2023 Tennis Thread

[dash_pinched]

Didn't take Charlie long to get a break on Oikos.

Edit: Now up a double break. He makes those passing shots look so easy.

[Hot_Flatus]

It is becoming downright scary how Alcaraz seems to be getting better each match (not just at the French Open) this year. The way he thinks the game and consistently executes, we are easily watching the best all around tennis player on tour, and possibly ever right now.

Tsitsipas is playing some sublime tennis at this event, and in this match and he is being made to look absolutely out of class.

At this point I can't even see Novak putting up much of a fight against him.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

It is becoming downright scary how Alcaraz seems to be getting better each match (not just at the French Open) this year.

Tsitsipas is playing some sublime tennis at this event, and in this match and he is being made to look absolutely out of class.

At this point I can't even see Novak putting up much of a fight against him.

While I agree that Tsitsipas has played some fine tennis up to this point, he hasn't faced anybody in this tourney that can test him like Charlie. Also, the amount of mental scar tissue that continues to accumulate in the Greek's head is making it more difficult with each match he plays Charlie.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

While I agree that Tsitsipas has played some fine tennis up to this point, he hasn't faced anybody in this tourney that can test him like Charlie. Also, the amount of mental scar tissue that continues to accumulate in the Greek's head is making it more difficult with each match he plays Charlie.

Certainly, but at this point Alcaraz is just whipping each and every person he plays and Tsitsipas on clay is no slouch.

Take this in for a minute (as of now):

7 - the number of sets lost by Alcaraz this season.
75 - the number of sets won by Alcaraz this season.
34 - matches won this season.
3 - matches lost this season.

The 34-3 record thus far is one thing, but how do you only drop 7 sets in 37 matches?!

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

Certainly, but at this point Alcaraz is just whipping each and every person he plays and Tsitsipas on clay is no slouch.

Take this in for a minute (as of now):

7 - the number of sets lost by Alcaraz this season.
75 - the number of sets won by Alcaraz this season.
34 - matches won this season.
3 - matches lost this season.

The 34-3 record thus far is one thing, but how do you only drop 7 sets in 37 matches?!

Yeah, I would argue that clay is Stef's best surface and Charlie is looking him look very pedestrian out there today. Those stats above are very impressive, by the way.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Yeah, I would argue that clay is Stef's best surface and Charlie is looking him look very pedestrian out there today. Those stats above are very impressive, by the way.

I'm not sure how it stacks up against those ultra dominant years that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic had, but I would be shocked if they were sporting numbers like this.

Edit: For comparison (~possible counting errors but ballpark at least):

Novak was 41-3 at this point in his memorable 2015 season with 15 set losses and 94 set wins.
Federer was 43-3 at this point in his memorable 2006 season with 14 set losses and 107 set wins.
Nadal was 42-2 at this point in his unreal 2013 season with 15 set losses and 88 set wins.

[dash_pinched]

Also, Stef needs to cut the apron strings where his dad is concerned, he's doing more harm than good at this point.

[dash_pinched]

Charlie is halfway to a bagel in set 3 - If this was a movie, it would come with a parental discretion warning for children.

Edit: Bagel avoided.

[Nadal Fan]

I think people here and underestimating Djokovic in a best of 5 match. We are in for a very tight potential 5 set epic on Friday, it won't be one way traffic.

[dash_pinched]

Charlie just gifted a game to Stef from being 15-40 up. Serving for the match now.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Nadal Fan

I think people here and underestimating Djokovic in a best of 5 match. We are in for a very tight potential 5 set epic on Friday, it won't be one way traffic.

Novak has been very up and down from what I've seen thus far. He's had sets where he looks very average and sets where he looks really good.

I'm not sure really good is enough against Alcaraz to push him to 5 sets unless he's got some of the old Novak magic waiting up his sleeve. He certainly can't afford any average sets or the match will be a stomping as well.

[dash_pinched]

All of a sudden, it's 5-5 in set 3. Charlie went for a walk in the last three games.

[Erick Estrada]

The thing about Alcaraz is that he's making top ranked guys like Shapo, Musetti, and Tsitsipas look like qualifiers. As said above Novak will have to call on some magic to beat Alcaraz. It's not impossible but I wouldn't put my money on it. The baton is being passed here.

[dash_pinched]

Well, Charlie made that more interesting than it needed to be 6-2 6-1 7-6. Third set was flattering to Oikos, it was total domination until Charlie's mind wandered up 5-2 in set 3.

[Nadal Fan]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

Novak has been very up and down from what I've seen thus far. He's had sets where he looks very average and sets where he looks really good.

I'm not sure really good is enough against Alcaraz to push him to 5 sets unless he's got some of the old Novak magic waiting up his sleeve. He certainly can't afford any average sets or the match will be a stomping as well.

I've been watching Novak his whole career, and the one thing I learned is to never count him out or he will prove you wrong. He thrives being the bad guy, I actually think he's going to win on Friday......but I'll be cheering for Charlie

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Nadal Fan

If Djokovic does play Alcaraz on Friday, who is the favorite? Outside of playing Nadal at the French Open, when was the last time Djokovic was an underdog at a Grand Slam match?

Outside of playing Nadal and Federer, the last time Djokovic was an underdog was at 2007 Wimbledon Round of 16 against Lleyton Hewitt. (Djokovic won 76 76 76)

The last time Djokovic was an underdog at the French not against Nadal was 2006 against Fernando Gonzalez. (Djokovic won 64 61 36 46 61

Friday:
Alcaraz - 210
Djokovic +175

[dash_pinched]

Bianca and partner Michael Venus are into the mixed doubles final as they defeat Gaby and Nathaniel Lammons 7-6 7-6

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Also, Taylah (Taylor Townsend / Leylah Fernandez) have advanced to the women's doubles semi-finals. They take on the powerhouse team of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula next.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Nadal Fan

I've been watching Novak his whole career, and the one thing I learned is to never count him out or he will prove you wrong. He thrives being the bad guy, I actually think he's going to win on Friday......but I'll be cheering for Charlie

I don't completely disagree, but this time it is different with a truly elite opponent at the height of his game on what is probably his best surface. Alcaraz is doing things that only players that are generational talents do this season.

As much as it seems odd to count Novak as a long shot in this match, he certainly is. He can't go into this match and wear down the opponent or rely on his consistency. If he doesn't aggressively take it to Carlos consistently for 4-5 sets he won't be winning the match.

If he does, all the power to him. But if I were betting, I'm going hard on Alcaraz to take it in 4 sets.

[Hot_Flatus]

Zverev about to make the semis. I'd like to give him credit, but I can't recall an easier path to this point for a low seed player in years. I hope he makes the finals so that Novak or Alcaraz can make a complete mess of him.