Love, Balls and Courting: Tennis V

Projected Top 8 Seeds - Australian Open

Men

Djokovic
Murray
Federer
Wawrinka
Nadal
Berdych
Nishikori
Ferrer

Women

Serena Williams
Halep
Muguruza
Agnieszka Radwanska
Sharapova
Kvitova
Kerber
Venus Williams
 
Australian Open projected Top 8 Draws

Men

Novak Djokovic vs. Kei Nishikori
Roger Federer vs. Tomas Berdych
Rafael Nadal vs. Stan Wawrinka
David Ferrer vs. Andy Murray

Women

Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Petra Kvitova
Angelique Kerber vs. Garbine Muguruza
Venus Williams vs. Simona Halep
 
Azarenka is in the Kerber/Muguruza quarter, and she's playing well. She also owns Kerber on the H2H. I wouldn't count her out....

AO warmup titlists:

Brisbane:
Azarenka d. Kerber 63 61
Raonic d. Federer 64 64

Shenzhen:
Radwanska d. Riske 63 62

Chennai:
Wawrinka d. Coric 63 75

Doha:
Djokovic d. Nadal 61 62

Auckland:
Stephens d. Gorges 75 62
Bautista Agut d. Sock 61 10 ret.

Sydney:
Kuznetsova d. Puig 60 62
Troicki d. Dimitrov 26 61 76

Hobart:
Cornet d. Bouchard 61 62
 
Double post, but thoughts on the match fixing scandal?
http://www.buzzfeed.com/heidiblake/the-tennis-racket#.fuvwvB0Q04

Djokovic said in his post match press conference that he was offered $200K to throw a match in St. Petersburg in 2007 (this was documented at that time) which he obviously did not accept.

As far as the AO goes, Serena made it past Giorgi in two tight sets; Stephens lost to a qualifier and Wozniacki is also out.
 
Not too surprised that Venus Williams lost to Joanna Konta as Joanna seems to step up on big occasions. So well done to her.

However was not expecting Nadal to go out to Verdasco in what looks like 5 amazing sets of tennis :eek:. Nadal just seemed to fade in that 5th set though Verdasco seemed to up his game as well. I do wonder if Nadal will ever win another Slam.
 
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Halep lost last night. The women are losing seeds left and right. However, the ladies if the seeded player is off her game, then the opponent is good enough to win. Sloane looked very good the week before.

Rafa's lost hurt my heart:(

His was struggling with her serve and he was not attacking with his forehand. It is so obvious at times that you can see he lacks confidence. He was up a break in the 4th and 5th sets. I hate seeing my favorite player of all time look like this.
 
Wow that match-fixing scandal. It looks like investigators and betting company executives have gotten tired of tennis officials taking the low-key, little-to-no-action approach, and that's why the damaging report by BBC and Buzzfeed came out.

The CBS Evening news had a report this evening, and there are also numerous clips and news reports on Youtube. Here's one summarizing the scandal, with commentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLIO6zzgP4s

The fact that Novak admits someone approached people on his team at a smaller event when he was a player on the rise in 2007 (and he immediately rejected the offer) is more evidence added to the detailed reports in the Buzzfeed article. I was reading that Andy Roddick was joking on Twitter with another former player who said he could name at least 8 or 9 of the 16 players alleged to be repeatedly involved in match fixing.

Interesting too how easy it is to fix a match, or even one set as the article mentions, and that it only takes one player to be in on the fix. Also, when Roddick was asked whether he thought physical threats by criminal gangsters against players were made if the targeted players didn't accept bribes, he laughed in morbid fashion and said, "Yes, of course."

The information provided by a banned Austrian tennis player (who is said to have been widely disliked on the tour) is all kinds of WTF! He admits being approached to tank matches on three occasions, but said he didn't accept the offers, yet he casually talks about plenty of (unnamed) players being involved in fixed matches.

The press conference with the apparent three-member Tennis Integrity Unit officials is also eyebrow-raising. It's quite clear from the Buzzfeed investigation that authorities within tennis took a more low-key approach due to worry over the situation becoming public and hurting tennis' popularity, as well as the sport's bottom-line. They had the opportunity to do more years ago, but chose a low-key hear-no-evil, see-no-evil, speak-no-evil approach. And now the s**t is hitting the fan (I guess pun intended ;)).

Obviously of course the really sad thing is that the original investigation into the infamous Davydenko vs Vassallo Arguello match got stalled and undermined partly because of threats on the life of a Betfair employee in Russia. And the other sad, but to be expected, state of affairs is that part of the reason this is coming out now is that betting company executives are tired of losing so much money to the criminal mob-related match-fixing gangs in Russia and Italy. (Of course, the situation is also hurting honest bettors).

Federer has called for the names of alleged match-fixing players to be released, so that everything can be 'debated'. In the linked sports commentary, Federer is also quoted as saying that nothing would change if more money was put into smaller tournaments as a deterrent to players being tempted to accept bribe money. IOW, since gambling exists, the fix will always be in somehow, and tennis is not the only sport to be affected. Still, it appears there was a lot more that tennis officials could have done sooner to crack down harder against the alleged corruption.

The British Parliament reportedly will be investigating the allegations, especially with Wimbledon being named as one of the larger venues where match-fixing is supposed to have occurred.
 
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aftershocks said:
Interesting too how easy it is to fix a match, or even one set as the article mentions, and that it only takes one player to be in on the fix. Also, when Roddick was asked whether he thought physical threats by criminal gangsters against players were made if the targeted players didn't accept bribes, he laughed in morbid fashion and said, "Yes, of course."

The information provided by a banned Austrian tennis player (who is said to have been widely disliked on the tour) is all kinds of WTF! He admits being approached to tank matches on three occasions, but said he didn't accept the offers, yet he casually talks about plenty of (unnamed) players being involved in fixed matches.
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Interestingly, "fixes" in tennis matches don't even necessarily involve simply winning or losing the match per se.
Because there are so many other dimensions by which wagering can take place (number of sets, over/under games played won/lost), it's even more difficult to pick apart those "grey area" instances which don't necessarily involve outright tanking.

And yes, about Austria's Daniel Koellerer; he had been suspected throughout his career either match-fixing and/or betting on his own matches, but was also notorious for gamesmanship (faking injuries), and verbal (and even physical) confrontations at both competitors and officials during matches (therefore, many reasons beyond match-fixing to explain his huge unpopularity).
 
This could hurt tennis as much or more than drugs. I don't know why leaders in all fields never seem to learn that trying to keep things under wraps always blows up.
 
Seerek said:
Interestingly, "fixes" in tennis matches don't even necessarily involve simply winning or losing the match per se.
Because there are so many other dimensions by which wagering can take place (number of sets, over/under games played won/lost), it's even more difficult to pick apart those "grey area" instances which don't necessarily involve outright tanking.

And yes, about Austria's Daniel Koellerer; he had been suspected throughout his career either match-fixing and/or betting on his own matches, but was also notorious for gamesmanship (faking injuries), and verbal (and even physical) confrontations at both competitors and officials during matches (therefore, many reasons beyond match-fixing to explain his huge unpopularity).
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Yes, I saw those reports about Koellerer's rather boorish behavior and personality (even extending to abusiveness toward ball boys and girls) being the main reason behind his unpopularity on the tour.

And yes, the match fixing can happen in so many different ways that are hard to pin down that it does become such a gray area. That's why investigators felt tennis officials needed to make strategic use of their detailed original data (based on betting analysis and repetitive patterns that involved strong evidence against certain players) and try to nip things in the bud and send a strong message to suspected violators much earlier on. Apparently, it's gone on for too long and become more endemic among a certain group of players, and particularly among the criminal gangs who have been benefiting financially.

This is really damaging because tennis is such a percentage-based, random game anyway, in terms of the possibilities of the ball going into the net or hitting just outside the line. Even if one player or both happen to be involved in a fix, it's not like they can always know which way the ball is going to go (or can they :confused:). And there can be all kinds of reasons why a player might not look like he's playing hard enough in terms of running down every ball. Inevitably, people are going to be making match-fixing jokes, and it's happening already on social media (based on top players having lost some past matches that it looks like they should have won, when maybe it just wasn't their day and the loss has nothing to do with them fixing the match). :fragile:
 
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Well that's that for Lleyton Hewitt in regards to singles tennis on the pro tour (he is still in the doubles). I'm sure he would have liked to gone further or even go out on a tight 5 setter but that wasn't to be. He finished at night on Rod Laver Arena in front of a full partisan house and I'm sure he shed a tear or two at the end. Love him or loath him you can't fault him for his passion and commitment. Yes I know he was a surly young player - but there always seems to be one (or two) in each generation in Australia ;) - but he grew up and was always proud to represent his country. I hope he still stays in the game on some level and hopefully he can enjoy his retirement.
 
I think Hewett matured alot from his early bad boy antics. I really do. He matured into a professional acting tennis player on and off the court.

My girl Vika has looked incredible. She has a difficult match against the young Japanese player Osaka. If she gets past Osaka it could be Mugaruza who has not looked great.

Madison Keys played really well last night. I am really rooting for Monica Puig from Puerto Rico. She's a gutsy player with alot of talent.

Kvitova lost the day before, Kuznetsova lost as did Lisicki. The last two german women are qualifiers. So many injured top women's players going into this tourney. The #2, 6, 8, 11, 16, 17,19,22,23,24,25,26,30 seeds are gone.

Kuznetsova I expected to go further because she played great in Sydney.
 
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Both Kvitova and Lisicki are inconsistent beyond belief. When they're on, they can be stunning to watch. But their tennis can be painful to watch when they're off. I think part of the problem is that neither are the greatest movers.

I'm expecting Djokovic to probably take the title on the men's side. I didn't care for him when he was younger but since he's both matured and improved his game, he's can be incredible to watch. I think his biggest strength is his lack of weaknesses.
 
gk_891 said:
I think his biggest strength is his lack of weaknesses.
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It's for this reason above why I think Novak has a reasonably decent shot to match Roger's 17 singles majors (if he stays healthy).
Yes, he'll be 29 in the spring, but it doesn't appear that he's had too much to deal with in terms of wear and tear in his career thus far.
 
What are the general thoughts on the next generation of tennis players? Players like Borna Coric, Hyeon Chung, Nick Kyrgios etc? There are times where I think Coric and Kyrgios could be the real deal but there are other times where I think they're flashy but lacking substance. Hyeon Chung is very solid and he played respectably against Djokovic in the first round the other day. But I think he really needs to work on his court positioning. His forehand is also weird-looking.
 
I think mens and women's tennis have bright futures. Coric's game is fantastic, he just needs consistency. Krygios is hugely talented but I'm afraid his ego and personality will continue to get in the way. I like Jack Sock, Dominic Thiem, Stevie Johnson and Milos Raonic. I think all will have a bright future. I forget to add Gregor Dmitov too.

On the ladies, the sky is the limit. The fact that players are competitive well into their thirties is a plus. I don't think we'll a teen phenom on the ladies side ever again.
 
topaz said:
Hewitt's last interview. His kids are gorgeous. The youngest girl looks like a young Vika Azarenka.

http://2016.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/media/4714962145001.html

Hewitt is on to his new job, Davis Cup Captain.
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I think he really started to grow up when he had the kids - so many people do. And they are gorgeous.

Great to hear he is taking over as Davis Cup Captain - his passion will know no bounds and hopefully he can help the young tennis players on the team grow and blossom. Australia has a huge pot of young male players coming through who could really make waves on the pro tour.
 
Off into the well deserved after playing tennis sunset, Mr. Hewitt!! You had a great run! He was a great competitor, for sure, but time and injuries eventually take their toll and now he can help the next generation reach their potential. I hope he enjoys life with his beautiful family.

I have found women's tennis to be outstandingly dull the last 3-4 years, I make it no secret, but I was pleasantly surprised by the young Japanese lady, Naomi Osaka. I was channel flicking between a couple of matches and noticed that this one ladies match was actually good. I started to pay attention and she really stood out on the court. If she can control her youthful ups/downs etc., she has the talent/power to go far. I was impressed.
 
liv said:
I have found women's tennis to be outstandingly dull the last 3-4 years, I make it no secret, but I was pleasantly surprised by the young Japanese lady, Naomi Osaka. I was channel flicking between a couple of matches and noticed that this one ladies match was actually good. I started to pay attention and she really stood out on the court. If she can control her youthful ups/downs etc., she has the talent/power to go far. I was impressed.
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What about the women's game do you have find "dull"?
 
Maria Sharapova beats Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-7, 6-0. Will face Bencic in the 4th Round
 
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Scary scene today during Ana's match. Her coach Nigel Sears stated he felt ill and while he was leaving the arena apparently collasped on the stairs. Initial reports that they may have used an defigulator, but nothing has been confirmed. Play was stopped and Ana apparently recognized the man down was her coach. Play was stopped and Ana was visibly shaken going to the locker room. The players decided to resume the match after an hour. Ana did lose in 3 sets t Madison Keys.

Andy Murray was playing at the time of the collaspe too. Andy was unaware of it until after he finished his match and then rushed to the hospital to see about his father in law. Nigel Sears is Andy's father in law. Andy's wife Kim is due to have their baby in a few weeks.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sp...ian-Open-clash-Ana-Ivanovic-Madison-Keys.html

Here is the espn video of Ana. http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus16/sto...ach-andy-murray-father-law-conscious-collapse

Nigel Sears appears to be concious and alert now.
 
So there will be an unseeded lady in the semis. Either Joanna Konta of GBR or Zhang Shuia of China who hadn't win a Grand Slam match in 8 attempts before this competition :eek:. Of course I am hoping for a Konta win but still a great result for both ladies.

Still looking to be a Serena vs Viki final though and I do think Viki is the only lady capable of beating Serena in the final even if she is the lowest seed left.
 
I'm looking forward to the match between Djokovic and Nishikori. Some refer to Nishikori as a baby Djokovic and I can see some minor similarities (sweet two-handed backhand, both move extremely well, etc).. If Novak plays well, I think he'll punish Kei's serve which is mediocre at best. But if Nishikori is on top of his game, he could really push Djokovic and make it entertaining at least. Their head to head record is 5-2 in Novak's favour. I think they're last grandslam meeting is when Nishikori defeated Djokovic at the semifinals of the 2014 U.S Open.

But if Novak is on, I fully expect him to win this one. The problem is that he wasn't on at all in his last match against Gilles Simon.
 
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I rewatched the Keys/Zhang match and it broke my heart. :fragile:

Madison was on her way to a win then she injured her adductor. She's has issues with this injury before. She was in so much pain =. She was labored and crying leaving the court.
 
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