Author Topic: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1) (Read 2583 times)

masterclass · « **on:** October 21, 2014, 06:20:27 am »

For the first time in history, a major tennis tournament will have 3 stadiums that each have a retractable roof!

History will be also be set at this tournament if either Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Roger Federer win the title.

Nadal will have his second career Grand Slam if he wins, a record for such an event entirely in the Open Era.
Djokovic and Federer, will have an Open Era record 5th title if one of them wins.

Or perhaps someone else will spoil the history party...

A lot is at stake, who will take it?

Respectfully,
masterclass

Emma · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2014, 07:09:40 pm »

wow - that's like really early. Anyway, given Andy's past as far as AO is concerned and if Andy gets his ranking in proper place then I feel he has a very good outside chance to do well here. Maybe the dark horse?

masterclass · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2014, 09:28:27 am »

Yes, I also think it will be a big help for Andy to be in the top 8 seeds at least.

Murray's winter training preparation will be key. It seems this year he has opted for exhibitions in Abu Dhabi (Mubadala WTC)and Perth (Hopman Cup) instead of Tour events Brisbane or Doha..

What remains to be seen is if he can raise his level back to top 5, much less consistent top 10, after his back surgery last year.
We just don't know. Many never get back to their best after back surgery. Let's hope that's not the case with Andy.

He must improve that second serve. It has been woeful. When his 1st service pct. goes away, good players are killing it, much less the top players. Don't know if the back is hindering him there or not. But I think he might be better off mostly using his 1st serve delivery and cutting the speed a bit for safety.

Some people are expecting Cilic, Wawrinka, and Raonic to do well, but who knows? Tsonga has been on a general downslide, despite his Toronto win, maybe he can be a factor again. But other young players like Goffin, Kyrgios, Thiem, etc. might start to rise as well. I think and hope it will be an interesting 2015.

Hmm, the time countdown app isn't working (Empty rectangle on top of image). Have to see what's wrong with it.

Respectfully,
masterclass

Emma · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2014, 09:38:11 pm »

I believe Andy wants to avoid any expectation (or the opposite) going into AO so he opted out of Brisbane/Doha. A few practice matches is probably enough. He used to do that prior to his Slam wins. He wants to make sure by the end of this year that he's ranked within top 8 - that's why he's playing back to back tournaments. WTF feels more like a smokescreen.

Anyway, 2015 is definitely a key year for Andy. If he doesn't do well then he may as well be done and will probably remain as a top 10 or 20 player at best, but I think he'll be keen on proving his naysayers wrong and will probably storm back to top 4 - where he left things off. AO would be a great indication of things. This year, especially right now, he's spending time and putting in extra effort to build the momentum. And I am sure he's building it for a good reason.

His 2nd serve is his weakest link, there's no doubt about that. Even today, I think he won about 6 points out of 20 (30%) and that's pretty poor. Melzer himself played pretty poor so it doesn't look too bad on Andy but against others, it is the deciding factor for his win or loss. His 1st serve has been pretty consistent since Shenzen so that's something he doesn't need to worry about too much right now. I have no idea what Mauresmo (and Andy) has in plan for the 2nd serve. I am sure something could be done about it.

As to others, Wawrinka will probably collapse early due to expectation and perhaps same goes for Cilic but I will bank on Cilic more at this point. I don't think he got completely carried away by his US Open win. Raonic will be lethal or so I get the feeling. Whoever draws him will be a handful. He's something of a worry for us Andy fans. You didn't mention either Dimitrov or Nishikori - Nishikori in particular I believe will be the most dangerous. He'll be my 3rd favourite after Andy and Nole.

Yes, it will be interesting to see how things pan out for Thiem (I like him very much), Goffin and Kyrgios - Especially Kyrgios given the venue. I feel 2015 will be more interesting than 2014.

Clay Death · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2014, 11:51:58 am »

wow. general masterclass rules the world of tennis for his amazing proactive thinking.

there is indeed so much history at stake at the next slam. I can hardly wait to watch it all unfold.

this is going to be an awesome thread. we will start firing up some pictures for this thread.

Melbourne centre court is beautiful beyond belief.

masterclass · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2014, 05:08:07 am »

Well General Hercules, it helps to have a great plan for Australia. If you decide to play winter exhibitions and goof off, and you are a player that depends on supreme fitness, you are asking for trouble. Everyone is looking to be in form and fit that early in the year.

Now finally, finally, Rafa is out for the year. Not sure why he wasted time in Shanghai and Basel after being diagnosed with appendicitis. If he had it taken care of right away, there's an excellent chance he would have been ready for at least the World Tour Finals, which he deserved to be in considering the first half of the year. But he didn't, who knows why? Maybe because of a contract obligation with Basel? Seems that if he had appendicitis, he could have broken that contract. He can't need the money that badly. Only they know why they did what they did.

Anyway, Borna Coric played very well, and did Rafa a favor and knocked him out in Basel. Now Rafa can get the damn appendectomy surgery finally and start preparing for Australia. But he's guaranteed himself #3 ranking going into Australia, for all that it matters. Nole and Roger will be #1 and #2 or the reverse depending on Paris, World Tour Finals, and maybe Davis Cup Finals. It might be interesting to see what they do over the winter. Play in this new league I guess. If it's only a few days then I guess it doesn't matter as long as they don't hurt themselves. But once they take their holidays, they will get down to training. Federer is scheduled for Brisbane like last year. I think No1e will probably just play those exhibitions at the start of the year like in Abu Dhabi. Nadal might try to defend Doha if he can be ready. Let's see if he trains on his indoor hard court, or on clay. Murray will probably be in Miami training then he has Abu Dhabi and Hopman Cup.

I'm not ready to predict anything yet. I'll wait till the draw and see everything that went on over the winter and prep matches.

Respectfully,
masterclass

thetruth · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2014, 02:39:21 am »

Quote from: masterclass on October 25, 2014, 05:08:07 am

Well General Hercules, it helps to have a great plan for Australia. If you decide to play winter exhibitions and goof off, and you are a player that depends on supreme fitness, you are asking for trouble. Everyone is looking to be in form and fit that early in the year.

Now finally, finally, Rafa is out for the year. Not sure why he wasted time in Shanghai and Basel after being diagnosed with appendicitis. If he had it taken care of right away, there's an excellent chance he would have been ready for at least the World Tour Finals, which he deserved to be in considering the first half of the year. But he didn't, who knows why? Maybe because of a contract obligation with Basel? Seems that if he had appendicitis, he could have broken that contract. He can't need the money that badly. Only they know why they did what they did.

Anyway, Borna Coric played very well, and did Rafa a favor and knocked him out in Basel. Now Rafa can get the damn appendectomy surgery finally and start preparing for Australia. But he's guaranteed himself #3 ranking going into Australia, for all that it matters. Nole and Roger will be #1 and #2 or the reverse depending on Paris, World Tour Finals, and maybe Davis Cup Finals. It might be interesting to see what they do over the winter. Play in this new league I guess. If it's only a few days then I guess it doesn't matter as long as they don't hurt themselves. But once they take their holidays, they will get down to training. Federer is scheduled for Brisbane like last year. I think No1e will probably just play those exhibitions at the start of the year like in Abu Dhabi. Nadal might try to defend Doha if he can be ready. Let's see if he trains on his indoor hard court, or on clay. Murray will probably be in Miami training then he has Abu Dhabi and Hopman Cup.

I'm not ready to predict anything yet. I'll wait till the draw and see everything that went on over the winter and prep matches.

Respectfully,
masterclass

I think it was probably the pressure of having reneged last year. It would have looked bad if he did it two years in a row. Did they pay him for last year? Maybe he felt he had to show up. The good thing is that he didn't go all out, so in the end, all's well.

Hm, there is a ton of history waiting to unfold at the Oz, 2015. Since Rafa will be #3 I wonder who he'll get in the projected semifinals. I just hope he's fit and ready to go.

It's hard to say what's going to happen with Andy. He is getting some consistency, as far as winning, but still seems to be missing something. Novak hasn't played that much recently and seems to have his hands full with all the personal blessings in his life, and Rafa, well, we'll have to see how he recovers. Federer seems to be playing the best he's played in years.

Of the dark horses, I see Nishikori and Cilic as the best bets. I don't know about Dmitrov. Something about his game or mentality just isn't right at this juncture.

Clay Death · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2015, 04:23:53 pm »

Ok who else is fired up?

2015 is officially under way with this slam.

I think you have to make roger, nole, and Andy the favorites for the title.

Clay Death · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2015, 09:01:30 am »

lets get the show on the road.

time to get fired up.

masterclass · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2015, 11:02:15 am »

Yes, finally, here we are! Main draw is in first post!

Prep winners: Brisbane - Roger Federer, Chennai - Stan Wawrinka, Doha - David Ferrer,

Tomorrow's Auckland Final is qualifier Vesely vs. Mannarino and Sydney final is qualifier Troicki vs. qualifier Kukushkin (first time in the history of the ATP 2 qualifiers meet in the final).

Clay Warrior has won only 7 matches post last year's Roland Garros, 4 past Wimbledon in 13 matches played in over 7 months. He is in severe need of match play.

Rafa really needs to get off the hard courts and on the clay as soon as possible - "Clay is the wellspring from which he flows."

Respectfully,
masterclass

thetruth · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2015, 04:06:40 pm »

Quote from: Clay Death on January 10, 2015, 04:23:53 pm

Ok who else is fired up?

2015 is officially under way with this slam.

I think you have to make roger, nole, and Andy the favorites for the title.

I am. It'll be great to have the new season underway. Those are good title picks. I can't wait to see who wins.

thetruth · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2015, 04:12:02 pm »

Quote from: masterclass on January 16, 2015, 11:02:15 am

Yes, finally, here we are! Main draw is in first post!

Prep winners: Brisbane - Roger Federer, Chennai - Stan Wawrinka, Doha - David Ferrer,

Tomorrow's Auckland Final is qualifier Vesely vs. Mannarino and Sydney final is qualifier Troicki vs. qualifier Kukushkin (first time in the history of the ATP 2 qualifiers meet in the final).

Clay Warrior has won only 7 matches post last year's Roland Garros, 4 past Wimbledon in 13 matches played in over 7 months. He is in severe need of match play.

Rafa really needs to get off the hard courts and on the clay as soon as possible - "Clay is the wellspring from which he flows."

Respectfully,
masterclass

Great to see you back.

Don't remind me, "Clay Warrior has won only 7 matches post last year's Roland Garros, 4 past Wimbledon in 13 matches played in over 7 months. He is in severe need of match play."

You must be extremely pleased with Roger's play. It really is nothing short of phenomenal. I watched his last match against Raonic and I cannot believe how alert and quick on the court he still is. Truly amazing!

Clay Death · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2015, 09:04:56 am »

Quote from: masterclass on January 16, 2015, 11:02:15 am

Yes, finally, here we are! Main draw is in first post!

Prep winners: Brisbane - Roger Federer, Chennai - Stan Wawrinka, Doha - David Ferrer,

Tomorrow's Auckland Final is qualifier Vesely vs. Mannarino and Sydney final is qualifier Troicki vs. qualifier Kukushkin (first time in the history of the ATP 2 qualifiers meet in the final).

Clay Warrior has won only 7 matches post last year's Roland Garros, 4 past Wimbledon in 13 matches played in over 7 months. He is in severe need of match play.

Rafa really needs to get off the hard courts and on the clay as soon as possible - "Clay is the wellspring from which he flows."

Respectfully,
masterclass

truer words have never been spoken

he has thrown his entire ground game away because he cant get off the hard courts.

hard courts are also killing him in other ways: injuries

you saw del potro working hard on clay recently. nole practices pretty much year around on clay. there is a reason why he does that.
it keeps him healthy and it keeps his ground game sharp.

roger has also been doing some clay.

but rafa needs clay more than anybody. clay made him what he became.

now he has to go back to that wellspring.

thetruth · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2015, 05:04:42 am »

Quote from: Clay Death on January 17, 2015, 09:04:56 am

Quote from: masterclass on January 16, 2015, 11:02:15 am
Yes, finally, here we are! Main draw is in first post!

Prep winners: Brisbane - Roger Federer, Chennai - Stan Wawrinka, Doha - David Ferrer,

Tomorrow's Auckland Final is qualifier Vesely vs. Mannarino and Sydney final is qualifier Troicki vs. qualifier Kukushkin (first time in the history of the ATP 2 qualifiers meet in the final).

Clay Warrior has won only 7 matches post last year's Roland Garros, 4 past Wimbledon in 13 matches played in over 7 months. He is in severe need of match play.

Rafa really needs to get off the hard courts and on the clay as soon as possible - "Clay is the wellspring from which he flows."

Respectfully,
masterclass

truer words have never been spoken

he has thrown his entire ground game away because he cant get off the hard courts.

hard courts are also killing him in other ways: injuries

you saw del potro working hard on clay recently. nole practices pretty much year around on clay. there is a reason why he does that.
it keeps him healthy and it keeps his ground game sharp.

roger has also been doing some clay.

but rafa needs clay more than anybody. clay made him what he became.

now he has to go back to that wellspring.

Did you see where del Potro withdrew from the AO? His wrist started bothering him in practice. Sad to hear.

Clay Death · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2015, 11:39:05 am »

Good afternoon ladyTT, general masterclass, and the others.

poor del potro. He can't seem to catch a break from injuries.

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Author Topic: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1) (Read 2583 times)

masterclass

2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1)

Emma

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

masterclass

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

Emma

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

Clay Death

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masterclass

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

thetruth

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Clay Death

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

Clay Death

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

masterclass

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1)

thetruth

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!

thetruth

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1)

Clay Death

Re: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake! (Draw in Post #1)

thetruth

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Clay Death

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