2017 Tennis Thread

[Senator Clay Davis]

Novak down two sets and a double break in the third so it's pretty much over. Assuming Novak loses, Nadal will rise to #2 in the world, as he won in a retirement after one set. Amazing to think Novak will be #3 in the world a year after holding all four majors at once, and the only reason he's not #4 is Roger is on the shelf. Pretty clear it's not just that Novak has lost motivation, but he's also lost a half step or so and that makes a big difference too. Thiem though has been extremely impressive all clay season, and like Stan he has the ability to hit through Nadal so at the very least there should be some intrigue in that SF, Novak probably gets blasted by Nadal at this stage.

[dash_pinched]

Thiem indeed rolled over Novak in straight sets - Currently, Nishikori takes the first set over Murray (6-2) and Stan is up a break leading 4-1 in the first set over Cilic.

[dash_pinched]

Tennis Canada‏@TennisCanada
@GabyDabrowski continues career year, makes 1st Slam final & @Bandreescu reaches girls' singles QFs: http://bit.ly/2qWK97G #RG17

Also, Bianca Andreescu and Canadian partner Carson Branstine move on in the girls doubles tourney as they won their doubles match 3-6 6-3 13-11

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Thiem indeed rolled over Novak in straight sets - Currently, Nishikori takes the first set over Murray (6-2) and Stan is up a break leading 4-1 in the first set over Cilic.

You've got to love the clay circuit.....all of this is simply a formality until Nadal crushes the poor sap up against him in the finals. I cannot wait until the grass season starts in a few days.

[dash_pinched]

Stan just polished off Cilic in straight sets (6-3 6-3 6-1) - Meanwhile, Murray has responded by taking the second set 6-1 over Nishikori and Andy is serving for the 3rd set leading 6-5.

Edit: Nishikori breaks to force a tie-breaker and then promptly loses seven straight points to give Andy the 3rd set.

[dash_pinched]

Semi-finals on the men's side now set - Stan vs. Andy and Rafa vs. Thiem - I think we're going to see a Stan vs. Rafa final which I think will be fantastic.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Stan just polished off Cilic in straight sets (6-3 6-3 6-1) - Meanwhile, Murray has responded by taking the second set 6-1 over Nishikori and Andy is serving for the 3rd set leading 6-5.

Edit: Nishikori breaks to force a tie-breaker and then promptly loses seven straight points to give Andy the 3rd set.

whoever cheers for Nishikori, he's just infuriating to watch.

[Inglewood Jack]

I'm sure your appointment as chairwoman of Club Anti-Nishikori has been explained before, but I wouldn't mind hearing it again. I'm just totally ambivalent towards the guy. he's like an Asian Ferrer, small guy who's squeezed everything he possibly can out of his limited frame.

I can't think of an example of anyone having an easier stroll to a slam semi as Rafa has this past week. if anything that might actually cause problems against Thiem initially, because he hasn't been able to ramp up to that level. it's like he's been smacking toddlers around and now suddenly has to play a grown adult.

[GirlySports]

Cause he cheats. He's always tanking sets, faking injuries, withdrawing from tournaments, whining about rain and darkness, and taking medical timeouts when he's down.

https://twitter.com/breakpointbr/sta...786816?lang=en

it's become a running joke
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...20mto&src=typd

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Cause he cheats. He's always tanking sets, faking injuries, withdrawing from tournaments, whining about rain and darkness, and taking medical timeouts when he's down.

https://twitter.com/breakpointbr/sta...786816?lang=en

it's become a running joke
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&...20mto&src=typd

and yet he is still light years better than 2 ######bags from Australia. Tomic and Kyrgrios should both be booted off the tour until they stop acting like 10 year olds.

[Senator Clay Davis]

No comments about Halep being down 3-6, 1-5 and rallying to win? She's been such a headcase the last few years I would have given 1000-1 on her coming back from that. Amazing rally for her, and sets up her against Pliskova for the (likely) #1 ranking in the SF. There's a scenario where Kerber actually retains it, but I think we'd all like to not see that.

As far as the men goes, as long as we avoid a Murray-Nadal final I think thats good. Thiem-Wawrinka would be a lot of fun, two guys who can hammer it on clay, would be lots of big winners in that one. I suspect it's Stan and Rafa though, which would also be good albeit more as a contrast in styles than anything.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

No comments about Halep being down 3-6, 1-5 and rallying to win? She's been such a headcase the last few years I would have given 1000-1 on her coming back from that. Amazing rally for her, and sets up her against Pliskova for the (likely) #1 ranking in the SF. There's a scenario where Kerber actually retains it, but I think we'd all like to not see that.

As far as the men goes, as long as we avoid a Murray-Nadal final I think thats good. Thiem-Wawrinka would be a lot of fun, two guys who can hammer it on clay, would be lots of big winners in that one. I suspect it's Stan and Rafa though, which would also be good albeit more as a contrast in styles than anything.

As a casual follower of the sport at this point, I appreciate your commentary. So, please tell me why Kerber being #1 is bad. Also, I get the impression that Murray is a giant d-bag - is that so?

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well I have nothing against Kerber, she's just been dreadful this year and is coasting off the points she won at the end of last year. With how badly she's playing she could fall out of the top 10 altogether by years end with two major finals and a win still to defend points wise. Or she could get it together and be the clear #1 again as she was at the end of last year. Andy is the more mature version of Kyrgios....I guess that's a compliment? But he too is a bit of a headcase, but he's found a way to channel it better since Lendl came along. He talks a lot during the match though, to himself and his box.

[bigtmac19]

Just caught the end of the Dabrowski/Bopana mixed doubles match! A bit tense at the end but they pulled it out! Great win.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

She's the first Canadian woman to win a slam. Cool!

[Mango]

Brilliant for Gaby!

[dash_pinched]

One up and one down for Bianca Andreescu today - She lost her girls singles match, but her and partner Carson Branstine were victorious in girls doubles and are into the semi-finals.

[Mango]

The semi-final between Jelena Ostapenko and Timea Bacsinszky was an enjoyable one. It's good to see some new blood in there.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Mango

The semi-final between Jelena Ostapenko and Timea Bacsinszky was an enjoyable one. It's good to see some new blood in there.

Dare I say Jelena Ostapenko reminds me of how Genie Bouchard burst on the scene back in 2014. Ultra-aggressive style, taking the ball early and hitting lines. Good for Jelena and best of luck to her in the final.

[dash_pinched]

Simona Halep will face Ostapenko in the women's final and if Halep wins, she will usurp Kerber and take over top spot on the WTA tour.