Wimbledon 2016 - Day 7

by **laverfan** Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:04 am

First topic message reminder :

Schedule - http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html

Live Scores - http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/index.html

Good to see new faces - Johnson, Vesley, Pouille, Mahut.

MoTD - Kyrgios v Murray (IMVHO).

by Henman Bill Thu Jun 30, 2016 6:05 pm

But, actually, some good discussion going on. Carry on.

by Aut0Gr4ph Thu Jun 30, 2016 6:19 pm

Well all this talk of tumbleweed has got us to page 2. Shame none of us seem to know what day it is.....

by Aut0Gr4ph Thu Jun 30, 2016 6:34 pm

What happened to Bouchard? Doesn't seem all that long ago that she was poised to be the next big thing and now not even seeded. Maybe she should get together with Dimi and they could become the antithesis of a tennis power couple.

by Born Slippy Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:17 pm

Got to be frustrating for Konta. Seeded 16 in her home slam and gets Bouchard in Round 2 - playing like the top 10 player she used to be. Very high quality ladies match.

Radwanska has saved match points against the 18 year old Konjuh but now a break down again 5-6.

Thiem a set down and 6-5* against Vesely #close...

by Born Slippy Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:20 pm

Great hold from Konta from 0-40. Now leads 4-1* in set 2.

by Born Slippy Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:20 pm

16 seeds out today but the men's top 10 standing firm.

by Born Slippy Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:28 pm

Although Thiem now 67 67 down to Vesely. A long way back against the giant leftie.

by lags72 Thu Jun 30, 2016 8:41 pm

Aut0Gr4ph wrote:

.......................................

I don't think these early rounds count for very much for the very top players, particularly on grass, where recovery time and general wear and tear are less likely to be a factor. I still remember 2014, where Murray looked in imperious form for the first 4 rounds and then crashed out against Grigor.

Agreed, the first week can't automatically provide a true indicator as to what might/will happen at the business end.

And it works both ways - ie, just as Murray crashed (and rather tamely IIRC .....?) to Dimitrov having sailed through previous rounds, there are countless cases of players (across any & all of the Slams) looking edgy & out of form in early rounds - only to then suddenly turn on the style in semi and Final, and sometimes walk away with the title.

Genie Army may have been disbanded, but their patron looking back to her best in taking out Konta...... Cool

by Born Slippy Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:40 pm

18 seeds out today I think. Fair bit of carnage.

by summerblues Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:25 am

Evans vs Federer could potentially be close. Normally Fed should cruise but he has not been looking very solid, so maybe some small chance of an upset - that would make British media excited again.

by summerblues Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:36 am

Born Slippy wrote:18 seeds out today I think. Fair bit of carnage.

Yeah, but nothing really spectacular on men's side. Seven seeds lost, but the highest ones were Thiem (8) and Ferrer (13). Neither of them a grass wizard (Thiem surprised me in the grass warm-ups, so I did not expect him to go out so quickly, but in general he is more of a clay courter), and Ferrer seemingly declining. Simon (16) lost to Dimitrov, which arguably is the more reasonable result than the other way around. The remaining four seeds were all seeded 23 or lower.

So, in the bigger scheme of things, nothing all that surprising. Nothing like a couple of years ago when Nadal and Fed were both gone after Rd2.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 11:01 am

Evans-Federer could be a decent game. If Evans can bring his previous round form, he has a chance. Thought Feds looked OK against Willis, certainly miles better than in the RG warm-ups. Will be a good test for him.

Kyrgios-Brown should be entertaining.

Murray looked decent yesterday. Struggled a bit at the start, but looked increasingly assured as the match went on, and by the end of the second set was really sharp. Lu didn't manage a single ace in the match, so his return of serve was on point (winning 72% of points behind Lu's second serve). Early days of course, but decent signs so far.

by Guest82 Fri Jul 01, 2016 11:46 am

Think Evans can make it interesting and perhaps take a set. Still think Fed is playing well enough to get through, I think it'll take a top 20 player to knock this version of Fed out. Of course, he can improve to his normal level, in which case it'll probably take Djokovic.

by temporary21 Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:04 pm

Tbh. Dimi is his biggest threat before novak. I think river should make the semis. He'll need a 2012 miracle thiugh to not be shredded by novak

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:10 pm

Guest82 wrote:Think Evans can make it interesting and perhaps take a set. Still think Fed is playing well enough to get through, I think it'll take a top 20 player to knock this version of Fed out. Of course, he can improve to his normal level, in which case it'll probably take Djokovic.

I don't think Roger's playing well at all and this is a superb opportunity for Evans as Roger seems slightly ill at ease to me

I can understand why. Like Rafa (last year) and Andy in 2014, been able to do get back to your best after a worrying injury is going to play on your mind, until you achieve 'par' for the major or masters you are entering.

Hence it took until the US Open of 2014, for Murray to be anywhere near what we'd seen the previous two years and even then arguably Andy wasn't back to his best until the following Spring

I release that Murray's injury was more of an issue and he's not got the same pedigree as Roger, but someone like Evans who is becoming Gulbis like in terms of what to expect is very dangerous

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:15 pm

Indoor match now between Stan and Del Boy. Very interesting, given the latter is a very good indoor player.

by Guest82 Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:44 pm

Can get 24/1 on Evans on Betfair if you give him a chance. I really like Evans but can't see him beating Federer. Don't think his best level is that of Gulbis' best. He's more up and down during matches too.

Stan wins the first set.

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:49 pm

Guest82 wrote:I really like Evans but can't see him beating Federer. Don't think his best level is that of Gulbis' best. He's more up and down during matches too

But I think Roger's current best is 'poorer' than we perhaps think. We're assuming (and why not, it is Roger) that he's just a bit rusty and he's going to start playing like the No.3 he is.

Body language wise, I think Roger isn't anywhere near he wants to be, but rightly will feel that he must get some competition in before The Olympics

I seriously think, if that had been the French (i.e. played at this time) he wouldn't be here

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:59 pm

Very loose game from Wawrinka there, easy FH into the net hands a BP to Del Potro and a DF rather gifts it away.

by TRuffin Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:17 pm

banbrotam wrote:
Guest82 wrote:I really like Evans but can't see him beating Federer. Don't think his best level is that of Gulbis' best. He's more up and down during matches too

But I think Roger's current best is 'poorer' than we perhaps think. We're assuming (and why not, it is Roger) that he's just a bit rusty and he's going to start playing like the No.3 he is.

Body language wise, I think Roger isn't anywhere near he wants to be, but rightly will feel that he must get some competition in before The Olympics

I seriously think, if that had been the French (i.e. played at this time) he wouldn't be here

Mary Joe Fernandez (who always has insider info since her husband is Feds agent and one of best friends) said in the preshow a couple of days ago that Fed's surgery recovery had been more complicated than he let on. She said he had unusual swelling early on that delayed the rehab, and was still dealing with swelling after practice and matches. She says he can't get the push off he usually gets from his legs on serve and is not coming over the serve like he wants.

Also- fans on his website have poured over picts and it's clear he has altered his serve motion. His left leg forward used to be straight (almost hyper extended) as he began his service motion. Now he keeps it slightly bent forward and tries to rock back more- keeps back straighter and used more arm. trying to protect the knee and back

On the back front- he's wearing the compression shirt underneath his normal shirt like he did in 2013. He ditched the compression in 2013 because he said it felt too restrictive. The fact that he's wearing it again must indicate the back is bad.

I'm not sure if Fed can work himself out of this. If the knee is just altered permantly- he can compensate, but I don't know if he can get back to even the 2015 level. Time is not on his side.

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:29 pm

TRuffin wrote:
banbrotam wrote:
Guest82 wrote:I really like Evans but can't see him beating Federer. Don't think his best level is that of Gulbis' best. He's more up and down during matches too

But I think Roger's current best is 'poorer' than we perhaps think. We're assuming (and why not, it is Roger) that he's just a bit rusty and he's going to start playing like the No.3 he is.

Body language wise, I think Roger isn't anywhere near he wants to be, but rightly will feel that he must get some competition in before The Olympics

I seriously think, if that had been the French (i.e. played at this time) he wouldn't be here

Mary Joe Fernandez (who always has insider info since her husband is Feds agent and one of best friends) said in the preshow a couple of days ago that Fed's surgery recovery had been more complicated than he let on. She said he had unusual swelling early on that delayed the rehab, and was still dealing with swelling after practice and matches. She says he can't get the push off he usually gets from his legs on serve and is not coming over the serve like he wants.

Also- fans on his website have poured over picts and it's clear he has altered his serve motion. His left leg forward used to be straight (almost hyper extended) as he began his service motion. Now he keeps it slightly bent forward and tries to rock back more- keeps back straighter and used more arm. trying to protect the knee and back

On the back front- he's wearing the compression shirt underneath his normal shirt like he did in 2013. He ditched the compression in 2013 because he said it felt too restrictive. The fact that he's wearing it again must indicate the back is bad.

I'm not sure if Fed can work himself out of this. If the knee is just altered permanently- he can compensate, but I don't know if he can get back to even the 2015 level. Time is not on his side.

Great info. Explains the flat (for Roger) body language. Evans has to see him like a great white shark would look at a sperm whale who's seen better days - the type of prey he would normally keep a million miles away from that is now available

I expect Roger to win, but you never know

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:36 pm

Well that's unexpected. Three straight breaks of serve to begin the third, Del Potro edging in front 2-1 with the break.

Interesting stuff TRuffin, thanks for that.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:46 pm

Interesting comment there from you TRuffin on the matter of Federer's current troubles - and seemingly well-sourced too.

He himself claims to be in pretty good shape coming into Wimbledon ; but then again he has habitually talked down injury concerns when questioned.

We see frequently just how long it can take players in their early/mid twenties to get back on track after knee, or other, surgery (though admittedly, Federer's procedure was relatively minor). Once you're into mid to late thirties, the difficulties are inevitably multiplied by a very significant factor. And of course he has the ongoing back problems too.

The man has surprised us in the past, but I think it's now looking more & more certain that the good days are pretty much well & truly over. As recently as 12 months back, in the SF match v Murray on that hot Friday afternoon last year, he was performing at a very high level. But fast forward and this year it's all rather different. Had he played the other day the way he played that match v Murray, I'm not sure our folk hero Marcus Willis would have troubled the scorers at all.

Dan ...... this is your big day ...... your moment to shine

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:51 pm

It's like watching Novak and Andy from two years ago!!

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:19 pm

Del Potro takes the third set on a TB, Wawrinka with more DFs at crucial times.

Wawrinka with it all to do here.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:43 pm

Brown takes the first set against Kyrgios on a TB, some typical entertaining stuff from him there.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:58 pm

Del Potro knocks out Wawrinka!

Big win for him, Wawrinka continues to find grass difficult, just too many cheap points given away at crucial times today.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:03 pm

Yes, great stuff from Delpo.

Is he now a title contender ...... chin

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:05 pm

Two fastest players in Wimbledon history ..... currently sharing the same court Shocked

by Guest82 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:06 pm

Hmm. I do think we are writing Fed off too quickly. He was clearly the second best player in the world for the second half of last year, I'd expect Murray to do better than him on the slower courts. Whilst he's obviously not at his best, I think it is likely he will return to top 4 level once the injuries fully heal - unless they don't.

Massive win for Delpo. Don't think he had beaten anyone inside the top 30 since his comeback.

Just need Serena to make this last an hour and a half so I can get home for Evans v Federer.

by Calder106 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:07 pm

Well done to Delpo. Excellent win. As Mfc says after winning the first set Wawrinka seemed to lose concentration a bit and made too many errors on simple shots.

by Guest82 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:07 pm

lags72 wrote:Yes, great stuff from Delpo.

Is he now a title contender ......

He's a candidate for the semi-final for sure. Him or Zverev from that quarter, I'd be happy with either.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:35 pm

Kyrgios has pulled himself together again so we could well be headed for a fifth. In which case, hard to say who the favourite might be.

Would be a fitting conclusion to a highly watchable contest -- either way. Though not one for the purists perhaps.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:37 pm

Just hope the rain holds off long enough to see this one out.....

by Henman Bill Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:40 pm

Wow, Delpo! Great result.

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:47 pm

lags72 wrote:Dan ...... this is your big day ...... your moment to shine

And I think he knows it

If he wins, he's surely up to the Top 70 and more invites to tournies with players who give him the challenge his personality needs. He could easily have a very good late career, if he grasps these moments

I think he's very talented, some of shots yesterday were jaw dropping - it will depend on the mentality. Is it permanently better? Or just occasionally?

by banbrotam Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:54 pm

Guest82 wrote:
lags72 wrote:Yes, great stuff from Delpo.

Is he now a title contender ......

He's a candidate for the semi-final for sure. Him or Zverev from that quarter, I'd be happy with either.

I don't see him as a contender, simply because (assuming Murray gets there) he's playing a player who always causes him problems on their best surface and hasn't been this far for three years

I also don't get this assumption that there's just now DP and Zverev, there are enough dangerous other players - with better slam form / history in their quarter

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:58 pm

If Dan can play with the freedom that he showed v Dolgopolov, we could be in for a match.

Then again if Federer somehow (and I'm not expecting it, given his mediocre form so far) suddenly turns on his best or near-best ; and Dan is also at his best ..... then there is realistically only one winner.

But it's rare that both contestants produce their best during any given match. Let's hope at least it's a close one .........

by Guest Fri Jul 01, 2016 5:49 pm

I quite like Serena but I want McHale to win this second round match because McHale is playing more or less silently while Serena is grunting like a maniac - although Serena seems to switch from full on grunting to silence then back again. Strange. I get a headache with the concussive Serena grunt. Must be particularly bad when the roof is on - as per now.

Well done to Del Potro for demonstrating what a talent he is despite the recurring wrist injuries.

Match of the tournament so far seems to be perhaps Brown vs Krygios. I suppose Mahut & Gasquet are other stylish grass court players that I would be prepared to pay to see.

by temporary21 Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:07 pm

End of that set serena threw her racquet and it hit a cameraman. Very lightly. But it's a default of the umpire caught it

by Guest Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:47 pm

I wonder whether Serena is actually enjoying playing tennis. Maybe she is just in it now to try to break a few more records. She goes from uber aggressive to what looks like passivity. Concussive grunts to silence. Petulence then a smile.

Her throwing away the racket was not too dissimilar to Djokovics back racket throw that just missed the line judge.

by Guest Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:55 pm

Serena is clearly the better player. But she seems so impatient. She wants to win more than she wants to play the match.

by Guest Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:05 pm

I see Serena is one grand slam win away from tying Steffi Graf's (22) record. Since I think Serena is the better tennis player - then I hope Serena can get to and beat Graf's record as soon as possible. Then she will have to go for Margaret Court's record (24). Personally I think Monica Seles was the best female tennis player of all of them.

I just wish Serena would cut out the concussive grunts and petulance. I think shivfan is one of Serena's biggest supporters so he might think my comments harsh.

by Guest Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:13 pm

Incredible rally.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:51 pm

No real sign of nerves from Evans.

Fed himself will need to find some rhythm. Not sure his current level of movement, accuracy & timing is good enough for a 500 title, let alone business end of a Slam.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:55 pm

Trouble at mill for Novak .......

by temporary21 Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:00 pm

Its gonna have to be another Kevin Anderson deal

by temporary21 Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:03 pm

Rain at the perfect time for Nole.

by lags72 Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:16 pm

Evans looking remarkably composed. And the beneficiary of a whole variety of UE's by the Fed.

by Henman Bill Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:17 pm

Interesting to see the betting odds still make Nole the favourite even 2-0 down to a half decent player. Albeit very close to 50/50 odds.

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