Australian Open 2013 Match Thread

by User 774433 Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:47 pm

First topic message reminder :

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

Australian Open 2013 Match Thread - Page 17 Ao_11

by Josiah Maiestas Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:51 pm

"I'm a douche and I love it"

Novak Djokovic

by The Special Juan Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:52 pm

What does that say about the quality of his sponsor's clothing that he is able to rip it off?

by lags72 Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:55 pm

It tells us that they're poor value for money. In fact a bit of a rip-off !!

Not that he actually has to pay for them of course Wink

by User 774433 Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:57 pm

bogbrush wrote:Oh F*ck off with the shirt stunt. What a d1ck after such a good match.

Yeah that really was pathetic.

Wawrinka played so well today, he can be proud.

by **JuliusHMarx** Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:58 pm

lags72 wrote:In fact a bit of a rip-off !!

by Danny_1982 Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:59 pm

That's one of the best matches I've ever seen. That last game has to be one of the best ever. Awesome match point, couple of awesome points from Stan.

As for the shirt ripping, well.... A little bit in bad taste. Doing it against multi slam winning Rafa is one thing, but that was the biggest moment of Stan's career and he was in tears so he could have been a bit more considerate.

by The Special Juan Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:59 pm

lags72 wrote:It tells us that they're poor value for money. In fact a bit of a rip-off !!

Not that he actually has to pay for them of course

Superb pun. clap

by HM Murdock Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:00 pm

What a match. The relief is coming off me like steam! Has Stan ever played a better match?

Good mental strength from Novak but the performance overall wasn't really good enough. Had it been Roger or Andy (or indeed Berdych or Ferrer), he wouldn't have pulled that second set back.

Still, I have to see it as a good thing that, on a day when he wasn't at his best, he was able to face a talented opponent in great form but manage to get the win.

Disappointed by the shirt ripping though. I hope that stops. He's not Hulk Hogan and its just silly.

by The Special Juan Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:01 pm

Just the 93 UE's from Wawrinka!! 69 winners though.

by User 774433 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:02 pm

HM Murdoch wrote:What a match. The relief is coming off me like steam! Has Stan ever played a better match?

Good mental strength from Novak but the performance overall wasn't really good enough. Had it been Roger or Andy (or indeed Berdych or Ferrer), he wouldn't have pulled that second set back.

Still, I have to see it as a good thing that, on a day when he wasn't at his best, he was able to face a talented opponent in great form but manage to get the win.

Disappointed by the shirt ripping though. I hope that stops. He's not Hulk Hogan and its just silly.

I still see him as favourite.

by spdocoffee Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:06 pm

That match was fantastic, one of my favourite ever.

The ebbs and flows were wonderful to watch and just as a spectator I have been left emotionally drained.

Something about those night games in Melbourne seems to bring out the best in everybody; reminiscent of other late night epics of recent years, like Hewitt vs. Baghdatis or Roddick vs. El Aynaoui.

But for a couple of injudicious strikes by Stan at crucial moments it really could have been his match.

It will be interesting to see how Berdych fares against Djokovic in their quarter final now. He is seemingly continuing on a path of incremental improvement and with tonight's match going beyond 300 minutes he now holds the aces in terms of conditioning. He beat Federer in the US open, gave Murray a big scare a round later, now can he take out the world number one and properly establish himself as the number four in Nadal's absence? For the good of competition here's hoping.

But I digress. Overall that match was an honour and a pleasure to view both from a technical and entertainment perspective... I only hope that Stan can use that result as a catalyst for a great 2013 and not a harbinger of further heartache.

Props to both men.

by Danny_1982 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:07 pm

It Must Be Love wrote:
HM Murdoch wrote:What a match. The relief is coming off me like steam! Has Stan ever played a better match?

Good mental strength from Novak but the performance overall wasn't really good enough. Had it been Roger or Andy (or indeed Berdych or Ferrer), he wouldn't have pulled that second set back.

Still, I have to see it as a good thing that, on a day when he wasn't at his best, he was able to face a talented opponent in great form but manage to get the win.

Disappointed by the shirt ripping though. I hope that stops. He's not Hulk Hogan and its just silly.

I still see him as favourite.

Definitely. To come through that, you have to think its there for him.

Physically he'll be hurting, but we know he can come back from that. 12 months ago proved that.

by HM Murdock Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:07 pm

It Must Be Love wrote:I still see him as favourite.

At the halfway stage, Fed looks to me like the form horse (although he and Andy are a game behind Novak).

Andy and Novak are playing well overall but seem to still have a few rough edges.

It's still wide open.

by bogbrush Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:16 pm

A lot hinges on whether Djokovic can put Berdych away quickly. I don't believe even he can play two marathons and be in a fit state for a probable semi with the Duracell Bunny, or after that a tough final.

by lags72 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:19 pm

HM Murdoch wrote:
.......................................

Good mental strength from Novak but the performance overall wasn't really good enough. Had it been Roger or Andy (or indeed Berdych or Ferrer), he wouldn't have pulled that second set back.

Can you be 100% sure of that HMM.....?

I sort of understand where you're coming from, but I also feel it's hard to say what might or might not have happened vs other opponents.

Today it happened to be Stan Wawrinka - a very, very good player. But we have also seen him dig himself out of deep holes against the very best players. His retrieving was at times barely believable and could well have eventually got the result whoever he was facing.

by Guest Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:20 pm

bogbrush wrote:A lot hinges on whether Djokovic can put Berdych away quickly. I don't believe even he can play two marathons and be in a fit state for a probable semi with the Duracell Bunny, or after that a tough final.

If he gets to the final the three day break shuld be enough to recuperate but I agree with the first part. He needs to put Berdych away quickly because the last person you wanna play if you're tired if Ferrer.

by HM Murdock Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:25 pm

lags72 wrote:
HM Murdoch wrote:
.......................................

Good mental strength from Novak but the performance overall wasn't really good enough. Had it been Roger or Andy (or indeed Berdych or Ferrer), he wouldn't have pulled that second set back.

Can you be 100% sure of that HMM.....?

I sort of understand where you're coming from, but I also feel it's hard to say what might or might not have happened vs other opponents.

Today it happened to be Stan Wawrinka - a very, very good player. But we have also seen him dig himself out of deep holes against the very best players. His retrieving was at times barely believable and could well have eventually got the result whoever he was facing.

No, can never be sure about "ifs". But I think Stan lost the second set in his mind. I think other players would have been more ruthless. I'm sure if Andy or Roger had Novak at 5-2, they would have taken the set. Or at the very least got to the tie breaker.

In fairness, Novak had tightened his game up by the end of the 2nd and was playing better. But I think he dodged a bullet today!

by **laverfan** Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:28 pm

Stan the Man played very well. clap

Djokovic managed and scraped through. Should give him confidence on facing what is to come next.

Very enjoyable match. Fitness played an important role in that win.

by lags72 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:35 pm

Ifs and buts I guess HMM.

Can remember Federer 5-2 up v Nadal at RG 2011. Drop shot misses line by a millimetre. Momentum swings dramatically in favour of Nadal and he goes on to take the set 7-5.

by Jeremy_Kyle Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:38 pm

laverfan wrote:Stan the Man played very well.

Djokovic managed and scraped through. Should give him confidence on facing what is to come next.

Very enjoyable match. Fitness played an important role in that win.

don't say it! Laggy will come nipping at your heels........

by User 774433 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:40 pm

Lags was correct, said that Djokovic is fitter of the two but Wawrinka is still quite fit and athletic.
As Stan got 10 games in the final set that was vindicated.

Your comments on the other hand... Laugh

by Jeremy_Kyle Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:42 pm

1st amendment: It mast be love is never correct.

by HM Murdock Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:43 pm

lags72 wrote:Ifs and buts I guess HMM.

Can remember Federer 5-2 up v Nadal at RG 2011. Drop shot misses line by a millimetre. Momentum swings dramatically in favour of Nadal and he goes on to take the set 7-5.

I thought of that as I wrote my comment!

I think Fed lost that set in his mind too - although the fact he was playing Nadal at RG was a significant element as well!

by User 774433 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:44 pm

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:1st amendment: It mast be love is never correct.

2nd Amendment: Jeremy Kyle can't spell.

by Jeremy_Kyle Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:47 pm

please see first amendment...... Smile

by User 774433 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:48 pm

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:please see first amendment......

Oh cr@p I fell into that trap lol

by lags72 Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:50 pm

I'd agree with your assessment there HMM.

Mind you, I don't think Fed would have lost the set from 5-2 up against anyone else or at any other venue. But Rafa's recovery that day is part & parcel of what has made him the best clay courter of all time........

by The Special Juan Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:58 pm

But would Novak have played like that against anyone else? I really don't think so. You can't say "if he was playing against x then he would have been beaten" because the chances are, if he was playing against x he would have played better.

by invisiblecoolers Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:08 pm

emancipator wrote:
bogbrush wrote:A lot hinges on whether Djokovic can put Berdych away quickly. I don't believe even he can play two marathons and be in a fit state for a probable semi with the Duracell Bunny, or after that a tough final.

If he gets to the final the three day break shuld be enough to recuperate but I agree with the first part. He needs to put Berdych away quickly because the last person you wanna play if you're tired if Ferrer.

Can't agree more, if Ferrer can put up an inspired performance and use this to an advantage to make the first ever final it would be a great site as his hard work needs to paid off.

by **laverfan** Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:18 pm

invisiblecoolers wrote:
emancipator wrote:
bogbrush wrote:A lot hinges on whether Djokovic can put Berdych away quickly. I don't believe even he can play two marathons and be in a fit state for a probable semi with the Duracell Bunny, or after that a tough final.

If he gets to the final the three day break shuld be enough to recuperate but I agree with the first part. He needs to put Berdych away quickly because the last person you wanna play if you're tired if Ferrer.

Can't agree more, if Ferrer can put up an inspired performance and use this to an advantage to make the first ever final it would be a great site as his hard work needs to paid off.

If Ferrer is aided by a POTENTIAL tornado/thunderstorm/hurricane/weather anomaly, he may yet succeed, like the first set he won against Djokovic at USO 2012.

by LuvSports! Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:22 pm

most players work hard no?

by Leff Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:27 pm

For years, Stan has been like UPS, trailing FedEx. Now, he has picked up speed. Excellent match!

by summerblues Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:37 pm

bogbrush wrote:A lot hinges on whether Djokovic can put Berdych away quickly. I don't believe even he can play two marathons and be in a fit state for a probable semi with the Duracell Bunny, or after that a tough final.

I do not think Nole needs to worry about that - I do not see him having stamina concerns in any of his potential matches:

1. If it goes to five again against Berdych, I will still favor Nole
2. Agree that a long Berdych match followed by another long one against Ferrer might not be doable, but I do not see Ferrer forcing even a tired Nole into a long match
3. By the time the final comes, he will have had time to recover no matter what.

What I am more curious about is whether this was only the result of a superb performance by Stan (coupled with perhaps slightly off-key Nole) or whether the speedier conditions at this year's AO played a material role. People seem to be saying that attacking is paying off more this year - I think Fed even suggested that as a reason for Tomic's changed tactics against him.

by invisiblecoolers Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:44 pm

LuvSports! wrote:most players work hard no?

But there is a limit upto which they work hard, I guess Ferrer's limit is much higher than most players.

@ LF, you know every game is not the same, if tornado, tsunami,volcano,earthquake and sky fall to appear for Ferrer to win, let that be the case , go Ferrer go. thumbsup

by **laverfan** Sun Jan 20, 2013 7:57 pm

invisiblecoolers wrote:@ LF, you know every game is not the same, if tornado, tsunami,volcano,earthquake and sky fall to appear for Ferrer to win, let that be the case , go Ferrer go.

I quite agree, iC. After the Nishikori match, the on-court interview was short, but Ferrer was asked about his #4 ranking, he was very quick to point out Nadal's absence.

For at least once, I would love to see Ferrer get to a slam final. He is a gem of a person and a player, with an amazing work ethic. It is tough but doable for him.

by Chydremion Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:42 pm

laverfan wrote:
invisiblecoolers wrote:@ LF, you know every game is not the same, if tornado, tsunami,volcano,earthquake and sky fall to appear for Ferrer to win, let that be the case , go Ferrer go.

I quite agree, iC. After the Nishikori match, the on-court interview was short, but Ferrer was asked about his #4 ranking, he was very quick to point out Nadal's absence.

For at least once, I would love to see Ferrer get to a slam final. He is a gem of a person and a player, with an amazing work ethic. It is tough but doable for him.

You realise he's going to get spanked heavily in a potential final?

by The Special Juan Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:49 pm

Chydremion wrote:
laverfan wrote:
invisiblecoolers wrote:@ LF, you know every game is not the same, if tornado, tsunami,volcano,earthquake and sky fall to appear for Ferrer to win, let that be the case , go Ferrer go.

I quite agree, iC. After the Nishikori match, the on-court interview was short, but Ferrer was asked about his #4 ranking, he was very quick to point out Nadal's absence.

For at least once, I would love to see Ferrer get to a slam final. He is a gem of a person and a player, with an amazing work ethic. It is tough but doable for him.

You realise he's going to get spanked heavily in a potential final?

His one and only ever win will come over Federer in 3 sets in the final. Maybe.

by lags72 Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:22 pm

That really would be quite special - and just reward for all the never-say-die efforts by Daveed over so many years.

I suspect it has already happened more than once in his dreams.

by invisiblecoolers Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:29 am

Chardy now serving for the match to meet Murray in the quarters. Good performance after an erratic 1st set.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:36 am

Chardy serves out to seal his first slam quarter-final performance. Good solid stuff by Chardy whilst Seppi was disappointing.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:08 am

The tail end of the first set between Tsonga and Gasquet displayed why it is they have never won a slam. Tsonga's game went to bits when serving for the set (the top players would have pounced) and Gasquet had three break points but was unable to take them even though he was presented with golden opportunities (again the very top players would havevpounced).

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:09 am

By the way Tsonga held on to take the first set 6-4.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:33 am

Gasquet hits back to take the second set as Tsonga's brain remains in neutral.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:04 am

Tsonga has switched on again or is it that Gasquet has gone off the boil. Tsonga takes the third set 6-3.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:22 am

Tsonga a double break up in the fourth set as Gasquet looks set to capitulate.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:50 am

Not great stuff from Murray at all in the first set. He takes it 6-3 but way too many unforced errors and his serve didn't start functioning until towards the end if it. Simon looks stiff and already feeling his knee.

by Mad for Chelsea Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:07 am

actually enjoying this from Murray. Much as I love the new dominating player he's become in the rallies, there are times I miss the old chessmaster who would completely outfox his opponents on court. He's been a bit more like that today...

by bogbrush Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:11 am

Mad for Chelsea wrote:actually enjoying this from Murray. Much as I love the new dominating player he's become in the rallies, there are times I miss the old chessmaster who would completely outfox his opponents on court. He's been a bit more like that today...

You don't think Simon is not quite all there today?

by Mad for Chelsea Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:16 am

bogbrush wrote:
Mad for Chelsea wrote:actually enjoying this from Murray. Much as I love the new dominating player he's become in the rallies, there are times I miss the old chessmaster who would completely outfox his opponents on court. He's been a bit more like that today...
You don't think Simon is not quite all there today?

I don't think Simon has been quite all there throughout the tournament to be honest, I seem to recall him rolling serves at about 120 kph in the first round because of his shoulder/upper body (it seems to really hurt him to serve, so he only cranks up the pace from time to time). I think he's been better physically today than against Monfils, but he still came through that one. Regardless, my comment was more to the point that I'm enjoying seeing Murray playing a more tactical battle out on court again.

by CaledonianCraig Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:25 am

He improved (Murray) in the second set but still not hitting the ball sweetly for me. Sure he is playing a canny game but I am a tad concerned that this is the second game on the bounce where his timing and consistency has been out. It needs addressing. Credit to Simon for giving it a go.

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