2014 Halle

First topic message reminder :

Draw - http://www.atpworldtour.com/Share/Event-Draws.aspx?Year=2014&EventId=500&Draw=ms

Daily Schedule - http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/500/mds.pdf

No sign of Nadal or Federer on the schedule for tomorrow (Wednesday) in Singles.

Federer/Chiudinelli v Emmrich/Seppi is on the schedule.

Strange.

CaledonianCraig wrote:No come on Nishi yet Jahu? Surprised since you yearn for a new era with new winners.

What is surprising about that?  I am much the same.  I usually want to see new players come through except when I watch Fed play because I like his game enough to want to watch it through the years.  Where is the contradiction?

NIshikori is better on HC and Clay, but Grass is a tough challenge for him. If he had a baseliner on the other side, this could have been in the third set.

Well done to the 'Old Man'.

What???? How on Earth did Kohli blow that? Wasn't he a break up in the 3rd?

The Special Juan wrote:What????  How on Earth did Kohli blow that?  Wasn't he a break up in the 3rd?

Yes he was.  I was looking forward to the Kohli vs Fed match

summerblues wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:No come on Nishi yet Jahu? Surprised since you yearn for a new era with new winners.

What is surprising about that?  I am much the same.  I usually want to see new players come through except when I watch Fed play because I like his game enough to want to watch it through the years.  Where is the contradiction?

The contradiction is seen today. If that had been Novak or Rafa for example Jahu would have been posting stuff like knock his lights out Nishi etc and intermingling it with talk that it is not hatred for Rafa or Novak but just that he wants the younger generation to win through. None of that today though with Federer well into his 30s against Nishi who is slamless and in his mid 20s. That is the contradiction.

CaledonianCraig wrote:The contradiction is seen today. If that had been Novak or Rafa for example Jahu would have been posting stuff like knock his lights out Nishi etc and intermingling it with talk that it is not hatred for Rafa or Novak but just that he wants the younger generation to win through.

But it does not have to be hatred for Rafa and Novak.  One may genuinely want the young guys to come through and start beating Rafa/Novak/Andy etc because they have been around long enough yet one may still make an exception for Roger if they like his game enough.

(of course, depending on taste, the names may change - someone else may be willing to make that exception for Rafa or Andy instead of Roger).

Well it sure comes across as hatred when phrases are used in a derogatory way. Of course I understand Jahu is a big Federer fan which is fair enough but I don't buy into this veiled claim he calls on anyone to beat Rafa, Novak, Andy etc merely because he wants new winners. Seems more like a wish for them to be eliminated to open the door for Roger or that he yearns Rafa's elimination as he gets closer to Fed's slam count so it really is nothing to do with age and more to do with what is best for Roger and not the other players ages at all in my opinion.

CaledonianCraig wrote:I don't buy into this veiled claim he calls on anyone to beat Rafa, Novak, Andy etc merely because he wants new winners.

I do not think his claims are very veiled:

Jahu wrote:Come on Andy, strighten his ugly ears

I think he makes it plenty clear he does not like Nole, and that he is not a big fan of Rafa.  But, in addition to that, he also likes to see new winners, and I actually believe him, because he does show extra excitement when it is the young guys who are beating Nole or Rafa.

It is veiled as not being dislike and that it isn't nasty and does it purely as he wants new winners. Okay fair enough but leave out personal references to players as there is no need for it is there? It all comes across as a bit juvenile to be honest. It doesn't bother me as not much is directed Murray's way but I could see how posters who are fans of Rafa and Novak could be offended.

CaledonianCraig wrote:It all comes across as a bit juvenile to be honest.

Oh sure it does, but juvenile is ok I think.  I think forums need irreverence.  No point trying to make the forum very serious when at the end of the day it is all just banter anyway.

summerblues wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:It all comes across as a bit juvenile to be honest.

Oh sure it does, but juvenile is ok I think.  I think forums need irreverence.  No point trying to make the forum very serious when at the end of the day it is all just banter anyway.

Yes I suppose so summerblues.   

The "Old Man" will play TWO finals tomorrow. Are his legs are up to it?

@CC... Jahu's dislike for Djokovic may perhaps be more than Tennis-related. Only he knows.

I was not particularly fond of Jeff Tarango, and the W incident just made me never look back. Even today, watching him (when on Tennis Channel) leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I don't think it really matters about who supports who. We are tennis fans at the end of the day. I want to see youngsters win, but I would sooner see Andy add to his legacy than see Federer or Nadal win.

It's all about tastes I guess.

summerblues wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:It all comes across as a bit juvenile to be honest.

Oh sure it does, but juvenile is ok I think.  I think forums need irreverence.  No point trying to make the forum very serious when at the end of the day it is all just banter anyway.

I had to ban a Macallan brother, because of such banter.

Macallan brother??

CaledonianCraig wrote:Macallan brother??

I am also trying to decipher that...

CC, why so touchy? You are talking like I committed a treason againt you   

It was 1998, I got into a black cab in north London, footy World Cup was ongoing.

Scottish Taxi diver asks about who I'm supporting. I say Brasil, and i ask him back.

He says: Anyone that beats England.

So let me rephrase the combinations of player I support, as its confusing you a little:

1. Fed plays - I am for Fed. Possible exception is Stan.
2. Djoko plays - I am same as the Taxi driver, will support anyone that beats Djoko.
3. Andy plays, I support him against anyone other then Fed/Stan.
4. Nadal plays, I support him against Djoko and Berdych only. I want him to lose to all others.
5. Dimi/Dolgo plays - I support them against Fed too, would not annoy me if they beat Fed.

A bit weird/time wasting/nothing better to do analysis from you really.

Only a naive person would think I want all others to clear the way for Fed to win, when Fed can barely take 2 out od 20 BP's on a match   

There are no veils, twisted thoughts, long-term planning on clearing Fed paths, just a more relaxed and humorous way of enjoying tennis match-ups these days   

So chill Mister, I think I have clarified my position on tennis match-ups.

And you're a little too mature to take Forums so seriously with sensationally busting analysis on fan comments   

Midlife crisis?   

LF, the whisky?

Jahu wrote:Scottish Taxi diver

It was not a Scottish Taxi diver (Taxi diver???), it was Andy.

Well you have changed your tune Jahu. I have had conversations with you on here when you put forward for reasons of wishing Rafa and Novak to lose as not dislike but because you want new winners but here you are offering more reasons.

Sure support who you want in matches (as we all do) but leave out the silly throw-away comments like references to Novak's ear (no relevance to tennis in any case) as it doesn't look good on yourself. Doesn't bother me but like I said may bother others.

Enjoy the tennis.   

CaledonianCraig wrote:Well you have changed your tune Jahu. I have had conversations with you on here when you put forward for reasons of wishing Rafa and Novak to lose as not dislike but because you want new winners but here you are offering more reasons.

Sure support who you want in matches (as we all do) but leave out the silly throw-away comments like references to Novak's ear (no relevance to tennis in any case) as it doesn't look good on yourself. Doesn't bother me but like I said may bother others.

Enjoy the tennis.   

You are not a moderator or have the right to tell someone else what to not post, leave that to laverfan   

Talk about ears bothers others? What forum is this, abuse support and crying shoulder?

You are out of line, emotionally   

sb   you are naughty.

JM knows the tune   

Please do read all the post as I did say it doesn't bother me but bothers others. After all how would you take it if I were to continually refer to Fed's poofy tennis gear or something like that. No need for it is there.

CC, I don't view sportsman like that. Feds tennis gear is/was poofy, his outfit at W deserved a slap in the face. He has a big nose too. Arrogant, mega ego, and 300 other silly things.

See, when people say crap about Fed, I don't care. Once he is in the court, its/used to be magic.

Thats why I like him. Djoko (but not Andy) is a better guy to have a pint in the Pub then Fed.

But how can his gear be equal to Djokos ears, or Fed nose or Nadal gold digging? Its gear, stuff.

Not a good analogy with his gear, but all in all, I don't care for personal comments of players, they are no better in that department then the VIP silly celebs, some enjoy to see them who they slept with, we enjoy our players when they play tennis. There are there to be loved or loathed.

Its a free world, and I do have a special permission from HM to have a go at Djoko

Fair enough go ahead if it makes you feel better Jahu. Now back to the tennis......

Thanks buddy, of course it makes me feel better. No other reason or spite.

Enjoy the weekend.

Jahu has special dispensation under a Murdoch Mockery Permit.

It entitles the bearer to mock Novak mercilessly as long as said mockery is a) amusing and b) often about the attractiveness, or otherwise, of his ears.

Jahu - can I conclude from your posting today that the easier ride you have been giving Novak for his efforts in raising money for the floods has now expired?

Haha, don't act like you're so above it all, Craig. Your veiled put downs of Federer are both noted and hilarious we're all guilty of it at varying points.

To be fair, I think most of us on the forum have an appreciation for good tennis, irrespective of who plays it. What 'good tennis' is, of course, is the subjective part!

Some good results today, wish Kohli had won though, and a shame to see Kei lose as well. Federer in two finals eh? That'll tax his legs more than the British government ever could at Queens!

summerblues wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:It all comes across as a bit juvenile to be honest.

Oh sure it does, but juvenile is ok I think.  I think forums need irreverence.  No point trying to make the forum very serious when at the end of the day it is all just banter anyway.

Irreverence and juvenile are 2 different things. I admire the former and put up with the latter.

is it just me, or is the Old Man looking much leaner and fitter?

He does seem to have been getting progressively more so throughout the year, coolpixel. Hard to say with the twins arriving and a few erratic tournaments, but the form looks reasonably sharp.

Federer is going senile; didn't realise his match was over after match point today   

Jahu wrote:LF, the whisky?

Yes. At one point HMM, SoCal and I were discussing various forms of getting inebriated.

Silver wrote:He does seem to have been getting progressively more so throughout the year, coolpixel. Hard to say with the twins arriving and a few erratic tournaments, but the form looks reasonably sharp.

Federer is going senile; didn't realise his match was over after match point today   

He serves at 6-4 and the Nishikori shot hits the net and falls on the Nishi side. Federer starts walking back to his baseline, hang lost count of where he is in the TB (he just won the match).

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/Uploaded/2014/6/14/Halle-2014-Saturday-Federer-Match-Point.aspx#ooid=xjOTBibjqFQNLsznMCpxdkCbPvPup7Ye

Josiah Maiestas wrote:You are not a moderator or have the right to tell someone else what to not post, leave that to laverfan   

JHM is my partner-in-crime, and may feel a bit left out. . Even I cannot control what posters say, but I just try to keep the peace.

@CC... As long as there is decorum and civility, and we stay within reasonable proximity of Tennis, it is good. That is all JHM and I ask.

coolpixel wrote:is it just me, or is the Old Man looking much leaner and fitter?

I was watching Lopez-Stepanek. It is wonderful to see players in their 30+ being so fit and athletic. The Old Man has always been the model of fitness, and has managed his back and injuries very well.

PS: He is also playing doubles final, which just showcases his fitness a bit more.

Silver wrote:Federer is going senile; didn't realise his match was over after match point today   

At least he is winning while going senile.  It would have been even more embarrassing if he had attempted to continue after a lost match point.

The King of Halle needs better focus than not serving out the set at 5-3. Falla wants his break back, and he does.

Two TB sets and the 79th title.

Can he make it 9th by winning doubles?

summerblues wrote:

Silver wrote:Federer is going senile; didn't realise his match was over after match point today   

At least he is winning while going senile.  It would have been even more embarrassing if he had attempted to continue after a lost match point.

This is very true! A good win today, #79 in the bag. He's not too bad at tennis, that Swiss chap.

Would you say that it's physically more difficult to do the singles-doubles win at a single tournament these days, LF? Or is it just that the top singles players tend not to focus on the doubles for the most part? This is admittedly a 250, so the competition won't be as stiff.

The very likeable Falla will be more than a little disappointed, having produced some fine tennis en route to the Final. He's already the wrong side of 30, and may never again come so close to picking up a first tour title.

For those interested ......highlights of Halle Final on British Eurosport, 20.00 tonight (the allocated slot is 90 mins, so enough for the match in full I would think)

Silver wrote:Would you say that it's physically more difficult to do the singles-doubles win at a single tournament these days, LF? Or is it just that the top singles players tend not to focus on the doubles for the most part? This is admittedly a 250, so the competition won't be as stiff.

It is a tough ask from players (and TDs vis-à-vis scheduling), despite the lack of importance attached these days to doubles.

Nadal-Lopez won IW, Nadal-Djokovic did not make it that far though and lost to Pospisil-Raonic.

Lopez-Verdasco used to play both in DC at some point in time.

Federer tried it a Beijing 2008 and may have been a bit over-optimistic.

McEnroe is my yardstick for such achievements. Fantastic fun to watch. Laver-Rosewall are perhaps a bit behind, but nothing to be sneezed at, either.

I am glad he is justifying his appearance fees (and his life-time contract with Halle) and giving the fans a bit of big-name tennis.

There is in fact a precedent at Halle for a Singles/Doubles win.

Back in 2005, both events were won by the same guy, whose name just happens to be ...... R.Federer (partner Yves Allegro)

Fast forward to today - nine years on ! - and he's a set up with Chiudinelli after winning the first with a breadstick.

That was quite some recovery by Begemann/Knowle and they take the trophy. Maybe the Swiss national team can do better v Ecuador in Brazil, 1-1 and just over 10 mins to go ......

Thanks LF. I was thinking of Mac when I asked you, his singles/doubles statistics are scarcely believable these days.

The Swiss had it on their racquets, MP on their serve but didn't take it. Great turnaround for Begemann/Knowle

Congrats grandpa for the win.