CAMELOT FANTASIES

Well, even though the prep tournaments played faster, it looks like Rod Laver Arena is playing much like last year according to almost all of the top players who have either played or practiced there, with some of the outside courts playing faster than the show courts.

The tournament director said nothing has been changed from last year.

Andy Murray says it is playing exactly the same as last year.

Federer thinks it is about the same, maybe a just a bit faster, but will vary due to weather and time of day, somewhat faster during the hot days and slower at night.

Federer and Sharapova say that Brisbane was definitely faster, but as Federer said, not like lightning quick, while Rod Laver is playing about medium speed, and he and Tsonga played that exhibition the other day on it.

Nadal seems to be the only player who thinks that the Australian Open is faster than it was.  But then he hasn't played there since 2012 and he didn't play in Brisbane or Sydney.

I think Nadal will be fine as far as court conditions are concerned.  It is likely most of his matches will be at night when it is slower and if the new ball is livelier, it might even give his topspin more height. He'll have far more to worry about with the players in his draw.

Respectfully,
masterclass