Tennis League All Thread

[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.

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.

Well this time Croatia got one up over the French, its like they wanted to get this win to make up for the loss to France in the World Cup earlier this year. I'm sure that Cilic and the other players made their country proud winning the Davis Cup and making up for their countries loss in the World Cup. I know its not as big as football but at least they won something for their country.

[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.

Well this time Croatia got one up over the French, its like they wanted to get this win to make up for the loss to France in the World Cup earlier this year. I'm sure that Cilic and the other players made their country proud winning the Davis Cup and making up for their countries loss in the World Cup. I know its not as big as football but at least they won something for their country.

LOL, I totally forgot the World Cup rivalry between the two. . Indeed France beat them this year so this is like a revenge and at least them gave them something for their country to be proud of.

What can you say about the change in format though? the "a home-or-away qualifying round", I read that a lot of players (past and present) opposes this new plan, but still the organizers pushes thorough.

[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.

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.

Well this time Croatia got one up over the French, its like they wanted to get this win to make up for the loss to France in the World Cup earlier this year. I'm sure that Cilic and the other players made their country proud winning the Davis Cup and making up for their countries loss in the World Cup. I know its not as big as football but at least they won something for their country.

LOL, I totally forgot the World Cup rivalry between the two. . Indeed France beat them this year so this is like a revenge and at least them gave them something for their country to be proud of.

What can you say about the change in format though? the "a home-or-away qualifying round", I read that a lot of players (past and present) opposes this new plan, but still the organizers pushes thorough.

I also forgot until I saw a video on YouTube about the world cup and then I remembered that it was played between France and Croatia and that France won. Anyway it was nice to see Croatia win and give their country something to be happy about.

Yeah I'm not a big fan of these changes either as why change something that has been working well for a long time. Its all to do with money now and sponsorship deals so I guess that's why we will see the change in 2019 which is a shame.

[Kemarit]

@vella85 - That's the only viable reason that I understand as well. I mean there will be big money coming from it will be pump $3 million, but the money will be coming from someone whose not even involved in the sports (Gerard Pique, through his company Kosmos, a footballer) which makes it harder for Tennis fans and players to swallows. Anyways, if it will bring tons of money as sponsorship to rival Grand Slam tennis then I guess it will be for the good of the sports in the long run.

[vella85]

@vella85 - That's the only viable reason that I understand as well. I mean there will be big money coming from it will be pump $3 million, but the money will be coming from someone whose not even involved in the sports (Gerard Pique, through his company Kosmos, a footballer) which makes it harder for Tennis fans and players to swallows. Anyways, if it will bring tons of money as sponsorship to rival Grand Slam tennis then I guess it will be for the good of the sports in the long run.

Yeah true my friend, Like we have said it is mostly for the money however like you mentioned if the Davis cup can become as big as the 4 Grand Slam tournaments then yes I think it would be good for tennis. I actually like Davis Cup tennis however it doesn't seem to be as big as it once was so this could also be why they are going to change the format of the Davis Cup. I think we just need to wait and see how it goes and hopefully it will be a success for tennis and the fans.

[vella85]

The new tennis season has already started in Australia with the Hopman Cup starting yesterday. Great Britain are off to a good start beating Greece which was a shock as Greece lost the mixed doubles match which they were expected to win. Now Greece must beat Switzerland and the US to have a chance of reaching the Hopman Cup final. Australia also won their round against France with Barty beating Cornet and Ebden beating Pouille.

[Pettuh4]

The new tennis season has already started in Australia with the Hopman Cup starting yesterday. Great Britain are off to a good start beating Greece which was a shock as Greece lost the mixed doubles match which they were expected to win. Now Greece must beat Switzerland and the US to have a chance of reaching the Hopman Cup final. Australia also won their round against France with Barty beating Cornet and Ebden beating Pouille.

Well on paper it looks like a big huddle for the Australians but Roger Federer isn't in his prime to exude a lot of  fear into the Australian team so they should rather capitalize on their youthfulness and try to see off Switzerland but to do it again against the American team might be a difficult task but with home support and perhaps the pride of beating the Switz ( should that happen) can really be a moral booster that can propel them into the finals.

[Jating]

And it looks like Zverev won over David Ferrer 6-4 4-6 7-6(0) and secure the victory for Germany in the Hopman cup. And it was great battle but Zverev was in the zone and never give up. Ferrer came back to win the 2nd set though, but it was not enough as Zverev didn't melt under the pressure but level up his game.

[vella85]

Germany and Switzerland both had wins in the Hopman Cup, Federer was in great form winning easily in straight sets 6-1 6-1 against Norrie of Great Britain. Germany look in good form as well with Kerber and Zverev winning in 3 sets, it looks like its going to be an interesting tournament to see which country will take it out as most countries are in the mix except for Greece and maybe Spain. The USA take on Greece later today, if Greece don't get the win then they will be out.

[absy]

As we get closer to Australian Open , we can see Federer in great form . I know many are talking about his retirement( he himself is talking about it ) but I would love to see him play this whole year ( including clay).

[Juggy777]

Germany and Switzerland both had wins in the Hopman Cup, Federer was in great form winning easily in straight sets 6-1 6-1 against Norrie of Great Britain. Germany look in good form as well with Kerber and Zverev winning in 3 sets, it looks like its going to be an interesting tournament to see which country will take it out as most countries are in the mix except for Greece and maybe Spain. The USA take on Greece later today, if Greece don't get the win then they will be out.

Zverev has really started to play to his full potential, and I feel that makes Germany favourites to win it, I feel he can single handedly win it for them. What I'm starting to like about Zverev is he refuses to give into pressure, and doesn't loose focus irrespective of the opponent. Also it's pertinent to note that Federer seems to have found some momentum, as many including me had written his chances of him winning for his country.

[absy]

Germany and Switzerland both had wins in the Hopman Cup, Federer was in great form winning easily in straight sets 6-1 6-1 against Norrie of Great Britain. Germany look in good form as well with Kerber and Zverev winning in 3 sets, it looks like its going to be an interesting tournament to see which country will take it out as most countries are in the mix except for Greece and maybe Spain. The USA take on Greece later today, if Greece don't get the win then they will be out.

Zverev has really started to play to his full potential, and I feel that makes Germany favourites to win it, I feel he can single handedly win it for them. What I'm starting to like about Zverev is he refuses to give into pressure, and doesn't loose focus irrespective of the opponent. Also it's pertinent to note that Federer seems to have found some momentum, as many including me had written his chances of him winning for his country.

He always plays well except in Grand Slams and I really can't figure out why. He handles pressure well in all the ATP tour level tournaments but when it comes to GS , he chokes and chokes.
He should be a little more patient , that will definitely help his game is what I feel.

[Kemarit]

Germany and Switzerland both had wins in the Hopman Cup, Federer was in great form winning easily in straight sets 6-1 6-1 against Norrie of Great Britain. Germany look in good form as well with Kerber and Zverev winning in 3 sets, it looks like its going to be an interesting tournament to see which country will take it out as most countries are in the mix except for Greece and maybe Spain. The USA take on Greece later today, if Greece don't get the win then they will be out.

Zverev has really started to play to his full potential, and I feel that makes Germany favourites to win it, I feel he can single handedly win it for them. What I'm starting to like about Zverev is he refuses to give into pressure, and doesn't loose focus irrespective of the opponent. Also it's pertinent to note that Federer seems to have found some momentum, as many including me had written his chances of him winning for his country.

Yes, it looks like Zverev has finally step up his game and looks like slowly getting there. The win against Ferrer is big morale boost for him.

@absy - usually though young players tend to crack and choke in big stage like the Grand Slams, maybe the pressure, the crowd or something. That's why the veterans like Federer, Rafa and Djokovic usually win those tournaments because they know how to handle and stay on top of their game.

[absy]

Germany and Switzerland both had wins in the Hopman Cup, Federer was in great form winning easily in straight sets 6-1 6-1 against Norrie of Great Britain. Germany look in good form as well with Kerber and Zverev winning in 3 sets, it looks like its going to be an interesting tournament to see which country will take it out as most countries are in the mix except for Greece and maybe Spain. The USA take on Greece later today, if Greece don't get the win then they will be out.

Zverev has really started to play to his full potential, and I feel that makes Germany favourites to win it, I feel he can single handedly win it for them. What I'm starting to like about Zverev is he refuses to give into pressure, and doesn't loose focus irrespective of the opponent. Also it's pertinent to note that Federer seems to have found some momentum, as many including me had written his chances of him winning for his country.

Yes, it looks like Zverev has finally step up his game and looks like slowly getting there. The win against Ferrer is big morale boost for him.

@absy - usually though young players tend to crack and choke in big stage like the Grand Slams, maybe the pressure, the crowd or something. That's why the veterans like Federer, Rafa and Djokovic usually win those tournaments because they know how to handle and stay on top of their game.

Well you are right but seeing him play with such confidence in Tour Level and choke in early stages in GS is what amazes me. Its been 8-10 GS I guess after he came into top 10 rankings and no improvements .

[Kemarit]

^^ I guess we can call it a stage fright. LOL. But I'm sure as he mature enough to really just focus and learn how to hone his skills to achieved his goals then there's no stopping this kid. Will probably takes a year or two before we can finally see him raises a Grand Slam trophy I reckon. That match against Ferrer really shows his potential in this game so I'm sure that tennis fans will enjoy watching him grow into the likes of Federer or Djokovic in the future.

[reactorjuno]

I am not sure if some of you are placing parlay bets. I do not do it often but for tomorrow I would like to bet on two players: Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal.

Kei Nishikori is facing the American player Denis Kudla. And this pick to me is really solid, I know Denis Kudla, even saw him play in person some challenger, good backhand but very limited, while Kei Nishikori is just pure talent and fantastic speed on the court.

Odds: 1.22

Even though Rafa Nadal is very rusty, same can be said about Jo-W. Tsonga, let's be honest the French player is miles away from his best form. Rafa Nadal was very decent in Abu Dhabi. I play this bet because I like the odds (1.43).

1.22 + 1.43 is an interesting parlay for tomorrow. Decent value.

[babygun]

I am happy that the Australian open is coming closer. It would be fantastic if Federer could win another grand slam title and if he can reach his best form, I think this must be possible. The odds of Federer winning the AO is @7, which is quite nice and worth a bet.

[vella85]

It was a great day/night of tennis yesterday with Federer and Serena Williams playing against each other for the first time ever as Switzerland took on the US in the Hopman Cup. Two of the greatest players of their times facing each other was great to see. Switzerland won the mixed doubles match and have now won both their two rounds so far. Its looking like the Hopman Cup could be out of Germany or Switzerland.

Also the Brisbane International has started with many big names playing in this lead up tournament to the Australian Open. Murray goes through to the next round which was good to see, he said that he moved well and felt good and that he just wants to enjoy it as much as he can, for as long as he can because his not sure how much longer he has got. Kyrgios is also through to the next round with a 3 sets win against Harrison in which Kyrgios almost broke the world record for aces in a 3 set ATP match with 44, The record is held by Ivo Karlovic who served 45 aces in a 3 set ATP match in 2015.

[Tavarez]

I am happy that the Australian open is coming closer. It would be fantastic if Federer could win another grand slam title and if he can reach his best form, I think this must be possible. The odds of Federer winning the AO is @7, which is quite nice and worth a bet.

Don't be funny, even at his best form he will be able to push maybe to qf/sf rounds. Don't forget: Nole, Khachanov, Wawrinka who seems fit again, A. Zverev, Tsitsipas, Kevin Anderson. Rafa if he manages to fully recover. don't get me wrong Fed is pure class (real tennis virtue) but best of five (you know he gets drained in those physically demanding matches. For GS title you often need to string two incredibly tough matches. sf and f

[Kemarit]

It was a great day/night of tennis yesterday with Federer and Serena Williams playing against each other for the first time ever as Switzerland took on the US in the Hopman Cup. Two of the greatest players of their times facing each other was great to see. Switzerland won the mixed doubles match and have now won both their two rounds so far. Its looking like the Hopman Cup could be out of Germany or Switzerland.

Yes, first time to see both of them sharing the same court. There are so much hype in this game, however, Switzerland won and will face Greece next, so let's see if Roger Federer's body can hold up and win the Hopman Cup for this country.

Also the Brisbane International has started with many big names playing in this lead up tournament to the Australian Open. Murray goes through to the next round which was good to see, he said that he moved well and felt good and that he just wants to enjoy it as much as he can, for as long as he can because his not sure how much longer he has got. Kyrgios is also through to the next round with a 3 sets win against Harrison in which Kyrgios almost broke the world record for aces in a 3 set ATP match with 44, The record is held by Ivo Karlovic who served 45 aces in a 3 set ATP match in 2015.

Good to see Andy Murray is back once again. However, he lost on the second round  to Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2. It's going to be a uphill battle for him but we do hope that he can come back again just like what Djokovic did last year.