French Open discussion thread

[Mad for Chelsea]

First topic message reminder :

I thought it was about time we got one of these started. While Federer surprisingly (cough cough) had the advantage of starting his campaign nice and early on day 1, Djokovic is currently in action against Sousa of Portugal. Also on at the moment we have everyone's favourite Briton... James Ward. He's been handed a tough draw against Tommy Robredo, but is battling hard, despite being a break down in the first.

We're also due our first major upset over on court 1, with Nishikori on his way out against Klizan. Injury issues? Finally we have Mahut vs Kukushkin in a pleasant match between two talented shot-makers. That one's at one set all, with the intriguing possibility of the winner meeting Isner in R2.

EDIT: in the time it took me to write this one, Ward has broken back, and is level at 3-3, well done that man .

[banbrotam]

Haha, I know, only ribbing you. I missed the match, was it a decent level of play?

Up and down. Some excellent stuff and some poor stuff.

I thought the level was superb, virtually all the way through as it was great to see two very good all court players rely on shot making rather than just their serve

If this had been Federer v Gulbis, we'd have had all the purists cooing about what great tennis it was

Sorry but I have to disagree here. Murray was leading two sets to one and 4-2 (30-0) and Kohlschreiber was going nowhere then Andy (as the commentators put it and I agree) gave Kohli the kiss of life as the wheels fell off all parts of his game and gifted Kohli a way back into the match. Even myself as a big Murray supporter cannot kid myself that that was excellent - it was criminal. And it is something you wouldn't want or expect to see from one of the top players in the world.

Generally the quality of play from both was up there with the best. Murray's 4th set brain fade was no more different or maddening that the same one he did at Aus against Fed last year

Just because he lost concentration doesn't mean that the match lack quality and I think you'll find plenty of 'top players' from the past having similar wobbly spells - Agassi and Connors turned it into an art form

It's the ridiculous expectations of these players (i.e. Big 4) that's makes us hyper critical when they have a bad half hour

[CaledonianCraig]

Call it what you want though and even it was brain fade it still brought his level of play down. From a position of being a few points away from sealing the match he starting coughing up double faults and unforced errors and handed his opponent a lifeline hence as I said his level was up and down. Great win in the end but he cannot afford such collapses from now on in.

[TopoftheChops]

tsonga absolutely shocking

[kingraf]

yeah, an awful bet. Tsonga always does this to me

[HM Murdock]

And that's another set Novak fails to serve out.

It's bizarre how frequent it is.

[lags72]

banbrotam - in all fairness to Agassi and Connors they were both a major feature well into their thirties, but the memory plays tricks and it wasn't all glamour as you say. And most other greats including Borg, McEnroe and Sampras called time well before Federer's current age.

The longer you play, the more you risk damaging your overall career stats, even if not the legacy itself. Federer always claims he still enjoys the competition, but how many more days like today would he really want .....??

if the younger generation were stronger & more consistent than they are, then he would surely have found himself way below Number 4 in the rankings by now. Meanwhile he continues to provide a challenge - and a notable scalp - for virtually everyone but the guys above him, and perhaps we'll see some better stuff from him on grass and then HC ......??

Djokovic will take some taming here I feel. If JWT could somehow level up, then anything's possible.

[CaledonianCraig]

And that's another set Novak fails to serve out.

It's bizarre how frequent it is.

It could be an age thing. By that I mean his mind and body is more battle-scarred now so the older you get the more you subconsciously take your foot of the gas and take a mental breather when in a position of comparative safety in a set and in doing that a degree or two of focus and intensity is lost.

[kingraf]

And that's another set Novak fails to serve out.

It's bizarre how frequent it is.

Good thing he has two bites at the cherry, against a rank returner

[TopoftheChops]

And that's another set Novak fails to serve out.

It's bizarre how frequent it is.

He just wanted to play a longer match for practice

[banbrotam]

banbrotam - in all fairness to Agassi and Connors they were both a major feature well into their thirties, but the memory plays tricks and it wasn't all glamour as you say. And most other greats including Borg, McEnroe and Sampras called time well before Federer's current age.

My point was relating to their numerous 'comebacks' throughout their career, regardless of their age, i.e. all great players used to have plenty of brain fade episodes

Borg's comeback against Connors at Wimby 81' was glamorous and had nothing to do with age

I wasn't implying that it was particularly glamorous - indeed I was pointing out that those players could be very inconsistent so we shouldn't be hyper critical if any of the current ones have period of poor play now

[CaledonianCraig]

What a sterile performance from Tsonga - slaughtered in an hour and a half winning just six games. Some times we hear c'est magnifique about Tsonga well today it was more sacre bleu or merde.

[banbrotam]

yeah, an awful bet. Tsonga always does this to me

I really don't understand why anyone has any faith in Jo or that other poor user of their talent, Gasquet.

When Tsonga dismissed Murray at Aus 2008 and then reached the final, the good betting was on the Frenchman going on to win several Masters and a major or two. And quite simply his talent should have done

[TopoftheChops]

Murray has not been on the main court this tournament. He's on Susanne Lenglen again tomorrow

[Jahu]

Yeah, french dont like him…

[Jahu]

Anyone thinks Stosur would be more fun in a dinner date then Sharapova?

[lags72]

banbrotam - my sentence construction wasn't ideal, hence the misunderstanding. In actual fact I was mainly agreeing with you, but it would have maybe been clearer if I had written "as you yourself say, it wasn't all glamour ....."

And I certainly agree with your point re inconsistency affecting past players to one degree or another, at one time or another -  including all the greats.

When Sampras went out early every year at RG, it was pretty much dismissed because he wasn't even 'expected' to perform on clay. But these days the spotlight is much harsher, and when top guys struggle on their least favoured surface, they come in for much more scrutiny and criticism.

So the Murray wobbles were effectively little different from those affecting everyone else at the top levels of sport. There would have been no shame whatever in him losing to Kohlschreiber today, but he deserves credit for great professionalism in pulling through.

Federer was beaten by a rising Top 20 guy, on a hot streak and with youth on his side too. Sampras began losing routinely to guys well OUTSIDE the top 20, and at an earlier age than Federer. It's all a matter of perspective I guess.

[lags72]

Anyone thinks Stosur would be more fun in a dinner date then Sharapova?

Hmm ...... but which of the two would be more appealing in terms of any after-dinner activity ....??   

[Jahu]

Most would the candy girl, but I wouldnt mind some muscles for a change

[HM Murdock]

Most would the candy girl,   but I wouldnt mind some muscles for a change

I don't believe you are Sam's 'type', Jahu...

[Guest]

Id like a dinner date with Bartoli, shes pretty, and interesting as well

[Jahu]

HM, right, thats why I wanna have a go.

Sharapova is flying now, 4:0 third set.

[lags72]

One of the best-ever recoveries in recent RG history .......

[lags72]

Don't mess it up now Masha .....!!

[Jahu]

Agree, thought Stosur was going to crush her, thats why I thought she would deserve a dinner date. Wrong.

[lags72]

This horrible loss is going to be painful enough for Sam.

But how will she cope with you standing her up for that dinner date Jahu ......??!!!

Not quite a done deal yet and Maria herself has been known to implode

[banbrotam]

Yeah,  french dont like him…

In fairness it's his worst performing slam and playing Verdasco won't be No.1 for French TV etc

Of course we all know that it's quite a juicy match - but that's never bothered the schedulers

[lags72]

But not today.

Truly amazing stuff.

[Jahu]

Well done to candy girl, great return to the match.

No dinner tonight.

[kingraf]

I notice C-Woz is holidaying in Miami following a difficult two weeks. Not really my type, but I've been told my new girlfriend bears a resemblance of sorts. So maybe my type. She'll need some emotional support, and I'll be in London around Wimbledon time. Definitely looking to provide some emotional support to a heartbroken millionaire, now that I think about it.

[michael_o]

If you've seen her new Twitter avatar, it's obvious that she's concentrating her efforts on casting evil spells on Rory. And judging by his meltdown yesterday, she's doing a very good job!

[slashermcguirk]

20 consecutive slam QF or better for djokovic in grand slams. That is very impressive!

[kingraf]

haha Mate, the biggest selling paper in the country is a tabloid which reports acts of witchcraft. If nothing else, we'll have a mutual topic of interest.

[CaledonianCraig]

20 consecutive slam QF or better for djokovic in grand slams. That is very impressive!

In the last thirteen slams Murray has entered he has reached the quarters or better so he has some impressive stats as well. Will go up to 14 if he beats Verdasco tomorrow.

[lags72]

Impressive stats all round !

Djokovic is the only player with a realistic chance of matching/surpassing Federer's record run of 36 consecutive Slam QF's.

He has the ability to do so but will of course need to stay fit, focussed & healthy too .....

[kingraf]

Yeah Djokovic has been the model of consistency for a while now. Think he now has more slam semi finals than Nadal as well.

Nadal has pretty impressive stats himself - went 34 slams before his first R1 exit. But equally amazing, Has made finals in more than half of the slams he's appeared in. Nineteen out thirty six

[Josiah Maiestas]

Murray's chances are tiny against Verdasco, he better just make sure his hotel is booked for Queens than bother for the QF   

Cannot believe Nadal's cupcake draw so far.

[Jahu]

Cupcake or muffin, the French want him to win.

[lydian]

That's 3 out of 4 last slams Fed loses before the quarters...

However, no disgrace losing to Gulbis in this form...8 consecutive clay match wins and counting...who has turned a career corner and starting to show the reality of his prodigious talent. Seriously, the guy has a BH in the same drawer as Djokovic and Murray. Gulbis also showed a lot of mental strength holding serve each time whilst ahead in the 5th with the crowd constantly chanting Roger's name and booing Gulbis. I wouldn't be surprised to see the guy beat Berdy and push Djokovic all the way...he has the ammunition to take time away from Novak (like Berdy and Roger have done before, ultra aggressive players are who Djokovic fears most). I also think Gulbis would rather play Berdy/Djokovic than Nadal/Ferrer on clay. You have to love Gulbis' brand of tennis...and he trains a lot with another talent, Dominic Thiem whom shares the same coach - Bresnik, who's used to handling big personalities like Becker and Leconte...and that's effectively been the difference for Gulbis, he's met someone who can absorb and channel his energy.

Think Forehando will beat Murray, he's looking refocused this tournament so far and Thomas Enqvist seems to be a good influence on him. Verdasco's all court game will push Murray as it did at Wimb13 and of course AO 2009. If it goes more than 3 sets I also think Murray hasn't much left in the tank. All those years of pushing his body and 6'3 frame are slowly catching up with him I feel. The physical chinks cause mental chinks...like set 4 yesterday.

[Silver]

Rejoice, Craig and Banbro - the hated Federer is out!

Good to see you back posting, lydian. Gulbis could make the final if his conditioning holds out. Suspect Novak will grind him down over five, though. I hope Murray can overcome Verdasco but it's a very tough ask given the court and form as it stands...you never know with these quality players, though.

[invisiblecoolers]

Federer bowing out actually eases a lot of pressure, potentially he is the only one who could stop Djokovic and Djokovic is the only who can stop Rafa, Fed losing means we could all have the much awaited Djoko-Rafa finals, yes however they both have to reach thus far but atleast the way is much more clearer now.

I am also excited for Gulbis- Berdych match, that would be a cracker of a match, beating old Fed doesn't count much Gulbis , the real test is Berdych on clay at form in 5 sets, if Gulbis can overcome Berdych in say st.sets then I would fear Djoko's prospect of making the finals till then I am all relaxed.

[laverfan]

Rejoice, Craig and Banbro - the hated Federer is out!

I assume this is said more in jest.

Gulbis has lacked consistency in the past, but perhaps, he is beginning to look like Wawrinka of the AO fame, with renewed focus.

I think Berdych is the likely winner, iC.

Murray playing a 5-setter vs Kohli was not required. Verdasco has never played Murray on clay, a first. Murray was clutching his back and knees during the Kohli match.

I would love to see GGL go further beating La Monf, but fitness may be a key there.

[The Special Juan]

Most would the candy girl,   but I wouldnt mind some muscles for a change

I don't believe you are Sam's 'type', Jahu...

I might be making up nonsense (again) but something in the back of my mind is telling me umpires used to say "Game, Mrs Stosur". Was she not married once upon a time?

[The Special Juan]

Rejoice, Craig and Banbro - the hated Federer is out!

I assume this is said more in jest.

Gulbis has lacked consistency in the past, but perhaps, he is beginning to look like Wawrinka of the AO fame, with renewed focus.

I think Berdych is the likely winner, iC.

Murray playing a 5-setter vs Kohli was not required. Verdasco has never played Murray on clay, a first. Murray was clutching his back and knees during the Kohli match.

I would love to see GGL go further beating La Monf, but fitness may be a key there.

It's an interesting one LF - I think GGL has to hang on for long enough until Monfils falls apart physically. He was showing signs of it against Fognini and is known to struggle in the past.

[lags72]

Agree that Gulbis winning today isn't nearly the same as beating a prime Federer, but the fact remains this was his highest-ranked victim at a Slam, so he will be feeling pretty pleased with himself right now.

In theory the Berydych match COULD be a cracker and I hope Gulbis can maintain his form and go even further. But can he have another day where everything comes together for him at the right time on so many points.......?? With a chance to make his very first Slam semi, at least there should be no lack of incentive ......

As abject as JWT was, Djokovic was clinical,  and it's virtually inconceivable that he will be stopped before the Final

[antonico]

Hats off to Gulbis for at least appearing to appreciate what this game demands from the very best. You have to have more than talent, more than big shots if you hope to beat the very best. He showed that today. Granted, Federer's best days are behind him to be sure. That said, Roger still managed to get himself to 3 Finals this year. So well done Ernests. If I remember right, he also went to the Pilic academy at the same time Djokovic was there. Let's hope he can back up his win here to carry into his next match with Berdych.

[invisiblecoolers]

Anyone thinks Stosur would be more fun in a dinner date then Sharapova?

Hmm ...... but which of the two would be more appealing in terms of any after-dinner activity ....??   

Sharapova's ex bf complained that she is more like a dead meat in bed, I am pretty sure Stosur would be the opposite, so I would take her any day.   

[invisiblecoolers]

I think Berdych is the likely winner, iC.

Agreed, by game Gulbis is better but does he have in him to take somebody of a top level and not old like Federer? I don't think so either so anything outside Berdych win would be a shocker for me, but Gulbis and his team have toe decide whether they wanna take the game seriously or not, if so then show us a performance against Berdych at least.  

[invisiblecoolers]

Two matches today show time never stands still in tennis and how times change. Turn the clock back a few years and I am pretty sure Murray would have imploded last night and lost the fifth set but he hung in there and finally got the job done today so at least that is something he can take from the match. Likewise with Roger Federer if you turned the clock back a few years Roger would never have lost that match today after going a set up.

Turn it back 7/8 years and he'd not lose it from 2sets and a break down.

Roger is on the most extended, multi-year,farewell tour in the history of the sport.

I am actually happy he went down so early, it would be disgusting to see him lose to Berdych and Berdych would celeberate as if he beat the prime Fed and Fed generally has no chance against him, he is one of those arrogant brat I never liked on the tour.

I want Gulbis to beat Berdych, just hoping for or you can say dreaming for but not likely gonna happen.   

[summerblues]

Sharapova's ex bf complained that she is more like a dead meat in bed, I am pretty sure Stosur would be the opposite, so I would take her any day.   

That is all very well, but you might be wrong gender for her.

[socal1976]

Two matches today show time never stands still in tennis and how times change. Turn the clock back a few years and I am pretty sure Murray would have imploded last night and lost the fifth set but he hung in there and finally got the job done today so at least that is something he can take from the match. Likewise with Roger Federer if you turned the clock back a few years Roger would never have lost that match today after going a set up.

Turn it back 7/8 years and he'd not lose it from 2sets and a break down.

Roger is on the most extended, multi-year,farewell tour in the history of the sport.

Yes according to many of his fans it has lasted since wimbeldon of 08 where at the ripe old age of 26 federer was well passed it. Even at an age where lesser players were having their greatest success we were told that Fed simply couldn't compete because he was too old. We heard that at 27, 28,29, and 30. Funny the rest of the tour had no problem competing at those various ages.

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