2015 Tennis Thread

[Izzle]

Honestly, who could challenge Novak tho?

Rafa's body seems broken and he's only looking like a threat at the French Open. Not much of a threat in the other courts.

Fed seems to have Novak in his mind. I think that Fed's best chance at another GS is Wimbledon. But Novak has a really strong overall game.

Murray also seems to have Novak in his mind. Basically, anything Murray does, Novak does better. How do you beat your better twin??

Stanimal had to go God mode in the French to beat Novak. Plus Stan has beaten Novak in 2 finals (AO and FO). But Stan has to get to the finals. Can he?

Next wave - Raonic, Nish, etc - dont seem to have the game or big serves to really test Novak.

Next next wave - probably get on the scene too late to slow down Novak.

Really, Novak's playing at an INSANE level right now. Over the next couple years, he has few competitors. I cant even pinpoint where he is so good. Fed is grace and finesse personified, Rafa is a bull; Novak? I dont even know. He can play a metronomic game and raise his level at the big moments and bore his competitors to defeat.

[polak]

The only way I can see him slowing down, besides a kid coming up and challenging him, is if he starts breaking down a bit (like Nadal and Fed did at the same age) and Roger and Murray maintain this level for a couple more years to bridge the gap for the next wave.

This current wave seems to have nobody even near the level of the last two. Who is the best player under 25? Nishikori? Roanic? No real threats there.

[Inglewood Jack]

having what might end up as the 3 greatest tennis players in history all within 6 years of each other is surely unprecedented in sports. It's like Gretzky, Lemieux and Orr battling it out for scoring championships and cups at the same time. if you're a cynic, this could mean we're in for a looong period of Andy Roddick level players before the next generational talent comes along.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack

having what might end up as the 3 greatest tennis players in history all within 6 years of each other is surely unprecedented in sports. It's like Gretzky, Lemieux and Orr battling it out for scoring championships and cups at the same time. if you're a cynic, this could mean we're in for a looong period of Andy Roddick level players before the next generational talent comes along.

In which case Djokovic might be a very lucky beneficiary of timing as he got a fading Nadal and Federer when he was entering his prime.

But then you have to wonder, would Djokovic ever get to that level if it wasn't a requirement to go through the other two to get any where in the sport?

[Izzle]

Originally Posted by polak

In which case Djokovic might be a very lucky beneficiary of timing as he got a fading Nadal and Federer when he was entering his prime.

But then you have to wonder, would Djokovic ever get to that level if it wasn't a requirement to go through the other two to get any where in the sport?

Good point. Novak has mentioned numerous times that he is a result of Fed and Nadal before him. I doubt he'd be as good if he didnt have them to look up to or aspire to beat.

For me, its going to be like how it was when Fed came on the scene, beating Sampras at Wimbledon and creating an aura about him and going on to win 17 GS. Its going to be interesting to see how Novak sets himself up for the next two years.

Also, to my earlier point, is Novak's "Gumby-ness" an answer to Fed's elegance and Rafa's brutality? Lol, seems kind of like a wussy power compared to the other two.

[Senator Clay Davis]

The gumby aspect of Novak is part of the overall gameplan for him, which is primarily psychological warfare. It starts with being one of the fittest players ever, so you know you probably cannot outlast him or expect him to wear down. Then it's the ability to get everything back, and not just get it back but get it back with pace and depth. Easy winners or easy set up shots are now not only coming back, but require a good shot to keep control of the rally, otherwise he's on offense now. And then he's the anti-Roger right now, he plays those big points better than anyone else. And he's learned to not get angry anymore and channel it to the positive. When the crowd goes against him now, it's basically a boost for him.

There really is no one waiting, unless someone like a Kyrgios who really has top talent can get his head together. Or if Andy can rediscover the major winning touch. Roger can't beat him, neither can Rafa, and Stan needs to be on, but it seems Novak brings it out in him. Raonic needs a perfect serving 2 weeks, as does Cilic, and Nishikori can't stay healthy. Coric? Still probably a few years away. Novak really should get the 7 majors needed to tie in the next 3-4 years. It'll be on Fed to win one or two more somewhere to protect the record.

[Inglewood Jack]

just 2 years ago after Rafa collected his 13th major, we all thought there was no way he'd finish with fewer than 17-18 slams. and now it's a coin toss whether he even sees the 2nd week of play.

and same thing with Fed around 2009-10. it seemed like he'd just keep on collecting those big trophies...until he didn't. we can go back as far as we like into tennis history where a seemingly indomitable champion has nothing standing in their path, until suddenly a combination of age, injury, hot opponents and bad matchups take it all away for good. Nole is definitely well positioned to at least climb into that 3 way tie with Rafa and Pete, but I've seen this story play out a certain way too many times to just hand him 7+ more.

[corporatejay]

Yeah I'd say Novak has two years left of dominance. Then he hits thirty and it becomes more of a struggle. Clay Davis is right, it seems like he could wn 5-7 more in that span.

[Izzle]

Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack

just 2 years ago after Rafa collected his 13th major, we all thought there was no way he'd finish with fewer than 17-18 slams. and now it's a coin toss whether he even sees the 2nd week of play.

and same thing with Fed around 2009-10. it seemed like he'd just keep on collecting those big trophies...until he didn't. we can go back as far as we like into tennis history where a seemingly indomitable champion has nothing standing in their path, until suddenly a combination of age, injury, hot opponents and bad matchups take it all away for good. Nole is definitely well positioned to at least climb into that 3 way tie with Rafa and Pete, but I've seen this story play out a certain way too many times to just hand him 7+ more.

With Fed, we knew he was dominant back then, but he could never quite get past Rafa at RG. Slowly that advantage Rafa had crept into other surfaces. We knew back then Fed would be denied by how healthy Rafa would be.

With Rafa, the concern was always going to be his fitness. Rafa's injury woes go as far back to Wimbledon 2007. But being the warrior that he is, he still powered through.

Novak doesnt seem to have any such issues facing him right now - no young challenger (like what Fed had to face with Rafa) and no injury concerns (his adherence to a strict regimen and the holistic approach has really paid off, this probably sets him apart from even Fed). So yes, the story's been played out time and time again, but Novak seems to not have disadvantages like the others had.

Full disclosure: I am a Novak fan and would like to see him come close to Fed's haul of 17. But one Slam at a time.

[Mango]

No official news on Genie, but she has pulled out of the Tokyo tournament next week.

Update: http://www.wtatennis.com/news/articl...s-out-of-tokyo

"I'm really disappointed to withdraw from The Toray Pan Pacific Open, but I haven't sufficiently recovered from the concussion I sustained while competing at the US Open," Bouchard commented.

[formulate]

Looking for advice!

My girlfriend and I are headed to Melbourne on working holiday visas, arriving mid-January and are dead set on seeing at least a few days of the Australian Open. I was wondering if anyone has been to this event or can even chime in from their experience at another major.

We're currently trying to decide which combination of tickets to buy next month, which is what I primarily would love advice on. Job number 1 is making sure we see Federer play (the only man she claims she would leave me for). I figure the best way of ensuring this would be the first 4 day or night sessions at Rod Laver. But we would also really like to see important matches so started looking at the quarterfinal packages (day and night could see all 8 matches). Or even the 'Final Five' ticket, seeing all the semis and finals starting at about 1000 per seat. Combine with some early-day grounds passes to try and see Milos/Genie/Vasek?

If anyone has any tips or stories from yourself or friends attending this event, it would be greatly appreciated!

[Mango]

Tough draw for Canada:

Tennis Canada @TennisCanada
#DavisCup draw: Canada will play France in France from March 4-6, 2016 in the first round of World Group. #CdnTennis

[dash_pinched]

Milos is playing in the St. Petersburg Open this week (seeded #2). Mr. H&M (Berdych) is the number 1 seed (ATP 250 event)

[dash_pinched]

Milos won his opening round match in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) and will next face Tommy Robredo.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Originally Posted by Mango

Tough draw for Canada:

Tennis Canada @TennisCanada
#DavisCup draw: Canada will play France in France from March 4-6, 2016 in the first round of World Group. #CdnTennis

If it's indoors on the rug there's a chance, if it's outside on clay then there's very little chance. That time of year I don't know how the weather is so we'll see I guess.

[Mango]

A bit of a walk in the park for Milos today: 6-1, 6-2. Off to the semis!

[dash_pinched]

Wow, Milos makes fast work of Robredo (6-1, 6-2). He next plays Bautista Agut in the semi-finals on Saturday. I didn't see any foot or back issues in today's match which is a great sign.

Edit: Mango is the sureloss of the tennis thread (lol)

[Mango]

Milos has booked a spot in the final with a straight sets win over Bautista.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Mango

Milos has booked a spot in the final with a straight sets win over Bautista.

I thought he played very well today winning the majority of rallies from the baseline. Serve was a little shaky in the first set, but he was hitting bombs in the second set. Plays Sousa in the final, good luck Milos.

[Mango]

Milos won the first set, but dropped the second versus Sousa. Third set now starting on Sportsnet One.