Tennis League All Thread

[Swordsoffreedom]

...
Odds today on ROLLBIT are Sinner 1.23 v 4.30 de Minaur. Is the Australian that much
of an outsider? I dont think so TBH.
...
This is brilliant for Jannik to be reaching #3 in the rankings, ok Medvedev is taking a break but
we all know Jannik deserves that position.

De Minaur is the player that normally Sinner has for the double. Italian guy know very well him and as I have reported De Minaur has never been able to won a single set against him! this is not a minor aspect in my opinion.  Yes finals are differents but Sinner was in a great shape.

Alex de Minaur lost against Michelsen and that happened in only two sets. I thought Alex should have done better in this match.
Maybe he is a little tired after playing the final against Sinner on the 18th of February. But still, I believe he should have done much better.

By the way, I do not know if he has picked up any injury or not. Did he? I have not heard anything about an injury.
I am just a little concerned watching his performance because it is pretty unlike him. I worry that he might have some problems.

If I recall correctly odds for Michelsen were 3.65, people who put their faith in Michelsen grabbed a huge winning...

[1715530678]

1715530678

[1715530678]

1715530678

[1715530678]

1715530678

[1715530678]

1715530678

[1715530678]

1715530678

[serveria.com]

I too like his play, being an all-rounder is far better than being a specialist in one area,
like some players who kind of rely on a superior service game.

True, but how many, serve specialists, for example, are there on tour right now? Frankly, I can't think of any! There were Karlovic, Isner, Opelka but what about now? The same goes to serve & volley specialists (McEnroy, Pat Rafter) I suspect there are none. Modern tennis is getting more universal, you have to adapt to stay competitive.   

[aoluain]

I too like his play, being an all-rounder is far better than being a specialist in one area,
like some players who kind of rely on a superior service game.

True, but how many, serve specialists, for example, are there on tour right now? Frankly, I can't think of any! There were Karlovic, Isner, Opelka but what about now? The same goes to serve & volley specialists (McEnroy, Pat Rafter) I suspect there are none. Modern tennis is getting more universal, you have to adapt to stay competitive.   

Yes you are right!  I cant think of any players relying so heavily on their superior serve,
and serve and volley seems to be a thing of the past indeed.

In the end Mensik couldnt overcome Khachanov in the final, it was close though.
In the first set tie break there were 28 points, Khachanov winning that 12-14.

I also got to catch the semi final in Los Cabos between Ruud and Tsitsipas, that was
a great match, some fantastic shots by both, Ruud coming through that but losing to Thompson
in the final

[Strongkored]

If I'm not mistaken, this Mensik guy has already disappointed #1 seed Rublev in a quarterfinal?

Yes, you are right and it might have been a very impressive performance from Mensik because he beat Rublev in straight sets but in the final he couldn't beat Khachanov, and Khachanov was the champion in this tournament.

Casper Ruud lost in straight sets to Jordan Thompson and if I'm not mistaken, this was Thompson's first title.
What's quite impressive about this player is that he played three matches in one day, namely the singles final, doubles semifinal and doubles final and managed to win all three, even though it yesterday had to face a long match of more than 3 hours to beat Zverev, but usually in the next tournament because of the close schedule he will be eliminated quickly.

Kalinskaya failed to become champion in Dubai after Paolini managed to beat her in three sets and this was a very close match, it was quite unfortunate that in the third set Kalinskaya lost her focus which made her opponent manage to take four games in a row to ensure the title.

[serveria.com]

Kalinskaya failed to become champion in Dubai after Paolini managed to beat her in three sets and this was a very close match, it was quite unfortunate that in the third set Kalinskaya lost her focus which made her opponent manage to take four games in a row to ensure the title.

Yes, quite unbelievable, Kalinskaya was leading 5:3 in the final set and overall she looked like a better player on court that day. But... yeah it's a mental thing... 

Next week we're having: Dubai ATP, San Diego WTA, Austin WTA and Acapulco ATP. These are the tournaments to watch out for. In Dubai all eyes on 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev.

[vennali]

Yes, quite unbelievable, Kalinskaya was leading 5:3 in the final set and overall she looked like a better player on court that day. But... yeah it's a mental thing... 

Next week we're having: Dubai ATP, San Diego WTA, Austin WTA and Acapulco ATP. These are the tournaments to watch out for. In Dubai all eyes on 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev.

Kalinskaya was leading in the 2nd set as well. She was a set and a break up and was cruising to win the match but Paolini put up a good fight and Kalinskaya got a little tight. Kalinskaya has never reached finals at this level so its understandable to get nervous when it matters to stay strong. Playing style and technique wise, she was much much better than Paolini but the mental hurdles, she couldn't conquer. There's always next time. As long as she can play as consistently as she did. She could easily reach top 10 in the world. Staying consistent is the hard part, especially in WTA.

[fuguebtc]

Anyone follow the Rio Open? 

The final is going to be interesting. I personally did not expect to see Navone in the final, to be honest. Baez should have this. But this is the final and you never know. we might have some kind of surprise. I just hope that the match is not going to be one-sided because that is going to take away all the fun from it. Both Baez and Navone had a pretty confident performance in the semi-finals. so I think they both will be going to the final with a lot of confidence.
You know they will meet tonight on clay surface, on Clay Court Baez's winning rate is 74% whereas Navone's 66%

[babygun]

I too like his play, being an all-rounder is far better than being a specialist in one area,
like some players who kind of rely on a superior service game.

True, but how many, serve specialists, for example, are there on tour right now? Frankly, I can't think of any! There were Karlovic, Isner, Opelka but what about now? The same goes to serve & volley specialists (McEnroy, Pat Rafter) I suspect there are none. Modern tennis is getting more universal, you have to adapt to stay competitive.   

Having a great service is key as it can give a great advantage over the opponent. But you are right, nowadays we don’t have real serve specialists like Isner or Roddick. But in the end, while their serve was their biggest weapon they struggled a bit in the other areas and never won any grand slams.

[aoluain]

I too like his play, being an all-rounder is far better than being a specialist in one area,
like some players who kind of rely on a superior service game.

True, but how many, serve specialists, for example, are there on tour right now? Frankly, I can't think of any! There were Karlovic, Isner, Opelka but what about now? The same goes to serve & volley specialists (McEnroy, Pat Rafter) I suspect there are none. Modern tennis is getting more universal, you have to adapt to stay competitive.   

Having a great service is key as it can give a great advantage over the opponent. But you are right, nowadays we don’t have real serve specialists like Isner or Roddick. But in the end, while their serve was their biggest weapon they struggled a bit in the other areas and never won any grand slams.

Yes, absolutely - relying on only one aspect of the game will only bring a player so far.


Most of the players that were competing in Doha have transferred over to the Dubai
Tennis Championships.

Murray has another unlucky early draw again, he plays Shapovalov in their round of 32.

Bublik plays Machac today also, thats a tricky draw for both, the odds are 2.15 v 1.75,
that could go either way.

Zhang v Rublev - there could possibly be a slight chance of an upset there. but I'm not betting
on that outcome.

[serveria.com]

Murray has another unlucky early draw again, he plays Shapovalov in their round of 32.

Bublik plays Machac today also, thats a tricky draw for both, the odds are 2.15 v 1.75,
that could go either way.

Zhang v Rublev - there could possibly be a slight chance of an upset there. but I'm not betting
on that outcome.

I wouldn't say that's unlucky for Murray. Shapovalov has been playing outrageously poorly so far this season. Actually I'm not even sure he won a single match this year, I don't remember it happening.

Bublik v Machac I'd bet on Bublik. And again, only based on his latest performance. He's been solid so far.

Zhang v Rublev. The Russian should be extra hungry after being eliminated in R1 during his previous tournament.

 

[Hirose UK]

I too like his play, being an all-rounder is far better than being a specialist in one area,
like some players who kind of rely on a superior service game.

True, but how many, serve specialists, for example, are there on tour right now? Frankly, I can't think of any! There were Karlovic, Isner, Opelka but what about now? The same goes to serve & volley specialists (McEnroy, Pat Rafter) I suspect there are none. Modern tennis is getting more universal, you have to adapt to stay competitive.   

Having a great service is key as it can give a great advantage over the opponent. But you are right, nowadays we don’t have real serve specialists like Isner or Roddick. But in the end, while their serve was their biggest weapon they struggled a bit in the other areas and never won any grand slams.

Previously, tennis players who had good service specialist qualities could take advantage of gaining points more quickly when the ball was in their hands and not only in tennis but also in volleyball or table tennis.
In these three types of sports, players who specialize in good serves will be able to achieve their own advantages, but as time goes by, tennis requires not only good serves but also skills in everything.
This will be much better because some tour competitions will bring together differences that will make things difficult for each other, each tennis player must really master various playing techniques well.
Just look at some of the young tennis players who have succeeded in becoming champions in various big competitions, they prioritize skills, strategy and also technique in breaking the opponent movement in chasing the ball that is hit.

Moreover, as time goes by, all tennis players have to be able to adapt and as @serveria.com said, tennis is becoming more universal.
This really influences the fact that every tennis match can be more interesting and seem very competitive.

[aoluain]

Murray has another unlucky early draw again, he plays Shapovalov in their round of 32.

Bublik plays Machac today also, thats a tricky draw for both, the odds are 2.15 v 1.75,
that could go either way.

Zhang v Rublev - there could possibly be a slight chance of an upset there. but I'm not betting
on that outcome.

I wouldn't say that's unlucky for Murray. Shapovalov has been playing outrageously poorly so far this season. Actually I'm not even sure he won a single match this year, I don't remember it happening.

Bublik v Machac I'd bet on Bublik. And again, only based on his latest performance. He's been solid so far.

Zhang v Rublev. The Russian should be extra hungry after being eliminated in R1 during his previous tournament.

  

You are right actually, and Murray ended up winning in 3 sets.

A three set win also for Bublik, as I thought it was a close affair in the last set tie break.

And Rublev won in three sets also. I like the way Zhang plays unfortunately he cant
maintain his intensity for 2 sets.

Interestingly tomorrow sees the number 1 seed Medvedev back playing and faces
Shevchenko, I wonder how this will go, Medvedev has been on a mini break and
Shevchenko has been playing great tennis.

[bitbollo]

very disappointing match by Italian Tennis player L. Musetti.
He is slightly losing position on ATP rank and it's not the first time he has a dismal performance.
For the third time in a row he has lost in the first match of a tournament!

Meanwhile it seems in a very good shape another Italian, Mr. Arnaldi, he achieved a nice win against T. Fritz that was not the easiest player to defeat.

[aoluain]

very disappointing match by Italian Tennis player L. Musetti.
He is slightly losing position on ATP rank and it's not the first time he has a dismal performance.
For the third time in a row he has lost in the first match of a tournament!

Meanwhile it seems in a very good shape another Italian, Mr. Arnaldi, he achieved a nice win against T. Fritz that was not the easiest player to defeat.

Its a pity because Musetti showed some good performances earlier last year, a couple
of quarter and semi finals.

Sticking with the Italians, Sonego has progressed to the round of 16 but he faces
medvedev next who beat Shevchenko today in 2 sets.

Other wins by Bublik who plays Griekspoor tomorrow,
Mensik beat Coric to day to play Davidovic Fokina Tomorrow.

[bct_ail]

After Thompson won his first title in Mexico (Los Cabos), he has started his next tournament in Mexico in Acapulco. However, he was knocked out in the first round against Kovacevic. Zverev was also knocked out in the first round there. While he was still on the way to the final in Los Cabos after he was knocked out from Thompson there, it seems he has now come back down to earth. 2 steps forwards, one step back. That seems to be the case with him.

[vennali]

After Thompson won his first title in Mexico (Los Cabos), he has started his next tournament in Mexico in Acapulco. However, he was knocked out in the first round against Kovacevic. Zverev was also knocked out in the first round there. While he was still on the way to the final in Los Cabos after he was knocked out from Thompson there, it seems he has now come back down to earth. 2 steps forwards, one step back. That seems to be the case with him.

After winning a tournament, preparation and motivation doesn't remain the same for the next week of tournament (unless its a Grand Slam). Players often bow out of tournaments early after winning a tournament. Sometimes it's strategic and the other times, they play the tournament just because they have booked their flights and tickets long time ago and they get paid to play even the first round(which would at least cover for the flight and hotel charges). So, it's better that the player plays the next tournament than withdraw. The strategic part is that not risking injury from the strain of playing high quality tennis for a longer period of time, it is easier to bow out early and not cause excess physical strain. All these are just my speculations though it might not be true for every player, if true at all.

[aoluain]

After Thompson won his first title in Mexico (Los Cabos), he has started his next tournament in Mexico in Acapulco. However, he was knocked out in the first round against Kovacevic. Zverev was also knocked out in the first round there. While he was still on the way to the final in Los Cabos after he was knocked out from Thompson there, it seems he has now come back down to earth. 2 steps forwards, one step back. That seems to be the case with him.

After winning a tournament, preparation and motivation doesn't remain the same for the next week of tournament (unless its a Grand Slam). Players often bow out of tournaments early after winning a tournament. Sometimes it's strategic and the other times, they play the tournament just because they have booked their flights and tickets long time ago and they get paid to play even the first round(which would at least cover for the flight and hotel charges). So, it's better that the player plays the next tournament than withdraw. The strategic part is that not risking injury from the strain of playing high quality tennis for a longer period of time, it is easier to bow out early and not cause excess physical strain. All these are just my speculations though it might not be true for every player, if true at all.

Yes its a bit of a shock and not good for anyone betting on him based on his win in
the previous tournament.

It must be difficult for some players to transition from winning a tournament one week
to starting off a new tournament a few days later, its a mental thing.

Over at Dubai Murray as  I would have expected got beaten by the in form Humbert.

Bublik who I'm following also won today in 2 sets against Griekspoor. ^{I never thought I
would be following Bublik!} He plays Lehecka next which is a notch up I think, the Czech
is favourite! Bublik @ 2.0 is worth a bet IMO.

[vennali]

Yes its a bit of a shock and not good for anyone betting on him based on his win in
the previous tournament.

It must be difficult for some players to transition from winning a tournament one week
to starting off a new tournament a few days later, its a mental thing.

Another example of the follow up tournament after having a great previous week. Mensik, who reached the finals of Doha after beating the likes of Davidovic Fokina, Murray, Rublev, Monfils and finally losing to Khachanov. He was playing Dubai this week and after a tough first round win against Coric yesterday, he had to retire in the 2nd set today against Davidovic Fokina, who he'd previously beat in straight sets. He retired due to exhaustion. Imagine a 18 year old getting exhausted playing tennis. Imagine older players in late 20's and 30's. It must be really tough on their body, all the traveling and training.

[aoluain]

Yes its a bit of a shock and not good for anyone betting on him based on his win in
the previous tournament.

It must be difficult for some players to transition from winning a tournament one week
to starting off a new tournament a few days later, its a mental thing.

Another example of the follow up tournament after having a great previous week. Mensik, who reached the finals of Doha after beating the likes of Davidovic Fokina, Murray, Rublev, Monfils and finally losing to Khachanov. He was playing Dubai this week and after a tough first round win against Coric yesterday, he had to retire in the 2nd set today against Davidovic Fokina, who he'd previously beat in straight sets. He retired due to exhaustion. Imagine a 18 year old getting exhausted playing tennis. Imagine older players in late 20's and 30's. It must be really tough on their body, all the traveling and training.

And two more retirements today from Korda ^{against Rublev}and Lehecka ^{against Bublik}
thats strange, to be fair the schedule is quite busy, very little rest opportunities between
tournaments which are bunched together based on location.

Bublik v Rublev in the first semi final tomorrow

Two quarter finals soon:
Medvedev v Davidovich Fokina and Hurkacz v Humbert

I fancy Humbert to beat Hurkacz, he has been going very well lately ^{as has Hurkacz to be fair.}
Medvedev is going to have a tough one, the last few meetings of these two has gone the
full distance in sets.

[serveria.com]

Yes its a bit of a shock and not good for anyone betting on him based on his win in
the previous tournament.

It must be difficult for some players to transition from winning a tournament one week
to starting off a new tournament a few days later, its a mental thing.

Another example of the follow up tournament after having a great previous week. Mensik, who reached the finals of Doha after beating the likes of Davidovic Fokina, Murray, Rublev, Monfils and finally losing to Khachanov. He was playing Dubai this week and after a tough first round win against Coric yesterday, he had to retire in the 2nd set today against Davidovic Fokina, who he'd previously beat in straight sets. He retired due to exhaustion. Imagine a 18 year old getting exhausted playing tennis. Imagine older players in late 20's and 30's. It must be really tough on their body, all the traveling and training.

And two more retirements today from Korda ^{against Rublev}and Lehecka ^{against Bublik}
thats strange, to be fair the schedule is quite busy, very little rest opportunities between
tournaments which are bunched together based on location.

Bublik v Rublev in the first semi final tomorrow

Two quarter finals soon:
Medvedev v Davidovich Fokina and Hurkacz v Humbert

I fancy Humbert to beat Hurkacz, he has been going very well lately ^{as has Hurkacz to be fair.}
Medvedev is going to have a tough one, the last few meetings of these two has gone the
full distance in sets.

Yeah, shocking withdrawals I was hoping to feast my eyes on that show. Lehecka did very well against in-form Khachanov.

Anyway, Medvedev looks determined to win the title in Dubai this year. He missed a few tournaments he won last year so it seems he will be looking to stop this point drought.