2017 Tennis Thread

[killer_carlson]

Looks like it will be Sister vs Sister.

Do you cheer for Serena to beat Graf's record?

Or do you cheer for the old timer in likely her last major championship?

[Senator Clay Davis]

Without Murray and Djokovic losing, I probably would have gone to bed after the first two sets. Roger just totally lost right now.

[Draug]

This is crazy dramatic sport right now. Roger looks home and cooled and Stan fights back. Then it looks like Roger is done, he fights back. Gripping. Awesome. Entertainment at its best!

[FireGilbert]

Federer does it! Rafa better not blow it tomorrow.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I am disappointed in both of them for using MTO tactics. And clearly neither was all that hurt based off how they played right after their respective MTO. But obviously the rule isn't going away, and for both of them it worked, so I guess don't hate the player, hate the game? And as usual the crowd just needs to chill a little bit. I love Roger, but it's just so disrespectful at times.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

I am disappointed in both of them for using MTO tactics.

There was definitely some gamesmanship. Both figured the rule is there so they'll use it to their advantage.

There were fascinating ebbs and flows between Roger and Stan today; at times, it looked like Roger was down and out, but he pulled through.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

I am disappointed in both of them for using MTO tactics. And clearly neither was all that hurt based off how they played right after their respective MTO. But obviously the rule isn't going away, and for both of them it worked, so I guess don't hate the player, hate the game? And as usual the crowd just needs to chill a little bit. I love Roger, but it's just so disrespectful at times.

Just curious Senator, did McEnroe rip into Fed like he did into Milos the other night for taking the MTO? Actually nevermind, I think I already know the answer.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I was watching the feed from 7 in Australia actually so no idea about Mac. No cable for me, but proxies work good. But the commentators there actually pondered more about Roger faking than Stan. But even with the MTO tactic, Stan had Roger 2-2, 15-40 in the fifth and couldn't get the break, with Roger dropping an insane kick second serve that almost kicked over Stan's head to win the game.

[Inglewood Jack]

what is worse, a player who doesn't normally take MTOs but then uses one uncharacteristically during a key moment, or a player who has a long history of using them and the latest is just par for the course? either way, you would be hard-pressed to find an example of a top guy who never got treatment that magically changed momentum. but what if it's a real injury? Roger tried to explain during the interview that it was a very high leg problem (groin/hip flexor) which is why the rubdown had to happen in private.

this is definitely the result that Rafa wanted anyhow. I'm just hoping Grigor puts up more of a fight than Milos did.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Like I said I don't hate them for using the rule, the rule is obviously not going away or it would have already. And to their credit in both instances they did so between sets and not during them. But it's still obvious that neither needed the treatment, they needed to break the others rhythm. Just disappointing to me. Now you mention Rafa, but if we get Rafa-Roger then I and all the other Roger fans will be whining in here about Rafa's time wasting tactics to get Roger off rhythm. Still up to Roger to overcome it, as it was for both Roger and Stan to overcome the MTO's today.

[FireGilbert]

Didn't Federer pretty much say he only used the MTO because Stan did it first? Can't really blame him if those are the rules. There are two solutions to this problem:

1. Get rid of them. If you are too injured to continue you forfeit.
2. Just call it a time out and each player gets one for any reason at any time.

Also I just caught a couple minutes of the men's wheelchair singles. Those are some amazing inspiring athletes.

[bigtmac19]

Nadal starting to look tired. 21 minutes to play two games in the 5th. That's crazy

[FireGilbert]

Yay! Still can't believe the finals matchups. Australia once again proves they are 10 hours ahead and 10 years behind.

[Mango]

Our time machine continues! Both played in five-set semifinals, so that advantage is now a wash. Can't wait

[Senator Clay Davis]

They've played two five setters each. But Roger was on court for a total of 6 hours and 29 minutes for those ten sets, while Rafa was on court for 9 hours and 2 minutes. So Rafa essentially played an entire other match just on court time. Just shows again why Roger is still a top 5 player at 35 going on 36, and why Rafa (and Novak and Andy too) likely won't be playing at that age. Roger is the master of efficient energy usage, those other three just play too many long, brutal rallies. As to the final, really easy final to predict, if Roger can get anywhere close to the serving level he had at Wimbledon 2015 against Andy, he cannot lose. If he serves like he did against Stan, I doubt he wins.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

They've played two five setters each. But Roger was on court for a total of 6 hours and 29 minutes for those ten sets, while Rafa was on court for 9 hours and 2 minutes. So Rafa essentially played an entire other match just on court time.

Math wizard!

Great point.

[Inglewood Jack]

I don't know how much court/rest time will really play into this. in 2009 Rafa played the same type of mega marathon against Verdasco in the semis, and came back fresh as a daisy to beat Roger a couple days later. maybe it does play more of a factor now that they're both in their 30's, but I don't think it's enough to wipe out the huge matchup advantage he's always had.

if Rafa is on, he can only be beaten by hitting through him (e.g. Stan) or physically outlasting him (e.g. Nole). Grigor is hitting a lot harder these days and was almost able to take option #1. Roger's finesse game doesn't fit either of these options, so his only hope is to serve and volley out of his mind and/or hope Rafa has a bad day.

and also the mental aspect of having been ragdolled by the guy for the past 12 years, it's a tough mountain to climb. As a Fedfan I'm sad to say he probably can't get this one done, but I'll still savor a match that I thought had zero chance of ever taking place again.

also, special shout out to the AO organizers for speeding up the balls/court and succeeding in breaking the Djokovic - Murray pattern that just would never end.

[Mango]

Bummer. It sounds like Milos pulled out the Davis Cup because of injury:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/raoni...stralian-open/

Peter Polansky joins the team.

[albertGQ]

What time is the men's final on at? I'm guessing around midnight MT tomorrow night?

[Machiavelli]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

What time is the men's final on at? I'm guessing around midnight MT tomorrow night?

1:30 am, mountain

Women's final tonight, same time