Australian Open Men’s Draw Preview: Djokovic Opens With Verdasco, Federer Lands With Murray

by Sean Randall | January 12th, 2017, 10:03 pm
  • 104 Comments

The big reveal with the first Grand Slam draw of the season would be the resting place of a 17th seeded Roger Federer. The Swiss who hasn’t played a real match since Wimbledon avoided an early round hazard but will stil have the task of facing Andy Murray in the fourth round.

While Murray has an easy start, defending champion Novak Djokovic opens with Fernando Verdasco, the man who he had to save five match points to beat just last week in Doha and the man who beat Rafael Nadal in the first round last year in Melbourne. Speaking of Rafa, healthy, he returns with high hopes, and he has to be happy with his draw.

On to the breakdown.


Andy Murray Quarter
As a first time Grand Slam No. 1 seed, Andy Murray has to like what he seeds in his draw the first week. Potential roadblocks: None! In the fourth round he could meet Lucas Pouille or John Isner, but I don’t expect either to cause the Scot much trouble. Roger Federer and his fans should also be pleased with the prospect of opening with consecutive qualifiers – nice draw! Then things would ramp up against Tomas Berdych followed by a winnable match against Kei Nishikori, if the gimpy Japanese is fit to go! I think Roger could beat Berdych, who’s always a shaky bet against a top name, but I don’t think he gets by an in-form, match-tough Murray. And for his first event back, Roger will take that result.
The pick: Andy Murray

Stan Wawrinka Quarter
Former champion and Grand Slam standout Stan Wawrinka is the favorite in the second quarter. Martin Klizan, Viktor Troicki and Nick Kyrgios are in his 16th. Facing Kyrgios would be a massive match, and I hope that happens. JW Tsonga lurks as a potential quarterfinal foe for Stan, but I’ll lean with Marin Cilic to get through but lose to the Swiss. Stan brings his best in the Slams, and the reigning US Open winner keeps it going Down Under.
The Pick: Stan Wawrinka

Milos Raonic Quarter
The most wide-open quarter also features what I think are four potential semifinalists. There’s Gael Monfils, Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal. All eyes will be on Rafa who continues his comeback, and I think Team Rafa will take their draw. Florian Mayer is a tricky veteran to start, then another one in the Mikhail Youzhny/Macos Baghdatis winner. But I think Rafa’s biggest stumbling block in that quarter is the third round against the youngester Zverev who could one day win this event. Just not this year. As we saw back at Indian Wells, Zverev matches up well with Nadal, but in best-of-5 I think Rafa gets through and then beats Monfils followed by Raonic in a tight five setter. Of all the top players, though, Roanic might have the easiest path the quarters, with no threats at all. But on a slower Australian court, and maybe there’s heat, I like Rafa.
The Pick: Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic Quarter
Well, it’s Fernando Verdasco once again for Djokovic. Best-of-3 could be trouble, but I don’t think best-of-5. And once Novak gets through that match it should be smooth sailing. Djokovic could run into the improving Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round, then a Dominic Thiem or David Goffin, and I can’t see either troubling the Serb over five sets. So
The Pick: Novak Djokovic

Semifinals
Djokovic d Nadal: Djokovic too strong for Rafa.
Murray d Wawrinka: No easy match, but Murray just a little better.

Finals
Djokovic d Murray: I do think that win over Novak over Andy in Doha makes the difference. And that win carries over to the Australian Open.

While it could end up another Djokovic-Murray final, this event is really about Roger and Rafa, and the thought that we might not see these two back here again. You never know. And I like that both have good draws.

And we’ll again have to watch for the young guys, especially Zverev. Maybe Kyrgios can get hot and beat Stan. And Raonic could also get through and Cilic figures as a sneaky darkhorse.

My other thought is I wish Del Potro was here.

Overall, it’s a good draw, nicely distributed, and should set the tone for 2017. Maybe somone – a Zverev – can surprise and really shake things up. But I still think we are a year or so away from that. The Big Four still rules.

Post-draw Poll


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104 Comments for Australian Open Men’s Draw Preview: Djokovic Opens With Verdasco, Federer Lands With Murray

rognadfan Says:

Sorry Sir Andy Murray!


BBB Says:

I still don’t understand the protected ranking rules. I’m not a Federer fan, but I don’t get why his ranking dropped.


lakie Says:

Djok has an easy draw as compared with Andy’s. This has been the pattern always. Anyway, hope Andy wins!


Truth Says:

A Slam winner gets a higher seeding at wimbledon, no matter how long he took time off.
Even 6-7 months without tennis.
Most Aussie Opens are easy for Fed. If it isn’t, he wouldn’t have had free rides to SFs & wins.
Difference is, he didn’t bagel anyone in semis since 2007.


Rick Says:

Jokervic would chokes at the Aussie Open. He needs Boom Boom so badly. And I don’t think that as he is as much a threat to Rafa as he was 2 years ago. As Nole is becoming a middle age man himself.


Rick Says:

Even since French. Nole just couldn’t live up to the expectations in events like the Olympics or in the Grand Slams. And he had never dominated Rafa like he did 2 years ago. Not until he hired Boom Boom. Now that Boom Boom is gone. I doubt that Nole would ever be as good as he was. And he is getting old.


Rick Says:

And wouldn’t be suprise me, if Rafa will be gone in the first week. He just hasn’t been performing well in the Slams for 2 years now.


Rick Says:

Also Warinka would thumps Nole, if he is in the final. With Nole becoming a middle age man without Boom Boom. Murray with Ivan being his coach. Murray would kicks Nole’s ass in four or 5 sets if Nole makes the final.


Travis Bickle Says:

Of all 128 players in the draw, only one player “randomly” got two qualifiers in a row in the first two rounds. One player out of 128!
I guess these things happen and one should be open minded and believe in randomness.
However, when one realizes that one out of 128 players is Federer, one starts to be suspicious…

BTW, agree with the Sean’s predictions – two best players in the world make the final and the best player in the world wins. Fairly easy…


Travis Bickle Says:

In fact, I just learned that Roger Federer ALWAYS ‘randomly’ gets qualifiers in the first two rounds. Every single time in slam draws thus far, with only two exceptions: FO 2103 and AO 2014.

Pretty incredible!

https://twitter.com/Dimonator/status/819718543445004289


rognadfan Says:

Actually, they hand off the best possible draw for Roger Federer in every tournament he plays.
It’s a way a paying him back for making tennis a global brand of sport. And for helping younger generations like Djokovic, Nadal and Murray to try to emulate him in every which way possible! and reach the heights they have reached.


sisay Says:

I HOPE THE JINX DOES NOT WORK THIS TIME…AND YES IT IS A FAIRLY DISTRIBUTED DRAW…


rognadfan Says:

I think, I mostly agree with Sean’s predictions except, in Raonic’s quarter, Nadal might not be get there. As much as I’d like to see him there, i have my doubts, stronger ones.

And in Mr. new Sir’s quarter, it could get interesting in the 4th round. Saying not just because I am a Fed fan but because I think Roger normally feels comfortable playing with Murray (which wasn’t the case early on).These things aside, this is still Murray’s game to loose for sure.
Can’t decide on the final though(given Murray passes Fed test), it very much seems like a toss up (between Djoker and Murray, that is).
For me, Doha didn’t give us anything in terms of who-between the two- looks stronger.


jane Says:

“With Nole becoming a middle age man without Boom Boom. ”

something about this made me LOL… but i can’t quite pinpoint what, since there are at least a couple of hilarious elements. ; P


skeezer Says:

@jane
12:50 post
Lol!


Margot Says:

Lol Kath, a mini tantrum is called for, I think…..;)


Van Persie Says:

I feel a bit sorry about Nando. Last year he had to play Rafa in the 1 round. Now he has to play against Nole. I think he hates it also to be used as a “tester”, beginning with 1 round. Not fair!


Danica Says:

I have the same feeling regarding Nole-Dasco match as I did last year when saw DelPo in first round for Novak at the OG. I hope this time mu gut feeling is deceiving me ;). But who knows?


Van Persie Says:

Danica,

Nole will be prepared for the match, I hope. He has lesson learned from Doha and he also remembers, what a match Nando played last year against Rafa.


Rick Says:

So what if Jokervic won Doha? He also won Montreal, then get thumped by Warinka at the US final.


Rick Says:

The pressure is on Jokervic for being the defending champion. And not everybody are fearing him, especially after last year. Many guys know that they have chance against him.


Margot Says:

C’mon gals, Nando is great choker, was always thus, hence no slams.


Danica Says:

Rick,

Yes, he did. And he was injured. In Rio too. His team actually discouraged him from attending the USO. I am sure it’s OK for a top athlete to be injured from time to time?

Agreed, one win over your main rival(s) may not seem like a much but it may be a confidence boost, something Nole seems to have being missing in the last several months. Nole was also awful in Toronto but managed to win his 30th masters title without loosing a set.

I will trust him when he says that he learns from any experience.


Danica Says:

Van Persie,

I hope he will be ready. It’s just that I am not gonna be at ease at ALL until that match is done.


sisay Says:

I think that is your wish Rick. the only thing that matters is that nole is interested or not…and i think he is. it doesnt matter wether they fear him or not.


Margot Says:

I think the “old guns” have much more to fear from the “young guns” like Zverev, Milos, Thiem, Pouile, junior Meltzer and various very tall blokes whose names I can’t remember TBH. In a way the older players know each other’s games a bit too well. I think they all could be ambushed by a younger player.


J.S. Says:

“rognadfan Says:
Actually, they hand off the best possible draw for Roger Federer in every tournament he plays.
It’s a way a paying him back for making tennis a global brand of sport. And for helping younger generations like Djokovic, Nadal and Murray to try to emulate him in every which way possible! and reach the heights they have reached.”

I hope this is your opinion and not facts? Sorry but Fed isn’t God, if this is true the same would happen for Rafa who has the same following if not more.


FedExpress Says:

That Doha win vs Verdasco was the trigger Nole needed badly. And the Doha win against Murray has changed the momentum a lot.


J-Kath Says:

Yep Margot: Not much missing from the earlier “draw of death joke scenario”.


Chrisford1 Says:

I imagine Djokovic isn’t none too happy he has to take on Verdasco in the 1st round….but imagine for Fernando must feel.
He chokes away 5 match points in the last match he played and his reward is to play the same guy in his next match. If you are a pro and you want to make some money you don’t want to see the name Murray or Djokovic in the Draw block next to theirs in the early rounds.
Seems like Djokovic did have incredibly bad luck at the Olympics, though. He got to play in the 1st round the guy that beat him for the bronze medal at the London Olympics.


Chrisford1 Says:

is none too happy….wish you could edit here….


John Bullock Says:

I actually feel like Djokovic has the toughest draw of the big names. Not that it will make a difference. At this point it’s more “CAN someone (probably Murray) beat him in the final?”

Watch out for Wawrinka, though. If he get’s past the third round he’ll probably win it!

Come on Murray!


Willow Says:

At this moment in time as a Rafa fan, i will merely be grateful if he can get as far as Djokovic, to put himself into that contention would be a bonus at this point, AO is my least favorite GS i have to say these days ….


Willow Says:

If Murray makes the final and loses again, ill skip the AO from now on ….


J-Kath Says:

Willow:

Good to see you are able to post – the weather down your area looked pretty nasty this morning.


Willow Says:

J-Kath yeah it was, just gale force winds now, thankfully no snow fingers crossed ….


Margot Says:

Lol you two! Our “friends” in Canada/America/Russia etc will be laughing and laughing at what us Brits consider to be awful weather!
How deep are the snowdrifts in Canada, Tennis Vagabond?….;)


jalep Says:

In case you missed it – here it is again! WTA Bracket Pool AO
http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketAussieOpenWTA/jalep3/default.aspx

Really having trouble picking the winner this time.
And I checked a box that allows multiple brackets for each entrant.


sinha71 Says:

Travis Bickle, actually Fed has had no qualifiers in his first two rounds in 19 of 27 slams entered since 2010.

This has only happened eight times.


Willow Says:

True Margot ;-)


Willow Says:

Jalep did it from your link on TG cheers ;-)


J-Kath Says:

Hey Margot

Please, please don’t tempt the fates – you could lose power throughout the AO and Andy may be unable to reach you for much needed advice!!!

For my area a few howling winds but no snow – but people in Norfolk had to leave their homes.

Our friends in Canada & USA are very efficient – but even they can’t clear everything (spent 3 months in Montana in a cabin in the woods and couldn’t reach a minor public road for 2 weeks at a time).

PS: Do we have friends in Russia?? I thought we’d been trumped there!!!


rognadfan Says:

@ J.S at 3:44 am,
You do understand the concept called sarcasm right??

It looks like you didn’t get the point there. I said that because some people here call themselves tennis fans and complain on petty things like draw-fixing only for Fed-and while doing that they cite a totally fake fact.

Man, it’s seems the arrival of the ‘Januray 20th’ in America has been truely empowering for some.


AndyMira Says:

Hey J…If i use an Oddsportal.com as a guide and IF my bracket will smeared beautifully with green,then the credit certainly goes to this expert right?And not really to my ‘geniuses’…so,do you mind if i want to use my own geniuses to pick a winner J?Great!Than i certainly will use my best dice!Racquet Bracket darling,here i come!


Leo Says:

Don’t underestimate qualifiers. Of all players in the draw, they will be the most match tough and used to the conditions. Qualifiers have caused some of the biggest upsets in tennis.


J.S. Says:

ROGNADFAN
LOL I thought you were serious, my bad!!!

You never know on here!


Daniel Says:

Voted for Novak here and still thinks he wins, but when I was at the last choice of my bracquet draw, something just made me pick Murray. Let’s see…


Daniel Says:

Usally the player who gets 2 qualifiees in most Slam draws are in #1 or #2 draw that’s why Fed got it so much in the past, during his dominance #1 tears. But mInaree with Travos, this time, it shouldn’t be for #17 seed. Always, either one of top 2 gets to play a qualit. At least most of the time.


Berghain Says:

Novak wants to become 007 at AU and he is motivated. Verdasco will be dangerous. If he takes care of Verdasco (like he should)im confident he will make the final.


Berghain Says:

If it plays out like it should, my predictions would be:

Novak def Murray in 4 sets

or

Wawrinks def Djokovic in 5!

We shall see. Btw LG(Liebe Grüße)an WG,CF1 and VP.


skeezer Says:

“Qualifiers have caused some of the biggest upsets in tennis.”

Just ask Rafa.


rognadfan Says:

@ J.S.
It’s all good! Ya, I agree with you there!


Truth Says:

Berghain. Nole played some of his worst matches in 2014 and 2015 French Open.
2016 U.S. open was really bad. Wawrinka had to beat a guy in bad shape.
No way wawrinka beats him in Slams when Nole is strong, really angry and needing to fight for himself without being satisfied, like last year.


J-Kath Says:

“If it plays out as it should.” “As it should”???????????????

Yes, let’s wait and see how it plays out….


jane Says:

Some AO stats on Fed, Rafa, Nole, Muzz, and Stan

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2EYPp5XgAAUTgp.jpg:large


Felipe Says:

I think stan is a solid player an the only one that is able to beat andy or novak.


Berghain Says:

Truth
I would have to disagree with you. When Wawrinka is playing his best I don’t believe anyone can beat him. That guy is a beast when he is on! Kinda like Delpotro at USO. There is just no defense against those kinds of ground strokes. Wether Wawrinka can replicate such performances is another question.

J-Kath
Haha, I just meant according to seeding. I know you are a big Murray fan, and I would be happy for you if he won. AO is Novaks turf though.

Yeah we will see, anything could happen.


Berghain Says:

Jane

Nice stats, never knew Novak never lost a semi final(6) or a final(6).

Oh boy, those numbers: 666

Players better watch out.


Berghain Says:

could soon be 0 semis lost 0 finals lost and 7 titles, thats why I said he wants to be 007 – Sehr Geil.


J-Kath Says:

Berghain:

Your confidence is stunning but your forecasting is based on wishful thinking. Let’s wait and see if both A & N reach the final.


Travis Bickle Says:

I (or was it Truth) posted on this site a link to Laver’s interview from May 2016 in which he claimed Djoker had equalled Federer in terms of greatness. Here it is in case you didn’t see it before:
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/05/laver-far-greatness-goes-djokovic-now-federers-equal/58371/
Laver said in May last year (note that was before Novak achieved the Grand Slam by winning FO in June), the exact quote:
“I don’t think you put one of those two above the other when you look at their performances. You know what Roger’s record is. But the way that Djokovic has been playing over the last year or so, I would say that Djokovic and Federer are equals.” And all this was BEFORE Djoker won FO and by that held all four GS titles at the SAME time.

Federer fanatics on this site (usual unstable folks, you can guess who they are) got rather disturbed by these statements (quotes) as if Laver personally attacked them! Just today or yesterday they reared their collective heads on this site and started insulting the tennis legend Laver is. Here are but a few examples of these fanatics spewing their vitriol on poor Laver for daring to say what he said:
Marcus (Jan 12th, 8:15pm, on Sharapova thread):
“Laver had a stroke. His mind is not working properly.”

lakie (Jan 13th, 1:32am, on Sharapova thread)
“Laver is probably senile and even if he isn’t how does his opnion make anyone GOAT?”

So now… I am going to link another interview by another tennis legend who also said something that will devastate mentally disturbed members of Federer Cult.
Bjorn Borg in his December 2013 interview said that if Novak manages to win the French Open to hold all four major titles at once, it would be the greatest achievement ever in tennis. The exact quote:
“The last one that did that was Rod Laver. But you have to look at the competition – it’s unbelievable today. If Djokovic could do it, that would be the biggest achievement, of course. It’s a long way to go but he is playing unbelievably good tennis. As long as he stays fit and healthy, he has a chance.”

Newsflash to Fed fanatics – Djoker took that chance and did it! It’s your turn now to start trashing Borg – had a stroke, senile, too blond, english is his second language, was high when he said it, knows nothing about tennis, etc…

Fed Cult in ruins as it is becoming obvious that more and more legitimate tennis legends think what Djoker has done is unparalleled and he will be remembered as the GOAT ;-) Indeed, face to face, pound for pound, he is better than ALL his elite contemporaries (Nadal, Federer, Wawrinka and Murray). History remembers the facts. Cult members talk about strokes, senility, etc, when it doesn’t suits their narrative. LOL

BTW, here is a link to Borg’s 2013 interview:
http://sport360.com/article/tennis/5201/bjorn-borg-novak-slam-would-be-greatest-feat-tennis-history


Chrisford1 Says:

Gee, Travis, you are coming down on the whole body of FED FANS as akin to members of a satanic coven cult!!! Lighten up Bickle. I’m talking to you!

(IMO, only half Fed fans are ignorant, slobbering at Fed’s feet, idiots…)


skeezer Says:

TB/Truth
In case you missed it on the other thread, and since it seems you cannot get enough of Federer info:
http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/18465730/australian-open-roger-federer-secret-sauce
Read & enjoy.


Travis Bickle Says:

Chrisford,

You talkin to me?
You should know that “Travis Bickle” and “lighten up” don’t go together. Wait til I show up with a mohawk… you know what comes after that ;-)

Of course all Federer fans are not akin to members of a satanic coven cult. And not ALL of them are ignorant, slobbering at Fed’s feet, idiots. However, judged by the ones posting here, I’d say 75% of them are.
Note that I count FedExpress in the 25% of normal ones – he is entertaining in his own unique way and doesn’t take things too seriously!


Raj Says:

17 > 14 > 12 > 3


Chrisford1 Says:

Nice treat on youtube of Djokovic’s and Alexander Zverev hour long expo. I like this guy. They were clowning around, but got into spates of hard competitive battles on points. Zverev sparked on some points. I won’t reveal the “winner”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epV3I16eDdc
53 minutes

They played the Fast4Tennis format. Limited games to set, 5pt tiebreakers, no deuce, no “lets”. Funny to watch pros battle over a decade or two of training and instinct that you see or hear a ball clip the net, it’s dead, you can stop, tune out. Not in Fast4!

Novak and Alexander have not yet played an official match, but have done another exhibition when Zverev was 17, at Boodles in 2015, which Zverev won. Becker got him out to hit with Djokovic in Monte Carlo.

Buzz – General sentiment in the media is that Zverev is personable, good looking, hard working, has Top 10 talent, and has some “showman!” traits.


Chrisford1 Says:

If I have the era of Mel Brooks comedies John Hughes light social comedies and SNL Alumni comedies late 70s to early 90s era right, you had Francis in “Stripes”. Francis was a clear spoof on Travis Bickle.
And “Lighten up, Francis!” was what the audience hoped had been said in Taxi Driver to the cabbie, perhaps the Hinckley guy.


lakie Says:

TB, 5:22pm , Jan 13th
It doesn’t matter how many people give their opinion about Djokovic, the point is, it is their opinion, it cannot make Djok GOAT. A player can become GOAT only by his performance, not by votes cast by other players, no matter how great. Nole has a career slam, which Fed and Nadal also have. Djok’s career slam is a lttle bit rarer because it is 4 consecutive but it is nowhere near a calendar slam. Also there will always be an asterisk against his achievement as he did it in a super weak era.
When he has more than 17 slams , then stake your claim to annoint Djok as GOAT and we can debate it to see where he stands after applying the discount for 2015-16 ( weak era).


Okiegal Says:

I wish I could ask Rafa a few questions……yipperdy skipperdy….for you Willow!! lol


Truth Says:

Fed fans don’t get it.
Fed would lose 20 matches this year to Nole if just a few guys are in every draw.
Fed is a turkey. Non-Slam guys beat Fed regularly. He needs help just to win 1 Masters.
The quality wins of finished careers are the most important.
Not what happened at age 21 when awful opponents were #1/2/3.
No one compares Safin/Hewitt/Roddick (guys who skipped many tourneys and avoided playing on clay) to Murray and Nole.


Van Persie Says:

Thanks, Berghain,
LG back!


Willow Says:

Okie @ 1.35am, lol nah, dont take my level of been a fan to anything other than what he does on court as much anymore, the haircuts, the Armani, the TH, the books, foundations etc, cant really say interests me the way it used to ;-) ….


Willow Says:

Raj @ January 13 th 8.37 pm, and when push comes to shove, that is all that really matters ;-) ….


jane Says:

berghain, glad you appreciated the stats


Okiegal Says:

@Willow….well when a favorite has lost their way so to speak and in a slump, it might be normal for a fan to lose a little bit of interest……but not me Pinky Lee…..I still have my feelers out reading everything I can about Rafa! I love his hair cut too and the Armani and Hilfiger tightie whities…..YEP IM A RAFA FAN THROUGH AND THROUGH…..and an owner of his book! That just about covers it…..🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 VAMOS RAFA!!!! Okie…….💜💜💜💜


jane Says:

this guy does a pretty awesome impression of rafa :)

https://twitter.com/AlexanderBublik/status/819750031259406336


Willow Says:

Okie im still a Rafa fan, but these days i leave it on a tennis court, not really about what hes doing so much more about what im doing in the real world, the book i only read out of politeness because Clive bought it for me as a Christmas present, and i found it a bit boring to be honest, and i told him dont ever bye me Novak, Roger or Andys books as i wouldnt appreciate them, and the foundation stuff the players do is amazing i just dont make a huge issue when it comes to celebs and charities, however when he puts on a bandana im very much interested, but each to their own no offence ….


Willow Says:

^And i think the notion is lost on some people at times ^ ….


Willow Says:

Okie sorry hope i didnt offend you ….


J.S. Says:

OKIEGAL
I feel the same way about Rafa, I love everything about him. Started watching tennis because of Rafa so I am a Nadal fan 1st, tennis fan 2nd. Probably shouldn’t be on these forums but have learned to respect other players over the years. BUT some I would never pay to see!!!
Right now I am spending my kids inheritance chasing Nadal in Europe, not a bad thing I must say….having loads of fun – If he doesn’t have a good 2017 season it will save me lots of $$ next year. But, for now I am enjoying and supporting!!!
Loved his book too

Anxious to see what he does at the AO


J.S. Says:

Jane – that “copycat” of Rafa went viral, I sent it a couple days ago but it was ignored!
So funny!!!


Willow Says:

J.S to make it clear im a big Rafa fan, but lately im hearing so much off court jokey jokey stuff, threads on impressions, hair cuts, Hilfiger, etc, yet hardly anything about his tennis anymore, its like posters regard him as some sort of joke, and the on court stuff isnt somehow worthy of discussion anymore ….


J.S. Says:

awe sorry Willow!!! I guess I don’t see that stuff, just watching his practices etc. His interview for Pre AO is tomorrow, but can predict his answers :) Hope he upsets everyone the next few months shuts up the haters!
It’s funny since I believe Rafa is one of the few (superstars) that $$ hasn’t changed his core self…..it’s impressive! It might be because of his family and support, yes??

Anyway, I think WE will revisit this over the next few months, FINGERS CROSSED!!!


Willow Says:

J.S You have to excuse my irritation, as im tired of people thinking Rafa is seen as some sort of ATP joke, and the only thing left to talk about is off court funny stuff now, its that what its come to now for him ? ….


J.S. Says:

Hmmm Let me think about that?? In Brisbane he was treated like the champ he is. But, maybe you’re right with AO – I hope thats not the case!!!
XO Willow


Willow Says:

J.S Well thats exactly what im talking about, and more of that, not bloody haircuts and impressions grr sorry ….


J.S. Says:

Willow
I GET IT!!! Let’s see what happens the next couple weeks.

Since I am from America, celebrities are under such scrutiny, regardless of truth. SO I don’t pay much attention to the Nadal rumours. But, do wonder why it’s escalated unlike Federer or Novak? Interesting, right?
Probably makes Rafa get the contracts he gets. Sometimes bad publicity is the same, sad BUT true! Or, just haters? I don’t have the answers although I LOVE this site and glad to find it, TY for welcoming me!
I will try to behave!!! :)


jane Says:

it’s so bang on, isn’t it j.s.? loved it! all good fun.

ofc, there are loads of articles on rafa’s tennis too. tennis.com had one today
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/01/rafael-nadal-talks-returning-his-unspottable-form/63339/


Willow Says:

J.S I Like your posts, and im glad your here, and sorry as i didnt mean to offend you, and i certainly wasnt taking a pop at you, i would just love for a change to hear Rafas achievements, rather than the namby pamby stuff people seem to talk about now ….


Willow Says:

Im out no point, going to bed :-( ….


J.S. Says:

JANE
I was laughing at the kid who couldn’t keep a straight face “interviewer” its now going viral in Spain. HAHHA
Yep!!! I read that article on Rafa, I am a diehard fan, watched his practice today, glad to see Moya one on one with Rafa….much needed!

BTW did you see the NIKE info on the AO new collection? Interesting how they are promoting Kyrgios, this kid is so talented and throwing it away. Nike has him on short rope for now but they are enjoying the ride too!!! Cray!!!


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

Yes, re. this site – despite it’s heated, argumentative nature sometimes, it does have the most vitality of any of them. Glad to see you stayed – and making your mark.
K.


jane Says:

no i haven’t seen that j.s.
not a huge fan of nike clothes esp
the USO neon yellow was the actual worst!
poor guys dressed up like highlighters, ha ha.


BBB Says:

jane you’re spot on. Every player head to toe. I like a splash of neon here and there, but it was damaging my retinas.

Nike’s clothes have been trending ugly for awhile. Serena’s outfits last year were horrific.


lakie Says:

Andy has a difficult draw but I have a good feeling about Andy’s attitude. I am glad Fed and Nadal are on opposite sides! Cannot wait for AO to start.
WTA draw seems wide open. Neither Kerber nor Serena look in great form and Serena has a difficult draw. I am rooting for Serena for what it is worth just so that the slam count will support what I think she is: the female GOAT!


Okiegal Says:

@Willow 3:45…..You did not offend me. You have said many times on TX that you don’t get into the “fluff” stuff regarding Rafa and that’s fine by me. You’re your own girl and you feel like you feel and that’s your right!. I remember you not liking the book and I loved it……to each his own!

@J.S. If I didn’t have the big airplane phobia I would be going around the globe too, chasing Rafa…..spending my son’s inheritance…..instead I buy more diamonds!! Lol Love having you here and glad you’re ALL about Rafa like me! I will dread the day he retires…..I will hang it up when he does. I am a one-dimentional fan…….Rafa being the ONE!lol 💜💜💜🐂🐂🐂🐂🎾🎾🎾🎾 🆗ie!


Okiegal Says:

-@Jane 12:44….Thanx for the link……cutest thing ever! Are we sure that was really him?? Wow, the guy was good….I will have to admit!!


Okiegal Says:

^^^^^should say ….wasn’t really him……..


Okiegal Says:

Love Nike stuff…..I just put on my sun glasses for the neon lights!! 😎😎😎


Navdeep Says:

Bring it on Rafa. We believe in you


Willow Says:

Jane your not a Rafa fan so its understandable that you wont get where i am coming from, Novak is your favorite and hes riding high, and its all talk of him surpassing Roger and who is the greatest, and his on court career achievements, which is understandable and fair enough and ive no problem with that, Federer returned to tour and all the talk is about how well hes playing looking forward to seeing what he can do on a tennis court, with Rafa its all hair cuts and impressions, and jokey jokey stuff, which is fine for you because your not a fan so it i doubt it matters to you, but i at least wouldve thought Rafa fans would care a bit more and get behind the guy, and talk about him on a tennis court but even they dont anymore, he now seems to be some object of ridicule rather than a 14 time GS champion ….


Willow Says:

BTW The impression well ive seen better, Alistair McGowan and Josh Berry sorry ….

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