Tennis League All Thread

[cryptofrka]

I thought Medvedev was done after going 2 sets behind. Nice to see he's growing stronger in the mental aspect of the game, that was his weakest point so far.

Tsitsipas was really dominant against Sinner but I feel Medvedev is a better player. Tsitsipas will want to prove that he's better than what we saw here last year.

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[Trofo]

I thought Medvedev was done after going 2 sets behind. Nice to see he's growing stronger in the mental aspect of the game, that was his weakest point so far.

I feel like this comeback was more a case of Felix AA not being able to keep playing on extra high level than Medvedev upping his game.

Barty against Keys in a couple of minutes. For me this is a final before final and whoever wins here will take the AO home. This will be a clash of two styles and whichever comes on top will be the winner. I took 4.5 handicap on Keys, wanted 5.5 but there isn't one in offer on Sportsbet unfortunately.

[cryptofrka]

I feel like this comeback was more a case of Felix AA not being able to keep playing on extra high level than Medvedev upping his game.

Sure, but when you are 2-0 down it takes 1 bad game to kick you out - and FAA is a player that will make you play for every one of them.
Medvedev is a player without any real weaknesses in his game, I'm just saying that matches like these will help him build that crucial part of the game (mental) that has ruined many great players before him.

[Trofo]

Medvedev is a player without any real weaknesses in his game, I'm just saying that matches like these will help him build that crucial part of the game (mental) that has ruined many great players before him.

I am not convinced, I still think he is bad in mental aspect. He has awful body language and bitches about all kind of details when results are not favoring him. That is part that irritates me most, he complained about everything yesterday to the ref "somebody took a picture", "somebody sneezed before my serve", "they are too loud"....

My thesis is that he has improved his game so much that his mental aspect does not get tested in 99% of matches. That is why I am waiting for his match against Djokovic or maybe even this back in form Nadal will be enough to show me the real state of things.

[cryptofrka]

I am not convinced, I still think he is bad in mental aspect. He has awful body language and bitches about all kind of details when results are not favoring him. That is part that irritates me most, he complained about everything yesterday to the ref "somebody took a picture", "somebody sneezed before my serve", "they are too loud"....

My thesis is that he has improved his game so much that his mental aspect does not get tested in 99% of matches. That is why I am waiting for his match against Djokovic or maybe even this back in form Nadal will be enough to show me the real state of things.

Đoković was the one that fell apart mentally in the US open final. He lost the game in the first set - it was really weird considering how strong he usually is mentally.

I agree with you regarding Medvedev though. As I said in my 1st post - he is mentally weak. I just think that wins like these help - he will need his head in the game in an expected final against Nadal.

[Trofo]

Đoković was the one that fell apart mentally in the US open final. He lost the game in the first set - it was really weird considering how strong he usually is mentally.

I was really surprised about that as well. It was just too much pressure even for him. If he won he would have golden slam plus most grand slam titles ever all in single match. I can't even imagine those levels of pressure and expectations and I guess it surprised even Djokovic.

When you see players struggling to close out the winning match so often it sometimes looks ridiculous for us viewers but so many have those pressure problems so they are obviously real enough That is why Djokovic and Nadal are so good, they are mentally the strongest players on the tour and that gives consistency. If some of this newer guys like Medvedev, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Thiem... had that mental resilience and fighting spirit they would be topping the chart very soon.

[buwaytress]

I'm totally with Trofo here. It bugs me a great deal when a player whines a lot about things not going their way (so you guys already know whom I dislike, not that it stops me from admiring their qualities). I can't help it and I think it stems from my own time playing sports -- the whiners just take all the fun out of the contest.

But the other part of mentality -- the one that allows you to get into the zone. That's what I was really hoping for Tsitsi to get after his past disappointments. And I felt like I caught a glimpse of it against Sinner. Hoping it shows up in the semis. But because I'm cynical, I already hedged on Medvedev so whomever wins, I will make money from this AO, and about time too!

~

That's a really interesting image, particularly for someone like me who likes digging into the data. Thanks for sharing.

It's interesting how the last few years 2017-18 onwards have really seen a lot of newcomers break through. We were aware that the Federer/Nadal/Djokovic era was ending on the men's side, and we can see that a bit here.

This is maybe a little counterintuitive from 2020 onwards, where the tour has been hampered by the pandemic, so you'd maybe think it's harder for new players to break through in slams as they just haven't gained the experience of going deep in a big tournament. But of course the last women's US Open really showed that it's possible.

Indeed, for the men's it looked like a really lonely club for a long stretch of years, but now that the greats are bowing out (and with some grace, I've to say, looking at the way Nadal is powering through), we'll see even more fresh blood in the next couple of years. I don't follow the sport enough to really know if we'll get another handful of mega-athletes in the same era, but I think you're right about the women's side of things: they could be seeing a resurgence that would come closer to rivalling the men's for fan focus anyway.

[Yaunfitda]

I thought Medvedev was done after going 2 sets behind. Nice to see he's growing stronger in the mental aspect of the game, that was his weakest point so far.

Tsitsipas was really dominant against Sinner but I feel Medvedev is a better player. Tsitsipas will want to prove that he's better than what we saw here last year.

Yeah, I thought that game is over and he is done in this tournament. But to my surprised and checking the score after, he won the last 3 sets, and felt bad for Felix AA because in the 3rd set he really has a chance to close it out. Berrettini and Nadal will be tomorrow if I'm not mistaken, it seems that they take a days off today and let the players rested. So we will see, I'm still on the Nadal bandwagon right now, he has a good chance to win the AO for this year.

[Jating]

I thought Medvedev was done after going 2 sets behind. Nice to see he's growing stronger in the mental aspect of the game, that was his weakest point so far.

Tsitsipas was really dominant against Sinner but I feel Medvedev is a better player. Tsitsipas will want to prove that he's better than what we saw here last year.

Yeah, I thought that game is over and he is done in this tournament. But to my surprised and checking the score after, he won the last 3 sets, and felt bad for Felix AA because in the 3rd set he really has a chance to close it out. Berrettini and Nadal will be tomorrow if I'm not mistaken, it seems that they take a days off today and let the players rested. So we will see, I'm still on the Nadal bandwagon right now, he has a good chance to win the AO for this year.

Oh well, I thought I got it in the bag already because I have said previously, I have Felix as underdog @4.30 and thought I have won already. But it is tennis, players like Medvedev caliber can really go back after a 2 set down and turn things around. And by the 5th set, you will now it's over because of Felix's body language and the way Medvedev breaking Felix mentally in the game.

[Marvell1]

Đoković was the one that fell apart mentally in the US open final. He lost the game in the first set - it was really weird considering how strong he usually is mentally.

I was really surprised about that as well. It was just too much pressure even for him. If he won he would have golden slam plus most grand slam titles ever all in single match. I can't even imagine those levels of pressure and expectations and I guess it surprised even Djokovic.

I have to say that, that loss came as quite a shock to almost every tennis fan but upsets like these happen from time to time and maybe this is the thrill that keeps the hype alive.

When you see players struggling to close out the winning match so often it sometimes looks ridiculous for us viewers but so many have those pressure problems so they are obviously real enough That is why Djokovic and Nadal are so good, they are mentally the strongest players on the tour and that gives consistency. If some of this newer guys like Medvedev, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Thiem... had that mental resilience and fighting spirit they would be topping the chart very soon.

Another thing is that, yes Djokovic is one of the strongest players mentally, but after all, he is also a human being, and breakdowns like these can happen for various reasons. I'm not saying that this happens often, but even with the strong mentality Djokovic or players like Nadal have, losing your mind is okay sometimes and I think it helps one develop as a player and a human being.

[Joca97]

I thought Medvedev was done after going 2 sets behind. Nice to see he's growing stronger in the mental aspect of the game, that was his weakest point so far.

Tsitsipas was really dominant against Sinner but I feel Medvedev is a better player. Tsitsipas will want to prove that he's better than what we saw here last year.

Yeah, I thought that game is over and he is done in this tournament. But to my surprised and checking the score after, he won the last 3 sets, and felt bad for Felix AA because in the 3rd set he really has a chance to close it out. Berrettini and Nadal will be tomorrow if I'm not mistaken, it seems that they take a days off today and let the players rested. So we will see, I'm still on the Nadal bandwagon right now, he has a good chance to win the AO for this year.

Oh well, I thought I got it in the bag already because I have said previously, I have Felix as underdog @4.30 and thought I have won already. But it is tennis, players like Medvedev caliber can really go back after a 2 set down and turn things around. And by the 5th set, you will now it's over because of Felix's body language and the way Medvedev breaking Felix mentally in the game.

I was thinking Felix got this and that he will probobly win the match after seeing 2-0 for him in sets. Wasnt thinking Medvedev had the mentality to get back into the match and let alone win it. Medvedev even served really good on the match point for Felix and i think that broke Felix. Big win for Medvedev but now he needs to beat Tsitsipas for the final.

[TravelMug]

Ok let's look at the odds:

Nadal - ML 1.48 handicap -3.5, 1.89

I think it's better to bet for the handicap here, -3.5 can easily be covered by Nadal against Berrettini. And since Djokovic is not campaigning, most likely this could be Nadal's year to get this grand slam.

[aoluain]

Đoković was the one that fell apart mentally in the US open final. He lost the game in the first set - it was really weird considering how strong he usually is mentally.

I was really surprised about that as well. It was just too much pressure even for him. If he won he would have golden slam plus most grand slam titles ever all in single match. I can't even imagine those levels of pressure and expectations and I guess it surprised even Djokovic.

I have to say that, that loss came as quite a shock to almost every tennis fan but upsets like these happen from time to time and maybe this is the thrill that keeps the hype alive.

When you see players struggling to close out the winning match so often it sometimes looks ridiculous for us viewers but so many have those pressure problems so they are obviously real enough That is why Djokovic and Nadal are so good, they are mentally the strongest players on the tour and that gives consistency. If some of this newer guys like Medvedev, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Thiem... had that mental resilience and fighting spirit they would be topping the chart very soon.

Another thing is that, yes Djokovic is one of the strongest players mentally, but after all, he is also a human being, and breakdowns like these can happen for various reasons. I'm not saying that this happens often, but even with the strong mentality Djokovic or players like Nadal have, losing your mind is okay sometimes and I think it helps one develop as a player and a human being.

Yes well we have commented before that Tennis is as much about the mental state
and strength as it is about hitting the ball.

What I want to say is that without Djokovic we have had plenty of entertainment from
many players, personally I didnt miss him, and without the top players or some or 1 of
them it gives others a chance to gain more experiences and points.

[Kemarit]

Ok let's look at the odds:

Nadal - ML 1.48 handicap -3.5, 1.89

I think it's better to bet for the handicap here, -3.5 can easily be covered by Nadal against Berrettini. And since Djokovic is not campaigning, most likely this could be Nadal's year to get this grand slam.

Nadal has won the first set already 6-3 and he seems to be in the zone right now, probably this game will last 3-4 sets I mean Berrettini can make a come back, but we all know that Nadal has that mentally as well to overcome those obstacles. So we will see, but I'm seeing him the first man to go into this years Australian Open final.

[Strongkored]

Women's semifinals today:
Barty vs Keys and Collins vs Swiatek, I picked overs on these two matches.

My pics for the semis are Barty and Collins.

If Keys wins over Barty, then my money's on Keys as I feel she can best Collins as well as Swiatek who I feel will be out this round.

You're correct, who went to the final is Barty vs Collins, for these two matches it was very unattractive Keys and Swiatek did not showing an impressive thing and honestly a little disappointed not because lose the bet but their performance did not display the thing like a semi-final match.
For final Barty is favorites and I betting on her in ML.

[aoluain]

I am not convinced, I still think he is bad in mental aspect. He has awful body language and bitches about all kind of details when results are not favoring him. That is part that irritates me most, he complained about everything yesterday to the ref "somebody took a picture", "somebody sneezed before my serve", "they are too loud"....

My thesis is that he has improved his game so much that his mental aspect does not get tested in 99% of matches. That is why I am waiting for his match against Djokovic or maybe even this back in form Nadal will be enough to show me the real state of things.

Đoković was the one that fell apart mentally in the US open final. He lost the game in the first set - it was really weird considering how strong he usually is mentally.

I agree with you regarding Medvedev though. As I said in my 1st post - he is mentally weak. I just think that wins like these help - he will need his head in the game in an expected final against Nadal.

Well it is closer now to finding out how Medvedev will cope against one of the
"Top 3". Nadal came through in 4 sets against Berrettini in what looks like easy enough
terms, just dropping 1 set.

Medvedev is by far my favourite player ATM but I agree with you all, he has changed
his game over the last year or so where he seems to have controlled his emotions a lot
but I do get that he does seem at difficult times to be on the verge of losing that control.

If he gets to the final no doubt the crowd will be with Nadal so there will be immense
pressure there.

For Nadal, the goal is so real now and the chance to go to "21" is so close. This is something
I commented on last week, with Djokovic out of the AO the reward of that 21st GS is an
bigger target for him, and look ... he is in the final!

Women's semifinals today:
Barty vs Keys and Collins vs Swiatek, I picked overs on these two matches.

My pics for the semis are Barty and Collins.

If Keys wins over Barty, then my money's on Keys as I feel she can best Collins as well as Swiatek who I feel will be out this round.

You're correct, who went to the final is Barty vs Collins, for these two matches it was very unattractive Keys and Swiatek did not showing an impressive thing and honestly a little disappointed not because lose the bet but their performance did not display the thing like a semi-final match.
For final Barty is favorites and I betting on her in ML.

I was a bit surprised with the Collins v Swiatek match, I had a bet on Swiatek to
win 1 set, I knew she was struggling with performance but I really thought she would
take at least a set from Collins.

[cryptofrka]

As expected - another final for Nadal. He really did have an easy path though, Berrettini in the semifinal is something you'd always take if offered.

Still - I really like how he modifies his game. This year he has been serving really aggresively and it has helped him put more pressure on his opponents. Paradoxally though - if he does that against Medvedev I feel it will cost him the match.

Let's first see who he'll play against, personally he would be a favorite against Tsitsipas but not against Medvedev.

[Trofo]

Let's first see who he'll play against, personally he would be a favorite against Tsitsipas but not against Medvedev.

Should be a good match coming up, I expect a big battle and at least 4 sets. I went with less greedy Tsitsipas to take set bet after I lost my over bet on Nadal. I blame Berrettini for that one, he should have gotten to tie break in at least one set. Tsitsipas really grew trough the tournament and if he continues like that I expect him to even win. But we all know how it finished last year, 3:0 for Medvedev so hopefully revenge time.

[Daniel91]

As expected - another final for Nadal. He really did have an easy path though, Berrettini in the semifinal is something you'd always take if offered.

Still - I really like how he modifies his game. This year he has been serving really aggresively and it has helped him put more pressure on his opponents. Paradoxally though - if he does that against Medvedev I feel it will cost him the match.

Let's first see who he'll play against, personally he would be a favorite against Tsitsipas but not against Medvedev.

In fact, it can be said that the only big surprise in the men's part of the tournament was the premature defeat of ZVerev in the tournament.
Everything else was as expected.
I agree that Medvedev would be a tougher opponent for Nadal in the final.
Nadal has been injured for a long time and has not played and I am surprised how well he plays in this tournament, after such a long break.
Given the Covid rules and what happened to Djokovic, it seems that Nadal could take the opportunity to overtake Djokovic in the number of GS titles won.

[buwaytress]

Didn't watch Nadal but I read he was well worth his victory. Scary as hell for my Tsitsi, that even if he overcomes the Russian now, he still has to find a way to not get overpowered by Nadal!

Anyway, not a bad tennis match to watch this ongoing semi... I still think Tsitsi could have made it easier for himself in the first set, but least he's won this one as easy as you can expect. Medvedev serve, what a weapon.

But the crowd, wow, I totally didn't expect them to get behind Tsitsi. I know Medvedev is a bit of a whiner but...