Tennis League All Thread

[aoluain]

This match is already over. Zverev won the match. Sonego has given a good fight to Zverev. But in the end, it was not enough to beat Zverev.

Yes, that was pretty confident from Zverev. His good first serve gave him the advantage this time and his backhand longline (Is that the correct translation?) is getting better and better. It is good that he has reached the semi-final. There he will meet Rublev. He also needed only 2 sets. I think it will be more difficult for Zverev against Rublev. But he can already be proud of himself that he has reached the semi-final.

Zverev just needs more matches under his belt and his confidence and game will return. Rublev is though oponenet but he will give something back and Zverev can use it. Much better for him than the other side of draw with Djoković and Medvedev where you have to earn every single point.

Djoković was vulnerable in round one but getting better and better as time passes, don't see him loosing this week.

He plays an in-form Medvedev tomorrow, I'm not betting on this one, I can see it
going either way myself!

Who ever wins tomorrow will probably win the tournament

Zverev indeed needs game time, he is slowly gaining back his fitness. Getting a serious
injury is such a set back in a season, not too bad when a player is young, they can heal
relatively quickly but with age that changes.

Remarkably Djokovic has been fairly injury free.

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[Joca97]

Djoković was vulnerable in round one but getting better and better as time passes, don't see him loosing this week.

He plays an in-form Medvedev tomorrow, I'm not betting on this one, I can see it
going either way myself!

Who ever wins tomorrow will probably win the tournament

Both players are in excellent form but i think Djokovic will win this only because of his fresh leagues due to Medvedev winning two tournaments in row and must be tired. Plus Djokovic after that round one looks really good.

[n0ne]

Djoković was vulnerable in round one but getting better and better as time passes, don't see him loosing this week.

He plays an in-form Medvedev tomorrow, I'm not betting on this one, I can see it
going either way myself!

Who ever wins tomorrow will probably win the tournament

Both players are in excellent form but i think Djokovic will win this only because of his fresh leagues due to Medvedev winning two tournaments in row and must be tired. Plus Djokovic after that round one looks really good.

Both have won their previous matches in an easier way. Djokovic have won against Hurkacz and Medvedev have won against Coric to reach the semifinals. On the head to head performance it is Djokovic that have won 9 times and in the last four wins, three have reached the final set. So, we can expect the heat in the semifinals match.

[dzonikg28]

Dubai Tennis Championships

Young Tomas Machac at the rank around 100 have given tough fight to the world champion. Finally it was a win for Djokovic 6-3 3-6 7⁷-6¹. The final one being a tie breaker could've been more interesting if Tomas Machac have come closer.

378 weeks at the top position and leads the record holder Steffi Graf (377).

The number 378 is insane. It is a meaningful ranking because there are less coincidences than in many other sports that can influence that ranking. In soccer as we have now seen it is mostly one single tournament that made Messi the best player, in car racing you can have someone else to crash into you accidentally or even intentionally. In tennis it is mostly about your fitness and whether you can participate in enough tournaments within a year, and even that is up to the player. Djokovic isn't playing as much as he used to and so he knows that those tours he is playing, he also must win them in order to stay at the top. I think he is going to add a couple of weeks to that number in his career. In a sport with so many potential competitors around the world that's amazing. The next Djokovic could have appeared at some point, but no, it shows how exceptional he is. That also counts for Nadal and Federer of course, whereas Nadal's number of French Open wins is blowing my mind much more than his ranking number 1 weeks.

Djokovic is a really great tennis player and this record of his will probably not be surpassed by anyone for a very long time.
In tennis, for almost 15 years, we have been watching the great fight of three tennis players for the top of world tennis, and in such a fierce competition, being the number one tennis player in the world for so many weeks is a miraculous result.
I'm sure the next challenge for Djokovic now is to surpass Nadal in number of GS titles won and I think we can expect a big fight between him and Nadal for the GOAT title .
Tennis will never be the same when Djokovic and Nadal retire.

I think so too. These fierce rivalries in sports make it so much fun to watch year in and year out. In soccer it was Ronaldo and Messi and when Ronaldo left La Liga, it instantly felt different to watch it.

In tennis it is now still nice because we have Nadal and Djokovic, but I guess that everyone here agrees that Djokovic is more likely to come out on top. And even when we have another player like Djokovic after he retires, we will probably not be lucky enough to have two of those in order to have a kind of revival of a fierce rivalry. One guy totally dominating a sport is also fun, but there is nothing better than having 2 or 3 of them giving each other a head to head race.

[Strongkored]

The first semi-final ongoing, Rublev vs Zverev, it will be an interesting match and last 3 sets, don't know who will win although Zverev continues to win every time he meets Rublev but sometimes it can be different and as defending champion Rublev will try to keep it up, I think the second semifinal match between Djokovic vs Medvedev will be 3 sets too and Djokovic beat Medvedev in their last few meetings and whoever advances we will see a final which will also be interesting to look forward.

[bct_ail]

The first semi-final ongoing, Rublev vs Zverev, it will be an interesting match and last 3 sets, don't know who will win although Zverev continues to win every time he meets Rublev but sometimes it can be different and as defending champion Rublev will try to keep it up

I do not think Zverev is ready to beat Rublev yet. But when I look at the first rally (0:15, 0:30, 15:30, 30:30, 30:40BB, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, 40:ABB, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, 40:ABB), I think it will be a really close match. Both have already managed a break and it is very even.
Zverev has the advantage that he has a good first serve. But that alone will not be enough to reach the final.

[Joca97]

The first semi-final ongoing, Rublev vs Zverev, it will be an interesting match and last 3 sets, don't know who will win although Zverev continues to win every time he meets Rublev but sometimes it can be different and as defending champion Rublev will try to keep it up

I do not think Zverev is ready to beat Rublev yet. But when I look at the first rally (0:15, 0:30, 15:30, 30:30, 30:40BB, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, 40:ABB, 40:40, A:40, 40:40, 40:ABB), I think it will be a really close match. Both have already managed a break and it is very even.
Zverev has the advantage that he has a good first serve. But that alone will not be enough to reach the final.

I had high expectations from Zverev in this match probobly to win in straight sets but Rublev just made a third break in the first set and won 6-3. If Zverev continues to play like this in second half this match wont last 30 mins more. All roads lead to 2-0 for Rublev currently.

[vennali]

I had high expectations from Zverev in this match probobly to win in straight sets but Rublev just made a third break in the first set and won 6-3. If Zverev continues to play like this in second half this match wont last 30 mins more. All roads lead to 2-0 for Rublev currently.

I don't know what's wrong with Zverev, to be honest. He was on the verge of achieving what Medvedev is currently doing but about 5 years ago. He should be in his absolute prime right now but I think the personal allegations and everything is taking a toll on him. Not able to give his best to tennis.

[bct_ail]

I don't know what's wrong with Zverev, to be honest. He was on the verge of achieving what Medvedev is currently doing but about 5 years ago. He should be in his absolute prime right now but I think the personal allegations and everything is taking a toll on him. Not able to give his best to tennis.

But you noticed that he could not play for 8 months because he was injured?

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At least Zverev made it exciting at the end of the second set and it was not easy for Rublev. Zverev can be proud of himself. After all he rejected 5 matchballs.
The next tournaments with Zverev will probably be Indian Wells and Miami Open.

[temple]

I don't know what's wrong with Zverev, to be honest. He was on the verge of achieving what Medvedev is currently doing but about 5 years ago. He should be in his absolute prime right now but I think the personal allegations and everything is taking a toll on him. Not able to give his best to tennis.

But you noticed that he could not play for 8 months because he was injured?

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At least Zverev made it exciting at the end of the second set and it was not easy for Rublev. Zverev can be proud of himself. After all he rejected 5 matchballs.
The next tournaments with Zverev will probably be Indian Wells and Miami Open.

If Medvedev is not going to screw it now by losing his nerves, we will have a Russian final. It is now Medvedev's part to serve.

Zverev's game was a good performance after his comeback from injury. Even though it wasn't three sets, it was still somehow a full distance game with this very exciting tie break in the end. Even when he lost I think he gained some confidence that he can go through critical situations in the game and fight hard.

Looking forward now to the end result between Medvedev and Djokovic. I was quite sure that Djokovic would make it, still possible.

And there we go, Djokovic is out!

[vennali]

I don't know what's wrong with Zverev, to be honest. He was on the verge of achieving what Medvedev is currently doing but about 5 years ago. He should be in his absolute prime right now but I think the personal allegations and everything is taking a toll on him. Not able to give his best to tennis.

But you noticed that he could not play for 8 months because he was injured?

---------------------

At least Zverev made it exciting at the end of the second set and it was not easy for Rublev. Zverev can be proud of himself. After all he rejected 5 matchballs.
The next tournaments with Zverev will probably be Indian Wells and Miami Open.

Yeah, Zverev had a ligament tear last year french open but I was talking about a large span of time, past 5 years. He's on the way up again looking like his older self. Which is great news. He is surely a world top 3 potential talent. He did look great today as well but Rublev was playing on another level.

[Joca97]

I don't know what's wrong with Zverev, to be honest. He was on the verge of achieving what Medvedev is currently doing but about 5 years ago. He should be in his absolute prime right now but I think the personal allegations and everything is taking a toll on him. Not able to give his best to tennis.

But you noticed that he could not play for 8 months because he was injured?

---------------------

At least Zverev made it exciting at the end of the second set and it was not easy for Rublev. Zverev can be proud of himself. After all he rejected 5 matchballs.
The next tournaments with Zverev will probably be Indian Wells and Miami Open.

If Medvedev is not going to screw it now by losing his nerves, we will have a Russian final. It is now Medvedev's part to serve.

Zverev's game was a good performance after his comeback from injury. Even though it wasn't three sets, it was still somehow a full distance game with this very exciting tie break in the end. Even when he lost I think he gained some confidence that he can go through critical situations in the game and fight hard.

Looking forward now to the end result between Medvedev and Djokovic. I was quite sure that Djokovic would make it, still possible.

And there we go, Djokovic is out!

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

[KennyR]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

[Strongkored]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

I don't think it's a trick from him by letting losing in the first set and take all the last set, I see how he tries to take the first set after being left behind 5-2 and able to break Medvedev serve, but Medvedev doesn't let it happen for the second time so that he can closing the first set with a score of 6-4, in the second set Medvedev was able to break Djokovic serve  and lead 2-0 and close the set with the same score and to the final to face Rublev.

Currently the ATP Acapulco is still ongoing between T. Paul vs. T. Fritz, the match is tight, Paul can close the match in two sets if not many mistakes and make Fritz take the second set through the Tie Break and currently the third set Fritz leads 3-2 He only needs to maintain the serving to win this match, and other semifinals Rune vs de Minaur does not think Rune will face difficulties in this match, he can advance to the final easily.

[shogun47]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

I don't think it's a trick from him by letting losing in the first set and take all the last set, I see how he tries to take the first set after being left behind 5-2 and able to break Medvedev serve, but Medvedev doesn't let it happen for the second time so that he can closing the first set with a score of 6-4, in the second set Medvedev was able to break Djokovic serve  and lead 2-0 and close the set with the same score and to the final to face Rublev.

Currently the ATP Acapulco is still ongoing between T. Paul vs. T. Fritz, the match is tight, Paul can close the match in two sets if not many mistakes and make Fritz take the second set through the Tie Break and currently the third set Fritz leads 3-2 He only needs to maintain the serving to win this match, and other semifinals Rune vs de Minaur does not think Rune will face difficulties in this match, he can advance to the final easily.

I do agree that in the past people were of the impression that Djokovic is a bit of an actor when he loses the first set or even the first two sets and then totally destroyed his opponents. Everyone asked themselves how that is possible so often. Now that is just an assumption and nobody will ever be able to prove that this was a strategic element to push the show a little more or not.

But now the times also have changed and Djokovic isn't 25 anymore. While he could accelerate and scale up his game within a blink of an eye back then, it is naturally much harder for him today. Anything else would be a surprise. If the matches against a younger guy become physically intense, Djokovic will have more trouble today than he used to ten years ago to keep up with that.

[aoluain]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

Djokovic losing that semi final for me was not unexpected, I did say it could go either
way. Looking at the stats after the match the unforced error count was 38 for Djokovic,
12 for Medvedev.

It was a cracking match, some really great points scored. Medvedev was able to impose
his game on Djokovic and he couldnt deal with it.

So now we have learned that Djokovic wont have it all his own way this year!

[fullhdpixel]

If Medvedev is not going to screw it now by losing his nerves, we will have a Russian final. It is now Medvedev's part to serve.

Zverev's game was a good performance after his comeback from injury. Even though it wasn't three sets, it was still somehow a full distance game with this very exciting tie break in the end. Even when he lost I think he gained some confidence that he can go through critical situations in the game and fight hard.

Looking forward now to the end result between Medvedev and Djokovic. I was quite sure that Djokovic would make it, still possible.

And there we go, Djokovic is out!

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

A very good win for the Medvedev as he gives his best for having win in this match against World No 1 Djokovic and now have spot into final against another Russian Rublev as he was playing in this game things looking impressive and hopefully now we will have good performance from him in coming events as well after sometime because in last few matches he was not good which was surely matter of concern for the fans of this big Russian player.

In first semifinal which was played between German Zverev vs Russian Rublev we have good fight from injury porn Zverev who came back after long period and trying to avail his best which is surely not easy but still he is doing good job and have good chance for fight back into top ranks in next few months.

[Daniel91]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

Djokovic losing that semi final for me was not unexpected, I did say it could go either
way. Looking at the stats after the match the unforced error count was 38 for Djokovic,
12 for Medvedev.

It was a cracking match, some really great points scored. Medvedev was able to impose
his game on Djokovic and he couldnt deal with it.

So now we have learned that Djokovic wont have it all his own way this year!

The competition in tennis is now stronger than ever, and old stars like Djokovic and Nadal are nearing the end of their glorious careers.
The problem of Medvedev and other young tennis stars until now was that they beat both Djokovic and Nadal in smaller tennis tournaments, but mostly lost the most important matches in 4 GS tournaments.
Mentally, Djokovic and Nadal are still stronger than other young tennis players and usually win the most important tennis matches. That is why they are still the best when they are completely healthy and ready.
However, in a year or two, I think we will see a big change at the top of men's tennis and a new tennis era led by Alcaraz, Medvedev, Zverev and other young tennis players.

[serveria.com]

Was expecting honestly more from Djokovic in this semi final but Medvedev pulled through and now it looks more like an easy win for him against one of the best. Now he has a match against Rublev in an all russian final and it might be intresting to see who will win.

Djokovic losing the match is completely unexpected. Medvedev have done it in the direct sets. It looks like Djokovic have certain game tricks where he used to loss the first set and makes a comeback in the next two sets. This time it hadn't worked for him. Medvedev at his best and the final will be more interesting as Rublev is a tough contender. I predicted Zverev will reach the finals.

Djokovic losing that semi final for me was not unexpected, I did say it could go either
way. Looking at the stats after the match the unforced error count was 38 for Djokovic,
12 for Medvedev.

It was a cracking match, some really great points scored. Medvedev was able to impose
his game on Djokovic and he couldnt deal with it.

So now we have learned that Djokovic wont have it all his own way this year!

It was a hell of a match. In my opinion Djokovic gave his all, there was no reserve, he was going at 100%. And yet he wasn't able to win. That's certainly partly due to age. There were lots of awesome rallies and many were unexpectedly won by Medvedev. He also did great in returning Djoko's serves. All in all: well deserved win for Daniil. 3rd title in a row!   

[cryptofrka]

Yep, Medvedev is on 14-2 this season - he's really started strong.
I'm quite doubtful that he will transfer these results to the clay surfaces, so I plan to bet against him soon enough.

He's been good on grass in recent years though, so will be among the favorites during Wimbledon for sure.