ATP World Tour Finals 2011, London Calling

First topic message reminder :

Here we go again!

Final tournament for the best 8 of 2011: Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Federer, Ferrer, Berdych, Tsonga, Fish.


Some call it the 5th slam, some see it as an exhibiton, as for me, it presents as a super opportunity to expereience some more tennis thrill before the Christmas off-season, to see, hopefully some good matches and the legends of the game, LIVE!!!!

This time last year, the weather was awful, tube drivers were striking, 606v2 didn't exist, I had a near-death experience, and Nole managed to put TWO lenses in one eye and was considered by most to be a one slam wonder....


Haven't things changed in the meantime ?

So, I'm taking this last opportunity of 2011 to:

1) watch tennis in GMT time-zone and not have to wear massive bags under my eyes every morning
2) see a civilized scenario of 2 matches a day (must say a perfect portion!)
3) enjoy seeing those matches in the packed O2 arena every day for every match


And because one never knows what another day may bring, who may or may not be in London this time next year, because above all we all love tennis, let's enjoy the last stop of this 2011 quirky, cosy tennis ride, let the WTF commence


Order of play for Sunday, 18th of November 2011:

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Finals/2011.aspx


P.S.

There will be a few people form this forum going to O2 next week. Please find a bit of time to give us your first-hand impressions and perhaps photos and personal anecdotes.

God willing, I'll be there on Sunday and Monday evening sessions.

Well, let's look at the bright side.

Federer needs to win tomorrow and finish first of his group. If he does he is guaranteed the win on Sunday. Nadal will finish second at best and that means a Nadal v Djoko semi....meaning in turn, the winner (djoko most like) will arrive with clutches in the final.

Sounds good T, but i'm struggling with the idea of Federer beating Nadal on a court like this..

gallery play wrote:Sounds good T, but i'm struggling with the idea of Federer beating Nadal on a court like this..

So do I. It'd been taylored for him. But will it be enough?

A demain!

Waiting for the train at Paddington...This time with a happy heart

On the train......I see you all cheered for Berdy I hope you all heard me shouting NOLE IS THE BEST I am soooooo tired hope I don't drop off and miss my stop More later "today"

NitB... Nole did good, saving an MP. Think he will get better.

Federer-Nadal should be a good match. Nadal should have recovered from Salmon (Fish) by now.

PS: Did Federer read Nadal's biography before the WTF, I wonder?

Yes, he waited at the Waterstones to have a signed copy by him.

It was a good match.
Berdych was on fire and wasn't missing much (just when Nole neded it ) He is a big, big boy and has some phenomenal power coming out of those shoulders.

I had a brilliant seat, saw everything from close, really enjoyed watching Nole.

He must have the best pair of legs on the tour, they are almost 90% of his game, I can't convey enough how good his movement is , I read about it, but seeing it so close, the balance he manages to find to strike the ball in really weird stop situations where he barely reaches the ball and than hits it wit power and deep into corners, that is truly astounding.
I marveled watching him play his defence, as that's where he truly stands out from the rest. His athleticism and the way it comes through his game is really fantastic.
Berdych was full on last night from the word go, obviously came in with confidence and knowing Nole's long injury break must have given him extra belief that it was then or never, and he played with that conviction.
Nole couldn't find his serve at the beginning; that made the difference which allowed Berdych to run away with 4:0.
Nole is still coming back after that long break and needs more matches to return to his summer form, mainly on his serve and automatically forehand.

To those who moan about him not "looking" injured, I suggest you don't comment on injuries unless you have played a sport.

The atmosphere was fantastic, again I was among Americans but this time they were Nole fans, two old dears who were going back home on a long coach trip afterwards.

I was sat close to Berdych team and can confirm that Berdy's bird is very pretty, but could do with a bit of sport and an occasional cake His team were often cheering him with this weird sounding quacky noises.

There was a large group of football style fans for Berdych and that was quite cool, the place was very alive. One guy was obviously high on booze shouting his head off, he will have certainly lost his voice today.

I enjoyed cheering for Nole very much.

There were quite a few excellent rallies and the crowd appreciated them. You had a battle of an attacking powerful giant against an almighty defender tough as boots and with a great heart. Granted, I did miss all court tennis and a bit more variety, but versus Berdych, that was a hard ask for anybody. I loved Nole's dropshots, should've used them more.
Still, there was no moonballing, both players were striking the ball so beautifully and flat, all in all very happy with everything, will add some photos later.

I even managed to see a it of the doubles match before (Bryans vs. Melz Petz), great fun, TONS of volleys and net acrobatics, certainly a good contrast to the singles match.

In the break Raonic received his most improved award, was really sweet.

noleisthebest wrote:He must have the best pair of legs on the tour, they are almost 90% of his game, I can't convey enough how good his movement is , I read about it, but seeing it so close, the balance he manages to find to strike the ball in really weird stop situations where he barely reaches the ball and than hits it wit power and deep into corners, that is truly astounding.
I marveled watching him play his defence, as that's where he truly stands out from the rest. His athleticism and the way it comes through his game is really fantastic.

We can certainly agree with that. While people had their eyes stuck on Berdych's FH, I was watching Nole's mouvement allowing him to bring back balls that should not have returned and kept Berdych into more UEs.

But for those who like the faster game, the aggressive game, it was painful to watch...and I am not a fan of Berdych.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:He must have the best pair of legs on the tour, they are almost 90% of his game, I can't convey enough how good his movement is , I read about it, but seeing it so close, the balance he manages to find to strike the ball in really weird stop situations where he barely reaches the ball and than hits it wit power and deep into corners, that is truly astounding.
I marveled watching him play his defence, as that's where he truly stands out from the rest. His athleticism and the way it comes through his game is really fantastic.

We can certainly agree with that. While people had their eyes stuck on Berdych's FH, I was watching Nole's mouvement allowing him to bring back balls that should not have returned and kept Berdych into more UEs.

But for those who like the faster game, the aggressive game, it was painful to watch...and I am not a fan of Berdych.

In my revised post above, I did add a bit on the balance of players. You can't play fast game against Berdych esp when he's on like he was last night. The July Nole would have dismissed him a lot quicker.

Excellent returner as he is, even Nole struggled to even block some of Berdych's serves.

You have to make most of what God's given you: Fed has got those shoulders, Nole's got the legs: the games evolve from there, I love both.
He's done so , so well with it all. It's a testimony to his grit and heart that he produced such spectacular year. HIs body must be crying for rest, it definitely took 3 normal year out of him: he is not naturally powerful in the upper body like Federer, Nadal, Tsonga Berdych etc...but he's made it all up for with his heart...now that's something I love most

Yesterday showed that it wasn't just the legs, but the aura of being number 1 and a multiple slam winner. It can buy you matches and bought Djokovic one yesterday. Berdych played the best match he possibly could and wilted when it counted. Shows the belief Novak has and how much of a difference it makes to his game now.

legendkillar wrote:Yesterday showed that it wasn't just the legs, but the aura of being number 1 and a multiple slam winner. It can buy you matches and bought Djokovic one yesterday. Berdych played the best match he possibly could and wilted when it counted. Shows the belief Novak has and how much of a difference it makes to his game now.

I agree partly. Berdych has a history of choking and that is clearly his downfall probably because he is one-dimensional and against somebody as strong mentally as Nole, the cracks will almost always show.

Imo, Berdych doesn;t need to play the top player to feel the pressure. On the contrary, I think it puts him in a challenger mode which suits him. Berdych's problem has been to deliver when it gets tensed, regardless on who is on the other side.

Tenez wrote:Imo, Berdych doesn;t need to play the top player to feel the pressure. On the contrary, I think it puts him in a challenger mode which suits him. Berdych's problem has been to deliver when it gets tensed, regardless on who is on the other side.

I hate to admit it, but it doesn't come out of nowhere, poor Bird...Well,even that adds to the colour of the tour...Still, he's done alright. It was great watching him strike the ball with such power so effortlessly, really beautiful.

Tenez, are you going tonight?

Nope. Going on Friday eve and final.

I got the wrong tickets!

Tenez wrote:Nope. Going on Friday eve and final.

I got the wrong tickets!

Lovely! I'm sure you'll represent me there well

Who will I get? Ferrer v Tsip?

Tenez wrote:Who will I get? Ferrer v Tsip?

plenty to look forward to...

NITB was pleased to see your passion for not just Nole but for tennis. Great report. I had to sell my Afternoon ticket due to I'll health which has ruined the tennis for me this week. Had to watch from the confines of my bed. Don't think I missed much judging by the results.

Doubles with Paes with someone he detests and Murray losing

Be a pants weekend in all!

Djoko receiving the award from ATP. Looking good in a jacket & jeans.

does anybody else think that they overplaying 'london calling' maybe a different tune for each player?

Tsonga failing to serve for the set just about make up for it by winning the TB.

7:6 1:1 super slow motion tennis.

Tsonga cruising, a straight sets win could be crucial to see how this group develops, as it's far from impossible we could have a three way tie at the top for this one...

Fish is done, mental breakdown, 7:6, 6:1 for Tsonga. Much better tennis in second set from Tsonga.

there it is, Tsonga in straight sets, could be crucial...

Fish seems such a nice player. A very gracious player.

Tsonga plays well.

Fish takes nothing for granted - that's usually the sign of a good character.

Tsonga could win the whole thing if he puts his mind into it. I also think he will win a slam soon.

Tenez wrote:Tsonga could win the whole thing if he puts his mind into it. I also think he will win a slam soon.

I think Tsonga will always struggle against a dogged top returner., esp over 5 sets. He has improved his backhand, but still looks like a ball-slapper, comes across a bit erratic, without a game plan kind of thing. If only he had Simon's head on his shoulders...

LuvSports! wrote:does anybody else think that they overplaying 'london calling' maybe a different tune for each player?

Any suggestions ?

it seems that Murray is out

Think SW19 is JW's best chance of a slam - cant see him getting past Murray/Djoko or maybe even Nadal at USO but who knows. Berdy also has the talent for a slam but seems too brittle. I think both guys can be inconsistent alot though - whoch doesnt bode well in an event of 7 matches that can go to 5 sets.

I like Fish as a player, always thought he was more talented than Roddick when he was under his shadow. I suspect he knows that this year may be his only shot at the ATP finals. Be interesting to surmise who might be at next years finals....could it include people like Raonic, Tomic...? Delpo and Soderling should of course normally be here too...making it hard for Fish to get back in and of course he's not getting any younger.

Mad for Chelsea wrote:it seems that Murray is out

Yep: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2064831/Andy-Murray-pulls-ATP-Finals.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Shame Murray had to pull out. In a way I am glad so he has enough time to recover for the new season and who knows he might find a coach.

If only he had Simon's head on his shoulders...

Yeah... then he'd have the remarkable record of 1 lifetime GS QF..

...and enter the Serbian playboy and flashing blade that is Tipsy!

lydian wrote:

Mad for Chelsea wrote:it seems that Murray is out

Yep: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2064831/Andy-Murray-pulls-ATP-Finals.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Wait what is that I hear?

Oh yes hawkeye with another bout of plagiarism from everyones favourite paper.

Tippsy will fold for Djoko as mentioned here. A clown game that one.

I suppose all tennis fans are excited by tonight's Federer Nadal match.
Here's a link to whet the appetites (be prepared for some real visual blast from the past )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gwJjNpoHJgg#!

I'm sad for Murray. I looked forward to his Friday match against Nole...

lydian - you mention Raonic, Tomic ..... yes, I think it would be good to see these sort of guys in London next year. Maybe Nishikori could come through .... ?

When you look through the current top 30 most names are very familiar, having been part of the scene for a good while now. The average age is quite high, although perhaps no different from the 90's or 80's...??

This year's WTF field is undoubtedly a strong one but some fresh blood would be nice ....

Maybe Nishikori could come through .... ?
---

I think Nishi will be the type of player who hovers around 20-25, possibly the HC version of Chela.

Maybe...... but he's already at 25 aged 21 so plenty of time for climbing up.....

noleisthebest wrote:

LuvSports! wrote:does anybody else think that they overplaying 'london calling' maybe a different tune for each player?

Any suggestions ?

Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is a lovely London song, but...nah

barrystar wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

LuvSports! wrote:does anybody else think that they overplaying 'london calling' maybe a different tune for each player?

Any suggestions ?

Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is a lovely London song, but...nah

I think it would be cool if players could choose their own song....on second thoughts....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJmcGepzQo4 maybe not

noleisthebest wrote:
I think it would be cool if players could choose their own song

Something from "never mind the bo££ocks" would surely get the crowd going

It looks more likely that I will get Tsip v Ferrer on Friday eve.

If that is teh case, I won't turn up. Too much hassle going there and back.

Tenez wrote:It looks more likely that I will get Tsip v Ferrer on Friday eve.

If that is teh case, I won't turn up. Too much hassle going there and back.

I'd understand....which is why I didn't go on Sunday.