Firstly Id like to congratulate the Aussies. 10 through to the second round is a remarkable effort, and something we can be very proud of and from reports might never have happened before.
On the flipside, I think the tennis players would do well to distance themselves from the AFL at the moment. Thanasi Kokkinakis is the "Port Adelaide Football Club Ambassador" and had a quite remarkable victory last night. Apparently has done some pre season training with them as well.
5 sets at aged 18 vs an opponent who is currently ranked 13th in the world (and cracked the top 10 for the first time last year). It was a gutsy win, and showed a lot of character and also speaks for his commitment, determination and preparation.
Let the Tennis do the talking and dont worry about representing interests that are outside of your own youngster! Mud sticks and doesnt come off very easily.
It's funny to remember what people were thinking last year about this time. Tomic had come off a series of PR disasters and had pulled out of his match with Nadal, saying he had a hip injury. Australians were happy to jump off his bandwagon as Kyrgios made a grand entrance. He had a big game, was keen to play and entertain. We had a new and more lovable top male player.
But this year, it looks as though they've switched places. Kyrgios is acting like a knob and is labouring under injury. Tomic has calmly dispatched his first opponent and is not making any PR blunders.
Maybe Kokkinakis can be our likeable star, but perhaps success will give us more chance to see him act up under pressure.
It's funny to remember what people were thinking last year about this time. Tomic had come off a series of PR disasters and had pulled out of his match with Nadal, saying he had a hip injury. Australians were happy to jump off his bandwagon as Kyrgios made a grand entrance. He had a big game, was keen to play and entertain. We had a new and more lovable top male player.
But this year, it looks as though they've switched places. Kyrgios is acting like a knob and is labouring under injury. Tomic has calmly dispatched his first opponent and is not making any PR blunders.
Maybe Kokkinakis can be our likeable star, but perhaps success will give us more chance to see him act up under pressure.
Agree regarding Kyrgios, like all our promising tennis players he appears to be getting ahead of himself. Tomic appears to have learned the hard way so lets hoe the others don't go down the same road.
We have to remember that a lot of players go through a tempestuous phase at the start of their careers. Federer and Agassi are regarded as being great statesmen and role models, but both were real handfuls when they first joined the tour. Hewitt is another good example. Because he started as a 16 year old and he quickly became a top player, his tantrums were under the glare of the cameras and it took him longer to mature. On the other hand, injuries held Pat Rafter back and he didn't start to dominate until his mid-20s. Was he always so even-tempered or did his late start help him to avoid youthful melt-downs?
One thing's for sure - the junior tennis system isn't a good way to teach kids to behave well. It seems to be pretty much geared to producing spoilt brats.
Novak had a strange arrogant temperament when he was younger. He was a sook if games turned on him and would continue to show signs of being sick and almost unable to complete a game. Yet when things went his was he appeared bullet proof. His interviews showed him to be someone who thought his sh1t didn't stink.
As he has matured, he is quickly becoming one of the most likable players. Very honest, nice, polite and a true gentleman. Today watching him practice on one of the courts, he entertained the crowd. He was happy and jovial. He lets a young boy and girl from the crowd come onto the court and have a hit with him. Such a nice thing to do for the kids, and we in the crowd loved it. Especially when the kids hit winners against him. He signed autographs and made sure he stayed there long enough to sign for everyone. He didn't race off as though he had something better or more important to do.
I really like how he has changed. He would have been one of the first to only sign half a dozen signatures and race off as soon as he could to get away from a crowd. Unlike Sam Groth who as he walked through the crowd to get off the practice court, nearly knocked me over and nearly walked over the top of me. Lucky I didn't break my camera.
Well said both Mav and Mantis. Agree with both your posts.
Wacthed Kyrgios last night.
He'll be something special but he has a bit of flog about him. Many great sportsman do.
Wacthed Kyrgios last night.
He'll be something special but he has a bit of flog about him. Many great sportsman do.
Agree, I didn't care for him much last night to be honest hopefully it's age more than anything and he'll mature and cut that out. However Tomic, now there is A grade flog, a head only a mother could love fair dinkum.
He's a 19 year old kid FFS. Playing for extremely high stakes in front of the country he lives in. Can you guys remember when you were 19? Not many at that age are cluey enough to understand perception. If he was a 24 year old displaying the same behaviour on court, then I'd agree but right now he's just a kid and possibly a very immature one.
He's a 19 year old kid FFS. Playing for extremely high stakes in front of the country he lives in. Can you guys remember when you were 19? Not many at that age are cluey enough to understand perception. If he was a 24 year old displaying the same behaviour on court, then I'd agree but right now he's just a kid and possibly a very immature one.
what was Patrick Rafter like when he was 19?
Bloody Berdych.
He's a 19 year old kid FFS. Playing for extremely high stakes in front of the country he lives in. Can you guys remember when you were 19? Not many at that age are cluey enough to understand perception. If he was a 24 year old displaying the same behaviour on court, then I'd agree but right now he's just a kid and possibly a very immature one.
what was Patrick Rafter like when he was 19?
Great, but he wasn't a hot headed wog. Point is everyone is different, give Kyrgios a little time to mature before we criticise him for doing what a lot of hot blooded 19 year old males would do in the same situation.
He's a 19 year old kid FFS. Playing for extremely high stakes in front of the country he lives in. Can you guys remember when you were 19? Not many at that age are cluey enough to understand perception. If he was a 24 year old displaying the same behaviour on court, then I'd agree but right now he's just a kid and possibly a very immature one.
what was Patrick Rafter like when he was 19?
Nowhere near as good as Kyrgios!
He's a 19 year old kid FFS. Playing for extremely high stakes in front of the country he lives in. Can you guys remember when you were 19? Not many at that age are cluey enough to understand perception. If he was a 24 year old displaying the same behaviour on court, then I'd agree but right now he's just a kid and possibly a very immature one.
what was Patrick Rafter like when he was 19?
Great, but he wasn't a hot headed wog. Point is everyone is different, give Kyrgios a little time to mature before we criticise him for doing what a lot of hot blooded 19 year old males would so in the same situation.
I am happy to give him time.
We need somone like that in carltons line up
Bloody Berdych.
He played like a champion and completely smashed Nadal. Nadal looked intimidated after the first few games of the first set and was returning the first serves 5m behind the baseline. I have never seen him spooked like that in the first set. It got worse in the second set. Once he moved up close to the baseline in the third set it evened up the match. It doesn't pay to have your opponent go 2-0 in the first two sets. Have to give Berdych a big high five for his game today. He said his new coach gave him a new game plan and if he executed it properly he could win this game. About time he went for something different. I guess loosing 17 times in a row to a player will do that to you. ;)
Wow so Nadal was 17/17 against Berdych Mantis??
Bloody Berdych.
He played like a champion and completely smashed Nadal. Nadal looked intimidated after the first few games of the first set and was returning the first serves 5m behind the baseline. I have never seen him spooked like that in the first set. It got worse in the second set. Once he moved up close to the baseline in the third set it evened up the match. It doesn't pay to have your opponent go 2-0 in the first two sets. Have to give Berdych a big high five for his game today. He said his new coach gave him a new game plan and if he executed it properly he could win this game. About time he went for something different. I guess loosing 17 times in a row to a player will do that to you. ;)
You make some good points Mantis.
Nadal looked very underdone to me. And despite his post match denials, I reckon he had some niggle or injury as well.
We'll see how Berdych goes in the next round.
Nadal's reign is over Paul I hate to say. He's the Daisy Thomas of the tennis circuit. :P
Nadal's reign is over Paul I hate to say. He's the Daisy Thomas of the tennis circuit. :P
I hope not Chris. but the combination of injuries, age and the quality of some of the younger guys on the tour has me fearing you might be right.
Nadal has clobbered his previous opponents in this tournament as though he is still number one, and with pure intimidation. He had no injuries today at all. He had an opponent flat smash forehand shots wide and deep with no top spin on the ball. The ball couldn't bounce up over waist height for him to return the ball, so he had to generate all the pace off his strokes to generate his own top spin, to produce ball speed. Sure he hasn't played much tennis since his appendix was removed with keyhole surgery. He hasn't shown any signs of this injury. He has attacked his previous matches as though he has missed no tennis.
He was out smarted and you could see he attacked his reactive tennis different because he could feel he was in a loosing position all game. Not the proactive approach he normally adopts. I have seen this from the best players in tennis for years now. They are not intimidated until, they get that opponent that works their game out once and for all. Just like Nadal did to Federer years ago. How long has it been since Federer has won a grand slam ?? Its not just Nadal that beats him either. Federer has aged and uses a game style of yesteryear. That weak one handed backhand. He is slower, weaker in the body, weaker in the mind, and uses an old game plan that has been worked over by many players, including Seppi.
Has this just happened to Nadal ?? Too early to say. I dare say he showed signs he can be defeated. He looked perfect before it all went wrong for him. He has to be 28 or 29 this year. Many injuries in his past. Uses complete power striking game style to win matches. Maybe the game is slowly evolving for the new youngsters coming through. We won't know now, but things may have taken a small change where one doesn't rule the scene over all the others. Djokovic is still the most complete player at the moment, but his day will come too one day. As for my favourite all time champ Federer. Hang up your shoes and let the young crew move in. Your days are way behind you. ;)
Nadal made it clear in the pre tournament interviews that he was underdone and he wasn't expecting too much. He was clearly laboring in his 1st round match, required medical attention, and admitted after the match that he was lucky to win. In tonight's match, stats were shown throughout that indicated he was down on court coverage, shot speed, serve speed, up on unforced errors etc. He simply didn't / couldn't chase like he normally does, and his normal leg power and shot power just wasn't there.
Fair call with your stats. I watched every game he has played this tournament and watched him for years before. His serving speed for his first serves was as high as I have ever seen it. He normally uses a "slidder" or a "kicker" and doesn't opt for 200km/hr plus serves. Mainly as it keeps his first serve count low. His first serve percentage was high, and his first service speed was higher than in his last 6 or 7 matches he has played.
I agree he has claimed he is not favourite and that he has not been prepared for this grand slam as he would like it. I have however watched his in his practice sessions during the tournament and he has hit as hard as he ever has, and is covering the court as well as he ever has. Today however reality sunk in fast when he saw what Berdych brought to the game and he choked very early. Its the same as when he was dominated by Federer years ago. He goes into a state of trance and never looks like he is part of the game. Only fires up when he wins points. The same as he did in the last set today. He looked like a beast ready to kill when he won points and was pumping his fist like he was on fire. Then he would miss two points and go straight back into his shell.
No tennis player in his right mind receives a serve 5 to 6m behind the baseline unless they fear the opponents serve. He did and it is a clear indication he found his match today. His power strokes off the forehand were strong enough to beat Berdych. Watch how flat the deep strokes came to him at the baseline. He couldn't generate enough pace on a shot that was flat and with minimal topspin to kick the ball high once it hits the court. A common reason many players hit the net returning a shot back at their opponent. A ball that doesn't have enough pace on it, or enough bounce to give you something to work with.
Similar to a dead pitch in cricket. He definitely isn't in 100% condition, no doubt. I however say Berdych has found an extra string to his bow. How to create a cricket dead pitch in a tennis court. Watch the replay and compare what you saw tonight on Nadal 6 years ago when the heat is turned on against him. Same slow reaction to cover a shot because he just gives up. Same low aggressive intention because there really is no point. Same no chase down on shots because I might not get them back. Same hit the ball on a first serve to smash the felt off the ball, to hit it into the net. Unforced errors beyond belief.
He was up and down like a yoyo, but when it looked like he had a sniff of a chance, he looked like he would kill this game today. Unfortunately he was on the back foot minutes later to look like he was finished.
We can argue this all the way to the end of the planet, but the best is to agree to not agree on all terms. My feeling is that he has seen the fact that he isn't the youngest, strongest, fastest, most powerful tennis player on the planet in ever match he plays. If he isn't prepared at the best ability he is vulnerable against a worthy opponent. One he could have troubles with, and today he had a very prepared and worthy opponent. Lets agree that Berdych is not my brother, friend or favourite player. He did what he needed to do, and did not play a terrible game of tennis. In fact, his game today could have beaten any player left in this tournament. If he can get his first serves in at a higher percentage. I thought he tried too hard to smash his first serves in. His games give him a higher stat in aces than he showed today, and his service game wins him more often than not.
We should go to the tennis one day and exchange opinions. I would really enjoy that and value your post. ;)
Nadal isn't out for a ten count forever, but he showed signs I saw from him many years ago of a challenge that gets too hard when the heat is on. Just like when Djokovic complained about sore eyes and stomach pains for 3 years in tough games about 5 years ago. Maybe that is why Federer is different. He never has less effort to win a game. He never looks like he is giving up. He is fading away, but is in belief he will still win a game. Call it false hope, or being super optimistic. Who can tell.
Djokovic, Federer and Nadal are so far above the others in terms of what they have done in the past, that it isn't funny. Is there a change in momentum coming through soon, is the real question. Don't fail to acknowledge that Nadal was beaten by a player that had his best day in tennis ever, and that he played a high enough standard to beat any player in the world.
One lost by playing at his worst in the last few years, while the other won by playing the best tennis I have seen him play for years. The result equals the result watched by millions. :o
born june 3, 1986.
Nadal was underdone.
He was labouring for most of last week.
He might have been "up" for it up until the Berdych match, but he wasnt in good nick, and from what I saw the points were finishing too quickly for him to play his regular style.
Still, I like Novak to win this one. He is in pretty good nick and playing well, and generally he plays a very cat and mouse style of tennis, where he will change speed, depth and angle frequently during rallies to force the opponents error. Most of the others lack the finesse and tactics.
That being said, not much being said about Wawrinka and Murray who have had a fairly breezy run through, and the Berdych/Murray match might have a big say on the eventual outcome of this tournament.
Nadal was underdone.
He was labouring for most of last week.
He might have been "up" for it up until the Berdych match, but he wasnt in good nick, and from what I saw the points were finishing too quickly for him to play his regular style.
Still, I like Novak to win this one. He is in pretty good nick and playing well, and generally he plays a very cat and mouse style of tennis, where he will change speed, depth and angle frequently during rallies to force the opponents error. Most of the others lack the finesse and tactics.
That being said, not much being said about Wawrinka and Murray who have had a fairly breezy run through, and the Berdych/Murray match might have a big say on the eventual outcome of this tournament.
All good points matey.
And well done to Kyrgios. Went toe to toe against one of the world's best, and was only let down by a few tactical errors and mis hits at critical moments.
Well done young man.
Kyrgios did very well to get as far as he did. He has lots to learn and his best way to learn is through experience. He could turn out to be a real gem for Australia one day. I agree PaulP he did miss some opportunities when the moment needed to be taken. Surely he will learn to be composed in these moments in the future.
Djokovic is playing another blinder against Raonic. I can't believe the bombs the big Canadian is serving up. Around 220-230km/hr. Really can't put a definite for the final. Djokovic, Murray, Wawrinka and Berdych are playing some of the best tennis they have ever played. ;)
The Joker looks unstoppable now.
Agree mantis.
All four remaining players are in very good form, but having just watched Novak put in an almost faultless display against Milos, he is in the box seat for sure. He was peerless just now. Based on form, he deserves to win.
Agree mantis.
All four remaining players are in very good form, but having just watched Novak put in an almost faultless display against Milos, he is in the box seat for sure. He was peerless just now. Based on form, he deserves to win.
Only thing in Jokers way is the best and most beautiful backhand in the business.
Don't care who wins, just want that prat, sook, mummies boy Murray out ASAP. I would love to walk up to him and just punch him in the face. Look up bad sportsperson in the dictionary and there is a picture of Murray there.
Wawrinka vs Djokovic in the previous two finals before the big one, and they are both one win a piece. Both marathon 5 set matches. Should be an interesting one. I'm all for Djokovic, but anything can happen on the night. ;)
GIC, I too don't like Murray, but I have not seen him play better and return a serve as he has in this tournament. He is a threat, but if he gets to face Djokovic after beating Berdych he could choke on the big stage. Then again he could choke against Berdych. :)
^^
As long as he chokes I'll be happy.
I reckon Murray will win this one. He has managed to combine his raw tennis ability with an analytical approach to dismantling his opponent's game.
And I've got a soft spot for a Scottish accent :)
I reckon Murray will win this one. He has managed to combine his raw tennis ability with an analytical approach to dismantling his opponent's game.
And I've got a soft spot for a Scottish accent :)
I can't question his performing ability of late. I must give him credit for doing a sensational job recently. His head has been in the right place for sure. Will he fall back into old habbits and faults when he backed into a corner is the only question. His game against Kyrgios was almost without any fault at all. Great return of a big serve too, by the way. Something only the ultra elite can do in this modern game.
I don't understand this Australian Open in its structure of the fixture. Novak Djokovic was rated number one in the world if I am correct. He has played better than Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych who played each other tonight. Yes Murray won by a country mile in the end to go into the final in his draw. How does Djokovic get to play the day after this match ? If Djokovic wins, how does he get 24 hours less rest before the mens final when he is number one in the world ?
Especially considering Wawrinka and Djokovic have had marathon last finals games to progress to the ultimate final in the last 2 years. 4 hours plus and 5 hours plus games. 12-10 and 9-7 in the last set over the last 2 times they have met at the Aussie open. Correct me for fecking the numbers up, by the way, or get the orders incorrect.
If Wawrinka and Djokovic play a 4.5-5 hour match tomorrow night, Murray has to be favourite for the final, just based on recovery time. He had a match of only 3hr 25 minutes tonight and an extra day rest to recover. How does he earn the extra break being out of the top 3 in his ranking ??? I am a one eyed Novak fan, so my bias might be clouded by my passion for the best player in the tournament. After watching Murray slaughter Berdych tonight, and the extra breal time he has, I feel Novak or Stan will be in big trouble in the final and couldn't win this unless all the planets align for some strange reason in the next few days. ???
Djokovic vs Murray in the end for an Aussie Open final. I will be backing my comrade 100%. Go Novak, but I won't be holding my breath. This is the best Andy Murray I have seen for many years. If it gets to a 5th set, I may breath easier, as I think Novak has had to slog out more 5 set marathons, than Andy and he doesn't make as many mistakes as a match progresses into a long match as Murray has against the elite players in the past. Go Nole.... ;) ;D
Djokovic vs Murray in the end for an Aussie Open final. I will be backing my comrade 100%. Go Novak, but I won't be holding my breath. This is the best Andy Murray I have seen for many years. If it gets to a 5th set, I may breath easier, as I think Novak has had to slog out more 5 set marathons, than Andy and he doesn't make as many mistakes as a match progresses into a long match as Murray has against the elite players in the past. Go Nole.... ;) ;D
The Djoker easy IMO.......Murray's foul mouth GF might have plenty of opportunity to give us some of her best work this match.... ;)
I reckon Murray is going to take this one. I dislike him and like djokovic but the cracks in the joker's game against the stanimal.
He looked very out of sorts and Murray comes in with an extra days rest up his sleeve which will be huge.
I reckon Murray is going to take this one. I dislike him and like djokovic but the cracks in the joker's game against the stanimal.
He looked very out of sorts and Murray comes in with an extra days rest up his sleeve which will be huge.
I agree that the extra day will have an influence on the final result. I don't think the cracks due to playing Stan are an issue. Stan is Federer version 2.0. He is faster than FedEx, more powerful than FedEx, and plays the same one handed backhand, and can create huge angles on his backhand strokes. Stan and Novak have history and Stan has bothered Novak over the last few years and they bring natural pressure into a game before it begins. They intimidate each other just the fact that they are on the same court at the same time. Besides Stan, Nadal is the only other animal that really worries Novak and his game focus.
Having spun all that rubbish, its a toss of the coin to pick a winner. Both are probably the best returns of a fast serve in tennis at the moment. Both have a good record on a first serve. Both have a reasonable percentage of first serves in in an entire match. Both have good second serves. Both have very good backhand strokes to produce winners. Both have enough power in the forehand to hit cross court shots and down the line winners. Both will at times hit soft drop shots and can play a serve volley game when required. Both deserve to take the final trophy if they are good enough. Both have played some of the best tennis they have in the last few years. I can't pick a winner and hope Novak wins.
Serena Williams winning her 19th title tonight is no real surprise. She is a beast comparing to other women and should be tested to see she really isn't 100% female. She is one powerful woman and makes Navratilova look like a petite princess in comparison. Watched he serve a 200km/hr down the "T" serve which blew me away. Which woman in tennis could return as serve at that rate of knots. :o
Who cares about this...aussies just won the asian cup C:-)
Novak number one..... ;) ;D :D >:D :)) C:-) :P :)
I'm happy with that result. had Murray reproduced the form he showed against Byrdich he would have had a better final, but gee he is a mental lightweight.
I'm happy with that result. had Murray reproduced the form he showed against Byrdich he would have had a better final, but gee he is a mental lightweight.
He is far more powerful in his ground strokes than he can imagine. He is one of the best returns of a first serve. He is more than capable in a serve and volley game. he is as strong a player from a physical sense. He just misses too many shots and lets his anger get the better of him, which is such a shame. He looses a game more than others win against him. In a small way I feel sorry for him, because his best game could beat any player in the system by a country mile.
I marvel at his ability and fitness but his misplaced aggression makes him painful to watch. You wonder if Murray channelled all his energy into the game instead of carrying on like an utter prat after every shot he might actually maintain concentration a bit more and win more of the clutch moments in matches.
Novak has Murray covered IMO and is the better player....Murrays second serve has nothing on it and its a bit similar to Sharapova who also struggles vs Serena and its the same reason IMO, her serve isnt as good especially her second serve which is just a free hit ...
Tell me that bout of fatigue wasn't a ploy.... Worked a treat as after Murray couldn't take advantage, he just lay down.
^^
Maybe.
Maybe not. He has trimmed down a lot over the past 12 months, and it almost looks as though he has bouts where he has let up on his rehydration and electrolytes, and usually he will have a few more and then recover after about 20 mins.
Im not an expert, but it might be that he needs to better monitor his intake of fluids, as the same thing plagued him against Wawrinka, and when it starts to happen it almost appears as though his concentration goes with it, and I would be looking at his hydration levels if I were him as a way to stop it from occurring as it seems to be happening more frequently for him, and usually after about an hours play.
Tell me that bout of fatigue wasn't a ploy.... Worked a treat as after Murray couldn't take advantage, he just lay down.
Agree...Murray spent more time looking at his opponent waiting for him to quit and lost his intensity....
Tell me that bout of fatigue wasn't a ploy.... Worked a treat as after Murray couldn't take advantage, he just lay down.
Of course it was but it was a stroke of genius because he knew that's all it would take to put Andy (who was playing some incredible tennis) off his game.
Murray is a goat mummies boy sook and got exactly what he deserved last night. And I will give you all a tip for nothing, its gonna happen to him again and again and again. He could be anything but will always amount to nothing more than a "good ordinary player". Why? Because he cant focus and concentrate for the lengths of time that the greats like Federer, Djokovic and Nadal can. He prefers to sook it up the minute things get tuff and look for someone else to blame for it, namely those in his coaches box (i.e. Mummy, Skank GF and Man Lady Coach). He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds. I cant stand the prick and am glad he got rolled.
Novak has Murray covered IMO and is the better player....Murrays second serve has nothing on it and its a bit similar to Sharapova who also struggles vs Serena and its the same reason IMO, her serve isnt as good especially her second serve which is just a free hit ...
That is definitely a weakness, which forces them to put less pepper on the first serve to ensure they get it in.
Murray is a goat mummies boy sook and got exactly what he deserved last night. And I will give you all a tip for nothing, its gonna happen to him again and again and again. He could be anything but will always amount to nothing more than a "good ordinary player". Why? Because he cant focus and concentrate for the lengths of time that the greats like Federer, Djokovic and Nadal can. He prefers to sook it up the minute things get tuff and look for someone else to blame for it, namely those in his coaches box (i.e. Mummy, Skank GF and Man Lady Coach). He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds. I cant stand the prick and am glad he got rolled.
Murray has two grand slams wins, both finals were against Novak.
Murray is a goat mummies boy sook and got exactly what he deserved last night. And I will give you all a tip for nothing, its gonna happen to him again and again and again. He could be anything but will always amount to nothing more than a "good ordinary player". Why? Because he cant focus and concentrate for the lengths of time that the greats like Federer, Djokovic and Nadal can. He prefers to sook it up the minute things get tuff and look for someone else to blame for it, namely those in his coaches box (i.e. Mummy, Skank GF and Man Lady Coach). He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds. I cant stand the prick and am glad he got rolled.
this.
Murray is a goat mummies boy sook and got exactly what he deserved last night. And I will give you all a tip for nothing, its gonna happen to him again and again and again. He could be anything but will always amount to nothing more than a "good ordinary player". Why? Because he cant focus and concentrate for the lengths of time that the greats like Federer, Djokovic and Nadal can. He prefers to sook it up the minute things get tuff and look for someone else to blame for it, namely those in his coaches box (i.e. Mummy, Skank GF and Man Lady Coach). He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds. I cant stand the prick and am glad he got rolled.
IMO the Murray you describe is from 12-18 months ago. I think he's matured in the last year and a bit. I think those Braveheart-esque exhortations should be cut out of his game. More distracting than helpful in my view. I understand you want to be pumped and show positive body language, but he does it to his detriment in my view.
If he can get his brain right, he will unstoppable. Has a great game IMO.
And on a side note, can we please ban fist pumps from tennis ? Unbearable after two days, let alone two weeks. And while we're at it, ban those goddam slow-mo images of players faces, contorted and repugnant beyond belief.
Murray has two grand slams wins, both finals were against Novak.
2 Grandslams, thats cute.
Murray has two grand slams wins, both finals were against Novak.
2 Grandslams, thats cute.
Watch some tennis outside of 2 weeks in January and you might avoid making stupid statements.
Murray has two grand slams wins, both finals were against Novak.
2 Grandslams, thats cute.
Watch some tennis outside of 2 weeks in January and you might avoid making stupid statements.
How would you know how much tennis I watch?
You told me when you wrote this.
He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds.
You told me when you wrote this.
He will only win tournaments where someone else has done the hard work to knock out the greats in the earlier rounds.
Righto then ::)
Not sure Amélie Mauresmo has added much to Murrays game....from memory she wasnt a great server and her forehand leaked errors.
Think I read somewhere that Murrays second serves had less k's on them than Serena's second serves.....reckon Murray needs a new coach..
Not sure Amélie Mauresmo has added much to Murrays game....from memory she wasnt a great server and her forehand leaked errors.
Think I read somewhere that Murrays second serves had less k's on them than Serena's second serves.....reckon Murray needs a new coach..
She is his primary "strength and conditioning coach". This is why his previous coach moved over to the Berdych camp. His previous coach was all about tennis tactics and game plan. Mauresmo is all about strength and power on the court in long rally's. This is why he has powered past so many players in the last couple of years. Once he returns the ball off a serve, he is every chance of winning a point. However strength doesn't always beat cunning, or bringing out a weakness in an opponent. Look at how much stronger he looks physically in the last 2 years. He has the size needed to be the best. He has the strength to be the best. His head is his weakness and he is his worst enemy. His opponents don't beat him so much in match winning shots. He has so many unforced errors at the wrong moment of a game, that he looses his matches. Don't bother bringing up the stats, as I will look like an idiot. Watch when he screws up an easy shot and you will just think, "WHY".
Clone his strength, power and ability at his best, with Djokovic and his composure and thinking game, along with mind games, and you have a world beater that can't be defeated.