Tennis League All Thread

[kenshi222]

I just heard today that Djokovic has been refused entry to the U.S because he doesnt
have a COVID-19 vaccination so wont be playing at Indian Wells.

A few weeks ago the competent authority announced that people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will also be allowed to enter the country from 11 May. Thus, it has been clear for a long time that Djokovic can not play at some tournaments in the USA. So I do not understand why this topic is now being discussed in the media again.

The Covid 19 was started again was a shocking news to the people of all around the world.Since we faced huge economic crisis by the COVID 19,it’s hard for the people who was in medium economic status.Djokovic should be vaccinated to play on safer side of game,he is top class player.He should acted as example for youngsters.

When he was not allowed to play on the USA tournament,he should be vaccinated on the next day.But he had some atheists feeling towards the vaccination.But such things should be avoided.Then he can play the Indian Wells by that vaccination.

[Marvell1]

I didn't think there were any restrictions about COVID-19 at this time. This is absolutely ridiculous. Because when there is a war going on and a lot of people are rushing out of a country without any social distancing, certainly there is no COVID-19. But whenever someone is willingly avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine, there are certainly a lot of rules about it. Most countries have dropped the restrictions about COVID-19. I don't think this should be a problem anywhere in the world.

I just heard today that Djokovic has been refused entry to the U.S because he doesnt
have a COVID-19 vaccination so wont be playing at Indian Wells.

A few weeks ago the competent authority announced that people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will also be allowed to enter the country from 11 May. Thus, it has been clear for a long time that Djokovic can not play at some tournaments in the USA. So I do not understand why this topic is now being discussed in the media again.

[shogun47]

I didn't think there were any restrictions about COVID-19 at this time. This is absolutely ridiculous. Because when there is a war going on and a lot of people are rushing out of a country without any social distancing, certainly there is no COVID-19. But whenever someone is willingly avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine, there are certainly a lot of rules about it. Most countries have dropped the restrictions about COVID-19. I don't think this should be a problem anywhere in the world.

I just heard today that Djokovic has been refused entry to the U.S because he doesnt
have a COVID-19 vaccination so wont be playing at Indian Wells.

A few weeks ago the competent authority announced that people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will also be allowed to enter the country from 11 May. Thus, it has been clear for a long time that Djokovic can not play at some tournaments in the USA. So I do not understand why this topic is now being discussed in the media again.

The reason it was discussed in the media again is because as far as I know Djokovic applied for an exemption. But it was refused and I guess he already anticipated that more or less. He doesn't get vaccinated and knowingly took the gamble that regulation will be loosened before May 11th. I think it is not optimal for him because as much as he is going to focus on the Grand Slam tournaments, he also wants to extend his lead in being the world no.1 weeks. The tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami are usually two important tournaments for him as he has won them five times and six times, respectively. However, he hasn't made it further than the 1/8th final since 2017. He was kicked out in early rounds and then Covid came up. In terms of points he isn't losing anything compared to last year, but he is also not winning anything and Alcaraz is going to play them both I believe.

[aoluain]

^
His #1 spot hangs in the balance at Indian Wells, if Alcaraz can manage to win the
tournament he will take that #1 spot back and if he fails Djokovic will remain at #1!

Alcaraz' main opposition will be the in form Medvedev, I'm not even sure if they are on the
same or opposite sides of the draw, it would make for a thrilling final!

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/alcaraz-indian-wells-2023-world-no-1-live-rankings-projection

[Trofo]

.... and Alcaraz is going to play them both I believe.

That is yet to be seen. Alcaraz is having injury problems and this tournament is coming a bit too fast for him. I am sure he would have preferred a couple more days to properly heal and get back to max training. As it stands I am concerned for Alcaraz in early rounds, he really needs first 2 opponents to be whipping boys to get his game on. Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

[cryptofrka]

That is yet to be seen. Alcaraz is having injury problems and this tournament is coming a bit too fast for him. I am sure he would have preferred a couple more days to properly heal and get back to max training. As it stands I am concerned for Alcaraz in early rounds, he really needs first 2 opponents to be whipping boys to get his game on. Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

He's probably starting against Kokkinakis, definitely not a pushover but a player he can beat even when not on 100%.
After that probably Griekspoor, that will be a decent test on hard surface.

Considering the number of tournaments he's had to miss, it's really impressive that Đoković is still sitting on no.1 spot in the overall rankings.

[Trofo]

That is yet to be seen. Alcaraz is having injury problems and this tournament is coming a bit too fast for him. I am sure he would have preferred a couple more days to properly heal and get back to max training. As it stands I am concerned for Alcaraz in early rounds, he really needs first 2 opponents to be whipping boys to get his game on. Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

He's probably starting against Kokkinakis, definitely not a pushover but a player he can beat even when not on 100%.
After that probably Griekspoor, that will be a decent test on hard surface.

Considering the number of tournaments he's had to miss, it's really impressive that Đoković is still sitting on no.1 spot in the overall rankings.

Kokkinakis is realy hard matchup for first round. He is in form this season, playing his best matches on hard and in conditions just like we have in IW. He is also a player that already passed qualifying rounds. I am smelling a possible upset here, definitely playing something on Kokkinakis if odds are good. Handicap and especially first set handicap on Kokkinakis will be free money if Alcaraz gets odds like 1.15 for win.

[casperBGD]

~snip
Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

reading morning news that Djokovic will be able to play in Miami, not sure if that is just a "hopium", or there is something behind it, Florida will vouch for him

nevertheless, Alcazar seem as he will play in Indianwells, according to his status, he dismissed injury, and says he is ready for it, there is still time to give up, but he will probably not play until Tuesday, so there is almost a whole week to recover

[Trofo]

nevertheless, Alcazar seem as he will play in Indianwells, according to his status, he dismissed injury, and says he is ready for it, there is still time to give up, but he will probably not play until Tuesday, so there is almost a whole week to recover

No way that is true, he is playing second round and main tournament starts today. That means he has to play on this Friday or on Saturday at the latest unless some freak weather condition happens and many matches get delayed.

IW and Miami have a strange schedule where they last for 10 days. Qualifying strats on Monday, main draw on Wednesday and then final on a Sunday next week.

[serveria.com]

That is yet to be seen. Alcaraz is having injury problems and this tournament is coming a bit too fast for him. I am sure he would have preferred a couple more days to properly heal and get back to max training. As it stands I am concerned for Alcaraz in early rounds, he really needs first 2 opponents to be whipping boys to get his game on. Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

He's probably starting against Kokkinakis, definitely not a pushover but a player he can beat even when not on 100%.
After that probably Griekspoor, that will be a decent test on hard surface.

Considering the number of tournaments he's had to miss, it's really impressive that Đoković is still sitting on no.1 spot in the overall rankings.

Don't forget that Alcaraz's (as any Spaniards?) preferred surface is clay and both Kokkinakis and Griekspoor are hard court guys. That might add extra stress for him in the early rounds as well as the injury.

[casperBGD]

~snip
No way that is true, he is playing second round and main tournament starts today. That means he has to play on this Friday or on Saturday at the latest unless some freak weather condition happens and many matches get delayed.

agree, added a round, he is skipping only one round
looking at draw, he is playing second round day, not first, but overall probably on Saturday

here is a news regarding Florida senators asking Biden to approve Djokovic entry to Florida
https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/03/03/florida-senators-ask-biden-to-allow-novak-djokovic-to-play-miami-open-despite-covid-restrictions
not sure, but I do not think anything would happen around it

[shogun47]

.... and Alcaraz is going to play them both I believe.

That is yet to be seen. Alcaraz is having injury problems and this tournament is coming a bit too fast for him. I am sure he would have preferred a couple more days to properly heal and get back to max training. As it stands I am concerned for Alcaraz in early rounds, he really needs first 2 opponents to be whipping boys to get his game on. Afterwards when he gets confidant that his injury is history he can become that player we all love and maybe even win the tournaments in IW and Miami.

That is the one fear that many of us share when young outstanding talents come into the limelight. The need to stay free of injuries. Often times that is the one thing that differentiates a superstar from as supertalent. Alcaraz is a guy who can probably stay at the top of the ATP ranking for a very long time, but he could also be one of those guys who is injured once in a quarter. That's the same in every sport. Nadal and Federer missed out on quite a number of games as well because of injuries. It was hard to see Nadal give up in a semi final not too long ago.

Djokovic seems to have more physical resistance against injuries. I think he is perhaps working even harder on mobility and nutrition than everyone else is. He could have a couple of years to go in a good physical condition.

[bct_ail]

The need to stay free of injuries. Often times that is the one thing that differentiates a superstar from as supertalent.

You are absolutely right. Someone who makes his sport as a profession has to listen to his body. He has to treat it in such a way that it is always there for great performance. Mental health is very important for that. But the body has also to function. The bones and tendons have to function better than those of others. Genes are also responsible for this. So either someone has an athelic gene from birth on or he will not make it to a superstar. Nature can be pretty mean sometimes...

[shogun47]

The need to stay free of injuries. Often times that is the one thing that differentiates a superstar from as supertalent.

You are absolutely right. Someone who makes his sport as a profession has to listen to his body. He has to treat it in such a way that it is always there for great performance. Mental health is very important for that. But the body has also to function. The bones and tendons have to function better than those of others. Genes are also responsible for this. So either someone has an athelic gene from birth on or he will not make it to a superstar. Nature can be pretty mean sometimes...

It is not only about listening to your body, it is, frankly speaking, also a lot about luck and genetics. There are plenty of examples in all kinds of sports where top professionals with perfect nutrition and training were way more often injured than their competitors while others who are less meticulous about their bodies are less often injured. That's not fair but it is how it is.

Long seasons of tennis can be very demanding and I was often amazed about the workload that Djokovic, Federer and Nadal were able to cope with. It is not the number of tournaments you play, but the number of games which is defined by how far you make it in all of those tournaments.

Mental health is another big factor because especially in single sports like tennis, if you are mentally disturbed you can lose a game within a blink of an eye and not compete with anyone who is in top shape.

It is a bit different in team sports when your team mates can carry you if you have a short moment of weakness.

[Daniel91]

I just heard today that Djokovic has been refused entry to the U.S because he doesnt
have a COVID-19 vaccination so wont be playing at Indian Wells.

A few weeks ago the competent authority announced that people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will also be allowed to enter the country from 11 May. Thus, it has been clear for a long time that Djokovic can not play at some tournaments in the USA. So I do not understand why this topic is now being discussed in the media again.

This is the current situation, but as far as I understand from the news, the US Congress wants to lift all restrictions related to Covid 19.
I don't know the American political situation and I don't know if they can decide that without the approval of the American government and the US president.
There is still a lot of time before the start of the GS tournament in America and a lot of things can still happen.
We have an example from Australia where Đoković was deported last year but in the meantime the government changed and this year he was allowed to enter Australia and after that Đoković won the GS in Australia.
The Covid 19 rules are political decisions and can change at any time.
A lot of influential people in America, such as representatives of the biggest tennis tournaments and some politicians like the governor of Florida, are making public pressure to make an exception in the case of Djokovic, so that issue has not been resolved yet.

[aoluain]

Good point Daniel91 - things could change between now and the US Open.

Here in Europe there are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, I think the US
are probably one of very few countries with restrictions in place.


Anyone betting on todays Indian Wells matches? Its difficult to make a pick, I have only
two today Wawrinka to beat Vukic @ 1.45 and coming up soon Murray to beat Etcheverry @ 1.32.

Wawrinka just beat Vukic.

[Trofo]

Anyone betting on todays Indian Wells matches? Its difficult to make a pick, I have only
two today Wawrinka to beat Vukic @ 1.45 and coming up soon Murray to beat Etcheverry @ 1.32.

Wawrinka just beat Vukic.

I have a multi with two early games on it as well. Wouldn't even mention it here if you did not brought the question since games already started. I prefer to put them in advance os somebody can use my tips.

I have Struff ML @1.7 and Kokkinakis 2:0 @1.7, both players in great form and I expected easy wins from them. Looking good at the moment even though Struff lost first set 6:1, have no idea what happened there

[Joca97]

Anyone betting on todays Indian Wells matches? Its difficult to make a pick, I have only
two today Wawrinka to beat Vukic @ 1.45 and coming up soon Murray to beat Etcheverry @ 1.32.

Wawrinka just beat Vukic.

I have a multi with two early games on it as well. Wouldn't even mention it here if you did not brought the question since games already started. I prefer to put them in advance os somebody can use my tips.

I have Struff ML @1.7 and Kokkinakis 2:0 @1.7, both players in great form and I expected easy wins from them. Looking good at the moment even though Struff lost first set 6:1, have no idea what happened there

Struff with a nice comeback and a win with some good odds on him. Both players serve good but Struff pulled it through. Kokkinakis won the first set and looks like he will win easy the second one. So nice two easy wins it Kokkinakis dosent do something stupid.

[romero121]

Anyone betting on todays Indian Wells matches? Its difficult to make a pick, I have only
two today Wawrinka to beat Vukic @ 1.45 and coming up soon Murray to beat Etcheverry @ 1.32.

Wawrinka just beat Vukic.

I have a multi with two early games on it as well. Wouldn't even mention it here if you did not brought the question since games already started. I prefer to put them in advance os somebody can use my tips.

I have Struff ML @1.7 and Kokkinakis 2:0 @1.7, both players in great form and I expected easy wins from them. Looking good at the moment even though Struff lost first set 6:1, have no idea what happened there

Struff with a nice comeback and a win with some good odds on him. Both players serve good but Struff pulled it through. Kokkinakis won the first set and looks like he will win easy the second one. So nice two easy wins it Kokkinakis dosent do something stupid.

Struff after losing the first set very badly 1-6 had made a comeback. Kokkinakis have won the match in direct sets. Now the match between Andy Murray and Etcheverry is going on. It looks like the first set will move to tie breaker as both have levelled the score 5-5. Nowadays Andy Murray wasn't able to perform as the past. He is one among the expected player to progress and reach the next rounds of Indian Wells tournament.

[Strongkored]

Kokkinakis have won the match in direct sets.

He will face the first seed Alcaraz in round 64, Kokkinakis is a good player with serve which is quite a weapon for him but his inconsistency makes it easy to lose especially his opponent Alcaraz, I think this time Alcaraz will handle his opponent well and advance to the next round

Now the match between Andy Murray and Etcheverry is going on. It looks like the first set will move to tie breaker as both have levelled the score 5-5. Nowadays Andy Murray wasn't able to perform as the past. He is one among the expected player to progress and reach the next rounds of Indian Wells tournament.

Murray takes the next two sets relatively easily judging by the score so he will make it to the round of 64 and will play againts Pablo Carreño Busta, Busta is a clay player, and interestingly the two players have never met before but sure enough for Murray to be able to overcome his opponent later on, Murray may not be like he hasn't been injured but still has many ways to overcome his opponents in every match.