The Tennis Thread 2013

[GirlySports]

Just realized that Federer's Grand Slam QF streak is longer than the entire last NHL CBA!

Federer lost to Gustavo Kuerten in the 3rd round of the 2004 French Open.

[Mango]

The Stephens' story is so awesome and positive. This is a really good read if you have a few moments:

http://espn.go.com/espnw/commentary/...ifinal#ausopen

"This morning when I got up, I was like, 'Look, dude, like, you can do this. Like, go out and play and do your best"

[GirlySports]

She had a scavenger hunt yesterday for two tickets in her player's box

Sloane Stephens ✔ @sloanetweets
Hey all! I am hiding this ball on-site at the @AustralianOpen . Find it & win 2 box Tix to my match 2mrw. Clue to come pic.twitter.com/NdfX9iBC

And some girl found it right away!

[Mango]

Lovely girl! A breath of fresh air. I hope she enjoys her journey.

[Mango]

Great job by Li Na. A very impressive victory over Sharapova.

[polak]

Boo. This tournament just got 75% less sexy

[Inglewood Jack]

I hope Stephens still sounds like a sweet valley high girl like 10 years from now. She's not gonna get past female Djokovic/Azarenka, but growing by leaps and bounds very quickly.

I don't think I'll stay up for Djoker/Ferrer, unless something goes horribly awry, that's going to be a quick 6-2 x 3.

[Inglewood Jack]

Originally Posted by polak

Boo. This tournament just 75% less sexy

what do you mean?

I guess the idea is that winning is sexy. especially in the eyes of the world's most populous nation.

[GirlySports]

Stephens has saved 5 match points and Azarenka is hurt (we think)

[polak]

Djoko dismantled Ferrer last night. Great illustration of the seperation between the big 4 and the rest. I think I'm going to start saying the Big 3 though unless Rafa gets his s*** together.

Azarenka moving on is great though. I like her

I have tomorrow off so we'll see if I can stay up and watch Rodger and Andy.

[GirlySports]

If the US can go gaga over Serena then China certainly can over Li Na.

-----

yeah the big 4 are the big 4 and Nadal is supposed to be back the week after the Davis Cup.

[Inglewood Jack]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Just realized that Federer's Grand Slam QF streak is longer than the entire last NHL CBA!

Federer lost to Gustavo Kuerten in the 3rd round of the 2004 French Open.

not just longer than the last CBA, but the CBA plus the two lockouts before and after it! the last time Fed went out early, the Flames were polishing off the Sharks or getting ready for Tampa, and Rafa/Djoker/Murray were barely out of potty training.

Sadly I'll have to predict he goes no further tonight. but that's the good part about realistic expectations, if it happens as predicted then it's not a huge letdown, if Fed somehow wins then it's all bonus. Either way, at least the final will be a matchup worth staying up for.

btw, I gave Ferrer too much credit in my prediction...thought he'd get at least one more game in that 3rd to make it 6-2 all around.

[polak]

Nah I'm going with Fed tonight. I think it'll take 4 sets. I think Federer really wants this one and he's been an absolute machine.

I'm going to go out on a massive limb and say that Murray will be a one slam wonder. Just like another Andy. Maybe once Roger hangs it up and if Rafa can't return to form, we'll see him win a few.

Even if he beats Fed, I can't see him beating Djokovic the way Novak is playing this week.

[Mango]

I'm stoked for this match. I think it'll go to four sets with Federer coming out on top. I'm okay with either winning; I just hope it doesn't go the distance because Djokovic is going to be well rested after his Ferrer cakewalk.

[GirlySports]

Think Andy wins tonight in 4, Roger is not returning serve that well.

[atb]

I think Andy wins in 4 with Federer feeling the effects of the Tsonga match.

[fundmark19]

Tennis time who is up I'm going to regret this tomorrow

[Senator Clay Davis]

Big test of Murray's mental toughness after giving away that 4th set.

[Inglewood Jack]

Gah...why did I have to wake up for the 3rd set...coulda set my alarm for 5 and not been wrecked for work. Then again the drama in that 4th was scintillating. What the heck was Rog yelling at Murray for on that one passing shot?

[moon]

Took longer than it should have but always great to see Federer lose.

Hopefully Murray still has enough left to beat Djokovic in the final.