ATP 1000 Paris Bercy 2011

First topic message reminder :

Here we are again...the last tournament of the year, the second indoor 1000 event, Paris Bercy 2011.


And just like in Shanghai, it seems it won't be complete with the best players around: as things stand Djokovic Murray and Federer are all playing, but few will be surprised to see Djokovic pull out in the light of Saturday's injury.

Nadal and Del Potro are also not playing, still, a strong field with Tsonga, Monfils etc promising good fun for tennis fans.


Assuming we have now only Federer and Murray left in the draw as number 1 and 2 seeds**, and that Murray doesn't have any "freak" night injuries, we still have plenty to look forward to in terms of tennis, especially as the surface of Paris Bercy seems to have been made faster*, giving us some really good matches and all-court tennis last year.
* ouch! the surface is back to "slow". According to Andy Murray.
** double ouch! Novak IS playing

The draw:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2011/352/mds.pdf


Order of play for the final, Sunday, 13th of November 2011:

http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2011/352/op.pdf

With only a few spots left for World Tour Masters year end event in London, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

noleisthebest wrote:

lydian wrote:Which clearly therefore infers I'd wish a bad shoulder injury onto Nole.
Pathetic - NITB, your tribalism at times does you no favours.
I'm genuinely surprised to see Nole playing this week given how bad the injury seemed, it didnt seem too much of a stretch of imagination to figure the £1.25m put a spring in his step. Discussions about Nadal is neither here nor there...we're discussing Nole here.

So it's alright for you to infer that Djokovic has come just to collect the cheque injured, as if you have personally examined his shoulder and know exactly what the problem is.
And since you also seem to be an injury expert, what exactly is wrong with Nadal at the moment. He will collect his cheque even without turning up, what is his excuse?

I like this response. Mostly because it's from a poster who claims that Djokovic fans "aren't defensive".

Ironically I come to defend Djokovic. The man has not arrived injured to pick up a paycheck because he clearly isn't injured, and is playing (an admittedly pointless) tournament like any other player would. End of story.

Let's be clear on this. There is no shame in sweating a bit to pick up a £1m cheque. If anything it woudl be very shameful not to turn up.

However we should be entitled to make a bit of fun of what is after all a ridiculous situation as life can throw some at times. We don;t have to find a culprit.

NITB, I've never claimed to know what Nole's injury is , just that it clearly hampered him a few days ago - hence, its a surprise to see him here when most people on this forum thought he wouldnt. Of course its his perogative to pick to £1m and its a strong motivation to play but he doesnt look to be giving 100% in this tourny (as his play against Troicki showed today), so it does speak to him turning up for the cheque.

In terms of Nadal, again I repeat he's not the topic of discussion - but clearly if all he was motivated by was money he'd be at the event dont you think...

Guys, there's no need to feel gulty or soften the tone here for stating the obvious. Djoko came for the money here, Troicki ended as predicted, we're all having fun at a situation Djoko is moneywise and healthwise, so nothing wrong here. Having Nitb defend Djoko is as usual hilarious and worthy a chewing gum.

Enjoy the evening.

SAHARA STALLION wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

lydian wrote:Which clearly therefore infers I'd wish a bad shoulder injury onto Nole.
Pathetic - NITB, your tribalism at times does you no favours.
I'm genuinely surprised to see Nole playing this week given how bad the injury seemed, it didnt seem too much of a stretch of imagination to figure the £1.25m put a spring in his step. Discussions about Nadal is neither here nor there...we're discussing Nole here.

So it's alright for you to infer that Djokovic has come just to collect the cheque injured, as if you have personally examined his shoulder and know exactly what the problem is.
And since you also seem to be an injury expert, what exactly is wrong with Nadal at the moment. He will collect his cheque even without turning up, what is his excuse?

I like this response. Mostly because it's from a poster who claims that Djokovic fans "aren't defensive".

Ironically I come to defend Djokovic. The man has not arrived injured to pick up a paycheck because he clearly isn't injured, and is playing (an admittedly pointless) tournament like any other player would. End of story.

I still haven't heard what's wrong with Nadal?

Nothing, he's more of a man and sportsman than Djoko will ever be.

noleisthebest wrote:

hawkeye wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

lydian wrote:Which clearly therefore infers I'd wish a bad shoulder injury onto Nole.
Pathetic - NITB, your tribalism at times does you no favours.
I'm genuinely surprised to see Nole playing this week given how bad the injury seemed, it didnt seem too much of a stretch of imagination to figure the £1.25m put a spring in his step. Discussions about Nadal is neither here nor there...we're discussing Nole here.

So it's alright for you to infer that Djokovic has come just to collect the cheque injured, as if you have personally examined his shoulder and know exactly what the problem is.
And since you also seem to be an injury expert, what exactly is wrong with Nadal at the moment. He will collect his cheque even without turning up, what is his excuse?

Nothing is wrong with Nadal. He does not have to play in Paris this week. He has an exemption because he has played more than 600 matches on the ATP tour. I think you know that...

My question was addressed at another poster regarding a different angle.

noleisthebest

Have you forgotton this already? I answered your question about why Nadal isn't playing in Paris just a few minutes ago. What point are you trying to make?

Fish is in trouble here it seems, moving very gingerly in the last game and now taking an MTO.

and Fish throws in the towel one point later. Sad to see, hope he'll be OK for London, but on this evidence it doesn't seem certain

Mad for Chelsea wrote:and Fish throws in the towel one point later. Sad to see, hope he'll be OK for London, but on this evidence it doesn't seem certain

has he qualified? I've lost the track now...

noleisthebest wrote:

Mad for Chelsea wrote:and Fish throws in the towel one point later. Sad to see, hope he'll be OK for London, but on this evidence it doesn't seem certain

has he qualified? I've lost the track now...

yep Berdych's win over Tipsy this morning finalised (theoretically, barring injuries) the O2 line-up. Nole, Rafa, Andy, Fed, Ferrer, Berdy, Tsonga and Fish.

How come my dirtrat comment was removed? Someone needs to learn their arss the tennis slang!

legendkillar wrote:How come my dirtrat comment was removed? Someone needs to learn their arss the tennis slang!

no idea. one of my comments on another thread was deleted, too yesterday

Mad for Chelsea wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

Mad for Chelsea wrote:and Fish throws in the towel one point later. Sad to see, hope he'll be OK for London, but on this evidence it doesn't seem certain

has he qualified? I've lost the track now...

yep Berdych's win over Tipsy this morning finalised (theoretically, barring injuries) the O2 line-up. Nole, Rafa, Andy, Fed, Ferrer, Berdy, Tsonga and Fish.

So who will be traveling to London to be on stand-by?

I am glad this thread is getting back on topic. Should be about the tennis and not whole got paid what.

legendkillar wrote:I am glad this thread is getting back on topic. Should be about the tennis and not whole got paid what.

that's just the wummers not being able to take the fact that Nole's had such a splendid year

noleisthebest wrote:

Mad for Chelsea wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

Mad for Chelsea wrote:and Fish throws in the towel one point later. Sad to see, hope he'll be OK for London, but on this evidence it doesn't seem certain

has he qualified? I've lost the track now...

yep Berdych's win over Tipsy this morning finalised (theoretically, barring injuries) the O2 line-up. Nole, Rafa, Andy, Fed, Ferrer, Berdy, Tsonga and Fish.

So who will be traveling to London to be on stand-by?

I suspect the reserves will be Tipsy and Almagro.

The first six named above were all in London last year.

Second appearance for Tsonga (after 2008). Fish is the only one making his WTF debut.

Just found this quote from Roddick in The Times (PPV). Apparently his manager and "mentor" Ken Meyeyerson died suddenly last month.


“I go back and forth. It’s tough. I think about it all the time. Half the time I’m convinced it’s better to be occupied, and half the time I feel I’m wasting everybody’s time by being out there and not really being fully there. But it seemed like the natural thing to do is try to get back out there. I always try to think about what he [Meyerson] would want to me do, and I guess this
is it.”


I thought he didn't look quite himself...

NITB, thanks for labelling me a wummer to boot. I've praised Nole many times for his achievements, and I actually like watching him play and have followed his progress for many years - but you choose to tribalise instead. You see people can like more than 1 player, so painting things as black and white doesnt work.

On other matters, I hope Tipsy makes it through to WTF (if Fish cant), love watching him play, when he's on fire he's hard for anyone to beat, his only problem is what goes on upstairs. Cant believe how hot and cold Berdy can play either. The guy is an enigma.

Looks like Murray will have the toughest quarter with Berdboy.

Also an intriguing Murray - Fed semifinal looming on the horizon.....

noleisthebest wrote:

legendkillar wrote:I am glad this thread is getting back on topic. Should be about the tennis and not whole got paid what.

that's just the wummers not being able to take the fact that Nole's had such a splendid year

!

hawkeye - I've seen mention of this (Roddick losing his manager/mentor) in various parts of the media in recent days

Because these guys at the upper level of the game have big bank accounts and an ostensibly glamorous lifestyle we invariably tend to assume that there's no reason (barring injuries) they shouldn't be at their best whenever they step on court

But they will have their inner troubles from time to time just as we all do, and it's as well to remind ourselves of that ......

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Looks like Murray will have the toughest quarter with Berdboy.

Also an intriguing Murray - Fed semifinal looming on the horizon.....

yes it does look like that on paper. Birdy is chickenfeed for Murray, though ... I expect a great semi-final between Federer and Murray, winner to take the tournament as well.

lags72

I must have missed any talk about this as this was the first I heard. And I agree.

I had predicted 2 upsets: Djoko and Ferrer...and I obvisously was wrong. I did not project Federer losing to Gasquet...so now I am worried.

noleisthebest wrote:

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Looks like Murray will have the toughest quarter with Berdboy.

Also an intriguing Murray - Fed semifinal looming on the horizon.....

yes it does look like that on paper. Birdy is chickenfeed for Murray, though ... I expect a great semi-final between Federer and Murray, winner to take the tournament as well.

You never know what Bird will turn up.....when he's on he can be a really scary one to play. I pick Murray to win this though.

As for the semis, I would go for Fed to edge through.

Tenez wrote:I had predicted 2 upsets: Djoko and Ferrer...and I obvisously was wrong. I did not project Federer losing to Gasquet...so now I am worried.

I thought you did mention stg towards Federer exiting early on purpose in order to save himself for London, like last year ...

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:I had predicted 2 upsets: Djoko and Ferrer...and I obvisously was wrong. I did not project Federer losing to Gasquet...so now I am worried.

I thought you did mention stg towards Federer exiting early on purpose in order to save himself for London, like last year ...

Yes I did mention before the tournament but I don;t think it's his intention now. I was referring to his loss to Beneteau 2 years ago not v Monfils last year. That was another unlucky match for him. 5 MPs wasted in that semi! but he was tired as he had played Stockholm and Basle in succession.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:I had predicted 2 upsets: Djoko and Ferrer...and I obvisously was wrong. I did not project Federer losing to Gasquet...so now I am worried.

I thought you did mention stg towards Federer exiting early on purpose in order to save himself for London, like last year ...

Yes I did mention before the tournament but I don;t think it's his intention now. I was referring to his loss to Beneteau 2 years ago not v Monfils last year. That was another unlucky match for him. 5 MPs wasted in that semi! but he was tired as he had played Stockholm and Basle in succession.

Roger is such a sly player almost inscrutable, definitely not a bad thing with the way media are these days.

What are your thoughts on WTF 8 Tenez?

I reckon a Fed-Murray SF would be very tricky to call - assuming they both make it through

They haven't met at all this year, surprisingly

Both arrived in Paris in fine shape - but more so Murray, who of course is on a streak. And Murray it is who can still boast a positive h2h .....

With Gasquet on home soil this is a night where Fed won't be the crowd favourite .......

I think they are best ones out there. Not sure about Berdych though and obviously now Fish. So depending on how they end up in Paris, one group might end up with Fish and Berdych and that would be the weakest group in my view. Also Ferrer we know hasn't got the weapons to beat the top players.

I really think there is a lot of uncertainty about the form of all those players including those at the very top. We don;t know how fit will nole be, how "motivated" Nadal will be? How tired Federer? It's going to be unpredictable but I have a seat in the final and even a nice lunch at Gaucho there too, so it won;t be too bad hopefully.

I have to say I am amazed to see questions asked of Djokovic and his 'intention' in terms of of his preparations and participation in tournaments of late. He is still getting results and all thats what matters.

The Paris Masters is now shaping up and hopefully we shall have some thrilling encounters over the next few days before London.

I must thank Caledonian Craig for the updates earlier and NITB's match contributions too.

Gasquet-Federer about to start. Hoping for a good match, should be pleasing on the eye at least

Tenez wrote:I think they are best ones out there. Not sure about Berdych though and obviously now Fish. So depending on how they end up in Paris, one group might end up with Fish and Berdych and that would be the weakest group in my view. Also Ferrer we know hasn't got the weapons to beat the top players.

I really think there is a lot of uncertainty about the form of all those players including those at the very top. We don;t know how fit will nole be, how "motivated" Nadal will be? How tired Federer? It's going to be unpredictable but I have a seat in the final and even a nice lunch at Gaucho there too, so it won;t be too bad hopefully.

when it comes to WTF, the factor that (in my opinon) decides is hunger, Murray and Nole will be the hungriest by far.

So far so good for Federer, absolutely cruising

Ah well... a light warm-up session for Federer...again!

Fed playing very well.

Shame the surface is like treacle, or more accurately the balls make it seem so.

Fed playing like this on a faster surface would be unbeatable.

This is like Federer vs Federer-lite

Reeshard is a smart player .....

Lost the opener last time he met Fed but proceeded to take the next two

Gasquet is tier2 player, they always make Fed look extra great

lags72 wrote:Reeshard is a smart player .....

Lost the opener last time he met Fed but proceeded to take the next two

Wistful thinking......

legendkillar wrote:
I must thank Caledonian Craig for the updates earlier

A pleasure to bring you the good news as it broke and keerp Andy Murray fans informed.

Jahu wrote:Nothing, he's more of a man and sportsman than Djoko will ever be.

Oh God, we have a prize here.

Order of play out for tomorrow:

http://www.fft.fr/sites/default/files/programmevendredi.pdf

Murray first, Federer, Djokovic, Ferrer.

Tenez, any upsets premonition?

hungriest????

I will go for Isner to take out Ferrer.

I think Tsonga and Djokovic to go the distance.

Murray and Federer through in 2.

Winners:
Isner
Tsonga
Murray
Federer (his serve looks in very good 'nic)

noleisthebest wrote:Gasquet is tier2 player, they always make Fed look extra great

Not in this one NitB...

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2011/11/Paris-2011-Thursday-Hot-Shot.aspx

A Federer Murray match in the semis will be interesting...haven't had one in a while. Of course, I'll be hoping Fed hands the Scot a pasting, but it seems unlikely given that Murray made Roddick look like a rank amateur this morning.