Breakthroughs, Upsets, Chokes, Maria’s Bagels Wed. at Aussie Open

by Staff | January 16th, 2013, 9:18 am
  • 115 Comments

American tennis fans received hope on Wednesday of possibly having a Top 25 women’s player after the Williams sisters retire. Not only the resurgent No. 25 Venus Williams advanced on the day, but teenage American Madison Keys defeated No. 30 seed Tamira Paszek 6-2, 6-1 to move into the third round at the Australian Open, and secure a first-time spot in the Top 100 rankings.
ADHEREL

“Best hope I’ve seen for U.S. since Williams,” former No. 1 American Lindsay Davenport tweeted after the match.

Keys won her first WTA-level match at age 14, but over the last two years has settled into a slow rise on the USTA Pro Circuit and low-level international events. The elder Williams advanced by defeating France’s Alize Cornet 6-3, 6-3.


China’s Zheng Jie pulled off perhaps the largest upset of the day — only perhaps, because it was only a matter of time before Top 10er Sam Stosur got tight in front of her home audience. Jie defeated the No. 9-seeded Stosur 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 after Stosur twice served for the match, and double-faulted on match point for good measure.

“It was a bit of a choke,” Stosur said. “Obviously it’s a hard one to take when you get yourself into a winning position and you lose five games straight.”

Other upsets were Russian Valeria Savinykh topping No. 15 Dominika Cibulkova 7-6(6), 6-4, and Belgian Kirsten Flipkens rolling over No. 23 Klara Zakopalova 6-1, 6-0.

No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova was again ruthless in her second round match, baking two bagels in blowing out Japanese opponent 6-0, 6-0.

“I’ve been playing really aggressive and doing the right things,” said Sharapova, yet to drop a game in two matches, and lining-up a third-round meeting against Venus Williams. “It’s not easy to be up so much because you can have a few letdowns. You just have to try to concentrate. My job is to make it as easy as possible.”

Three other Top 10 seeds moved into the second round on the day as No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Romanian Irina Begu 6-3, 6-3; No. 5 Angelique Kerber, next up for the American Keys, eased past Czech Lucie Hradecka 6-3, 6-1; and No. 6 Li Na defeated Belarus’ Olga Govortsova 6-2, 7-5.

“I can play even better,” said Radwanska, who extended her match winning streak to 11. “I didn’t really expect I could win that many matches in a row, and hopefully I can keep going.”

Also into the third round were seeds No. 11 Marion Bartoli, No. 13 Ana Ivanovic who struggled past Taiwan’s Chan Yung-Jan in three, No. 18 Julia “Gorgeous” Goerges, No. 19 Ekaterina Makarova, No. 22 Jelena Jankovic who came from a set down to beat Portugal’s Maria Joao Koehler, and No. 27 Sorana Cirstea who likewise came back to defeat Czech Kristyna Pliskova.

On the men’s side, top-seeded Novak Djokovic was the picture of conserving energy for the marathon that is a two-week Grand Slam on Wednesday, pasting young American Ryan Harrison 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

“I tried to focus from the start,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, I knew he had nothing to lose, he’s going to come out and hit big serves. Pity for him, I don’t think he played his best.”

Other Top 10 seeds in action Wednesday were No. 4 David Ferrer sending home American Tim Smyczek in four sets, No. 5 Tomas Berdych easing past France’s Guillaume Rufin, No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic almost blowing a two-set lead in defeating Slovak Lukas Lacko 7-5 in the fifth, and No. 10 Nicolas Almagro rolling over fellow Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

Seeds also moving into the second round were No. 15 Stanislas Wawrinka, No. 16 Kei Nishikori, No. 20 Sam Querrey topping fellow American Brian Baker who retired in the second set with a knee injury, No. 22 Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco who spanked Xavier “X-Man” Malisse, No. 24 Jerzy Janowicz who came from two sets down to beat India’s Somdev Devvarman, No. 26 Jurgen “Tuna” Melzer over Spain’s Roberto Bautista in five, No. 28 Marcos Baghdatis, No. 31 Radek “The Worm” Stepanek easily dismissing Feliciano “F-Lo” Lopez, and No. 32 Julien “United Colors of” Benneteau.

“Yeah, he’s the last person that deserves anything like that with his five or six surgeries already,” said Querrey of Baker, who will reportedly be out 4-5 months with a torn meniscus.

Janowicz had a Sportscenter-worthy meltdown over some line calls against Devvarman, screaming at the chair umpire and halting play on more that one occasion.

“How many times? How many times?” Janowicz screamed at the top of his lungs after what looked on the replay like a poor line call. “I’m begging you!”

“I was just worried about his voice,” his opponent Devvarman said. “I mean, the guy was yelling at the top of his lungs and I was like, ‘Dude, just calm down.'”

No. 23 Mikhail Youzhny was the only seed to go down on Wednesday, defeated in five sets by unheralded fellow Russian Evgeny Donskoy.

Matches to look for Thursday in Oz include (1) Victoria Azarenka vs. Greek veteran Eleni Daniili-don’t, (3) Serena Williams vs. Spanish sacrifice Garbine Muguruza, Aussie Bernard Tomic “The Tank Engine” vs. German Daniel Brands, (2) Roger Federer vs. Nikolay Davydenko, Brit comer Laura Robson vs. (8) Petra Kvitova, Yen-Hsun Lu vs. Gael “Force” Monfils, (26) Su-Wei Hsieh vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova, and (14) Gilles Simon vs. Jesse “Air Canada” Levine.

TENNIS-X NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES AND BARBS
Roger Federer
has 17 wins over Nikolay Davydenko. Davydenko has just one win in his last 17 matches against Top 10 players…Hard luck case Brian Baker will need right knee surgery and will be out four months after tearing his lateral meniscus today against Sam Querrey…Want some streaks? We got them: Serena Williams has won 17 straight matches…Ryan Harrison has lost 16 straight matches to Top 10 players…Novak Djokovic has won 17 straight at the Australian Open…Andy Murray has won his last 8 Grand Slam matches…Venus Williams has won 7 straight matches…Aggie Radwasnka is on an 11-match win streak, winning all 22 sets…Lukas Lacko has lost 13 straight matches to Top 10ers…Bernard Tomic has won all 9 matches this year…And after leading 5-2 in the third set against Zheng Jie, Sam Stosur is on a 5-game losing streak…Who will have a better career, Madison Keys or Donna Vekic?…Serena Williams and Venus are still scheduled for doubles later Thursday, so maybe the right ankle is OK. Then again maybe not…Andy Murray’s worst Grand Slam loss by ranking was to No. 91 Arnuad Clement, today he’ll face No. 100 Joao Sousa…For the second straight year no Australian women reached the third round at the Australian Open…After the first round Laura Robson led all women with 11 aces…Was that Grigor Dimitrov watching girlfriend Maria Sharapova today from the stands? Sharapova became just the second female in the Open Era to win consecutive Grand Slam matches 60, 60 after Wendy Turnbull did it in 1985 at the Australian Open. Looks like Maria is getting the better end of the Dimitrov deal…All four Serbs won today including Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic who will meet on Friday…Sam Stosur wasn’t the only choker today, Ksenia Pervak led Heather Watson by a set and 6-3 with 3 match points in the second set breaker before folding up like a lawn chair…Novak Djokovic won’t have to worry about the heat tomorrow cause he ain’t playing. Lucky dog. Temperatures are expected into the 100s tomorrow in Melbourne…Svetlana Kuznetsova says retirement is not even on radar as she approaches the latter end of her career, and a recent recovery from a knee injury: “I feel like I have so much more to do in tennis. I will have time to stay at home after my career. I have no reasons to stop. [Anastasia] Myskina stopped because of her baby and the injury. [Elena] Dementieva stopped because she decided it was time. My time is not yet.”…ATP executive chairman and president Brad Drewett disclosed that he has ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and the ATP will begin a search for his successor: “It has been a privilege to serve as executive chairman and president of the ATP, an organization that I’ve been a part of for more than 35 years since I became a professional tennis player,” said the 54-year-old Aussie. “I hold the ATP very close to my heart, and it’s with sadness that I make the decision to enter this transition period due to my ill-health.”…Trying to see if Andy Murray has a pulse, the press chaffed the Brit by suggesting me might be too relaxed coming into Melbourne: “I didn’t at any stage say I was ‘very relaxed.’ I feel more relaxed than I have done the week before a Slam in the past, that’s going to be natural.” — take it easy man, relax…Roger Federer is skipping Switzerland’s Davis Cup match against the defending champion Czech Republic following the Aussie Open…Janko Tipsarevic says his TV show host wife has banned him from getting any more tats on his arm…Jessie Levine talking about switching from representing the U.S. to playing Davis Cup for Canada: “When I first did it I had my helmet on ready to take some hits, but to be honest it’s been more positive than negative. They (the players) gave me s**t about it and my new nickname is ‘Air Canada.’ The guys understand why and they know I was born there and lived there and it’s not like I just picked a country to go play.”…Brit comer Laura Robson easily brushed aside American already-came Melanie Oudin in the first round in Oz…Bernard “The Tank Engine” Tomic: “I have changed so much and it’s made me become a better person off court and a better player on court.”…Kimiko Date-Krumm on her secrets to longevity after becoming the oldest player to win a Grand Slam match at the 2013 Aussie Open at the age of 42: “I just eat a lot, I sleep a lot. Because always after the match or after the practice I’m tired, so I need time to recover a lot. So I sleep a lot, I eat healthy foods, I drink a lot. It’s a simple life. That’s it. Nothing special.”…Hennes & Mauritz AB, the Swedish fashion retailer, said it has signed a long-term partnership with Tomas Berdych, who will wear H&M clothing on and off court and help develop a tennis collection…Caroline Wozniacki revisiting the flap over her Serena Williams impersonation: “It’s been done a million times before by different players. I would never have done it if I didn’t know Serena well. Obviously I know Serena very well. She’s a funny girl, and I knew she would take it with a smile and wouldn’t have anything against it. Obviously people don’t have the same mind-set as we do and sometimes people maybe think more of it. You just need to think an extra time next time when you do something. There is nothing really in that that I saw as racist or anything, so obviously I think it’s a pity you can’t just have a bit of fun.”…Rafael Nadal is set to compete at the Brasil Open 2013 starting Feb. 11, making his first tour appearance since Wimbledon of last year after a knee injury.


You Might Like:
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115 Comments for Breakthroughs, Upsets, Chokes, Maria’s Bagels Wed. at Aussie Open

jane Says:

Read this elsewhere: “Sharapova…[became] the first player in 28 years to hand out consecutive ‘double-bagels’ at a grand slam.”

And now she meets Venus; could be a 3rd round cracker.


alison Says:

Jane i dont think somehow she will double bagel Venus lol,Venus has caused Sharapova problems in the past,but that was when Venus was one of the top players now shes a shadow of that,still shes playing well so it should be an interesting one.


RZ Says:

I had originally picked Robson to win against Kvitova, but read that they are playing the night match, so Kvitova won’t suffer from the heat. Now I don’t know who to pick!

Shame about Brian Baker. Hopefully he’ll be able to play some of the clay season and not lose all those ranking points he gained last year.


Bada Bing Says:

What the hell is wrong with Stosur?


Humble Rafa Says:

“It was a bit of a choke,” Stosur said. “Obviously it’s a hard one to take when you get yourself into a winning position and you lose five games straight.”

The only thing better than choking is explaining the choke eloquently. She obviously doesn’t choke when she is talking.


Humble Rafa Says:

Feel sorry for Brain Baker. But there is also an irony.

I have had so many knee issues. People treat me like crap whenever I mention another injury, where as some people get sympathy.

A few reasons..

1) He is from US
2) He is not as successful, so sympathy is OK. Sympathy is a quality reserved for lesser players, not the GOAT Owner.


Bada Bing Says:

Reasons for sympathy
Humble Rafa you may be on to something!


Armend_Kosova Says:

On: Querrey is the lone remaining American man in the draw after three days of play.
Rajeev Ram is also in the draw. He may well get into the 4R :)


Humble Rafa Says:

According this blog, Rajeev Ram does not qualify as American. He is of “Indian Heritage”, whatever that means, as Tenn-x has noted before.


Andrea Says:

The stosur choke reminded me of the us open semi with roger and Novak. Two chances to serve it out and Novak ends up winning. The only difference is that roger had match points. Sammie is gonna have nightmares about this one.

Sharapova was just firing bullet winners all over the place yesterday. If only she could hold up so well against Serena.


Nina Says:

Novak was superb today, clinical. His game even looks improved, sharper. I know it’s too early to say, but it looks 2011 level all over again. Hope he can keep it up.


Wog boy Says:

jane,

While ago we were talking sbout look on Nole’s face when he walks on the court to play. Well, yesterday he had that 101% focused look entire match from the word go. Even with this kind of play he wasn’t happy with few of his shots. I know Harrison is not Federer or Murray but he is not the joke either and Nole just didn’t want to let him back in the game. He stayed focused until last point. It is too early to say anything but he remainds me on Nole’s look in 2011. He didn’t have that look on his face last year for a quite some time. Anyhow it was joy and privilega to watch him.
BTW, his outfit (top) remainds me on Baseball players outfit, not that I wach it but I have seen pictures of them:) Look’s nice to me.


mat4 Says:

I managed to see the first two sets of the match and the beginning of the third. Novak indeed plays with a new racquet, as he confirmed himself. He played quite well, especially in the second set. His FH looked good, he played his BH DTL whenever he wanted, and served extremely well when he needed it.

Harrison looked nervous, but he showed a lot of heart, fighting until the last point.


Wog boy Says:

Hi mat4,

Long time no c u.


Polo Says:

Novak was very clean in his two matches.


Kimmi Says:

this spanish girl playing serena is playing well. another up and coming?


Kimmi Says:

ankle injury, what injury?


jane Says:

Who is Andy M playing? Never heard of this person.


skeezer Says:

Mat4,

Your very observant technically with Nole, as usual :)

Besides his “believe” attitude, his FH & Serve have taken great improvements. His BH is well known, but he didn’t have the confidence in the FH like he always had in the BH. Now he steps into it, or hits hit with proper authority on the run with confidence. I hope if Fed gets far enough and has a chance to play Nole he mixes it up, its his only chance, and Nole doesn’t like it. The Fedster at times gets stubborn trying to outslug his opponents, and, nowadays, this is where he fails.


jane Says:

Wog boy, Nina, mat4, and Polo – awesome to read your comments on Nole’s match. I didn’t see it because it was the middle of the night here, but I think I’ll google around for some highlights. As I mentioned on the other thread, the stats looked pretty ideal, with good serving, plenty of winners and lots of trips to net even. And I agree with you Wog Boy – Harrison is no joke and has been touted with other up-and-comers; he’s got talent, and as mat4 says, he has heart too. Got to admire that. Both Mathieu and Harrison pushed harder as the match progressed – good to know that Nole stayed focused. Stepanek is a wily customer too; I was kind of shocked he took out F-Lo.

alison, oh I wasn’t suggested that Sharpie could bagel Venus; i was merely suggesting that both seem to be in form so it could be an excellent match.

On another note, I see Milos isn’t getting “Rosoled” – not yet anyhow.


skeezer Says:

@wogboy

I have a bone to pick with you re: Feds supposed statement of complaining about the slowdown of AO in 2008( u posted on another thread), and the misrepresentation of the fact that high bounces as a result were a detriment to his game with that change. But we will discuss later, gotta go…..cheers!


skeezer Says:

Harrison has talent, heart, no doubt, but he has immature emotions, no doubt, and it is reflected in his game.


skeezer Says:

Ok, so, I pose this question:

Which guy in the second rd, who is in the top 10, has the toughest match to play?

answer?


jane Says:

I’d say Davy and Hewitt were/are the toughest early opponents for the top tenners due to their big match experience and tenacity (but it does depend on Davy’s form because, for example, he can be kind of lame when he doesn’t want a new car, hee hee ;)). Then I’d say Harrison, Soeda, Becker, Gimeno-Traver; then this Sousa fellow, mostly because I don’t know of him, Smyczek, or Rufin, whom Berd played. But it’s hard to say; you never know until they hit the court.


the DA Says:

@ skeezer – just a guess but is he playing the same guy Andy played in the 1st rnd at Wimbledon last year?


Alok Says:

To say that both Venus and sharapova are in form is ridiculous. Venus is 6 years older, has an immune disorder and is not at the top of her game as is Sharapova, hence the reason for their seeding. Venus has stated she has bad days with very low energy, which is not what’s happening with Sharapova. So that gives sharapova a huge edge in their match.

If indeed Sharapova bagels Venus, which she would like to do to either willliams sisters, I’m sure if she should meet Serena, that is if serena’s ankle holds up, she’d better be prepared for a good trashing from serena. I’d enjoy it.

Harrison is only 20 and by no means a threat as yet to any top player. He’s got to have a lot more experience for anyone to even think of him beating a top guy.

How could Raonic get ‘Rosoled? Is he Nadal and/or a No.2 or top player? Raonic being beaten in the 2nd round would not be an upset, as was Nadal’s loss to Rosol, as Rafa was the No.2 player at the time he played Rosol.


jane Says:

This Tomic/Brands match is interesting so far.


Kimmi Says:

like the aussie fanatics cheering tomic match.


Kimmi Says:

andy almost done.

tomic and brands exchanging mini breaks..who will take this set?


Kimmi Says:

brands did it


jane Says:

And Brands takes set one.

Well at least it was good for Rosol to go another round at a slam, after losing immediately following his upset of Rafa and not qualifying for the USO main draw. Milos – seeded 13 – avoids getting “Rosoled” and no upset this time. Wasn’t sure what to expect as Raonic has been a bit erratic of late.


Humble Rafa Says:

Who is Rosol?


Kimmi Says:

brands looks really tall. he has the big serve. whoever plays fed in the third round btw these two wont easy.

If federer gets there ofcourse. C’MON!


jane Says:

The A-N-D-Y Fans are there at Andy’s match. Some ex-pats maybe? Or just fanboys. ^_^


the DA Says:

Just fanboys, they’re Australian. I follow them on twitter.


jane Says:

Sousa played a bit better in the 3rd set; he does have some good groundstrokes when he connects, and not a bad serve. But it looks like Andy took it down a notch, too; just doing what he had to do to finish. Great serving – not a super high first serve % in but winning most of those points and 14 aces too. Well done Mr. M.


jane Says:

Oh they have a twitter account? :) Cute. And girlies with flagged faces too – are they part of the club? Maybe the girlfriends?


the DA Says:

And he’s through. It looked tough to play out there.


the DA Says:

No the girls are separate. Judy keeps in touch with them and arranges tickets. Andy challenged them to come up with some new chants and it seems like they listened – the riff on “I like Candy” was cute.


jane Says:

Yeah, and nice for Andy to have a vocal bunch like that in his corner too. Looked hot!


the DA Says:

Yes, thank goodness Bernie breaks. I really want to see that projected 3rd round match.


jane Says:

Yep!

Just watching a video of Jerzy’s meltdown from y’day. Missed that. For some reason he reminded me a bit of Safin there.


Humble Rafa Says:

“Best hope I’ve seen for U.S. since Williams,” former No. 1 American Lindsay Davenport tweeted after the match.

Keys and Stephens together can’t match the Big Lady in weight.


Wog boy Says:

skezzer,

Am I in trouble?


skeezer Says:

@ the DA

Yeah, right, like Davy was playing in form like he is now….lol…good try Mr. Andyholic. Based on form and credentials, Davy is obviously the most dangerous 2nd rd opponent, against….ANYBODY.

Andy is playing who? When? uh? He just finished off 100 th ranked player and now faces 110 th ranked in the 3rd..oh babay……

Your sarcasm back at ya is well deserved…..


skeezer Says:

@wogboy

no your are always safe in my book. Somehow I envision you and me talking and debating Tennis in a good pub and we walk out together singing songs and barfing at the curb together. Friends til the end ;), its all good!


RD Says:

Saw Novak live last night. Never seen him play live before. Very clean, surgical striking of th ball. His first serve was especially impressive and consistent.

To be fair, Harrison overcooked too many shots and went for too much. He didn’t play well. Occasional flashes of brilliance and good serves.

But difficult to judge Novak’s form. It was very low key and he didn’t encounter much resistance at all.

Tipsy, otoh, had one tough match.


Wog boy Says:

skezzer,

Thanks, I love that kind of talking and debating, I really do;)


jane Says:

Might be a while before Fed and the Great Davy take the court; it’s hard to say what’ll happen in Brands/Tomic.

The Aussie fans are a hoot; no wonder it’s the happy slam.


the DA Says:

@ skeezer – wow, somebody needs a drink, preferably chilled. Way too serious Mr. Fedfanatic.


Alok Says:

@RD “But difficult to judge Novak’s form. It was very low key and he didn’t encounter much resistance at all.”

Very good summation. It’s the lack of competitiveness from the lower ranked players that gives the top players the opportunity to play that in that clinical fashion.

Fed used to say when he was younger and playing a much lower ranked opponent, that he uses those matches as practise to perfect his shots.


the DA Says:

Tomic isn’t making any inroads into the Brand serve. He definitely needs to improve that part of his game. Now he has to hold his nerve in another TB.


jane Says:

Good match this, and yet another tiebreak. Tomic 3-1…

Wog boy, got some highlights of last night’s match – lovely. Here’s a link if you want to re-live it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q1b2bkm06h0

BTW, when are you going? Quarter finals?


jane Says:

Very true, DA. But neither of them are great returners. And Brands serves well; he’s hit 14 aces already to Tomic’s 16 – both big servers. Definitely, though, to round out his game, Tomic should aim for better receiving percentages.


Kimmi Says:

clever play from tomic in TB, he takes the second set.


the DA Says:

@jane – he also needs to move up closer to the baseline. He practically under the shade for too many points. At least he won the 3rd. Now is not the time for a walkabout.


the DA Says:

Wow, Darren Cahill just tweeted that Tomic was 0/24 on Daniel Brands service games in the 3rd set. Then Brands goes and DFs in the TB .


jane Says:

^ Yep, saw him way back there on some shots DA: needs to hug that baseline as I don’t think he’s fast enough to chase down shots back there. He’s loving the crowd support though! Cute to see him smiling up at the crowd from his seat.

Kind of amazed to see Levine up a break on Simon, but it’s just the beginning and Simon’s often a slow starter. And anyhow, two Canadians in the 2nd round of a grand slam is news! :)


skeezer Says:

Tomic match unfortunately is a sunfest, like both sayin incognito…wheres’ the shade? Its easy to tell the conditions aren’t ideal for both, but I pick the homeboy to make it through.

@DA
Hey there! Foul! you started the banter, hehe….
Btw if your suggesting me a drink…..make sure it is shaken….not stirred.


skeezer Says:

Omg plhaesse? Who wants to watch the wannabee Woz @6-1, 3-1?

Get us back to Tomic ESPN Geez….


Wog boy Says:

jane,

Yes, Quarter finals.

About happy slam. It is festival of joy, people are getting ready for AO months in advance, booking tickets hotels etc. they are coming from all over Australia, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney besides rest of the world. Melbourne is sports capital of Australia. On every corner in the city are volontiers who are helping outsiders to find there way to AO, there is free shuttle and everybody with AO ticket can use any public transport for free. You really have to experience it to know how much Australian people love their AO and enjoy it.


jane Says:

It seems like it Wog Boy – what a good description and such a great atmosphere. You can tell, too, the crowd are just jonesing to get behind their own boy and are more than willing to embrace Tomic. These two are BIG servers.


skeezer Says:

Wow seems like Tomic the bad boy is a fav among posters, but nobody is payin attention to Duckworth, Australian homeboy fighting for his life in the 2nd rd. Go James!


Wog boy Says:

skeezer,

Not my fav but I would like to see him against Federer;)


jane Says:

^ a worthy duck?


Alok Says:

LOL, some wonderful backseat players here who know what the real players need to do to play better. Some of you guys should be playing on the WTA/ATP tours.

I guess some are so eager to see Fed lose that they are rooting for Tomic to win. Put your dreaming on the back burner as it is not going to happen, as in never.

I only hope when some faves happen to get beaten 2nd round that it will be as happily remembered and referred to as is in the case of Nadal. Talk time.


Wog boy Says:

It doesn’t look good for Duckworth, he is legless, have to go now.


Wog boy Says:

Alok,

If you are refering to me then you are wrong, very wrong. I said what I think about Fed/Tom match but you obviosly didn’t read my post. You are to quick to jump to conclusion, sometimes it is better to check the facts before you press submit.


jane Says:

I admire Brands’ game too; both are playing well. 6 All!


jane Says:

Tomic wins – good match! Duckworth broke back too but it’s deuce.


the DA Says:

Oof, it took 8 MPs but Tomic does it!


jane Says:

Tomic with 26 aces and 77% first serves in – dominant numbers. But only 28% on the return and 1 of 7 break point chances. He’s good at net when he does come in but it seems like he doesn’t do so much – at least he didn’t today.


Alok Says:

@Wog Boy, excuse me!! Why do you think I was referring to you? Did I say so? Why don’t you read the other posts before jumping to conclusions. Did I say anything to you last night when you were airing your views on Fed? How am I quick to jump to conclusions? Let’s not start pointing fingers before getting all the facts.


Wog boy Says:

Because your post came after I said I would like to see him playing Federer. Nobody else said that.


Alok Says:

@Wog Boy, also, I don’t know what you’ve said about Fed playing Tomic previously as I don’t read most of your posts except those that come up at the same time when I’m posting as in last night, when you talked of the 2008 AO and Fed’s complaints, which was right in front of my eyes, and I couldn’t help seeing. I don’t have the time to go through all of the posts throughout the day.


jane Says:

skeezer are you still following your duck of worth, worthy duck, a.k.a., Duckworth? He’s serving for 8 all in the 5th you know.


Alok Says:

It takes time to write a post and because my post came after yours does not mean I saw your post as it does not refresh instantly, except after I submit mine. I was referring to the previouis posts and people saying how the players need to play. You can choose to believe me or hold onto your thoughts, that’s fine with me, so do as you please.


Wog boy Says:

Alok,

What i said, too laisy to back to particular thread, is that Federe is going to put Tomic into his place in three easy sets, and I am still saying the same and that is why wanted to see Tomic playing Federer, don’t worrie no big deal.


Wog boy Says:

“worry”


Alok Says:

@Wog Boy, someone else said close to the same thing so go back and read

“the DA Says:
Yes, thank goodness Bernie breaks. I really want to see that projected 3rd round match.

January 16th, 2013 at 11:26 pm”


Margot Says:

Another smooth win for Andy. Yay! Nice and quickly out of that sun!
Well played Atomic too.


volley Says:

the stadium is half empty for the davydenko/fed match.


volley Says:

federer leads the ‘big threat’ by 2 sets to love.


The Great Davy Says:

Hello everyone,

Just here to informing that I saw excellent discount price on plane to Maldives, and shaved Eduard to play as me instead. See you at Roland Garros!


volley Says:

federer wins in straights. never in doubt.


Kimmi Says:

that wasn’t too stressful. next up, the home boy. c’mon fed!


volley Says:

and because he plays Tomic next, 2 consecutive night matches.

#great heat escape


alison Says:

Well done Andy,your playing fabulous tennis hopefully he can keep this up,lets go Laura lets go.


mat4 Says:

I was too tired after the trip to watch tennis tonight, although I wanted to have a look at Tsonga and Monfils. But…

Read a few posts here. I don’t agree that Harrison played bad. Yes, he was nervous in the beginning, but his problem was Nole’s return of serve. Everything came back most of the time. I think that at the beginning of the third set, Ryan served a first serve at 223 km/h (139 mph) and the ball came back. For a big server, not having opportunities for free, or easy points after good first serves can be shocking, as it was last night.

Then, Novak’s FH seems to have more spin and less net clearance, the rebound isn’t so high. It can be very deceptive: I don’t think nerves are the only cause of so many botched FH for Harrison — it has something to do with the shots he had to retrieve.

What could Ryan do? He was a bit overwhelmed by the opportunity, the stage — he didn’t move well enough, it seemed to me. But he couldn’t “outslice” Novak, who goes to the net and finishes those points there, now, especially against lower ranked players. He didn’t have clear opportunities on the FH. He couldn’t hope to “outrally” Djokovic. He tried to go to the net, but it didn’t work, even when the attack was well prepared.

So he tried to stick to his game: big serve, big FH, and even when it didn’t work, he wasn’t dispirited, but kept the right attitude and fought.

On the other side, Djokovic played quite well. It seems that the new racquet gives him the power he lacked until now. He can hit hard, but doesn’t have to, most of the time. He mixed CC and DTL at will from both side. When it was important, he served with a federesque precision. He knows now that he has to go to the net after an IO FH.

If he plays the whole tournament that way, even if he lose, I won’t be disappointed. His game is in full evolution, he becomes a more versatile player, and he is a pleasure to watch.


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

Hi again, you didn’t say hi to me but it doesn’t matter.

I watched Monfils, I haven’t seen that kind of game before. He is serving 25-30 aces a match and 20-25 double foults a match. He goes for ace regardless of first or second serve, he had a bit of luck in both matches but will not last long if he keeps playing like this. Haven’t seen much of Tsonga, just bits and pieces.


alison Says:

Just watching Petra and Laura although lost the 1st set it was very competitive,much more so than the scoreline suggested,now shes a double break up in the 2nd set and serving to take it,damn it shes now got tight and thrown one of the breaks back,hope this doesnt destroy her confidence.


alison Says:

Yay Laura takes the 2nd set,well done now go get the 3rd,what gutsy lasses our Brits are.


alison Says:

LOL Wogboy and Mat4 just saying hi to you both.


Wog boy Says:

alison,

Hi, I am watching too, but I am half asleep, it was a long day. Robson has a chance if she can just can serve little bit better.


alison Says:

Damn Petra breaks,Laura has to dig deep here.


alison Says:

Feeling sorry for Petra the crowd are cheering every miss.


steve-o Says:

Robson chokes after serving for the match. I don’t think she’ll get another chance.


alison Says:

^Hope that does not come back to haunt her.^


steve-o Says:

To Robson’s credit, she hasn’t caved yet.


alison Says:

Well thats us Brits for you true grit and determination,whether our girl wins or loses shes got alot to be proud of,shes shown alot of heart,a real gutsy girl,go Laura.


alison Says:

This is the best match ive seen on the womans side so far well IMO.


alison Says:

Have to go to work soon,come on Laura.


steve-o Says:

Robson gets another chance to serve it out. Will she take it?


alison Says:

Steve O hopefully.


steve-o Says:

Congrats to Robson! She really did manage to hold her nerve.

Conversely, Kvitova seemed to let the pressure get to her.


alison Says:

Yes yipppppeeeee LETS GO laura lets go,so happy for you,god talk about been put through the ringer,what mental toughness,what guts,so proud of our girls.


the DA Says:

This was a great win for Robson. It wasn’t the prettiest match but it got better in the 3rd set. So now Laura has beaten 3 GS champions.


alison Says:

Both our Brit girls came from sets down to win their matches,against very acomplished players,both Heather and Laura are pushing each other to see whos the no 1 British female player,which is a really healthy rivalry,you go girls love you both,great match from Andy too.


alison Says:

104 degrees in Oz,while its below freezing here in most parts of Britain Brrrr.


Margot Says:

Look what Laura went and did! Yay, yay, yay!
How about that alison :)


skeezer Says:

The Great Davy must get a Great Serve, maybe in Maldive?
Fed pulled through a very dangerous 2nd rd. opponet, can breath a litlles easier now. Delpo looks ominous!

Is Tomic hype or real? Love how Fed is downplaying the talking Tomic stuff. Brands was not a great win, was it? Guess we’ll see.
Also, my Aussie Duck quacked out, dang!


RZ Says:

Yay for Laura! I didn’t stay up for it and it sounds as if it was an ugly match (determined more by errors than winners). But it also sounds as if Laura played the last game really well and it has to be great motivation for her to win a match 11-9 in the 3rd. She and Heather have been learning to grind out tough wins during this Aussie Open.


alison Says:

OK not the prttiest match by any means,but the battling qualities from our girl more than made up for that.

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