australia and a conflict of interest. Hewitt is the Davis Cup captain, has a say in who gets the wildcards and in addition has a management company. When there are a multitude of hats being worn, the potential for perceived conflict of interest is clear, especially when Hewitt is still playing doubles when he has been retired, giving himself wildcards to the Australian events and his playing partners are part of the management company. In addition to that, while getting a salary from TA, he is getting prizemoney for the doubles which is double dipping and the fee from the clients.


Tomic on Hewitt

As for Tomic he is not the brightest or most articulate individual. He's definitely a character who manages to divide people, thankfully he doesn't give a monkeys and will answer questions without fake palatitudes or cliches. In the above comments, which have been discussed the issue seems to be the messenger in this case and not so much the content. As they say in the classics a broken clock is right twice a day.

On that note time to end this successful tennis day especially as the big 4 won and Trimp lover Tennys Sandgren lost.

Two for the Price of One : Qualifying Reports

Robert vs. Kuhn

The battle between the teenager and the man known as Stephane Robert who is almost old enough to be his dad. As for Kuhn he's a German-Russian born in Austria who plays for Spain, who said tennis wasn't an international sport.

Kuhn can tell he has been in the Spanish school of tennis, where there is a lot of work, work and a bit more work it's a tough system whereas Robert is on the eccentric side which is great in a sporting world with increased homogenisation which is what happens when big business gets in the way.


Nicola Kuhn

Kuhn was moving Robert around in the rallies and Robert wasn't able to change the direction often enough. The only break in the 1st came when Robert was up 40-30 had Kun wrongfooted and missed a forehand wide from there.

Robert starts playing better in the 2nd set able to get the rallies on his terms and exposing Kuhn on the backhand side where he has to run. The turning point was Robert was up a break and two opportunities for the insurance breakm but failed to make the returns. Kuhn held

Both are holding serve comfortably enough until they hit the tie breaker. Robert was up a mini break but Kuhn got a couple of miss hits go his way and Robert made errors. Possible missed opportunity but Kuhn was too good.

Gimeno-Traver vs. Davidovich Fokina

This match DGT was waiting for about 5 minutes and I was thinking can he Davidovich be timed out if he doesn't get there in time. Well he' s from Malaga via Russian and Swedish parents so he was on Malaga time.

DGT is never good early in the year as he needs matches and I've only seen Davidovich on a computer screen, it's always so much better to watch live as there aee more nuances you can see.

Gimeno Traver broke serve, then decided to hand the break back due to a multitude of errors. He broke leading 4-2, then at 4-3 plays a game of errors hands it back to the Malaga man who was playing very intelligently working the ball around. Gimeno Traver after hitting the big forehand as soon as he leant back, Davidovich got him with excellent drop shots. When serving to stay in DGT, continued to serve poorly and got broken to lose it 7-5. Can't be winning matches with a first serve percentage of 35%.


Davidovich

In the 2nd set DGT starts serving better and able to use his massive forehand and even the backhand was reasonable when at times it resembles a club player. Davidovich was getting his foot looked at by the physio kept good length on the groundstrokes, defended when necessary and hit winning drop shots. The set went along comfortably a the end DGT had to save some match points got to the tiebreaker. A bit like the first set DGT up a mini break, unable to consolidate the youngster kept fighting and took his chance and put away the veteran.

Davidovich Fokina isn't the tallest but he has good court sense, solid and uses the dropshot well. He'll get stronger for sure but have to get the balance right where it doesn't take his speed away.

Brown vs. Arevalo

Another slow start for Brown who was getting pissed off with the people walking in during the point when they are in their own world holding up the players. Arevalo was solid hardly making any errors as Brown was happy to provide them . The El Salvadoran took the 1st set.

Brown become more aggressive, because he needed to and also due to agitiation with those fans and some poor linecalling contributed. Brown wasn't serving and volleying as much, he stayed back a bit more and ripping forehands which pressured Arevalo into hitting shorter balls which Brown took advantage of breaking serve. From that point on Brown was serving better and took the ride on the momentum train taking the 2nd set.


Dustin Brown

The Brown Expreess was travelling and he never looked his losing in the 3rd, yes anything can and will happen in a Brown match but this had a feeling on inevitable about it. Brown into the final qualie round.

Rola vs.Polansky

Polansky was his solid self just putting the ball into the court and letting Rola self destruct. In the first set a bit Rola was moving like a slow Karlovic, there was no energy from his end, not getting to the ball and just making very cheap errors. Polansky did not have to do much and these are the days which one has to take advantage of.

Halfway through the second set Rola realises he can move his feet and geting more pop on the groundstrokes though not serving as well as Tuesday. There was too much of the same serve, not enough body serving whwich when he did was successful every ti.

They manage to get to a tiebreaker where Rola was more the proactive , though there was hilarious incident amoing many average calls in the match at 6-6. The linesperson forgot to change sides, Rola served and the first serve was 1m long, Polansky hits it and Layhani then calls fault before Rola hits it and Polansky is urined off. Rola takes the set.

Polansky must have had a shit and a shower since his toilet break was 10 minutes plus. It was good enough as Rola lost momentum and started playing like he did early in the set. Polansky broke and then Rola broke back, the standard of tennis wasn't great from either guy. The 6th game where Polansky broke was 4 gifts rom Rola, yes there is Christmas in July. Polansky couldn't believe his luck, while he struggled to serve out the match, his running forehand pass to take the match was excellent which could not be said about this match.

Rosol vs. Troicki

The match started in cool and overcast conditions with no sun which Rosol was enjoying. The big Czech was playing well hititng the ball cleanly, got an early break and had chances for double break but was unable to convert due to a mixture of good play from Troicki and gifts from Rosol.

Rosol served for the set at 5-4, but got tight as a drum and forgot what he got him into the lead. Troicki is a very good albeit a threatrical competitor who is not going to give anything away and broke back. Both held serve until the tiebreaker, then at 1-0 when Rosol steps up for his 2 serves he throws up 2 double faults. Troicki can't believe these presents and gains confidence to take the teiebreaker.


Troicki

In the second set Rosol is just making errors, going for winners at times when not in position to do so. Troicki is defending well and while not being passive, he essentially let Rosol self destruct which he happily obliged.

Not sure if the conditions changing threw Rosol's timing out, my Czech isn't good enough to get the mutterings. Coming back from injury isn't easy, getting the confidence back and that impacts on movement while Rosol was never the quickest, he looked a bit slower which of course means the crisp shots aren't going to be as effective.

Troicki is back with Jack Reader the supercoach. It will be a long way back but Troicki as long as he stays fit should be back in the top 100.



Talking Points

Mo Layhani did not damage any more eardrums with the screems of "correction the ball is good". He is very approachable and has plenty of fans.

Daniel Evans was being Daniel Evans pretty much saying in these exact words Australia is full of pussies.

Rosol against Bellucci he was so rubbish in the 1st set, then took a toilet break which lasted more than 10 minutes. He must have had the mother of all dumps, but as they say in the classics better out than in. Thge dump break worked as he was moving and hitting better.

Jurij Rodiinov is from the Jurgen Melzer school of left handers and not Thomas Muster. Lots of attacking tennis though definitely doesn't havet the hands of Melzer.

There is a big upside to Davidovich Fokina and Kuhn barring injuries

Darian King is a great guy.

All Beginnings Are Difficult: Day 1 Australian Open Qualies

It's that time of year where the Aus Open qualies and for the first time there was a lack of anticipation but was hoping that would change once I entered the grounds, alas this did not happen.


2018 was a pretty poor year besudes John Millman beating Roger Federer at the US Open to make the quarter finals. The overnight success where his father Ron The Fox Millman cemented legendary status fielding all the media requests. It hasn't changed John and it won't, he has solid people around him.


John and the Fox

The coolest Japanese man of all time Taro Daniel won a title out of nowhere in Istaanbul doing a Marvel celebration and coming back from 04 in the 3rd against Rogerio Dutra Silva in the quarter finals. Diego Schwartzman was just being Diego Schwartzman.


Schwartzman

Changes

Before we start on the qualies action these are the lowlights. Davis Cup has ended and what has been put in its place is an absolute joke. Can't say Davis Cup is special when all the special elements have been taken away. If they agreed to paly it every 2 years in odd years, it would not clash with the Olympics which the ITF make a big deak out of. The Pique Cup is a joke, just a cash grab which needs to fail.

This leads into my next point the players are not consulted at all about these changes. The vast majority are against the Pique Cup. The Australian Open decides to have a 5th set tiebreaker which is garbage. In a major players should be breaking to wn a 5th set in a major not rely on a crapshoot. Then the organisers have a Champions Tie Break which is rubbish, sure Wimbledon had a hybrid solution but it's better than what's on offer. The mental aspect is takem away, as they know the end is coming and the fitness is part of this great sport.




Qualifying for some reason was changed from Tuesday to Friday for reasons that are unknown just like the extensive consultation about the tiebrakers that allegedly that happened from the tournament organisers. None of the players were asked yes that includes Sascha Zverev, Nadal and Severin Luthi stated Federer was not asked. Who was clamouring for the change it was definitely commercial interests, this is where you need an organisation that has the skill to balance the interests out. With the qualifying finishing on Friday, some will play their next match on Tuesday, they will be able to go to Phillip Island and back, then off on the Great Ocean Road return and still have time to prepare. So, no the organisers did not stop, collaborate and listen to all parties necessary.

Day 1 qualifying

Rola vs. Pavlasek

Rola who is coached by Grega Zemlja one of the blogger's favourtires. In the past year he has opened up an academy where Rola is playing out of. Looking to turn promising juniors into pros but of course getting better facilities is a challenge.


Rola

Rola served well , moving the ball around the service box and using his forehand to attack Pavlasek's backhand which is mostly slice and not of the Estrella Burgos kind. He is most notable for being an ex of Petra Kvitova, not that this is a bad thing in itself.

Pavlasek was very passive but holding comfortably as well as Rola was serving in the 1st set, he was returning like Karlovic and not on a good day. In the 12th game with Pavlasek serving to take into the tiebreaker. Rola starts hitting some solid returns, waiting for the inevitable short ball from Pavlasek and took the set 7-5.

The 2nd set begins in the same way but Rola is returning better overall. Once they get into the rallies the greater weight of shot from Rola exposed the Czech's backhand and ran out a comfortable winner in the end with a small wobble while serving it out.

Brown vs. Berlcoq

Total contrast between the flair of Brown and the grinding of Berlocq. In his first service game, Brown was not switched on and got broken. For the first 5 games Berlocq hardly made an unforced error and Brown was getting frustrated but was getting more balls into the court. Berlocq deservedly took the 1st set which lead to Brown being more aggressive and not necessarily in ballbashing mode.

In the 2nd set Brown gets on a roll, not missing many serves, dominating with the forehand and moving forward to knock the volleys off. Brown is tough to stop when he is riding that momentum train, whereas Berlccq the level between best and worst isn't as extreme as Brown who takes the 2nd set.


Dustin Brown

Brown got an early break in the 3rd and was sailing along fairly comfortably on serve, while playing way too many dropshots and not having a great success ratio. Berlocq is tougher than $2 steak and gives nothing away, manages to break back. The match is Berlocq's grunting and grinding against Dreddy's serve/colleying, 200km/h forehands, slice and drop shots.

Berlocq serving at 5-5 40-0 up. Brown hits the backspin drop shot one bounce on Berlocq's side & bounces on Brown's side, from there Dreddy rides the momentum train breaks Berlocq and serves out the match. There was a proper warm embrace at the end of the match.

Talking Points

Good to see Steve Darcis back around the courts he was at the De Greef match.

Janko Tipsarevic sighting has been confirmed and Viktor Troicki smiling they were watching the Serbian derby.

Chris Eubanks saw the last set of his match and like his game. His forehand takeback is similar to Lukas Rosol, apart from that he is a lot quicker and doesn't have Rosol's on court temperament.

Domi Thiem was watching his compatriot Ofner win his match.

Casper Ruud played an absolute shit match today, pretty much it was just cheap errors and most of them were rally balls. Laaksonen was solid, but he did what was necessary since Ruud thought it was still Christmas with all the presents he was handing out.

The final set champions tiebreak is rubbish as witnessed with the initial one played in the Jung match. It was dumb then and it's dumb noiw.

Tomorrow will be a fun day have Robert, Lorenzi, Dutra Silva, Gimeno-Traver, Baghdatis and Rosol all gracing the courts at some stage.

John Millman The People's Champion

The adventures of "The Mailman" John Millman at the US Open are over but what a fun ride it was. I can accurately state that no one expected Millman to make the quarter finals and be the last Aussie standing before the start of the event. For this reason among many it makes the achievement all the more noteworthy.



It is interesting to see someone's whose career that you have followed for a long time have a huge breakthrough moment, where it receives global coverage. Though to be fair beating Roger Federer even if he is well into the southern part of his career will do that. Sure, there'll be bandwagon jumpers and most of them will get off the train today, but the way Millman was humble in victory and gave a glimpse into his character will convert a few fans along the way which is not a bad thing.

Millman has an ongoing issue with his back, there were the shoulder surgeries, the groin surgery and the journey he has travelled. Here are a couple of pieces which give further background on the struggles of the Millman An Aussie Battler Come Good and Interview with John Millman


Here is a story from the Futures, the lowest level of the tour which only the diehards have an idea about.

What have been your experiences of playing on the Futures & Challenger Tour? Can you elaborate on the pizza story in Gimcheon?

It's normally the glamorous side people see on TV but the reality of it all is vastly different. The future and challenger tour can be a grind, testing conditions in testing places. Gimcheon was another one of those testing places. The majority of us had been in South Korea for four weeks and Gimcheon was the last stop. I had experienced hospitalisation earlier due to food poisoning as had others.

A lot of people were playing it safe in the last tournament, wanting to stay healthy. This meant Pizza Hut for dinner every night. They didn't deliver to the hotel though because it was too far away so we'd have to wait around the courts and get it delivered to the courts. I was with another Australian, Matt Barton. We'd finished our pizzas and were waiting for the last match to finish. Nima Roshnan and Michael McClune were in a dog fight doubles match. A few bad calls and Nima was fired up. They had won the first easy but the second was tight.

Nima's girlfriend had ordered pizzas for them, hoping they'd arrive when they finished so they would be able to eat that night. Michael was serving to stay in the second set at 30-40 5-6. You could hear the motorized scooter from ages away. It arrived but instead of the guy coming to the small crowd of about ten people he opened up the gate and walked straight on the court, trying to deliver the pizza to the boys playing doubles. There was mayhem, the umpire couldn't control the situation and the pizza guy wanted his money. Michael double faulted and Nima went nuts at the whole situation. It was pretty funny.

You don't see this on the main tour.

The Big Cheese

Of course there was some negativity around from two groups in particular. The narrative here's an Aussie you can get behind, sure this is true but it requires context. It's in relation compared to Nick Kyrgios and Tomic, unfortunately a significant amount of people are criticising the fact those two are of immigrant background whereas Millman is good old Anglo-Celtic stock. As for the former two sure criticise them for their behaviour on court and attitude which is something they can control, whereas your ethinic, racial and cultural background is soemthing you can't. Or simply play the ball and not the man.

The other lot are that section of delusional and over entitled Federer fans who couldn't accept that he wasn't good enough to win on the day, including John McEnroe. That's tennis some days you play shit and win, others you play well and lose. Sergiy Stakhovsky nailed it when you're playing Federer it's two people it's the man and the legend. Millman down a set and had set points against him, he was always going to grind and compete. Got to tale your chances when they come along, he did and after all the crap he has had with the career, definitely deserved his moment in the sun and not to have it pissed on.



As for the tournament itself before beating the great man he had excellent wins against the mercurial Fabio "The Fog" Fognini, just was not missing at all from the baseline, especially on the backhand side and driving the Fog nuts. Taking out Kukushkin in the 3rd round as well showed he wasn't just someone who closed his eyes, swung and hoped for the best.

It has always been whether Millman could keep healthy, sometimes he has to control whether he works too hard. It's the work ethic, the fact when you ask him a question it's a honest answer without going to cliches. He is a very tough competitor but a very sporting individual, the fact he is maximising his potential is all one can ask.

Millman has improved his forehand whereas previously it was just a rally shot and he'd hardly hit any winners from it, unlike the backhand which he can hit down very well. As we know in tennis when the pressure on the technque on the weaknesses will get exposed and how the player can handle that scruitny. He knows he needs to be more aggressive at times when the short ball is there, but it's a difficult transition to just start doing it on a consistent basis. Has definitely improved on that aspect and there is no doubt that Millman will continue to work on his game.



His win over Federer was the most joy that I have experienced with a tennis result since the 2004 Roland Garros final. One because it was so unexpected, two it was over arguably the greatest tennis player of all time and lastly because after all the setbacks, the positivity Millman still possesses to keep perserving with tennis deserves to have his moment in the sun and that good blokes can succeed.

Davis Cup

Where to now for Millman, hopefully he has a few beverages tonight and then off to Graz for a Davis Cup tie, though sadly it's a meaningless tie with the restructure of Davis Cup happening next season, which is somethibg Millman has not held back when commenting about it. The Mailman played agsinst Belgium in the semis when he was only there as a hitting partner but the form was so good he was included. Played a very good match against Goffin and for some reason was robbed of playing a live 5th rubber when replaced by an inferior claycourt player Thompson who Darcis handled with ease.



Millman will find a way to look at this as a positive experience even though they really aren't playing for anything. I'm happy he gets to play especially as he was not one of the chosen ones as a junior and didn't receive much help from Tennis Australia. It's just a quesrionof keeping healthy and continuing to maximise his potential.

As the great man and father of John Ron "The Fox" Millman one of the great characters anywhere in the world no matter the results they are proud of him, and he sure he might not have any ATP titles at the moment but Millman is top tier in how he competes, treats people with respect and his work ethic. Excellent on the court and even better off the court.

It's time to go final Australian Open report

Yes, it's that time of the year where the Australian Open adventure has ended. It's very rare that I go to the second week of a Slam in other words very similar to the majority of players that I like, but you have to enjoy those moments.

Better get the rubbish out first before writing about the positive aspects. The venue continues its necessary expansion but the challenge is now to get the balance right between expansion and the "Happy Slam" moniker which is what they're trying to achieve. In the first three days there were way too many people in the grounds to the point where it was uncomfortable at times, there were deep queues to matches which in reality shouldn't have had that many people. Then there is the shade issue to the point where some people were just sitting at the back of the courts not moving, nor taking an interest in the matches. There are way too many people who go to the tennis just to say they've been there and not remember a match that they have seen.

The Aus Open website and app were awful. Normally the functions of a website and app are for it to work efficiently and accessibility of information. The previous versions there weren't major issues and worked well unlike the 2018 version which was rubbish, required three updates during the event. Maybe they will need to cap the ground passes but there isn't a chance of that as long as the event generates more and more money then the side effects are just that. The organisation aren't lacking in financial resources, the reduced dining options in terms of quality and quantity are issues that can be solved easily, the other ones require a lot more desire to address the problems.


Cabal y Farah

Onto tennis matters now watched the animated Colombians Cabal and Farah smash Paes/Raja. As a team they've never made the Masters Finals in doubles, their Slam record doesn't do them justice. This is an opportunity for them to improve on the Slam record do so they're playing the retiring Sam Groth and the man who won't retire Lleyton Hewitt, it would be good to shut the local crowd up and Hewitt may finally retire.


Seppi vs. Edmund

Huge opportunity for both to make their first Slam quarter final. Seppi started serving well and was moving the ball around as the best way to play Edmund is to keep him off balance so he doesn't have time to set up the huge forehand which is massive weapon. Edmund wasn't playing that well but he was fighting hard and got it to the tiebreak. Seppi played a solid breaker and took the 1st set and broke early but as we know in tennis it's not a break of serve unless you hold. Seppi played a sloppy game and Edmund was able to break back. The second set took on more significance it was important that Seppi to take it as Edmund starts playing better. At the 12th game Seppi hardly gets a first serve in and his second serve has always been a weakness which was exposed big time as they landed in the middle of the box with nothing on them as Edmund punished these serves with his huge forehand to take the set.


This was the momentum shift as Edmund is playing more aggressively and pushing Seppi around the court. The Italian was just outhit and even the little bits of luck were going Edmund's way and Seppi doesn't have the game, his slice isn't short enough to bring Edmund off the baseline into uncomfortable areas or deep enough to keep him back. Edmund wants to be in the backhand corner drilling forehands all the day once he got the momentum and confidence and was able to do it, the few half chances Seppi had he wasn't able to convert. The last two sets were comfortable for Edmund and well deserved win, he was the better player and able to execute his game plan.


Seppi winning the Canberra Challenger last week and a fourth round appearance in Melbourne has been an excellent start to the season, as long as there are no injuries then he should be fine. If he can finish in the top 50 then that would be a very good season, that's the one thing no one can say seriously about Seppi is that he hasn't maximised his potential which is all you can ask of a player.


Extras

Tennis wise the results weren't bad with Seppi and Schwartzman making the 4th round, Fognini strutting like he owns the universe, foot faults called on second serves through the centre line. Johnny Millman defeating Coric, always good to see him on the court, please have an injury free year. Stephane Robert please make main draw next year as the game needs characters and Dreddy Brown qualifying for the main draw. Mikey Russell doing a great job so far with Ryan Harrison. Kavcic to have a year without injury among other things.


The best thing besides watching matches are the variety of people from all over the world that you meet, so going to do a few shout outs. These are no order in preferences, first of all there is Alex the Swedish legend who decided to start a website Tennisportalen in Swedish but is expanding into English with a podcast named after an underrated shot The Block Return Podcast will update in my links when it's active. Valentin, the Swedish Romanian coach who taught me a lot of things and really hates early preparation which makes sense when it's explained.


My younger siblings no, we are not related it's just we've been at this event for so long though we hardly see each other come main draw as they're at different matches. Love your work Kristen and Peta, but that's as obvious as night follows day and pineapple not belonging on pizza. Dave the man from South Tyrol who keeps introducing me to members of the Ladin mafia, he's a great guy who I met through super coach Jamaican Mikey who is always entertaining noticing things half an hour before they happen. The fab 4 Lance, Sean, Arthur and Darko these guys grind through qualies, know what is shit and isn't in tennis world and red card to that arseclown complaining about opening a chip packet. Mr. Qureshi good to see you man and the kids as well, never know in 15 years they maybe playing at the Open. Lizia always great catching up with you. I got to meet this incredibly salty and feisty Korean lass Joanna, have to say I only have positive memories of the experience even though it was so fucking hot, but glad she came to Melbourne finally got to see del Potro and Federer play maybe next time she'll get pics.


Thanks to the very few readers I have of this infrequently updated and odd blog, quality is always better than quantity. I appreciate the very niche market and unlike that clown that impersonates a journalist I'm not going to twist stuff to get more retweets, nor think Slams should be best of 3 sets or have a tiebreaker in the 5th. There are many shit things about tennis, so it's important to embrace the qualities that make it unique


Last of all one of my best friends Sammy he had a difficult 2017, so I was happy to see him back at the venue where we met. He loves the game and was there to lift the mood when I needed it and was grumpier than usual, also he co writes the reports because the matches I want to see, normally there are on at the same time when the WTA goes too far or not long enough. There is enough crap that we have to deal with in our own individual situations, so it's important to some positive influences ah the simple things.

South Tyrolean Superman chops down the tree of Karlovic

Today was stupidly hot and there were only two matches on the card that I wanted to see, but was unable to see one of them due to the other going well over time. In the end it was a long and rewarding day which is what counts.

Seppi vs. Karlovic

This was a huge opportunity for both players to make the quarter finals as the winner will play Kyle Edmund in the 4th round so there was a lot at stake. Thankfully the match was played with the roof open as the indoor conditions would have suited Karlovic taking out the sun and the wind. Slow start Seppi wasn't on show as he was able to get an early break and run through the set to take it 6-3. He was returning the Karlovic serve very well who initially wasn't hitting them at full capacity. It's a tactic for the 39 year old as a way to preserve the serving arm as that's what is making him the money over his career, this in addition to lasting 5 sets and previous round a 12-10 win. Seppi had a half chance for another break in the 2nd set which was saved by Karlovic. Seppi played a solid breaker and was able to take the 2nd set.


At the start of the 3rd set Karlovic called for the trainer but didn't receive a medical timeout. Big Ivo finally started cranking up the serve and was hitting his spots, it's a major advantage serving from a tree hitting 210 km/h wide and the difficulty of playing Karlovic is not getting an opportunity to get into service games. Seppi was comfortable holding his own service games which is what you need to do when playing Karlovic, then take the rare opportunities on offer. Seppi served a double fault on the first point of the breaker and was behind ever since as the big Croatian takes the 3rd set. Karlovic is serving magnificently in the 4th set cranking up the service speeds as the sun went down. All Seppi could do was just take care of his own delivery and was frustrated at Karlovic serving bombs in both directions. As per 3rd set we end up at the tiebreaker which was going on serve, then Seppi hit a backhand into the net and Ivo takes the set.


Seppi matches are rarely routine and this was no different. Thankfully the Aus Open doesn't have that nonsense of a 5th set tiebreaker when you're at a Grand Slam event, you should win by breaking your opponents serve not winning a crapshoot. In this case Seppi could have easily lost this match in a 5th set tiebreaker without losing a serve in the match. As the weaker server it was good that Seppi started serving in the 5th set. He was placing the serve well and once the rally went over 5 strokes he was winning nearly all of them. Karlovic was serving bombs but in the middle of the 5th set Seppi was starting to read the serve better and creating half chances which were snuffed out by the big man.


Seppi


After getting some half chances when Karlovic was serving at 7-8, Seppi was able to make some excellent returns and passing the big man at the net. The South Tyrolean Superman was able to get two match points, he was unsuccessful on the first and then took the second. Seppi let the frustrations out with a roar and celebrated knowing what a difficult match it was mentally when playing Karlovic, the games to go quickly and frustrations increase when serves a 400km/h serve wide on a big point.


Tennis is a brutal sport mentally but thankfully Seppi was able to break to win the match which is what players should be doing at this level, though some tennis writers think Slams should be best of 3 sets with tiebreakers, then again there are some who believe the earth is flat.


Sorry Diego Schwartzman and Dogs Balls I was unable to watch your match due to a giant Croatian who fought and competed hard to take a match to 5 sets when in ideal world 3 would have been sufficient. Think there'll only be one more report to come after this

Day 4: The Heat Is On

Yes, surprise surprise an entry that wasn't late this is mainly due to the awfully hot weather and didn't watch too many matches.

First of all there were two major upsets, the first one was the hot Hungarian otherwise known as Martin Fuscovics who took out Thousand Oaks finest Sam Querrey who has never been great heat. It will be interesting to see how he comes up in the next round where he is the favourite against the Argentine Nicolas Kicker who took out the erratic Lukas Lacko to follow up from his win against Lleyton Hewitt's favourite guy Jordan Thompson.

Julien Benneteau the man who keeps scrapping manages to beat Michael J Fox lookalike David Goffin. Normally Benne doesn't handle the heat well but Jules is inspired and recovered well from failing to serve out the match in the 4th. The tiebreaker not sure what Goffin was doing though not sure it was tennis related and the man from Boulogne-Billancourt was rewarded with the win.

Fognini vs. Donskoy

Managed to get a seat fairly easily which hasn't always been the case these past few days, perhaps the stinking weather helped. One thing I noticed that lots of Japanese fans were coming into the court, then I realised it was because there was a WTA match after this one.

Donskoy early in the piece was hitting the ball well, he and topspin aren't on friendly terms. The Fog was slow out of the blocks and was only mildly muttering to himself nothing really amazing or theatrical from the Fog after the loss off the 1st set.

My peace watching this match was ended fairly quickly when these 5 drunken guys who were cheering on the Fog decided to sit near me and act fairly loudly. I just straight out to a couple of them. "You have money on Fognini don't you?". They answered yes and asked was it that obvious. My response was well poker face isn't your strong point, they were on the border of being obnoxious but not as bad as some.


The Fog

The Fog decided to dig in the 2nd set and cut back on the errors, he was able to use that big forehand to push Donskoy around the court who then started going for more shots and wasn't able to control them. Once the Fog took the 2nd set he was in control of the match and really never felt like in much danger.

There was a funny incident where the Fog hit a backhand pass which bounced out of the court hit the pole holding up the tarpaulin covering the court bouncing back hitting the security guard in the face just as he was taking a drink. He spilt water over his face and had a good laugh. The Fog looked over and had a chuckle as well.

Fognini decided to turn up and play well enough this was definitely not the total listless I don't give a shit Fog, but far from his best then you only need to be good enough on the day to win. There is a big opportunity for the fourth round as he plays Benneteau.

Short one for today as tomorrow will be even warmer, the viewing will include Seppi vs. Karlovic and Schwartzman vs. Dolgopolov for sure but strange things happen.

Day 2/3: South Tyrolean Superman Seppi saves the day

Due to technical difficulties aka the laptop is ready to be taken out back and put out of its misery, so there will be 2 days of reports, so prepared to be bored.

Benneteau vs. Daniel

This was a match that screamed opportunity for a win at Slam. Benneteau is definitely in the southern part of his career playing for the love of the game, plus he has a child and one has to provide for the family. Daniel is meant to be coming into his best years, but as we know players mature at different speeds.

As expected this was a clash of styles with Daniel trying to use his heavy forehand to work Benneteau around the court extending the rallies whereas Benneteau was looking to vary the style, albeit in his manner with off pace shots and scrapping which got him a break. Benne had an opportunity to serve out the 1st set but failed to do as Daniel played a solid breaker.



Taro Daniel

In the second set Daniel was playing the slightly better tennis in a scrappy match, he had a break but was broken back and the turning point was the tiebreaker which Benneteau played very well. If Daniel had won the 2nd set, the general feeling was that he'd have run away but Benneteau was riding that momentum train and not getting off any time soon.

Benneteau who was cramping slowed the serve down and was getting more of them in and placing it well. In the rallies he was being more aggressive and yes the forehand as well. Daniel wasn't pushing off on the serve at all, at the moment his game is based on defensive skills and he needs to be less reactive.

Daniel came out with a great line to the coach "I can't believe I'm losing to a guy who is cramping". The last two sets were quite one sided as Benneteau was playing very well and Daniel further and further behind the baseline. Benne has to enjoy his time left in the game, whereas Daniel has some improvements that need to be made

Gasquet vs. Kavcic

Definitely not a great draw for the Dexter lookalike who hasn't had a great start to the year, though never has Gasquet but this was a match which was always in his favour.
The first set was just rubbish from Kavcic, who couldn't get into the match. Gasquet wasn't being pressured at all and was very comfortable to taking it without breaking much of a sweat.

Kavcic does start to get into more rallies but for him to win a match like this. The matches where has taken out seeds in Melbourne were where he was aggressive with the forehand and just playing behind the baseline. At his age it's the direction his game needs to progress, but old habits die hard especially when your game is defensive orientated. The serve he has a lower ball toss and wasn't able to get the arm through quickly enough serving plenty into the net.


Blaz Kavcic

Gasquet was under a bit more pressure though not really threatened in the 2nd set. In the 3rd set Kavcic starts getting into the match, he was able to break serve a few times but didn't follow the basic rule of tennis which was not holding serve after breaking. It was strange he broke by being aggressive and taking advantage of Gasquet's court positioning, then in the following games went back to reactive tennis not doing what got him the lead.

The set point summed it up in that Kavcic hit a good first serve and then instead of hitting an aggressive backhand, he hit a nothing slice not deep at all, nor short enough to bring Gasquet in who slapped that fodder for a winner. Kavcic probably deserved to win that set, but he had enough chances and just wasn't good enough

Seppi vs. Nishioka

This was a rare Seppi match that really wasn't a grind which makes a change. Nishioka is coming back from a lengthy time out with injury but had a big win over the streaky Kohlschreiber.

It's a different thing playing the handsome South Tyrolean who has the lovely Mrs. Seppi here with him. Seppi is a very seasoned and tough professional the ones that youngsters need to test themselves against, as he is an excellent gauge of what tour life is about.


Seppi

Nishioka was trying to use his heavily spun forehand to open the court up. I did say a few years ago he had the Mariano Puerta style forehand but without the excess vitamins and it's still similar. He needs to get stronger, he will never be Tiafoe strong or have the Duckworth chest but I do like his work ethic and was going the right way before the injury.

It's difficult to say too much about this match. In reality Seppi was steady not give away the errors like Kohli can which Nishioka took advantage of. Seppi needed an easier match especially after his tournament win last week in Canberra, now he has a big battle against the serving machine Karlovic who went to 12-10 in the 5th. There is a big chance for a quarter final for the taking.

Cuevas vs. Harrison

This was a match between good and evil. Unfortunately in this case evil was triumphant in tough conditions. This is the kind of the match on this surface where Cuevas has to play a bit better and Harrison needs to be off which wasn't the case.

Harrison's serve pretty much won him the match, he was able to hit the spots with solid speeds and moved it around very well. When the Cuevas forehand is working well that's when he is on for a good day, he didn't play an awful match overall though the 0 from 0 break points makes it look he couldn't return a phone call.

Match started out both players were holding serve comfortably, there weren't too many rallies and they were won by the server. Harrison's backhand was solid, the forehand made a few errors but nothing like leaking like a sieve which happens when he is lacking confidence. Cuevas played a couple of poor points and was broken to lose the set.

In the context of the match the 2nd set was huge. It went to the same pattern as the first though Cuevas wasn't as strong on serve as Harrison. The one thing Cuevas didn't do enough of was vary his position on returning serve. He did it once jumped back on a second serve got it deep and was able to move Harrison around and won the point. The tiebreaker came down to one point where Cuevas missed a backhand down the line and Harrison took it.


I can't believe I had no break points

Cuevas was frustrated and lost his first service game and then started swinging more aggressively, it wasn't quite a Gaudio tank but he was just second best today. That's just tennis, it wasn't Cuevas was shit just Harrison was better.

Michael Russell who was the consumate professional who knew how to compete,. grind, very intelligent and excellent communicator he has already improved the Harrison forehand. First week he makes an ATP final makes a gracious speech and now in the 3rd round of a Slam.

Schwartzman vs. Ruud

Interestingly this match was between two guys who 11-9 in the 5th set in the previous round. That was as close as it got, as Schwartzman started very well and was not making many errors moving the young Norwegian around the court.

Schwartzman is solid off both sides he was winning the extended rallies hitting excellent length and Ruud wasn't able to use his forehand at all to put consistent pressure on the Argentine. Finally think there are some people who realise Schwartzman isn't a vertically challenged person impersonating a tennis player, the fact he is one of the great returners has contributed to his success.


Schwartzman

Ruud looked gassed and didn't believe he could win especially after the first set. He had a good tournament making his first Grand Slam main draw and winning a match, but this is all about gaining experience and he'll want to finish the season in the top 100.

Seppi saved the day, clean that man's cape and the longer he goes in the tournament, the better it is,

Day 1 : The Mailman delivers Coric to the dead letter office and other assortments

Well this was a very long day in equal parts rewarding and frustrating. Since this blog believes in the power of positivity and never branches out into the tree of cynicism, the frustrating parts will be dealt with.

Thankfully the weather today was mild which was good to watch tennis, however the issues with that are the crowds were very large and disorganised to a fault. The tickets I bought one for Sammy, yes, he is a legend and a veteran of Australian tennis who knows more about the game than I do. He also helps with reports and all round good bloke, went to pick his ticket up and there was a huge line of people to get in. I do this and then go to Will Call to pick mine up, previously they had a separate section for people to pick up Will Call tickets in a system that worked well, so obviously it had to be changed to include it in addition to cloaking and accreditation. In a huge surprise to maybe zero people the first day of a Slam it might be busy. I was there before the start of play and by the time my ticket was received almost 90 minutes had passed. Then again the tournament is making so much money, but offering less services and the prices for ground passes now are very steep to the point where they are almost pricing out the people they should be wanting to attract.

Now onto the tennis side of the things, there were some very interesting court selections maybe it was close their eyes and throw darts. The matches at the start were of course on opposite sides of the complex so in a huge surprise this where I started today

Cuevas vs. Youzhny

Thanks to Sammy for the first set was this one I missed due to the farcical situation aforementioned. Cuevas was solid had a break and played a sloppy game to give it back. Youzhny who was playing his first match of the year showed some good signs and managed to get 2 set points, which were saved by some excellent play from Cuevas and the other a forehand error from Youzhny.

Once Cuevas took the first set, he was fairly comfortable and there didn’t feel like there was any danger that he would lose enough momentum for the match to turn around in Youzhny’s favour. From the baseline Cuevas was good, when he is hitting the off forehand well that’s a good sign for the Uruguayan cause the backhand is a one of my favourite shots. Youzhny looked underdone and while he was hitting some excellent backhands himself, the forehand was breaking down which Cuevas took advantage of to roll through the second set.


Pablo Cuevas

It was more of the same in the 3rd set Cuevas had a break, played a sloppy game to get broken back. There was a passing shower which gave time for Cuevas to change shirts, collect his thoughts and refocus. Cuevas was able to break serve after the resumption and served the match out to get a rare win in Melbourne. It’s good for the game when Cuevas is winning matches.

Seppi vs. Moutet

Made my way to the other side of the complex where this match was being played. Moutet is a very flashy French player with a massive forehand, a lot of attitude, seems like some anger issues on court, also a love of slice forehands and dropshots. With this mix and slow start Sappi mode, the young Frenchman took the first set.

Seppi is the consummate professional, a tough player to beat, competes hard but fair and kept a level head, started to get used to the conditions as he only arrived yesterday after is a good gauge for the youngsters to see where their game is at. Seppi winning the Canberra Challenger which is good as it gave him matches, he needs the kilometres in the legs to be at his best.




Andreas Seppi

As Seppi adjusted then he was able to make enough balls and work Moutet over, definitely not the best day for the Seppi forehand which he made a few errors but it was enough as Moutet start cramping in the 4th set. Thankfully Seppi used his experience and not fall for the antics and efficiently put away the talented but raw Frenchman.

Sela vs. Harrison

Tennis is not a nice sport at times, then again we can’t always have what we want in life. This match was going on simultaneously with the Seppi match but for some reason it was on a smaller court. Part of the Australian Open tradition on the outside courts is to watch Dudi “The Hebrew Hammer” Sela going through long matches with the boisterous but fair Israeli fans, it’s not an Aus Open without doing this at least once.

Sammy was here for most of it, but the organisers putting this on a small court wasn’t the best idea and the place was packed. Sela started slowly and lost the 1st set, then he got his act together, started making less errors and moving the ball around taking advantage of Harrison’s movement. Buoyed on by the Israeli fans Sela starts taking control, had a wobble serving for the 3rd set but thankfully had a double break so it wasn’t so costly.

Sela continues on his way plays a great game to break with plenty of variety, steps up to serve for the match and fails to do so, which lead to Harrison going on a streak of 4 games to take the 4th set when he really should have been finished off. That’s the main thing his new coach Michael Russell brings to the table besides improved fitness is to install that you must compete hard.

In the 5th set Sela wasn’t playing well enough to challenge Harrison and the brattish American took it in 5. Not a surprise after the match Harrison said to the support crew “fuck them off” about the Israeli fans as they say leopards don’t change spots.

Lorenzi vs. Dzumhur

Crossed back to the far side for this intriguing match. Dzumhur was just bitching the whole time about everything, the way he was playing, the situation, the meaning of life even after points he won.

Lorenzi took the first 2 sets, grinding away and not missing anything at all pissing Dzumhur off in the process. The match was mostly extended rallies with Lorenzi using his forehand to grind the Bosnian down who despite his very grumpy demeanour kept hanging in and the Bosnian support was loud which we fed off to take the 3rd set.

There was definitely some needle out there which isn’t always a bad thing. Lorenzi called for the physio to wrap up the thigh, maybe it was a strategic break as it didn’t seem to impede Lorenzi’s movement. Dzumhur while still acting like the world was against him, manages to make less errors and Lorenzi’s shots are getting shorter to level at 2 sets all.


Dzumhur

In the 5th it was going along without too much drama except for some chatter, then the poor call at 30 all on Lorenzi’s serve where he got broken. The ball was clearly long even the biased Bosnians knew it and not Carlos Bernades best work that should have been overruled as this wasn’t even close.

Dzumhur closes out the match and completes the comeback. For the most part the Bosnian fans were fine but there was one point where they were mocking Lorenzi’s grunt after he hit the ball. It was a reasonable impression but thankfully it stopped after one point.

Millman vs. Coric

What a performance from the Mailman, he continued where he left off against Dimitrov in Brisbane. Was able there in the 2nd set this on paper was a tough but winnable match against the much hyped Coric.

Encouraged by a boisterous crowd no thanks to the four drunks near me who tried to be funny but they had a 1 from 20 success rate. Millman was playing some tough tennis hitting the ball very deep, the backhand was very safe and the forehand definitely had some more heat using that push Coric around the court.

As the Mailman took the 2nd set and got an early break in the 3rd. Young Coric wasn’t too keen on the battle and Millman grew in confidence being more aggressive with the forehand but within himself to easily crush Coric in the 3rd.


John Millman

Millman was fantastic after the match he signed for everyone which was around 25 minutes then after the match. He chatted with everyone that wanted to speak with him, a Japanese fan who travelled from Kyoto, a Spanish lass who is a massive fan. Then there is the dad Ron Millman who is one of the great characters around and you can see he and his wife did a great job of raising John and his four sisters/

Outstanding performance and big opportunity for another 3rd round showing here at the Aus Open.

Sousa vs. Brown

A contrast in styles then most opponents are in comparison to Brown. The court was packed for this match, they know Brown is an entertainer and he brings in the people. Sousa was surprisingly calm by his standards only bitching every third or fourth point.

Sousa took the first two sets over the flashy Brown who still had the self belief that he could still come back. Brown started playing a lot better and Sousa’s level dropped a bit with the combination of huge serves and forehands took the third set.

Continuing on from previous set Brown was playing very well and got a break. In the latter part of the 4th set is where things began to change. Brown was up 40-30 on serve and charges to net. Sousa hits an excellent lob which wasn’t going at a fast pace which lands long and hasn’t been called. The umpire fails to overrule and Dreddy is far from impressed giving it to him, this game Sousa breaks back.


Joao Sousa

Not long after the non overrule, the umpire decided to overrule on the tramline and Brown is getting even more urined off that he has been already saying along the lines “you haven’t overruled all match, then you do on that one when it was not clear”.

While Brown takes the 4th set, he drops serve early in the 5th set and the pattern continues as Sousa is solid off both sides just making him play one more ball which leads to Brown making errors and Sousa with excellent forehands and passing shots takes the 5th set comfortably.

Sousa and Brown know it was a hard fought match and share a warm handshake, whereas Dreddy gave the umpire a refusal. It definitely wasn’t the best night for the umpire.

Additional Extras

Diego Schwartzman the best little big man around and Boca Juniors fanatic finally manages to serve out the match against Lajovic 11-9 in the 5th set after the third time of asking. Maybe this will be the match to kick start the 2018 season after losing first round of the first two tournaments.

Casper Ruud, creating more history he was the first Norwegian since Jan Frode Andersen to win a match at Grand Slam level, qualified for his first Grand Slam. It was memorable one because it was 11-9 as well and two because this was the venue where his father Christian Ruud had his best ever run at Slam level.

Malek Jaziri came back from 2 sets down to beat Caruso. Jaziri has been struggling but he found a way and yes this person was out there watching the final set.

So the day started out poorly, ended fairly well and best of all the 5 set matches on the outside courts in the first few days are the place to be. Don’t take some journalists who seriously thinks Slams should be best of 3, no matter if they write for a so called respected paper.