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[absy]

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

Agreed , this year its gonna more difficult than previous year for Fed . I hope he sustains somehow . I would love it if Rafa wins Australian open and I am convinced that he will take home French open this time too . He might even beat Feds GS count by the time he retires , can't he?

[vella85]

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

Agreed , this year its gonna more difficult than previous year for Fed . I hope he sustains somehow . I would love it if Rafa wins Australian open and I am convinced that he will take home French open this time too . He might even beat Feds GS count by the time he retires , can't he?

Yes it won't be as easy as it was for Federer with the young talent coming through and challenging these older players. No one is talking about Novak Djokovic who has an amazing record when it comes to the Australian Open and I think this year he will be fit and ready to go unlike the past couple of years. Nadal may pass Federer in the Grand Slam count but I then think Djokovic will pass Nadal and Federer.

[Kemarit]

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

Agreed , this year its gonna more difficult than previous year for Fed . I hope he sustains somehow . I would love it if Rafa wins Australian open and I am convinced that he will take home French open this time too . He might even beat Feds GS count by the time he retires , can't he?

Yes it won't be as easy as it was for Federer with the young talent coming through and challenging these older players. No one is talking about Novak Djokovic who has an amazing record when it comes to the Australian Open and I think this year he will be fit and ready to go unlike the past couple of years. Nadal may pass Federer in the Grand Slam count but I then think Djokovic will pass Nadal and Federer.

It's possible that Djokovic will surpass Nadal and Federer as far as Grand Slam wins. Djokovic is still strong and he was able to overcome the psychological barrier last year and started to win again. The only hindrance is that he gets injured again, but I guess he learn his lessons last year and knows how to take care of his body more so that he can continue to win more trophies.

[Juggy777]

It's possible that Djokovic will surpass Nadal and Federer as far as Grand Slam wins. Djokovic is still strong and he was able to overcome the psychological barrier last year and started to win again. The only hindrance is that he gets injured again, but I guess he learn his lessons last year and knows how to take care of his body more so that he can continue to win more trophies.

I'll second that it's quite possible Nadal just returned a few days back, and he's already had to withdraw from the tournament his injuries seem to be persistent. Also while Federer had a good match recently I don't feel he'll be able to stop Djokovic. I feel that if Djokovic can maintain his fitness, and perform consistently he can be at the top there's no stopping him but I feel he'll face some competition from youngsters who'll try to beat him.

[asche]

It's possible that Djokovic will surpass Nadal and Federer as far as Grand Slam wins. Djokovic is still strong and he was able to overcome the psychological barrier last year and started to win again. The only hindrance is that he gets injured again, but I guess he learn his lessons last year and knows how to take care of his body more so that he can continue to win more trophies.

I'll second that it's quite possible Nadal just returned a few days back, and he's already had to withdraw from the tournament his injuries seem to be persistent. Also while Federer had a good match recently I don't feel he'll be able to stop Djokovic. I feel that if Djokovic can maintain his fitness, and perform consistently he can be at the top there's no stopping him but I feel he'll face some competition from youngsters who'll try to beat him.

Djokovic is usually able to provide a constant level of tennis.

He rarely plays good and bad only a few days apart.

[absy]

It's possible that Djokovic will surpass Nadal and Federer as far as Grand Slam wins. Djokovic is still strong and he was able to overcome the psychological barrier last year and started to win again. The only hindrance is that he gets injured again, but I guess he learn his lessons last year and knows how to take care of his body more so that he can continue to win more trophies.

I'll second that it's quite possible Nadal just returned a few days back, and he's already had to withdraw from the tournament his injuries seem to be persistent. Also while Federer had a good match recently I don't feel he'll be able to stop Djokovic. I feel that if Djokovic can maintain his fitness, and perform consistently he can be at the top there's no stopping him but I feel he'll face some competition from youngsters who'll try to beat him.

Gotto agree , although he isn't as famous as Nadal /Federer is , he has always produced great tennis but still after 33 its really tough to win consecutive GS's . Nobody can stop Djoker if he is fit though , only thing that can stop him is injuries.

[asche]

only thing that can stop him is injuries.

His own mind is pretty good at stopping him as well.

[AB de Royse777]

Djokovic is usually able to provide a constant level of tennis.

He rarely plays good and bad only a few days apart.

The score is now

Djokovic vs Basilashvili 1 - 1 (4-6) (6-3)

Good comeback by Djokovic which usually he does. This set will be vital for both. May be First game for Djokovic? Although Basilashvili  served the game.

Edit:
And Djokovic broke the serve! Goodluck Djokovic hehe

[Tavarez]

Yea it was great match Basilashvili vs Djokovic. Obviously Nole is more skilled player but his fitness not great at the moment. Had more options in the game but legs were not there bit late to execute at times. Nikoloz big hitter (just like Stan Wawrinka), he can hit through the opponent but can loose nerves easily which was the case in the final set. Simply he had more in the tank but went for too much in baseline rallies. Novak mentally strong, served incredible throughout the 3rd set which helped him to preserve energy. Overall enough time for most players to find best shape/form for the 1st GS of the 2019. So don't forget that Djokovic stringed two lengthy matches now and also plays doubles with his brother, it is physically demanding so who knows.....

[AB de Royse777]

<snip>

Basilashvili  immediately broke Djokovic's service after he lost his own service however the resistance from Basilashvili did not last long. Eventually the set finished at 6 - 4 and  Djokovic won the match.

Berdych had an easy win against Herbert. Berdych will find his opponent for semi-final from the winner of Lajovic vs Cecchinato. I am hoping to see the final between Djokovic and Berdych. Let's see how my prediction works hehe

[vella85]

I think it was a wise decision that Nadal pulled out of the Brisbane International due to his concerns with his leg injury he sustained last year. We have seen him before in the lead up to the Australian Open where he hasn't played in any lead up tournaments and then perform well at the Australian Open so maybe he will do something like this again. There is still a couple more lead up tournaments if he wants to get some fitness before the Australian Open so right now I'm not all that concerned as its still early, if it was just a few days out from the Australian Open then yes I would be worried for him but hopefully he will be okay to go once it starts.

Today we see two quarter final matches, the Raonic and Medvedev match and the Tsonga where he will take on the Australia young gun Alex de Minaur who is no push over as he had a break out year last year and looks to be Australia's best hope for the Australian Open this year.

[Kemarit]

~ snip ~

Today we see two quarter final matches, the Raonic and Medvedev match and the Tsonga where he will take on the Australia young gun Alex de Minaur who is no push over as he had a break out year last year and looks to be Australia's best hope for the Australian Open this year.

I'm interested to see how Alex de Minaur will fare against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. It's a big test for his young career, but his kid has a lot of talent and a good prospect for Australian Tennis. He could be the next Hewitt in the making, so let's hope that he will slowly rise to the occasion and be aggressive and have good win against Jo-Wilfried.

It looks like Medvedev has already defeated Raonic already. He is riding high after he defeated Andy Murray. Although its a hard fought match because Raonic takes the first set, and D. Medvedev came back strong to finished him in 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4.

[absy]

~ snip ~

Today we see two quarter final matches, the Raonic and Medvedev match and the Tsonga where he will take on the Australia young gun Alex de Minaur who is no push over as he had a break out year last year and looks to be Australia's best hope for the Australian Open this year.

I'm interested to see how Alex de Minaur will fare against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. It's a big test for his young career, but his kid has a lot of talent and a good prospect for Australian Tennis. He could be the next Hewitt in the making, so let's hope that he will slowly rise to the occasion and be aggressive and have good win against Jo-Wilfried.

It looks like Medvedev has already defeated Raonic already. He is riding high after he defeated Andy Murray. Although its a hard fought match because Raonic takes the first set, and D. Medvedev came back strong to finished him in 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4.

Its actually a test for Tsonga f you ask me , don't take me wrong Tsonga has had a brilliant career but right now at this point I guess its more difficult to Tsonga than Alex . I guess Alex will win this one .

[AB de Royse777]

Its actually a test for Tsonga f you ask me , don't take me wrong Tsonga has had a brilliant career but right now at this point I guess its more difficult to Tsonga than Alex . I guess Alex will win this one .

Tsonga hasn't finished yet. 1st set is his and now he is service for his 4th game in the 2nd set if he wins the game then score will be 4 - 4

I do agree that Tsonga had a good career specially around 2010 to 2014 he had his golder time I guess. Let's see if he is going to win this or not. My bet is for Tsonga.

[AB de Royse777]

As I said Tsonga had it! It was hard to win the 2nd set thought since the game was 6 - 6 but ultimately Tsonga won the ti-breaker. Alex was able to take only 2 points.  Tsonga woned it by 7 - 2

Final score: 2 - 0 (6 - 2) (7⁷ - 6²)

Tsonga  is going to face Medvedev in the Semi now

[Kemarit]

Its actually a test for Tsonga f you ask me , don't take me wrong Tsonga has had a brilliant career but right now at this point I guess its more difficult to Tsonga than Alex . I guess Alex will win this one .

Tsonga hasn't finished yet. 1st set is his and now he is service for his 4th game in the 2nd set if he wins the game then score will be 4 - 4

I do agree that Tsonga had a good career specially around 2010 to 2014 he had his golder time I guess. Let's see if he is going to win this or not. My bet is for Tsonga.

It looks like Tsonga played his old self and beat de Minaur, it was a high quality tennis but sadly only one can win. He even save all 3 break points and was amazing in the tie-break. Sad to see the Australian go but again, he is slowly rising and I'm sure that one day he will win this tournament. Another good match in semis now, Medvedev vs Tsonga.

[vella85]

Its actually a test for Tsonga f you ask me , don't take me wrong Tsonga has had a brilliant career but right now at this point I guess its more difficult to Tsonga than Alex . I guess Alex will win this one .

Tsonga hasn't finished yet. 1st set is his and now he is service for his 4th game in the 2nd set if he wins the game then score will be 4 - 4

I do agree that Tsonga had a good career specially around 2010 to 2014 he had his golder time I guess. Let's see if he is going to win this or not. My bet is for Tsonga.

It looks like Tsonga played his old self and beat de Minaur, it was a high quality tennis but sadly only one can win. He even save all 3 break points and was amazing in the tie-break. Sad to see the Australian go but again, he is slowly rising and I'm sure that one day he will win this tournament. Another good match in semis now, Medvedev vs Tsonga.

Tsonga played well and as you said looked like the Tsonga of old. He deserved the win and may even go on to winning the Brisbane International, I'm very happy to see Alex de Minaur play as he did even though he didn't get the win. It will give him more confidence heading into the Australian Open, he might play in one more lead up tournament before then.

Now onto the Hopman Cup where Germany has beaten Australia and now go on to face Switzerland in the final. Its going to be a good final to watch as in the Men's side its young up coming talent taking on one of the greatest players of all time in Federer so I'm really looking forward to watching this later today.

[AB de Royse777]

Now onto the Hopman Cup where Germany has beaten Australia and now go on to face Switzerland in the final. Its going to be a good final to watch as in the Men's side its young up coming talent taking on one of the greatest players of all time in Federer so I'm really looking forward to watching this later today.

Well Federer won it

Score:
Zverev - Federer: 0 -2 (4-6)(2-6)

Seems like it was an easy win for Federer.

In ATP Brisbane, Nishikori already made it to Final. In between Tsonga and Medvedev my bet is for Tsonga. Hopefully he will make it to final too and will face Nishikori.

[asche]

Now onto the Hopman Cup where Germany has beaten Australia and now go on to face Switzerland in the final. Its going to be a good final to watch as in the Men's side its young up coming talent taking on one of the greatest players of all time in Federer so I'm really looking forward to watching this later today.

Well Federer won it

Score:
Zverev - Federer: 0 -2 (4-6)(2-6)

Seems like it was an easy win for Federer.

In ATP Brisbane, Nishikori already made it to Final. In between Tsonga and Medvedev my bet is for Tsonga. Hopefully he will make it to final too and will face Nishikori.

Really sad that this game went this way regarding their last game.

Was hoping for a better show.

[AB de Royse777]

Really sad that this game went this way regarding their last game.

Was hoping for a better show.

It is!
Anyone following Hopman Cup (Australia), hard (indoor) between Kerber and Bencic? Bencic giving a fight back after losing the first set by 6 - 4. If she can break now then the match will be a bit long, may be a 1 - 1 set?


And she did!
5 - 5 now. She needs to hold this game to make it 5 - 6

Update:
Tsonga and Medvedev has started. Tsonga  is serving.