Australian Open Men’s Draw Preview: Roger Federer Lands In Novak Djokovic’s Half; Can Rafael Nadal Make A Run?

by Sean Randall | January 14th, 2016, 8:29 pm
  • 148 Comments

Where would No. 3 Roger Federer land in Australia? Well, other than at the airport, he settled in Novak Djokovic’s half of the just-released men’s Australian Open draw.

That leaves Andy Murray with Stan Wawrinka plus Rafael Nadal.

Overall, a really nice, even draw with lots of interesting matchups. Going from top down…


Novak Djokovic Quarter
It won’t be easy for Novak Djokovic to claim a sixth Australian Open, but early on I think it should be. The World No. 1 opens against rising teen Hyeon Chung. Then maybe Roger Federer’s third round conqueror a year ago in Andreas Seppi in that same round, followed by Gilles Simon the fourth. The quarters could get tricky with either JW Tsonga or Kei Nishikori, but neither guy has been in form of late, however if someone like Tsonga gets hot one never knows. Otherwise, maybe someone like Karlovic or Tsonga sneak a set, that’s about all I see Novak dropping before the semifinals. There are some names there, but Djokovic is just playing too well right now.
The pick: Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer Quarter
While I rate Djokovic’s section the easiest, I put Federer’s on the other end. The 34-year-old will have to deal with the hard-hitting Nikoloz Basilashvili. Then the dangerous Alex Dolgopolov in the second followed by a likely date with Grigor Dimitrov in a Brisbane rematch. In the fourth he’s looking at possibly Dominic Thiem who has a good draw. And in the quarters a man who’s made the semifinals in Melbourne the last two years, Tomas Berdych. The Czech has an interesting road with the brash Nick Kyrgios in the third round and Marin Cilic in the fourth. Cilic could face Borna Coric in the second. But you just can’t count on Berdych to win big matches, so Federer’s the man for me in this deep section of the draw.
The pick: Roger Federer

Stan Wawrinka Quarter
The stan-dout in this section is the very first line where we see Rafael Nadal against Fernando Verdasco in the pick among the 64 first round matches. Both Spanish lefties aren’t what they once were, but Verdasco has fallen much more, so Rafa should get through and overall I like his section. He’ll get Jeremy Chardy in the third, maybe Kevin Anderson in the fourth before Stan Wawrinka in the quarters. I also like Stan’s section. He’ll have Jack Sock in the third then Milos Raonic in the fourth, but if he’s playing well – and winning Chennai does indicate that much – he should get through. Then in the best of the projected quarters I think I’m going to pick Nadal who gets revenge for the 2014 final. I think. I’m not sold but that’s where I’m leaning right now.
The pick: Rafael Nadal

Andy Murray Quarter
Assuming the baby is on time and Andy Murray doesn’t have to jet out of town, I think we’ll see good things from the 4-time finalist. He’ll open against the tough teen Alex Zverev, then potentially the big-serving Sam Groth with another Aussie, Bernard Tomic, looming in the fourth. Then in the quarters he’s looking at David Ferrer. Ferrer could face Lleyton Hewitt in what would be an interesting finale for the Australian. Ferrer could also run into John Isner in the fourth, but the American has to deal with the hot-headed Jerzy Janowicz in his opener. But in the end Murray’s draw is just too good to ignore.
The pick: Andy Murray

So that means a Big 4 semifinal? What, is it 2009 still? No, it’s 2016 and little has changed. Well, not exactly because if anyone can foil that plan it’s Stan Wawrinka who won this title two years ago. But regardless, I don’t think the end result changes much. If the courts are playing slow, that will help Djokovic even more. But he doesn’t need it. This title is going to be his be it over Murray, Nadal or even Wawrinka in the final. (Right now I think it’s Murray.)

As I said, the Stan-Nadal match could go either way if it happens. I also could see Federer getting bounced somewhere, maybe even by Berdych. Otherwise, Djokovic and Murray both look like good bets to make the semifinals.

I will say there are a lot of great matches early on, plus it will be nice to see these young kids like Chung and Zverev get to show their potential on the biggest of stages.

I just hope someone can push Djokovic. Let’s see.

Matches begin Sunday night at 7pm ET on ESPN.



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French Open Men’s Draw: Federer Needed A Dream Draw And Got It; Nadal Lands With Djokovic
Wimbledon Men’s Draw Preview: Nadal Falls With Federer, Murray In Quarter Of Death
Federer Lands In Djokovic’s Half (Again) As Nadal Enjoys Comfy Path To Seventh French Open Final

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148 Comments for Australian Open Men’s Draw Preview: Roger Federer Lands In Novak Djokovic’s Half; Can Rafael Nadal Make A Run?

Patson Says:

Nadal Verdasco in the first round could be real fun !


Wog Boy Says:

Did I miss something, nobody is talking about Raonic, whose Q he is in.


Wog Boy Says:

Ok, I found him, in Stan’s, I would take Raonic very seriously, he can make semi, surface suits him perfectly, not to fast and higher bounce for his FH.


AndyMira Says:

Once again novak got a wonderful draw..well..his luck i guess..unless he got injured or something..his path to the final is clear as a pudding!Bout..rafa..as much as i want to bet on him..man..i wouldn’t dare!To Andy..just in case he’ll meet again with Nole..i hope he”s much better prepared and much more wiser this year and not falling for his antics once more..


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Fed’s quarter is very exciting, but the pre-q match I am really interested in is Stan/ Milos. Should be a great one.


Wog Boy Says:

Tomic the Tank Engine has done it again, just when I thought that he turned the corner and learned the lesson he retires in Sydney becouse “his mind is on preparation for AO”, very disrespectful for the tour, fans and other player. This is what Woodbridge had to say:

“I understand the difficulties of preparing for the Australian Open,” Woodbridge said.

“But you’ve got responsibilities to the tour and to the fans and the tournament and that didn’t look real good.”


Wog Boy Says:

Everyone is filthy with Tomic, present and former player even Lahyani was urging to play just to get answer ftom Tomic: I have got a good drow in Mrlbourne” ..and retires:

http://m.foxsports.com.au/tennis/bernard-tomic-controversially-retires-at-sydney-international-after-bizarre-exchange-with-umpire/story-e6frf4mu-1227710241389


Dave Says:

wow. Nole couldn’t have asked for a better draw than that. Andy seems to have a good draw until the SF’s. Stan has the hardest draw of anybody. Stan is the one true challenge to Nole and has a nightmare draw just to get to Nole. Of course the matches always play out differently than the draw on paper. But from what I see, Nole’s road to an Australian Open and odds of winning just got better.


Django Says:

Nole has Dr ivo


Okiegal Says:

It will take more than Dr. Ivo……maybe a surgeon to take off a leg…….kidding of course, don’t get upset Nole fans, just a little humor…..I don’t think anyone will be a bother to Novak. If his matches get anymore lop-sided (Rafa’s last match comes to mind) could things get boring??


danica Says:

Stranger things have happened. I don’t wish an injury, weakness or sickness upon anyone but you never know. Who would have believed that Safin would beat Nole in the 2nd round of Wimbledon 2008? He himself said that after he saw the draw, he booked his tickets to Moscow after the 2nd round. And yet, he had one last great run and reached the semis. No one predicted Wawa to win against Rafa and Nole. Or Seppi over Roger. Or… There are ton of examples from last year alone. Serena is a good example.

So, although Nole is a favorite, he is not the only one. I am not at ease having Kyrgios in his half for example. Playing Karlovic can be like playing Anderson in Wimby last year. Not easy by any measure. And if he gets to the finals, whoever is on the opposite side of the court will want that title just as bad as him.

I will enjoy it one match at the time.


jane Says:

“The stan-dout” – interesting. is it a pun for stan doubt? is that why you picked rafa from that quarter?

good draw overall i think; quite balanced?

django, yeah re: dr. ivo. i guess the good news is that it’s best of 5.


Pauly Says:

The only hard games for Djokovic
Karlovic if he serves big & Federer
Until the final comes most likely Murray or Wawrinka
Nadal will get dumped early unless his girly serve improves ?

Number 11 coming up for Djokovic


jane Says:

novak has fed in the semis. that’s not easy for novak. fed is always a tough match up. now, if rafa had fed it’s a different ball game.


jane Says:

but danica’s right – one match at a time. who knows: i’ve seen draws get rather complicated and open up. one never knows.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Stans been in Novaks half quite a few times,it makes a change hes in the other half this time,IMO he was the only player with the game to trouble Novak,Ivo has a big serve but lacks the game or stamina over best of 5 to really trouble Novak,and the same with Roger,i see Novak in the final and i doubt he will even lose a set,its just a matter of whom he will face,or whos playing for the privelege of getting their backsides kicked in the final,ill be surprised if he even loses a set on the way,sorry folks calling a spade a spade here….


Gypsy Gal Says:

As Pauley said number 11 for Novak….


danica Says:

Tignor predicted Kyrgios in the semis against Novak. Imagine that. In front of his home crowd he could perform miracles. And then, Tignor predicted Wawa to win over Nole in the finals. So, not everyone is betting on Novak.

It’s interesting to me that everyone remembers just his match against Rafa in Doha but forgets tough matches he had the two previous rounds. Yes, he performed best when most needed, but I don’t assume Nole’s path will be easy and without obstacles and challenges.

I remember 2014 when someone told Wawa how good he plays and how far he came (in 1/4 finals or so). He just smiled and said something like: “That’s all fine but I am not winning this tournament so, it doesn’t matter.” I was thinking to myself “just watch, and he may well win” :). Little did I know :)).


mat4 Says:

It’s the usual waltz. Fedfans predict Novak to win, Novak’s fan are cautious, and Rafans predict anybody else but Novak. Even Kyrgios in the semi…

And, of course, the usual truth applies: it’s not over until it’s over. I’ve seen Jeff’s forecast, the most reasonable one, based on his JRank: Novak is about 30%, Fed 20%, Andy, Stan, Rafa at 10%. Since they have won all the majors in the last ten years but two, I guess that they 80% combined is realistic. Among them, you never know, and the margins are slim.

As a Nolefan, as you can see, I am cautious.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 not quite, all barring a miracle,i predict Novak will win this without dropping a set,its just a matter of whom has the privalege of getting their wotsits kicked in the final,that would be the only question for me :))….


Wog Boy Says:

So am I, one match at the time. That Korean youngster is not walk in the park, kamsamnida.
Does anybody knows if Nole plays Monday or Tuesday?


Wog Boy Says:

^^ that was for mat4.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Im off for a shower will chat and pontificate some more in 20/30 minutes….


Pauly Says:

If Nadal makes the final ?
Plays Djokovic … It will be over in 90 minutes
3 sets to love !
I hope Wawrinka makes the final & he is playing his best then it should be game on !


mat4 Says:

I meant Tignor, GG. I believe that Rafa has a good chance to make it to the final, although his draw is tough. But, like I said, there’s no guarantee. That’s sport.


AndyMira Says:

It’s a wonder in only a year and a half everybody belittling rafa like there”s no tomorrow..same like roger in 2013..hopefully rafa will rise once again and show that he’s 14 gs holder for a reason..one can only hope..


calmdownplease Says:

So, 73 morons think Federer is going to win this, right?

bwahahahahaha & ha!


calmdownplease Says:

`To Andy..just in case he’ll meet again with Nole..i hope he”s much better prepared and much more wiser this year and not falling for his antics once more..’

Well, it was irritating to be sure, but it was Andy’s own G*d damn fault!
He was going to lose anyway as he had ran out of steam, that I think would not happen this time, at least.
Nothing should distract a player in a final short of an an alien invasion of Melbourne!


Wog Boy Says:

Most of the people who are belittling Rafa are Rafa fans and most of the people who were telling Roger to retire in 2013 were Roger fans. Just check the posts and you will find out that everybody else (Nole and Roger fans) are giving Rafa much more chances than his own fans.
You are barking up the wrong tree.


Wog Boy Says:


Im off for a shower will chat and pontificate some more in 20/30 minutes….”

Do you need somebody to rub your back? Just asking..


Gypsy Gal Says:

Wogboy lol,nah i have a loofah ;)….

Mat4 OK then,but i still stand by the rest of my post at 5.57am,anyhow when the AO starts i wont be posting while its on,ive made it my policy when the GS are on now,ill still post till it starts though,and i have alot more course work to do with my job,hope you enjoy the tournament….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Wogboy if Rafa fans big him up they will be crucified,if they play it down they will be crucified,as the saying goes damned if you dont,and damned if you do….


AndyMira Says:

To CDP,i know it’S Andy’s fault..that’s why i said he shouldn’t fall for it this time..he should focus more on his game rather than his opponent..to be in the final..it’s a gift right?Not every year we can get there and have a chance to kiss the precious trophy..he should chanel his temper to the right path not on himself!Hopefully he learned the lesson and win AO..cause he deserve it..


Gypsy Gal Says:

Anyway RZs set up a bracket challenge,and the links on the Serena thread,how about it folks?….


AndyMira Says:

To WB,i have no intention and energy to check all the post as you suggested..if you say so..then so be it..i just write what i had in mind..don’t know anything about barking the wrong tree..


Wog Boy Says:

^* up the wrong tree


calmdownplease Says:

`to be in the final..it’s a gift right?’

It is dear, boy (?).
But it’s a gift that Andy Murray has not been particularly appreciative of in the past.
Sore foot, a feather, barely showing up and collapses all round
The switch needs to flip!


calmdownplease Says:

I wonder if many of the Nadal fans think, ‘well if only someone can take out Novak, he is sure to beat everyone else & win the title’
I’m sure many are, in fact.
Think again, you little cows!


Gypsy Gal Says:

CDP im not saying Novak gone would mean he would automatically win the title,but if he makes the final and Novak isnt on the other side the he would certainly stand a better chance….


Gypsy Gal Says:

The same applies to Sharapova,no Serena and Sharapovas chances increase alot more….


Margot Says:

http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketAussieOpenATP/TennisXposters/default.aspx

RZ ***** 5 stars!
you are a scholar and a gentlewoman, loving the pic of Andy too.
See yo all there you tennisxers.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Margot im already there,told others about it,its all fallen on deaf ears though ;))….


AndyMira Says:

To CDP,i am a women not a boy..maybe andy can turn things around this year..who knows kim and newborn-to -be baby will give him extra motivation?like it did to novak and roger.. by the way why you called GG a little cow?Since she and i were rafa fan..i think i don’t appreciate it you called her that..it’s a little disrespectful..or maybe you guys were buddys..so words like that are common right?


Pauly Says:

Yes I admit I am big Rafa fan !
Yes I am belittling him coz I think he is not playing well not seeking another coach not improving his serve … Nothing
I just hope he can play like 2013 again


Gypsy Gal Says:

AndyMira hi,i also thought you were male with a name like Andy sorry my apologies,anyway i dont think the little cow bit was aimed at me personally,although i do agree its a bit disrespectful in general,regarding CDP he doesnt take any prisoners,and we agree sometimes but sometimes dont,but we arent buddies….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Pauly i dont think its belittling him,its just an honest assessment of how well Rafas playing at the moment,and at the moment Rafas playing only top 10 tennis,not GS winning tennis,to add how can he beat Novak in best of 5 sets on his worst suface,when he cant even do it on his best surface,he lost in straight sets at the FO,and hasnt even won a set of him since the USO in 2013….


AndyMira Says:

GG..hi to you too..i said hi to you a couple of weeks ago but got no respons..anyway..don’t apologize..it’s nothing..AndyMira just a nickname because i’m a big Meryl streep and Anne hathaway fan in Devil Wears Prada..he!he!


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Betting line I’ve seen has Novak at 8/11, so slightly better than 50/50 chances for Novak.

No doubt, I would pick Novak vs the field.

Next closest is Andy at 9/2, a huge drop. Andy, Roger, Rafa and Stan are clustered, then another huge drop, and Milos and Kei lead the third tier at 40/1, followed by Kyrgios.

Kyrgios can beat anyone, in my opinion, but beating top seeds three or four matches in a row? I don’t see it.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Sorry darling for not responding, ive not been well so ive been out of sorts,and nice to have some fellow Rafa fans on board,nice monikor too BTW ;))….


calmdownplease Says:

`who knows kim and newborn-to -be baby will give him extra motivation?like it did to novak and roger.. by the way why you called GG a little cow?’

No, I didn’t mean you or GG.
Perish the thought!
I meant the t*rds
Every player has them but Fedal most especially, in my view
The baby will work wonders for Andy
It will be the ‘chosen child’
the bringer of slams!
Andy might take tennis a little less seriously and that will free him up!
A better perspective (rather than motivation I think/hope)
And that will be a welcome development.


calmdownplease Says:

`but if he makes the final and Novak isnt on the other side the he would certainly stand a better chance….’

Well dear,
He’d go from having no chance to having a good chance
But no i just can’t see him making a final here of all places
Perhaps when it was slower.


AndyMira Says:

To Pauly..i understand your frustration..like married couple..sometimes they fight and say things but that doesn’t mean they’re care less right?Same with rafa here..we care about him..it’s a pity,he spent a year and a half now not doing anything to lift his game to match the elite group..oh i know he worked very hard to get to his best but with the old ideas still remain and we’ve already seen how his game not changing much so far..i can only shake my head..


AndyMira Says:

To GG,i’ve been read that you’re not well..actually i want to ask you at that time but since you’re not responding the 1st time..i’m hesitate to ask you more..don’t want embarrased a 2nd time!he!he!So..how are you now..still fighting the cold?


AndyMira Says:

To CDP..sorry about misunderstanding a while ago..i take it you’re Andy’s fan?If so..good luck to you and your guy k?


Gypsy Gal Says:

AndyMira i do generally respond to posters unless its ones that i dont get along with,so sorry i didnt get back to you,anyway yeah still coughing but feeling much better and its not longer making me feel sick when i do thankfully….


calmdownplease Says:

No need to apologise Andymira.
I have no problem with Nadal fans, or any other ones for that matter
But only the nice ones.


calmdownplease Says:

Actually, I get on much better with non ta*d nadal fans than Ta*d Andy ones
It’s not really surprising either….


AndyMira Says:

GG..yeah..i notice you’re very active communicate with other posters..in fact you’re the only rafa fan who post here regularly other than okie and pauly that is..i hope your speeding recovery k?


Margot Says:

Oh my gawd CPP so few Andy fans on here, since when did you get so picky mister?
{{}}


calmdownplease Says:

It’s CD ‘P’, Margop darling
;0)
I wasn’t talking about here.
Anyway, I’ve always been picky, in real life only the chosen few get a look in, I’m afraid.
(Although it’s quite a few)
But I’m not stuck up, for the record.


mat4 Says:

I have filled the tourneytopia brackets, and I am in the lead, right now.


mat4 Says:

Although, I guess, it won’t last…


Sarah Says:

Mat 4? Is it much to fill in? I have worked with reporting the entire day :)


RZ Says:

We won’t have too many more chances at big 4 semis, so if we get one here it would be special.


RZ Says:

Sarah – it will have drop down choices of each first round match, and after you’ve made those choices you can select your projected 2nd rounds, etc. Takes a few minutes but not horribly long. You have until before the tournament begins to fill it out (though check the site for the actual cut off).

The rest of us need to get cracking. We can’t let Mat4 have the lead all to himself!


RZ Says:

Margot posted this above but here it is again for anyone who wants to be part of the bracket. http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketAussieOpenATP/TennisXposters/default.aspx

– RZ, scholar and gentlewoman
(Cheers Margot!)


madmax Says:

I think Australia looks exciting for all players.

No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. Hyeon Chung
No. 2 Andy Murray vs. Alexander Averev
No. 3 Roger Federer vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili
No. 4 Stan Wawrinka vs. Dmitry Tursunov
No. 5 Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco
No. 6 Tomas Berdych vs. Yuki Bhambri
No. 7 Kei Nishikori vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber
No. 8 David Ferrer vs. Qualifier
No. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Marcos Baghdatis
No. 10 John Isner vs. Jerzy Janowicz

My gut tells me that Stan is going to come into form, will push his opponents hard.

Federer? to me, Fed’s draw does not look an easy one, as you go through the tournament – with the big hitters still wanting to be the one to take him out so early in the competition.

The Dog is always a danger, and very unorthodox in his style. Does anyone know who is his coach?

Of course, this too will be the first time that Luby is with Fed so this will be great to see whether anything new is added to Fed’s game.

Is this really possible now – to add something to Fed’s game?

Keeping the fitness level high I would say is Fed’s Ace card.


Margot Says:

@CDP
mea maxima culpa….a Freudian slip no doubt brought on by the giddy thought that there might be so many Andy fans on here that we can afford to be “picky.”
;)


Chrisford1 Says:

AndyMira -To Andy..just in case he’ll meet again with Nole..i hope he”s much better prepared and much more wiser this year and not falling for his antics once more..

===============
Andy might have had a case if he wasn’t THE “clutch grab grimace stagger walks scream at his box and miraculously recover 5 minutes later” guy.
Andy’s antics are his trademark.
He needs to mentally toughen up. He looses it when he sees a feather fall. When his foe is limping..Andy doesn’t wait for the match to be over, he thinks he has won, and collapses into a pool of resentful quivering jelly when the limp goes away.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Max, I think Fed’s draw for the first week is by far the toughest. He has all the young, talented-but-not-all-there kids lined up in a row.

After the debacle with Tomic yesterday, I sincerely hope his first round opponent, that Tomic has publicly called out as a weakling, wipes up the court with him.


Chrisford1 Says:

On how hard it is to get a Grand Slam…let alone a golden one:

Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite, with odds around 59% against the whole field. But the law of multiplying fractions for getting a series individual event odds to come out for the bettor shows the longer the streak, the odds sharply diminish.

Though math doesn’t explain some events – Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak is mathematically impossible – yet it happened. Or Steffi’s Golden Slam impacted by total self belief and a demoralization of the field and many pros skipping the then “inconsequential” Olympics sideshow.

If Djokovic is the huge favorite against the field with odds of 40=50% against a field of other superb players odds of completing the streak inc a gold medal are (1/2)X (4/10) X (4/10) X (1/2) X (1/2)? Odds of getting any one event is 40-50% and same for each individual event to follow at odds given if Djokovic is almost favored over the entire field is 40-50%. But winning all 5 events? It falls to 2%. Two percent!! So Wilanders is crazy to claim high likelihood

But with each won Slam the odds for a Grand Slam streak grow, as they must be recalculated again. And a non-calendar year Slam is a realistic hope. Novak has won 2 Slams so far, so to get a non-calendar year Slam it is now 50% odds for the AO and give him 40% odds for the AO for sake of argument – for 20% odds of a non-calendar year Slam.
(Which has never happened on the men’s side in 45 years as the Open Era started after Lavers. )


AndyMira Says:

Hi Chrisford1..i take it you’re Novak’s fan..like i said earlier..to get into the final is one thing,to win it is another..it’s such a shame he’s only fight with novak onlf half of the match..he shouldn’t allowed anything come his way..he’s such a very good and talented player..he should win more than 2..if only he can tame his anger and use it in appropriate way..none the less i hope for the best for him this year.


Kimberly Says:

I just did my bracket. I just decided to take someone OTHER than Djokovic. I took Federer to do pull the upset in the semi and beat Murray in the final. why not. Nobody is perfect. Djokovic is a human being.


AndyMira Says:

To Kimberly..Ha!Ha!you’re statement is a breath of fresh air..i like..i like..


RZ Says:

Kimberly – I went with upsets too. Not so much because I think they would actually happen but I’m assuming that most bracket entries would have Djokovic as the champion and I don’t think I could compete with them (since I’ve done pretty poorly on these in recent entries). So my only way of winning is to have something off the wall in case an upset does happen.


jane Says:

For Nole Fans:

yolita translated a bunch of quotes from a becker interview in german: i’ll share them here with you guys as they’re interesting for most of us, probably. :)

Boris: “Breaks are as important as a tournament victory. They are like a training season. Many forget that today and pay for it.”

Boris Becker: “2015 is past. It no longer interests us. We all stand again at the starting line and we want to finish first”

Boris: ” I had a good tennis career and I try to pass on my experience. Novak listens because he wants to learn, every day. ”

Q: How did you prepare for the Wimbledon victory?
Boris: The success story began in bringing Novak back from the defeat in the Paris final

BB: “I did that with the help of the team… With the help of his wife. It’s part of the job of Team Djokovic”

BB: “For me the USO final was the match of the year. You can only stand up to 24000 Americans rooting against you if you have backbone”

BB: “I have taken a beating because I supossedly said something against Roger. It’s crazy that people do not understand:I am Team Djokovic”

BB: “I have no problems with Roger. I have huge respect for his achievements. But my job is to think: How can I beat him?”

Q: Will there be a coach Becker after Djokovic?

BB: I had requests before but I turned them down because it is very intense, tennis travel.

BB: “Novak gives everything for tennis: motivation, passion, intelligence. It is perfect. Every minute it’s worth working. “


Dave Says:

The last time I checked the betting odds for Djokovic to win were 4/5. That would be 80% odds of winning. Again with all these odds and mathematically trying to figure it out, they are men making up the odds. So anything can happen on any given day. The odds that man gives doesn’t matter. If Nole takes it one match at a time and one point at a time, over best of 5 set matches, anything is possible. Of course it seems impossible when he hasn’t won a single match and has 28 matches to win before winning the grand slam. Someone is going to have to beat Nole over a 5 set match. In every match Nole plays in, he will be the favorite and not the underdog. So if you look at it 1 match at a time, it changes everything. And if Graf did it and Laver did it, it isn’t an impossibility. Predicting the future and throwing odds into it at 2%, that’s just an opinion. Just like Wilander has an opinion. They are all just opinions. Nole gets better and better at living in the moment and living moment by moment and not letting his ego get in the way. That just makes it harder and harder to beat him. Because research shows that someone that is able to get into the moment at will can stay in the zone while doing anything for hours upon hours.


Wog Boy Says:

jane,

Thanks, this one sums it up:

BB: “For me the USO final was the match of the year. You can only stand up to 24000 Americans rooting against you if you have backbone.”

Thiugh I know, for the fact, that Nole has a lot of fans in North America, and respect for him over there , they were just not in NY that day, or they were vastly outnumbered.


Pauly Says:

Big pressure on Djokovic but he must be happy no Wawrinka in his side of the draw !
Murray cannot beat Djokovic either can Nadal but Federer in best form can worry Djokovic … Only Wawrinka has the weapons to bully him !
It’s still too early to pick winner but Djokovic is playing great !


Wog Boy Says:

“…. Only Wawrinka has the weapons to bully him !

Bully? Bullying is when you finish the match 1 and 2. How can you call bullying something where you have head to head 21:4 and rare defeats, one in five sets, fifth 9:7 and the other in four tight sets, please explain?


jane Says:

hey tennis fans, keep breathing in… the AO starts ANON!!! :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcnIhzaDTd0


Pauly Says:

Wog boy

There was an article stating that Wawrinka has the weapons to bully Djokovic … He can force him back on the baseline like no one else can not even Nadal at his best !
Wawrinka if he serves well Djokovic will struggle to break him
You see Wawrinka is the only one with the powerful ground strokes to beat Djokovic !

Yes bully him


Margot Says:

jane,
can I breathe out now?……..woooooosh……..;)
Go Andy


Wog Boy Says:

I just think that “bully ” is not adequate word, that’s all, If Stan is so powerful he should have little more than 4 out of 25 matches, no? I am pretty sure that no player wouldn’t mind to be “bullied” that way, to have 21:4 h2h against Stan.


Sarah Says:

Morning WB, thank for the very nice and kind reply regarding Timisoara :)
I also think “bully” is not an adequate word, as the matches, where Wawa beat Nole were pretty tight


Sarah Says:

Hola GG, tried now to fill bracket it, but it is a bit complicated…guess I need a cup of strong coffee


Sarah Says:

PS for WB:)
Romania had 2 best friends during the entire history: The Black Sea and Sebja


Sarah Says:

edit: Serbia


Wog Boy Says:

Here we go again, Nole plays on monday day time and Roger prime time, 7pm, and it is going to be stinking hot day…I know, I know, Roger is crowd pleaser or whatever..


Pauly Says:

Djokovic isn’t popular but he doesn’t care about that he said at the US open … He wants slams !
In the past when asked will Nadal break Federer’s record 17 slams he said yes but now it looks most likely that Djokovic will most likely break Federer’s record !
No one is good enough to beat him anymore only Wawrinka I crazy form can beat him but Wawrinka has little consistency.
It’s sad to see Nadal accepting the fact that he reaches finals ?
I thought winning finals what most players wanted to achieve ?
Nadal is living in denial … It’s sad but if a man won’t help himself what can anyone do ?

Wake up Nadal & smell the roses !


Sarah Says:

Mat4, hope you enjoy a lovely Saturday morning:)

I googelt a bit in order to refresh or improve my information regarding Serbian and Romanian history…and I would propose us to stop us from assuming, what origins one celebrity may have. This could leave to controversial discussions…

I did read today some interresting things regarding Nikola Teslas origins, and found out, that it is possible, he can be Istro-Romanian. I would not go into details as it is not my purpose to enoy or to create debates on this topic.

I love and have respect for slavic people and I am proud to be a Nole fan :)


mat4 Says:

Sarah, first thing first: I’m French.

Then, I don’t understand what’s wrong about such a question. Serbs are from different origins — Vasko Popa was of Romanian descent, Aleksandar Belic was a Jew (Alexander Weiss), just like Danilo Kis(Daniel Cohn), Branislav Nusic was of Greek descent, Ivo Andric was a Croat by his father, and so forth. Even now, just like the French, the Serbs don’t really care about one’s origins.

Although, being from Timisoara, I can understand why you are so sensible about that question.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 im top of the bracket challenge ;)….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Wogboy @January 16th 4.18am,it does seem unfair i agree….


mat4 Says:

GG:

Yes, we share first place, although I hoped that I will be first without sharing. But still, my guess about the number of aces is better than yours.


mat4 Says:

@WB:

They all play at least one match in the middle of the day. I guess it’s better for Novak to play his first round match in the heat, than a potential QF against Nishikori.


mat4 Says:

@Sarah:

I meant:

Although, being from Timisoara, I can understand why you are so _sensitive_ about that question.


Sarah Says:

Bonjour Mat4,

I am also not bothered :)…I am also a mixture from more cultures, …and I love them all:)

but there are persons , who might be enoyed by this. Personaly I would love to talk with you about such things the entire day,but I do not want people to think I am a to big nationalist…that’s all


Sarah Says:

P.S. we are used to live here in Timisoara very well: Romanians, Serbians, Croats, Hungarians, Germans, Romas… and the list could continue. :)


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 cant remember what i put to be honest,and i dont know how to look at other peoples brackets,but my picks were all guess work,no skill involved just random….


Wog Boy Says:

I know mat4, like at USO, out of first five matches Nole played four day matches and Roger four night ones, not quite sharing the day/nights..anyway I am more upset for myself, since I prefer evening matches when I am in Melbourne. Though monday day session is not bad, Serena then Kvitova and third match Nole, and I made sure this time to get a ticket in shaded part of RLA.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 but you will probably do better than i will,as your tennis knowledge is streets ahead of mine,mine is all rather basic at best….


mat4 Says:

@GG:

This games has nothing to do with tennis knowledge. Then, I also predicted a lot of surprises.


Wog Boy Says:

Troicki just won Sydney, second year in a row, beating Dimitrov in the final, for a difference of Brisbane, this time around he didn’t choke against Dimitrov, and he had to play two tree set matches yestrday to make up for rainy thursday. Of to Melbourne with his third career title, Good job Viktor.


calmdownplease Says:

Well Margot,

I can think of a website positively chockablock with Andy fans that I have unfinished business with.
If you catch my drift.
Only for my amusement, however.

;0)


Gypsy Gal Says:

Politely disagree Mat4 sorry,you have to have some sort of knowledge,and you do alot of research putting up links to back everything up,personally i wouldnt know where to start,anyway enjoy the tournament….


calmdownplease Says:

‘Murray cannot beat Djokovic either can Nadal but Federer in best form can worry Djokovic’

How many times must nadal get his butt kicked before Fedal creatures like yourself see SENSE!?
Andy certainly has a better chance than Rafa
And over 5 sets Federer also has none!
Get a grip!


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 I guess the weather isnt always crap here in GB,as its a beautiful morning….


Giles Says:

https://mobile.twitter.com/serb_it_out/status/688169774996525056
Lol. This is how popular the Serb is, they can’t even spell his name.


Pauly Says:

Calmdownplease

Murray is a choker
Nadal is Djokovic’s bunny
Federer has the variety in his game that can worry Djokovic
Wawrinka has the power game that can beat Djokovic

Nadal is living in fantasy land not hiring new coach tell everyone he is only after the runners up trophy if that’s really the case he should retire !


Gypsy Gal Says:

Pauly i agree with your post,but please stop pushing Rafa off to retirement,we had a poster some months back called Zozza that kept on saying that….


Pauly Says:

What ruined Nadal’s 2014 -15 season is the injury he sustained in practice after winning the French open
Then of course appendix problem
Ever since those problems he’s never been the same ?
Djokovic has not got any injuries so luck favours him in that area lucky for him .
I still believe Djokovic can be beaten but it’s gonna take one hell of a performance from someone ?
Who ? Wawrinka ?

If Djokovic wins the Australian open he will be unstoppable & might get all 4 majors ?


Pauly Says:

Gypsy gal

Who is zozza ?
Was he a Nadal fan like me ?
I doubt it but I hate Nadal when he lives in fantasy land
Must hire new coach or else his legacy will be shot to pieces with most fans calling him Djokovic’s bunny
I can tell you this … If Nadal was playing his best he could beat Djokovic on all surfaces apart from Wimbledon !
But sadly he is just living in fantasy land denying everything
Uncle Toni cannot help him !


Gypsy Gal Says:

Pauly He/she was indeed a Rafa fan,and was talking exactly the way you are now,and to be honest and no offence its all sounding quite morbid,as his legacy will not be shot to pieces as its already cemented and nobody can take away what youve already achieved,Sampras didnt become less of a player when Federer surpassed him,neither did Laver when Sampras surpassed him,Novak might go on to surpass both Roger and Rafa time will tell,but it wont all of a sudden make them failures,i do find it strange to here a fan talking this way about their favorite whos also an all time great..


AndyMira Says:

Hi GG,morning to you and good evening to me..how are you today?I guess this is the last day we chat with each other since start from tomorrow you will take an absence until AO finish..yes?


Margot Says:

So…No2 in the world is a “choker.” That must make the 98 guys behind him in the top 100 rankings “chokers nonpareil” “par excellence.” etc etc


Pauly Says:

Gypsy gal

I mean if Nadal keeps on losing the rivalry will be like Williams Sharapova absolute joke !
Nadal’s legacy will be tarnished
He will be known as Djokovic’s bunny rabbit
No one wants that coz Nadal is better than that !


AndyMira Says:

GG..i also agree wholeheartedly what you said just now..given his injuries that happened to him it makes sense that what he is been through right now is unavoidable..every single part of his anatomy is in pain or battered..back,wrist,both of his knees,shoulder and i think his foot is still troubling him considering while playing in Doha,he grab his left foot and testing it a couple of times..so considering this,i also don’t understand why Pauly has been so hard on him..why don’t we give him time to sort everything out..i still believe he is not done yet..


Gypsy Gal Says:

Hi AndyMira and good evening to you too,its afternoon here in GB but a nice day for a change,yes i will take an absence from the GS this year,thats not me bailing out although some might think that way probably,but emotionally i find it too much blogging and watching at the same time,plus i have course work to do for my job too….


Gypsy Gal Says:

And Margot to clarify i dont think Murray is a choker….

Pauly i dont believe for a minute that Rogers legacy is tarnished because he has a crap record against Rafa,he still has 17 and is arguably the greatest player ever,its what you do over the entire field of players not just one….

AndyMira many thanks….


AndyMira Says:

I think i’m gonna miss chit chat with you but i’ll survive..


Gypsy Gal Says:

AndyMira well Okies still here,and Wogboy,Mat4 and all the Novak fan base are a pretty cool bunch,i think the thing i try to do is remain objective and fair,but still respectful of the other players,and i dont think you will go far wrong,cheers and ill be back ;))….


AndyMira Says:

GG,i’ve been following this site for 2 years now and you’re the first one who responded to me so kindly and i thank you for that.. about okie,mat4 and others i believe they’re all great people..like i said nice chit chat with you GG..


Dave Says:

If Federer lost in straight sets in 2008 to Nole when Nole wasn’t even that good yet, he isn’t beating Nole in 2016. Federer also lost to Nole in straight sets at the Australian Open after that as well. The only way Federer has a chance is if all of a sudden the courts are playing fast like cincinati, which has never been the case in Australia. Not quite understanding why people think Federer will challenge Nole in the Semi-Finals.


Sarah Says:

GG, I’l miss you to :) now I read you will take a break…


Sarah Says:

take care and “come back home” safely :)


Giles Says:

Ah now I remember, this Pauly character is Zozza. Ha, comes back like a bad penny under a different moniker.


mat4 Says:

@Margot:

About choking: it’s always the same — people confuse “choking” with “weariness” added to some peculiarities of a tennis player.

When you see that AM saved 5 match points in two consecutive finals, you can be sure that he’s not a choker. But when you know that Murray hits pretty flat his FH to generate enough speed to win points, it’s quite normal that he makes more errors in fourth, fifth sets.

He “chokes” mainly against Novak — because he has to be aggressive, he has to take risks, since Novak’s defence is as good as his. And he doesn’t “choke” in TB in the first, or second set, but always in the third, fourth set. It has therefore nothing to do with nerves, but with fatigue.

But then, what about the others? Federer, who got broken so many times against Djokovic at 3-4 or 4-4? Nadal, the way he lost two TBs against Wawrinka in Paris? Djokovic, at the FO? Wawrinka, in the semi of the WTF in 2014?

They are all human, before and after all.

But nonetheless, we have to notice that some players got a free pass, lately. Stan is an example. Nishikori another. Tsonga yet another. Then, a few players are always under scrutiny: Murray, Gasquet, Berdych (who is indeed very nervous in money time), Dimitrov…


Sarah Says:

Mat4, how are U?
I am choking with the bracket…wanted to fill it in now :)


Gypsy Gal Says:

Mat4 going by your post at 10.50am you must see what i mean….


madmax Says:

Tennis Vagabond Says:
Max, I think Fed’s draw for the first week is by far the toughest. He has all the young, talented-but-not-all-there kids lined up in a row.

After the debacle with Tomic yesterday, I sincerely hope his first round opponent, that Tomic has publicly called out as a weakling, wipes up the court with him.

January 15th, 2016 at 3:11 pm

TV, I am with you.

Can’t wait for the tournament to start, but I think the first week is going to be tough, let alone the first match for Fed.

No doubt in my mind that Novak, barring a really bad day, will win the AO. He really does seem to be unstoppable.

Can’t think for one moment why Verdasco could be a threat to the new rafa. His incredible performance in 2009, 5 setter nail biter was 7 years ago!

I mean, seriously. Nadal in straights there.


Sarah Says:

well, I was brave and predicted that Fed will lose in 2 round. Let’s see…Should I then receive more points? I mean if he loses


Gypsy Gal Says:

I dont think Federer with have any trouble till he gets to Berdych,im not saying Berdych will beat him,but he does seem to relish their matches,and doesnt seem intimidated by him….


J-Kath Says:

CDP @ 6.51 am – I’m on the same “grip” as you. But I think the quarter finals are the key to who will win. This applies more to Fed. than it does to Nole. A very long 5 setter for Fed. in the quarters (even if Nole has similar) will be a significant factor in the semis…..hence I agree with DAVE in principle – but with the caveat that should Fed. reach the semis his fitness will not equal his eagerness.

To MARGOT…If needs must, let’s be picky…our wee Andy is hot to trot…

It makes me smile to read such lively comments…


J-Kath Says:

It makes me smile to read such lively comments…

I meant ” It makes me smile read everyone’s lively comments.”


Gypsy Gal Says:

J-Kath nice to see you here,how are you?….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Madmax its the new Rafa that worries,rather than the old one,Rafa aint the same Rafa as he was in 2009,and has lost to every Tom,Dick and Harry,this match is winnable but also quite loseable too,i certainly dont see it as a foregone straight set conclusion….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Thanks Sarah, @10.39am ,nice to see at least someone will….


Chrisford1 Says:

Besides Stan in Chennai and Nole in Doha – others winning lead-in titles to the Australian Open:

Svetelana Kuznetsova on the comeback trail winning Sydney.
Troicki beating Dimitrov to take the ATP Sydney title.
Azarenka – looking formidable again, won Brisbane.
Bautista won in Auckland over Tsonga.
Alize Cornet, another title after wiping the floor with Eugenie Bouchard at Hobart.
Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova won Hopman Cup for Australia, with Nick having a big win over Andy Murray. He also is working on mending fences. Murray and Djokovic are very bullish on Kyrgios, saying the pieces are coming together for Nick.


Chrisford1 Says:

I don’t think Andy is a choker, joining with Matt4 and Margot on that.
But he has to face reality that the reason he is the junior partner of the Big 4 is he still doesn’t have the mental strength of the other 3. LENDL was able to transfuse some in Andy, but it didn’t stick after Lendl left. He also has to face the reality that Djokovic is a highly intelligent, self improvement machine who has “solved” many of his rivals at the present time – getting better since 2011 and accelerating his improvements thanks to the 1st class support team he has assembled.
Andy has to figure out how to get some initiative and match control back rather than just reacting to what Nole does.


J-Kath Says:

Gypsy Gal

I wrote a piece on Walter’s life which had the whole church giggling…then they took him away…his chair here is empty..My sweetest sister left today…one of my bedroom’s is like a kip – in fact everything is –I’m on my second measure of Scotch and it’s feeling great.

Will be commenting when the mood hits – but pleased that the AO timing might offer some escape.

Grateful for your greeting.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Novaks improved that much is evident, however Not an excuse but,Rogers facing father time,and Rafa and Andy have not been the same since their respective surgeries….


Gypsy Gal Says:

J-Kath ah that is so sweet ;))….


madmax Says:

Gypsy Gal Says:
I dont think Federer with have any trouble till he gets to Berdych,im not saying Berdych will beat him,but he does seem to relish their matches,and doesnt seem intimidated by him…

GG, I don’t think anyone fears Federer anymore or is intimidate by him.

Berdych has always had an innate confidence against every player. Like you say, he relishes playing the top guys, but I do expect Roger to pull through against Berdych.

He has to get there first though.


danica Says:

J-Kath,
Glad to see you here and hope you have some company and are not alone.
Hugs and positive energy from across the ocean.


danica Says:

If I may digress a bit:

Mat4,
Danilo Kis is of Serbian mother from Montenegro and Hungarian Jew.
Branislav Nusic (or Ben Akiba) is of Tzintzar (Aromanina) origin.

Not that anyone cares and certainly most posters here don’t know who the hell we’re talking about :). Although, it is maybe worth knowing that Kis was meant to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. Unfortunately died of lung cancer and the said Prize is not given posthumously.


J-Kath Says:

Thank you Danica. I had a lot of company but need to be on my own for a while. I will tap into the positive energy.


Jako Says:

raonic is not even mentioned here.
Don’t write him off yet.
Nole’s draw is not that easy too. He has to deal with fed whom will not give this chance slips this time.
I will not be surprised if nadal and fed will meet in the finals.

But I wish a new guy wins oz.

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