Australian Open 2013 Match Thread

[User 774433]

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Australian Open 2013:

Information: The Australian Open is a major tennis tournament held annually over the last fortnight of January in Melbourne, Australia. First held in 1905, the tournament is chronologically the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events of the year – the other three being the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. It features men's and women's singles; men's, women's, and mixed doubles and junior's championships; as well as wheelchair, legends and exhibition events. Since 1988 the tournament has been played on hard courts at Melbourne Park.
The Australian Open typically has very high attendance, second only to the US Open. It was also the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during wet weather or extreme heat with its two primary courts, Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena, equipped with retractable roofs.

Day by Day Match Reports: http://www.sportpulse.net/category/tennis

v2 Preview: https://www.606v2.com/t39437-australian-open-2013-the-contenders#1785084

Dates: January 14 - January 27

Draw: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/ms/index.html

Schedule: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html

AO Rankings Points Tracker: https://www.606v2.com/t39351-points-tracker-ao-2013


Ready? Play.

Amritia3ee

[hawkeye]

Seriously. I always like watching Federer whoever he plays. Last night he produced some beautiful stuff and if he played Rosol I imagine it would be similar. I doubt that anything ridiculous would happen though.

[The Special Juan]

Saying it now: Robson will beat Kvitova.

[LuvSports!]

I think nadal's style of play leaves him more vulnerable to the big hitters as he doesn't take time away from them like a djoko or feds (even prime davy who take it very early). Look at what kohly did the next round he rushed him, didn't give him that time ala nadal (albeit rosol suffered from that big upset following match syndrome).
I can't see it happening 2bh, rosol getting there or him beating feds, could be wrong but just my view.

[super_realist]

Saying it now: Robson will beat Kvitova.

Kvitova's beer belly slows her down.

[Guest]

Hello everyone,



Federer is up for discussion in the 606v2 Goat debate

You may wish to add your votes and thoughts



emancipator

[Guest]

It was a top write up. I voted for him

Anyone that hasn't watched the man can't help but feel a little inspired by the write up and also the video link.

[shivfan]

Venus beats Cornet at three and three to earn a meeting with Sharapova....

[The Special Juan]

Who still hasn't dropped a game yet. Honestly, women's tennis in the early rounds is really, really dreadful.

Hev wins again which is great for her, seeing as she found herself 3 match points down in a second set tiebreak. She'll probably get hammered by Aggie (again) but it's good experience and it's consecutive matches won in a major tournament.

[djlovesyou]

It's funny that when a female player wins a match easily, it's a terrible standard, poor depth, etc, but when Murray, Djoko, Fed cruises through without hardly dropping a game again it's down to their brilliance.

You have to bear in mind, the only reason why they're not triple bagelling people in the early rounds is the fact that the serve is more of a leveller in the mens game due to having more power.

[The Special Juan]

You make a good point. I suppose there's more variation in height and power in the women's game, considering you get a Cibulkova who's about 5'1" up to Sharapova who's a 6 foot thing (yet I think Cibulkova beat Sharapova last year or the year before in a big event).

For the record, I like the women's game, except for the grunting, and am never one to have a go at it. For all I know, Sharapova could have played two of the best matches of her life.

[The Special Juan]

On another note, Harrison's getting hammered. It looks like Novak's having one of those days where he doesn't miss.

[daraghj82]

You make a good point. I suppose there's more variation in height and power in the women's game, considering you get a Cibulkova who's about 5'1" up to Sharapova who's a 6 foot thing (yet I think Cibulkova beat Sharapova last year or the year before in a big event).

For the record, I like the women's game, except for the grunting, and am never one to have a go at it. For all I know, Sharapova could have played two of the best matches of her life.

exactly the grunting is such a turn off , anyway great win for heather watson, now in to R3

[laverfan]

Lacko-Tipsy fighting to the death. Some pretty good tennis and shot-making.

[Guest]

Tipsy seems to be up against it against Lacko. Can anyone confirm whether it is Lacko finding impressive form or whether Tipsy is making a pigs ear of it?

[laverfan]

Tipsy made a hash of it. He does a weak Murray-bicep imitation as well.

He had MPs at 4-5 that he did not make.

[The Special Juan]

I've just found out that JJ had come from two sets down to beat Devvarman. The scores in the third and fourth were 6-1 and 6-0 so I don't know what happened to the other guy. He plays Almugro next in what looks to be a good match.

[dummy_half]

It's funny that when a female player wins a match easily, it's a terrible standard, poor depth, etc, but when Murray, Djoko, Fed cruises through without hardly dropping a game again it's down to their brilliance.

You have to bear in mind, the only reason why they're not triple bagelling people in the early rounds is the fact that the serve is more of a leveller in the mens game due to having more power.

While there's some truth (and unfairness) in this, I think the drop in standard between the top and about #50 in the women's game is about the same as the drop between the top and #100 in the men's. Also, I think in part it is that many of the lower ranked women players simply can't handle the power of groundstrokes of the likes of MaSha or Serena, whereas for the men it isn't the power and weight of shot as much as the consistency, defensive skills and court coverage that sets the best apart from the rest, so the lesser women players tend to lose by bagels and breadsticks while the men can often get 2 or 3 games per set.

Be interesting to see how our girls get on in their next matches - I expect Robson to lose, but probably in 2 tight sets (she is one of the few girls around the #50 level where power and weight of shot are not the problem) while I think Watson will again find herself out-played by Aggie Radwanska (a player I think Watson should be trying to model herself on - not the most powerful but with a good brain and court-craft)

[laverfan]

I've just found out that JJ had come from two sets down to beat Devvarman. The scores in the third and fourth were 6-1 and 6-0 so I don't know what happened to the other guy. He plays Almugro next in what looks to be a good match.

I watched the match. Somdev, despite chants from his supporters, just could not keep up in set 3/4. He was Mr. Lead-foot in the last three. (I started watching Ferrer-Smyczek with the writing on the wall for Somdev.)

JJ played with aggression, with some nice BH returns and FH passes. He served pretty well. Almagro better watch out. He played a five setter against Johnson, and perhaps JJ can cause an upset here. It would nice to see JJ repeat some of his Paris accomplishments.

[The Special Juan]

So just fitness issues cost him Devvarman? That's a real shame. Did you see this incident?

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/diM2pmODpBVg8AkSD0A54yZrG3AgY1Gv.html#ooid=diM2pmODpBVg8AkSD0A54yZrG3AgY1Gv

Smacks of petulance and for that reason I hope Nico beats him. They've both had 5 setters but JJ's was more recent and I think Nico will have the edge. The match may go to 5 sets itself.

[Guest]

I've just found out that JJ had come from two sets down to beat Devvarman. The scores in the third and fourth were 6-1 and 6-0 so I don't know what happened to the other guy. He plays Almugro next in what looks to be a good match.

I watched the match. Somdev, despite chants from his supporters, just could not keep up in set 3/4. He was Mr. Lead-foot in the last three. (I started watching Ferrer-Smyczek with the writing on the wall for Somdev.)

JJ played with aggression, with some nice BH returns and FH passes. He served pretty well. Almagro better watch out. He played a five setter against Johnson, and perhaps JJ can cause an upset here. It would nice to see JJ repeat some of his Paris accomplishments.

I am liking the look of Almagro. He is serving much better than last year and I think he could well go deep in this draw

Straw clutching I know

[Mad for Chelsea]

anyone mentioned Watson yet? Did brilliantly to save 3 MPs in a second set TB before running away with it in the third. Faces Radwanska next, who's been in great form this year so far (two titles already!) so will be a very tough task.

[lags72]

Yes, Heather Watson did fantastically well to save those three MP's and to then produce a fine combination of aggressive & defensive tennis to take the decider so cleanly (albeit with a little help from her opponent)

In her only previous meeting with Radwanska she could only manage two games (last year's Wimbledon) but this clash should tell us just how much Watson's game has progressed over the last six months or so .......

She at least comes into it in confident mood.

[newballs]

MfC Watson showed real guts but is going to have to play a whole lot better to trouble Radwanska. To be fair that's two matches she could have lost and didn't. Also I guess you have to be in it to win it so good luck to her.

Robson was more impressive in her opeiing match but then again her opponent was pretty poor and didn't move her around at all. Kvitova certainly will but you have to think Robson has the better chance of the two Brits in potentially making an upset against their respective seeded opponents.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Robson has a night match tomorrow. Cynical me says this is because of the expected heat and Kvitova's well documented problems with it, the AO wanting to protect their biggest stars, (notice Fed has a nice night match also). Less cynical me says it's because this has the potential to be an exciting match and because of Robson's Australian connections

Either way, I'd agree that at the moment you'd say Robson has more chances than Watson of beating the top-ranked players, simply because she has bigger weapons. Watson's FH has really improved though, she's got some real pop on that shot now. What's interesting is that despite not playing particularly well she's been able to make it through to R3 (admittedly with a decent draw), useful points in any case. As you say how well she fares against Radwanska will give us a decent view of how far she's come in the last six months or so.

As for Oudin, I thought her physical condition was frankly embarrassing: she's a professional athlete, yet turns up at one of the marquee events of the year in that sort of shape? Just not good enough. There was an article in the Times I think highlighting how much harder Robson had worked, which was spot on...

[newballs]

MfC a couple of points. Firstly I actually think Watson has a real chance in matching up against several of the top 10. Serena and Azarenka would be too strong and basically overpower her but other than those two it's actually Radwanska that her game matches up poorly against. However consistant she is the ball will keep coming back and the Pole will in all likellihood be altogether too much for her with her variety and tactical acumen.

Secondly Oudin was so poor for someone (correct me if I'm wrong here) won Junior Wimbledon. Her game is going nowhere fast with a first serve that the likes of Serena would have treated with total disdain and absolutely no strength from either wing with her groundstrokes. Robson wasn't tested at all by an opponent who looked like she probably thought she'd play a little bit like they used to do in the juniors. Not sure about her conditioning but Laura made her look completely out of her depth without even breaking sweat herself.

[LuvSports!]

rewatching the eurosport match of djokovic.
WOW he looks brilliant, just dismissed harrisson, very impressive, best so far imho.

[dummy_half]

MfC

I'm going to say I agree with your less cynical interpretation (unusually for me...). I don't think the AO organisers consider Kvitova an essential star of this tournament (although a big name), but are organising one of the more interesting match-ups (especially given Robson's semi-Australianism) at a better time.

As I said above, my expectation is for Kvitova to win in straight sets, something like 6-4 7-5, with Laura producing some good shots but just not having the consistency in her game to match her opponent.

I only saw the last few games of Watson's match, after she'd turned the momentum in her favour, and she closed it out very effectively. The last game: 4 first serves, two not returned and two mid-length rallies with Watson in the ascendent and forcing errors from her opponent. Looks like one of the things she's developed over the last few months is a better ability to finish things off.

Next match though, Aggie is a horrible draw for Watson - does largely the same things as Heather, but is just generally better at all of it. Hopefully though HW can do better than the 1 and 1 defeat from Wimbledon.

Indeed, you could say much the same about Kvitova and Robson - both lefties, good pace on their serves and groundies, competent at the net, perhaps a (relative) weakness in movement. Again, I think Kvitova is just a bit better all round than Laura at this stage in her career.

[CaledonianCraig]

I saw the first half of the Watson match and she really was struggling to find the correct shots at the right time and really was working herself into a state but slowly (just as I switched off as I had to go to work) she began to look a little more settled. She got the job done in the end but I agree that she will have to do better and play top stuff from the off-set and not when a match is almost lost as better players won't let you back in. Still at least it is more experience and ranking points in the bag.

[djlovesyou]

Wouldn't be a big shock to me if more people turn up to the Robson/Kvitova match because of Laura. Kvitova wouldn't get a show court at this stage without playing a 'big name' player.

In certain parts of the world, Robson is probably the bigger star, even now and without the results.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Interestingly, on the Robson-Kvitova match, I've always felt Robson doesn't get quite as much out of her left-handedness as maybe she should. For instance, she hits her FH very flat, and because of that doesn't have the kick to force her opponent out wide on her BH (this is not to say she doesn't have an excellent FH, she clearly does). Equally, I've felt that in the past her serve should be a bigger weapon than it is (though signs are that's changing if her last match is any guide). Does that make sense

Kvitova on the other hand I feel really makes use of her left-handedness, particularly with the sliced serve (and especially with the slider out wide on the ad-court), so will be interesting to see how she copes with a fellow leftie.

NB: agree with you re Oudin, I didn't get the feeling that Robson played all that well in her match (and certainly Robson wasn't entirely satisfied with her performance, listening to her post-match interview) yet she outplayed her completely. I know Oudin made some big strides at the FO (I think?) a few years ago, and people were bigging her up, but on what I saw the other day I just don't see where that came from.

[The Special Juan]

I said I think Laura will win and I stand by that. What's Kvitova really done since winning Wimbledon a couple of years ago? Very little. She was world number 2 last year but has fallen down to 7-9. Both players have near enough the same game style so there should be no surprises for either player. The one thing is that I don't know which Kvitova will turn up; the one that hits winners left, right and centre or the one who hits a lot of UE's. If it's the latter, I think Robson will win. Even the former, if Robson plays her own game and gets the returns in it will be very even and will probably come down to who makes the least number of UEs.

[The Special Juan]

I think it was the USO, MfC, where she made the quarters or semis. Seeing as that was a hardcourt and a lot of tournaments are hardcourts her progression has been non-existant.

[HM Murdock]

rewatching the eurosport match of djokovic.
WOW he looks brilliant, just dismissed harrisson, very impressive, best so far imho.

It was an excellent performance against admittedly weak opposition. I believe Novak only lost 8 points on serve the whole match! His forehand was really looking good today.

So disappointed with Harrison though. I used to think he might be the pick of the bunch of the younger generation but he's just not developing. This is his 11th time in the main draw of a slam and he has never got past the 2nd round. Djokovic was a little younger than Harrison when he played his 11th slam and he made the SF (his second overall) in that tournament. At the same age as Harrison, he was winning the AO.

I don't necessarily expect Harrison to follow the same curve as Djokovic but he really is off the pace right now.

[dummy_half]

Oudin should be a cautionary tale for those of us bigging up Robson and Watson - 2009 appeared to be her break-through year with a 4th round at Wimbledon and then a QF (including beating MaSha) at the USO, and she was being portrayed as the next big thing in American tennis. Sadly, she now IS the big thing of American tennis, but not in the way she was expected to be.

Just a warning that the hard work has to continue if potential is to be realised

[newballs]

Thinking about it actually Oudin didn't win junior Wimbledon but may well have been top seed the year Robson did. Difficult to see why her development has stalled (she was inside the top 40 at one stage) but she does seem to have gone backwards when you look at the rise in fortunes for the British pair.

[lags72]

Well after what always seems a long wait the first Slam of the year is now well underway, and things are gradually hotting up in Melbourne - both literally and in terms of forthcoming match-ups.

I often like to have a little flutter on the Slams and Masters, but don't think there's much profit to be made this time.

Djokovic (10/11, which I think is about right) looks near invincible to me and I feel that only Murray - in his USO form - can stop him. Federer is touted as third favourite but that, IMO, is based very much on history and takes little account either of a very tricky draw or indeed advancing age. Only once in the past forty years has a player as old, or older, than Federer managed to win the AO and - I'd say - in rather unusual circumstances versus the current scene : when Agassi won back in 2003 the best player he had to face was ranked only 16 and no other opponent was even inside the top 30.

I would like nothing more than a 'breakthrough' player to take this year's title and freshen things up a bit on the men's tour. But realistically I can't see it happening. After Djoko and Murray, the only outside prospect in my book is JMDP. If he can hit the purple patch that saw him triumph back in 2009 then he could be good value at 18/1. And that's where my money's going. Even if not with a whole lot of conviction ......

[invisiblecoolers]

Hello everyone,



Federer is up for discussion in the 606v2 Goat debate

You may wish to add your votes and thoughts



emancipator

One of the best article I have read, no idea where you hid all these writing talents , you really cheated v2 so far in my view.

[invisiblecoolers]

I've just found out that JJ had come from two sets down to beat Devvarman. The scores in the third and fourth were 6-1 and 6-0 so I don't know what happened to the other guy. He plays Almugro next in what looks to be a good match.

Having watched that full match I can confirm you JJ was untouchable in 3rd and 4th set, Poor Dav had no clue wat happened, JJ was 5-1 in the 5th as well but then an incredible fight back by the Indian brought the game alive to 5-4 /5-5.

JJ is playing great but like the last match as evidence his focus is not on the game all the time, but he is certainly a star in making like Del Po.

[laverfan]

@TSJ... The specific JJ incident was very uncharacteristic and perhaps the reason for him losing focus and the set, both. I would expect better emotional control from JJ in the next match, and he will probably have the benefit of a hawkeye challenge, instead of speculation. It is an incident, perhaps quickly forgotten, in the best interests of the sport.

[invisiblecoolers]

@TSJ... The specific JJ incident was very uncharacteristic and perhaps the reason for him losing focus and the set, both. I would expect better emotional control from JJ in the next match, and he will probably have the benefit of a hawkeye challenge, instead of speculation. It is an incident, perhaps quickly forgotten, in the best interests of the sport.

I thought I watched the entire match, some where down the line I missed this controversy, wat exactly was it LF?

[LuvSports!]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hfTDuISM4U

[Guest]

Hello everyone,



Federer is up for discussion in the 606v2 Goat debate

You may wish to add your votes and thoughts



emancipator

One of the best article I have read, no idea where you hid all these writing talents , you really cheated v2 so far in my view.

Thanks IC

Must say I'm surprised to see so few familiar voices contributing to the debate. Whether you vote for Federer or not irrelevant to me but it would be nice to hear some opinions from the tennis board.

[The Special Juan]

I've just found out that JJ had come from two sets down to beat Devvarman. The scores in the third and fourth were 6-1 and 6-0 so I don't know what happened to the other guy. He plays Almugro next in what looks to be a good match.

Having watched that full match I can confirm you JJ was untouchable in 3rd and 4th set, Poor Dav had no clue wat happened, JJ was 5-1 in the 5th as well but then an incredible fight back by the Indian brought the game alive to 5-4 /5-5.

JJ is playing great but like the last match as evidence his focus is not on the game all the time, but he is certainly a star in making like Del Po.

So from what I gather JJ played awesome tennis and Dev was a bit flat footed. Thanks for the info . I reckon he'll give Nico a good game; I don't know much about JJ's return game but it will be need to be up to scratch against him.

[The Special Juan]

@TSJ... The specific JJ incident was very uncharacteristic and perhaps the reason for him losing focus and the set, both. I would expect better emotional control from JJ in the next match, and he will probably have the benefit of a hawkeye challenge, instead of speculation. It is an incident, perhaps quickly forgotten, in the best interests of the sport.

I hope it is for his sake. From this interview though it appears it's not the first time he's been a bit angry.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-16/201301161358318107557.html

He's come across as a decent enough guy so I'll let it slide, although I think the ball was clearly in.

[CaledonianCraig]

One good thing about that win for the Pole is that it shows he has a decent level of fitness to come through in a long five setter which also takes character. Next up Almagro and that could be a cracker.

[CaledonianCraig]

The weather is forecast to be brutally hot in Melbourne for the fourth day's play so it is imperative Roger Federer and Andy Murray get the job done as quickly as possible in order to dtay fresh for the bigger challenges that lie ahead.

[The Special Juan]

I think they will. Murray tends to do well when he has a deadline/get a job done quickly, e.gs being v Baghdatis and Cilic at Wimbledon last year. As for Federer, I think Davydenko will wilt pretty quickly at those temperatures, albeit being slightly cooler at night.

[CaledonianCraig]

Yes silly me. I had a quick look at the schedule and saw Roger's match first and assumed it was the first of the day but of course it is the first match in the evening session.

[The Special Juan]

Have dear old Roger play during the day where he might suffer in the conditions? Come on now!!

(Note: I am joking, I understand Federer v Davy is a bigger match than Murray v Sousa)

[lags72]

Thursday (well today already) in Melbourne is indeed set for a bit of a scorcher, around 37c, but Friday and beyond looking significantly cooler - though still warm, dropping back to around 25/26c

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