Tennis League All Thread

[vella85]

It's sad to read all these news about Nadals injury, he's having lots of injuries issues lately, but yet he manages to come on top always I appreciate his never quit approach. I'm hoping he comes stronger, and fitter tennis just doesn't seem entertaining without him. I can't wait to see him come back against Djokovic and Fedderer those are some epic battles and makes you fall in love with tennis.

I guess Nadal's body is really taking a lot of beatings specially about his knee. We all know that this body part is one of the most abused for sports player so maybe it really gives out, but the timing is so bad. I'm sure that if the knee heals very quick, he will go back to his tennis and compete with those guys. Yes, seems strange not to see him specially in big tennis competition so its going to be a pity and tennis fans will miss him play. So lets just hope that the knee operation and rehabilitation is successful so at least we can watch him for the next big event in 2019.

This is what we were talking about a month or so ago, Nadal should of just taken the rest of the year off to get his body fit and healthy for the 2019 season but he didn't as I think he wanted to keep his number #1 ranking but now he has caused more harm to himself and could take longer to get back to peak fitness. I'm sure he will get back to peak fitness but the question is, will he be as good as before after his last injury? As he gets older, it must be taking a toll on his knee now but lets hope he comes back fit and be able to compete at the top level. We ain't sure on what Federer will do either, will he go onto play next season or retire at the end of this year? This is why I have always said that Djokovic has a very good chance to overtake Federer with most Grand Slam titles as he is fast catching Nadal. 2019 is going to be an interesting year for Men's tennis.

[Kemarit]

@vella85 - At this point, its hard to say if the operation is successful or not unless we see Nadal perform next year. So it would be obvious, if we notice some big chances, like him being a tad slow or having problem with his deadly left cross forehand an of course his movement. He is not getting younger as you pointed out so this is also another intangibles we need to look at. I have a friend who is not a sports fan but unfortunately, he had a freak accident that concerning his knee but he didn't seek medical attention and then after a couple of months it pained him so much that the doctors needs to operate and removed some water or lump in his knees. So imagine the toll it has taken on Nadal for all the tennis games he had played, must be extremely painful not just physically but mentally as well.

[vella85]

@vella85 - At this point, its hard to say if the operation is successful or not unless we see Nadal perform next year. So it would be obvious, if we notice some big chances, like him being a tad slow or having problem with his deadly left cross forehand an of course his movement. He is not getting younger as you pointed out so this is also another intangibles we need to look at. I have a friend who is not a sports fan but unfortunately, he had a freak accident that concerning his knee but he didn't seek medical attention and then after a couple of months it pained him so much that the doctors needs to operate and removed some water or lump in his knees. So imagine the toll it has taken on Nadal for all the tennis games he had played, must be extremely painful not just physically but mentally as well.

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

[Juggy777]

@vella85 - At this point, its hard to say if the operation is successful or not unless we see Nadal perform next year. So it would be obvious, if we notice some big chances, like him being a tad slow or having problem with his deadly left cross forehand an of course his movement. He is not getting younger as you pointed out so this is also another intangibles we need to look at. I have a friend who is not a sports fan but unfortunately, he had a freak accident that concerning his knee but he didn't seek medical attention and then after a couple of months it pained him so much that the doctors needs to operate and removed some water or lump in his knees. So imagine the toll it has taken on Nadal for all the tennis games he had played, must be extremely painful not just physically but mentally as well.

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

I hope Nadal is back soon and hopefully has an injury free year when he's back, tennis is not much fun without his duels with Federer and Djokovic. It'll be interesting to see how Federer bounces back, he desperately needs a win and he's not have the best time there. I feel Thiem will be able to beat Nishikori, I rate Thiem to be a better and a stronger player. Djokovic is expected to easily beat Clic, he's my favourite to win the tournament.

[Kemarit]

~ snip ~

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

Right. But it make things complicated for Federer though because of different scenarios. If Federer won against Anderson and Nishikori beats Thiem, its possible that he won't advance as well and it all depend on who wins and how many set and games. And then there could be another scenario that if Federer by chance lose to Anderson in three sets but he can also advance if then Thiem bet Ken Nishikori in two sets.

[vella85]

~ snip ~

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

Right. But it make things complicated for Federer though because of different scenarios. If Federer won against Anderson and Nishikori beats Thiem, its possible that he won't advance as well and it all depend on who wins and how many set and games. And then there could be another scenario that if Federer by chance lose to Anderson in three sets but he can also advance if then Thiem bet Ken Nishikori in two sets.

Well look what happened lol Federer beat Anderson in straight sets which now puts Federer on equal points and equal set wins/loss 4:2 each. Thiem also helped by beating Nishikori in straight sets. So from my understand of how this set up works, Anderson and Federer both make it through to the finals. We now just have to wait on one more match as we already know that Djokovic is through. The question is which other player will join Djokovic in the finals out of this group? Will it be Cilic who faces Djokovic or will it be Zverev who faces Isner.

[Kemarit]

~ snip ~

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

Right. But it make things complicated for Federer though because of different scenarios. If Federer won against Anderson and Nishikori beats Thiem, its possible that he won't advance as well and it all depend on who wins and how many set and games. And then there could be another scenario that if Federer by chance lose to Anderson in three sets but he can also advance if then Thiem bet Ken Nishikori in two sets.

Well look what happened lol Federer beat Anderson in straight sets which now puts Federer on equal points and equal set wins/loss 4:2 each. Thiem also helped by beating Nishikori in straight sets. So from my understand of how this set up works, Anderson and Federer both make it through to the finals. We now just have to wait on one more match as we already know that Djokovic is through. The question is which other player will join Djokovic in the finals out of this group? Will it be Cilic who faces Djokovic or will it be Zverev who faces Isner.

LOL. But I thought that with this format only one player will advance but I was wrong. So Federer and Anderson advancing with identical records while Thiem and Nishikori are ousted from the Group Lleyton Hewitt. On the other side of the bracket, Djokovic is sure of a slot, but the other one slot is up for grabs and I'm thinking that it might be Zverev advancing.

[vella85]

~ snip ~

Very true my friend, we shall see next year how well Nadal has recovered from this injury.

There is a world indoor tournament going on right now in London with Djokovic and Anderson dominating so far both winning both of their matches while Federer is 1 win and 1 loss. Federer needs to beat Anderson in his next match if he has a chance to make it through and Thiem will need to beat Nishikori so its going to be interesting to see what happens. Djokovic plays Cilic, if Djokovic wins he is through if not it opens up the dorr for other other players in his group.

Right. But it make things complicated for Federer though because of different scenarios. If Federer won against Anderson and Nishikori beats Thiem, its possible that he won't advance as well and it all depend on who wins and how many set and games. And then there could be another scenario that if Federer by chance lose to Anderson in three sets but he can also advance if then Thiem bet Ken Nishikori in two sets.

Well look what happened lol Federer beat Anderson in straight sets which now puts Federer on equal points and equal set wins/loss 4:2 each. Thiem also helped by beating Nishikori in straight sets. So from my understand of how this set up works, Anderson and Federer both make it through to the finals. We now just have to wait on one more match as we already know that Djokovic is through. The question is which other player will join Djokovic in the finals out of this group? Will it be Cilic who faces Djokovic or will it be Zverev who faces Isner.

LOL. But I thought that with this format only one player will advance but I was wrong. So Federer and Anderson advancing with identical records while Thiem and Nishikori are ousted from the Group Lleyton Hewitt. On the other side of the bracket, Djokovic is sure of a slot, but the other one slot is up for grabs and I'm thinking that it might be Zverev advancing.

Yes I first thought this as well but remembered that this is the final big tournament of the year and its for the best players in the world who fight it out for that last title. So the top two from each group go through to play in the semi-finals. Djokovic looks unbeatable right now as he has gone through the group without losing a match or a set. The good news is that we could see a Djokovic and Federer final as Djokovic takes on Anderson while Federer must play Zverev.

[vella85]

Darn, that now makes it two tournaments in a row where the possible final could of been Federer v Djokovic but once again that's not going to happen with Federer losing to Zverev in straight sets 5-7 6-7 Djokovic won his match easily beating Anderson in straight sets 6-2 6-2 I was hoping to see Federer/Djokovic fight it out in the last major tournament for the year but it wasn't to be. I think Djokovic will end with the win to cap off an amazing last half of the year. Its been an amazing last half for Djokovic as he won the last two grand slams of the year and will finish the year on top ranked number #1 so its been an incredible year for him.

[vella85]

Alexander Zverev upsets Djokovic in straight sets to win the final ATP tournament of the year. Djokovic was set to equal Federer’s record of six ATP Finals wins but it wasn't to be. Zverev also makes some history as he becomes just the fourth player to beat Federer and Djokovic in the semi-final and final of the same tournament joining Murray, Nadal, and David Nalbandian.

So Djokovic ends the year as the number #1 ranked player with Nadal second and Federer third.

[vella85]

I have been reading a lot of news reports that Alexander Zverev beating Djokovic in the London ATP final is the changing of the guard. I don't fully agree with this just yet as Zverev still needs to prove himself on the big stage like Grand Slam tournaments. Like we have all been saying in this thread all year, the young talent does well in the smaller tournaments but when it comes to Grand Slams they don't seem to do as well as they do in these tournaments. We shall see next year if the young talent can become a force in Grand Slam tournaments. However Thiem and Zverev do look the stand outs for me with a few others that have shown glimpses of greatness.

[Kemarit]

I have been reading a lot of news reports that Alexander Zverev beating Djokovic in the London ATP final is the changing of the guard. I don't fully agree with this just yet as Zverev still needs to prove himself on the big stage like Grand Slam tournaments. Like we have all been saying in this thread all year, the young talent does well in the smaller tournaments but when it comes to Grand Slams they don't seem to do as well as they do in these tournaments. We shall see next year if the young talent can become a force in Grand Slam tournaments. However Thiem and Zverev do look the stand outs for me with a few others that have shown glimpses of greatness.

I agree, its too early to say if Zverev will carry the torch for the young lads in tennis. As I have said before, they haven't perform against the veterans in a Grand Slam tournaments. So I don't know about the big fuss about Zverev beating Djokovic in this tournament means changing of the guards. He still needs to go to a lot of psychological barrier, he needs to be mentally though and I don't see him at this point the way Nadal, Federer did at the early stage of their career.

[vella85]

I have been reading a lot of news reports that Alexander Zverev beating Djokovic in the London ATP final is the changing of the guard. I don't fully agree with this just yet as Zverev still needs to prove himself on the big stage like Grand Slam tournaments. Like we have all been saying in this thread all year, the young talent does well in the smaller tournaments but when it comes to Grand Slams they don't seem to do as well as they do in these tournaments. We shall see next year if the young talent can become a force in Grand Slam tournaments. However Thiem and Zverev do look the stand outs for me with a few others that have shown glimpses of greatness.

I agree, its too early to say if Zverev will carry the torch for the young lads in tennis. As I have said before, they haven't perform against the veterans in a Grand Slam tournaments. So I don't know about the big fuss about Zverev beating Djokovic in this tournament means changing of the guards. He still needs to go to a lot of psychological barrier, he needs to be mentally though and I don't see him at this point the way Nadal, Federer did at the early stage of their career.

The only one of the young talent to make a Grand Slam final was Thiem but when he did come up against Nadal he was no match for him as he lost in straight sets when compared to when the two players met in a tournament before the French Open where Thiem actually beat Nadal but when it came to the big stage he couldn't get the job done. So I agree with you the young talent still have a way to go before they can start to match it with the veterans of Men's tennis.

[Kemarit]

I read an article about an interview with Djokovic saying that he lost because he is still not feeling well, remember he said that as well in the Paris Masters so there could be truth about that. However, there are some fans as well saying that Djokovic is making an excuse again after he lost. But for me, it really looks like its the case. Maybe his body is showing some toll as well, he went from rank 22th or 23rd to become number 1, and streaks leading to tournaments his in. When you push your body like that, something has to give up, our body can only take that much beating.

[Juggy777]

I have been reading a lot of news reports that Alexander Zverev beating Djokovic in the London ATP final is the changing of the guard. I don't fully agree with this just yet as Zverev still needs to prove himself on the big stage like Grand Slam tournaments. Like we have all been saying in this thread all year, the young talent does well in the smaller tournaments but when it comes to Grand Slams they don't seem to do as well as they do in these tournaments. We shall see next year if the young talent can become a force in Grand Slam tournaments. However Thiem and Zverev do look the stand outs for me with a few others that have shown glimpses of greatness.

I'll second this youngsters like him and Thiem do cause upsets on smaller tournaments, but lack the courage or they choke out when it matters the most i.e. Winning grand slams. I believe these media headlines are nothing but paid Pr as more lime light makes them get exclusive deals, for me these two have a long way before I call them a threat to Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.

I read an article about an interview with Djokovic saying that he lost because he is still not feeling well, remember he said that as well in the Paris Masters so there could be truth about that.

If a top athlete like Djokovic says he's not 100% I would believe him, he's in top 5 for a while now, he's been performing extremely hard and yes that has consequences on his body. I wish he recovers and is fully fit for next years grand slams.

[vella85]

I read an article about an interview with Djokovic saying that he lost because he is still not feeling well, remember he said that as well in the Paris Masters so there could be truth about that. However, there are some fans as well saying that Djokovic is making an excuse again after he lost. But for me, it really looks like its the case. Maybe his body is showing some toll as well, he went from rank 22th or 23rd to become number 1, and streaks leading to tournaments his in. When you push your body like that, something has to give up, our body can only take that much beating.

I believe that what Djokovic is saying is true as like you said he has battled hard to come back from his injury and to come from ranked 20+ in the world and make it to number #1 in just 6 months is an amazing achievement so we can understand if he isn't feeling at his best. At least now he can rest up like the rest of them and be ready for the start of the 2019 season.

[btc_angela]

I read an article about an interview with Djokovic saying that he lost because he is still not feeling well, remember he said that as well in the Paris Masters so there could be truth about that. However, there are some fans as well saying that Djokovic is making an excuse again after he lost. But for me, it really looks like its the case. Maybe his body is showing some toll as well, he went from rank 22th or 23rd to become number 1, and streaks leading to tournaments his in. When you push your body like that, something has to give up, our body can only take that much beating.

I believe that what Djokovic is saying is true as like you said he has battled hard to come back from his injury and to come from ranked 20+ in the world and make it to number #1 in just 6 months is an amazing achievement so we can understand if he isn't feeling at his best. At least now he can rest up like the rest of them and be ready for the start of the 2019 season.

Obviously those guys are not robot, their body will take a hit no matter how great you are or whatever ranking you got. Djokovic is no exception and just what you can have analyse, leading up and getting back to #1 is incredible but at the end of the day, his body may have reacted negatively so its better to rest and prepare again for the next battle in 2019.

[vella85]

Croatia have won their second ever Davis Cup title after Marin Cilic beat Lucas Pouille in straight sets to give Croatia a 3-1 lead over hosts and defending champions France which meant Croatia already won with the final match being a dead rubber. Croatia last won the Davis Cup in 2005 so it was good to see them win it again after 13 years. Next year the format for the Davis Cup will change so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

[Juggy777]

Croatia have won their second ever Davis Cup title after Marin Cilic beat Lucas Pouille in straight sets to give Croatia a 3-1 lead over hosts and defending champions France which meant Croatia already won with the final match being a dead rubber. Croatia last won the Davis Cup in 2005 so it was good to see them win it again after 13 years. Next year the format for the Davis Cup will change so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

Croatia played well and they deserved to win the cup, I was expecting better from France but they disappointed. I don't think I'll be seeing the final match, as Croatia are already declared winners that match will just be a formality, and will lack the intensity. Croatia winning the cup after 18 years is an ominous sign for them, hopefully they'll improve going ahead.

[Kemarit]

Croatia have won their second ever Davis Cup title after Marin Cilic beat Lucas Pouille in straight sets to give Croatia a 3-1 lead over hosts and defending champions France which meant Croatia already won with the final match being a dead rubber. Croatia last won the Davis Cup in 2005 so it was good to see them win it again after 13 years. Next year the format for the Davis Cup will change so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

I really can't believed that after 118 years, they finally decided to change the format. As for Croatia, they come closed in 2016 but this time they can't be denied and finally raised the trophy after 13 years.  If you still remembered, they are up 2-1 against Argentina in 2016 and had high hopes that they can be the eventual champion. So its like Cilic is having a de javu again, up 2-1 against France but this time its "no history repeating itself", as Cilic beats Lucas Pouille convincingly.