OT: Pro Tennis Thread

[JackB1]

Rafa has won Wimbledon and US Open, hasn't he?

I don't think he can be called just a clay specialist. How many previous clay specialists have won the other majors, which are all on faster surfaces?

True. Rafa can play anywhere, anytime. He's just God-like on clay.

[10spro]

Huge upset on the women's draw. Serena out.

[JackB1]

Huge upset on the women's draw. Serena out.

saw that! Lisicki was fun to watch, with her drop shots and the way she moved Serena around.

Bouchard continues to improve and she looks like she's for real. The WTA needs more females like her that play aggressive tennis. Good for her!

[rhymes450]

Disastrous year so far for Serena in the slams. Rafa and Fed march on into round 4. A semi between them on grass would be a very hot ticket but the likes of Wawrinka and Raonic stand in the way. Raonic lost only 9 points on serve today in beating Kubot. He could be hell to play against in the 2nd week, especially if the conditions are humid.

[rhymes450]

Something for Greeks to cheer about this week. 19-year-old Australian born Nick Kyrgios, whose dad is Greek, has just put Nadal out of Wimbledon. Saved a shed load of match points earlier in the tournament to oust Gasquet. Junior AO champion last year so maybe at last a new kid is going to burst onto the scene with a bang. Been a while since that's happened in the men's game, so much so that people are even suggesting that it's not possible nowadays. Time will tell.

[JackB1]

great matches slated today for the men.

Murray is already down and so is Djokovich.

Fed vs Wawrika on tap. With Nadal out, Fed has a easier path to the finals.

[JackB1]

Did anyone else see what happened to Serena yesterday? Very bizzare indeed.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/te ... /11900603/

[wco81]

Murry lost and I got an alert that Djoko is down 2 to 1.

Even if Djoko loses, Federer still doesn't win it.

[10spro]

Did anyone else see what happened to Serena yesterday? Very bizzare indeed.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/te ... /11900603/

That was strange as inexplicable as to why sister Venus didn't have a good chat with her. We know she's competitive but when your serve is weak, has no direction and kept hitting the net at a professional level you know there's something wrong. Hope she gets better soon, not a good year for her.

Cilic had a very good match when he beat Berdych a couple of days ago, a match where the Czech self destructed after arguing with the umpire several times. That match was completed in almost total darkness but let's not take the credit away from the Croatian, he served very well as he did with Djokovic today. The Serbian will now face the always dangerous Dimitrov.

Not surprised that Rafa was out, I didn't have him going into the second week on my pool, like I was saying earlier it takes so much out of you when you grind out RG for two weeks and the transition to grass in such a short period is not as easy as some make it to be.

You got a bomb of a serve and someone that kept taking advantage of his short second serve and that's what you got.

This is as close as it gets for Federer to do something memorable at the big W, but Wawrinka had his number the last couple of games. But on grass I favor Roger.

[rhymes450]

Not surprised that Rafa was out, I didn't have him going into the second week on my pool, like I was saying earlier it takes so much out of you when you grind out RG for two weeks and the transition to grass in such a short period is not as easy as some make it to be.

I can't join you in not being surprised 10s. Like you, I thought Rafa was vulnerable in the early rounds but I'd never have picked him to go out to Kyrgios yesterday, especially given Nadal's excellent record at Wimbledon, once the hurdle of the first week has been negotiated. I think it's the first time he's reached the 2nd week and not made the final.

[10spro]

And Roger does come thru. Tough four setter but he did play very well against Wawrinka who was coming very strong in the last few games. But Federer's forehand was the difference today, whether it was an inside out shot or down the line, he just was flowing with that shot. Timely good serves when he was in trouble, he did struggle with a few match points in his favor and if Wawrinka could stretch it to a fifth, maybe a changing of the guard in the Swiss rank would have been in order. He was visibly emotional after the game, this is as close as it gets for him.

[JackB1]

And Roger does come thru. Tough four setter but he did play very well against Wawrinka who was coming very strong in the last few games. But Federer's forehand was the difference today, whether it was an inside out shot or down the line, he just was flowing with that shot. Timely good serves when he was in trouble, he did struggle with a few match points in his favor and if Wawrinka could stretch it to a fifth, maybe a changing of the guard in the Swiss rank would have been in order. He was visibly emotional after the game, this is as close as it gets for him.

Was great to see Roger playing so well today and getting revenge against Wawrinka. His serve was the key. Now that Nadal and Murray are out,
he has a great shot at making it to the finals.

[rhymes450]

Good performance by Roger, especially with his back to the wall in the 2nd set breaker but I also got the impression that Wawrinka was suffering from some ailment. His average first serve speed went from 125 mph in the 1st to 111 mph at one point in the 4th.

Very impressed by Raonic. Went on a 36-0 streak on serve at one stage but he was very good in other aspects too. Great returning, big consistent groundies and used the sliced backhand very well. Not quite Dimitrov in that dept. but much better than I'd've expected from Raonic. On this form, he could be very tough for Fed. I think Djokovic is not going to have things all his own way either. Dimitrov has a great grass court game.

[JackB1]

Good performance by Roger, especially with his back to the wall in the 2nd set breaker but I also got the impression that Wawrinka was suffering from some ailment. His average first serve speed went from 125 mph in the 1st to 111 mph at one point in the 4th.

Very impressed by Raonic. Went on a 36-0 streak on serve at one stage but he was very good in other aspects too. Great returning, big consistent groundies and used the sliced backhand very well. Not quite Dimitrov in that dept. but much better than I'd've expected from Raonic. On this form, he could be very tough for Fed. I think Djokovic is not going to have things all his own way either. Dimitrov has a great grass court game.

You think Fed has a good shot to beat Raonic if he plays like he did today?

[rhymes450]

Good performance by Roger, especially with his back to the wall in the 2nd set breaker but I also got the impression that Wawrinka was suffering from some ailment. His average first serve speed went from 125 mph in the 1st to 111 mph at one point in the 4th.

Very impressed by Raonic. Went on a 36-0 streak on serve at one stage but he was very good in other aspects too. Great returning, big consistent groundies and used the sliced backhand very well. Not quite Dimitrov in that dept. but much better than I'd've expected from Raonic. On this form, he could be very tough for Fed. I think Djokovic is not going to have things all his own way either. Dimitrov has a great grass court game.

You think Fed has a good shot to beat Raonic if he plays like he did today?

Yeah, sure...Fed is Fed. He's almost always got a good shot against anybody, especially on grass, and I think his variety could hurt Raonic so I'd expect him to try to mix it up a lot. He'll be hoping that Raonic doesn't serve as well as he did today though. Kyrgios was little more than a spectator for long periods on the Raonic serve. For me, Raonic has improved a lot in all aspects of his game this year. I think Fed might shade it but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

By the way, do you know anything about Fed's new racquet this year? As far as I know, the manufacturer hasn't made it commercially available and it just seems to have a very basic black paint job.

[JackB1]

Good performance by Roger, especially with his back to the wall in the 2nd set breaker but I also got the impression that Wawrinka was suffering from some ailment. His average first serve speed went from 125 mph in the 1st to 111 mph at one point in the 4th.

Very impressed by Raonic. Went on a 36-0 streak on serve at one stage but he was very good in other aspects too. Great returning, big consistent groundies and used the sliced backhand very well. Not quite Dimitrov in that dept. but much better than I'd've expected from Raonic. On this form, he could be very tough for Fed. I think Djokovic is not going to have things all his own way either. Dimitrov has a great grass court game.

You think Fed has a good shot to beat Raonic if he plays like he did today?

Yeah, sure...Fed is Fed. He's almost always got a good shot against anybody, especially on grass, and I think his variety could hurt Raonic so I'd expect him to try to mix it up a lot. He'll be hoping that Raonic doesn't serve as well as he did today though. Kyrgios was little more than a spectator for long periods on the Raonic serve. For me, Raonic has improved a lot in all aspects of his game this year. I think Fed might shade it but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

By the way, do you know anything about Fed's new racquet this year? As far as I know, the manufacturer hasn't made it commercially available and it just seems to have a very basic black paint job.

I have heard that Fed's racquet is a 97" model and is based on the Blade model. If he wins Wimbledon you can be sure Wilson will rush to get it out ASAP. Not for me though....I use 105" oversize, lighter racquets (Volkl Organix 4).

[JackB1]

Good performance by Roger, especially with his back to the wall in the 2nd set breaker but I also got the impression that Wawrinka was suffering from some ailment. His average first serve speed went from 125 mph in the 1st to 111 mph at one point in the 4th.

Very impressed by Raonic. Went on a 36-0 streak on serve at one stage but he was very good in other aspects too. Great returning, big consistent groundies and used the sliced backhand very well. Not quite Dimitrov in that dept. but much better than I'd've expected from Raonic. On this form, he could be very tough for Fed. I think Djokovic is not going to have things all his own way either. Dimitrov has a great grass court game.

You think Fed has a good shot to beat Raonic if he plays like he did today?

Yeah, sure...Fed is Fed. He's almost always got a good shot against anybody, especially on grass, and I think his variety could hurt Raonic so I'd expect him to try to mix it up a lot. He'll be hoping that Raonic doesn't serve as well as he did today though. Kyrgios was little more than a spectator for long periods on the Raonic serve. For me, Raonic has improved a lot in all aspects of his game this year. I think Fed might shade it but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

By the way, do you know anything about Fed's new racquet this year? As far as I know, the manufacturer hasn't made it commercially available and it just seems to have a very basic black paint job.

I have heard that Fed's racquet is a 97" model and is based on the Blade model. If he wins Wimbledon you can be sure Wilson will rush to get it out ASAP. Not for me though....I use 105" oversize, lighter racquets (Volkl Organix 4). See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW-LiFaJIUo#t=102

[10spro]

Two Canadians in the semis. That's unheard of. Both with good chances to move to the finals. Bouchard reminds me so much of a young Chrissy Evert, her demeanor, calmness and interior fire. I like her cross court forehand as well as her cross backhand. Her serve is not as powerful as others but her placements are very accurate.

Raonic will have to serve huge to beat Roger. With the greater variety in Federer's game, I still pick him to win the match but he must continue to serve well because one aspect of Milo's game that has improved a lot is his return of serve especially on the backhand side.

[10spro]

Rhymes, regarding Roger's racket: It's the Betterer.


http://www.10sballs.com/2014/06/30/roge ... on-racket/

[JackB1]

By the way, do you know anything about Fed's new racquet this year? As far as I know, the manufacturer hasn't made it commercially available and it just seems to have a very basic black paint job.

this tells you more about Roger's new frame:
http://www.tennis.com/gear/2014/06/inst ... 7S8OvldW8Q

[rhymes450]

By the way, do you know anything about Fed's new racquet this year? As far as I know, the manufacturer hasn't made it commercially available and it just seems to have a very basic black paint job.

this tells you more about Roger's new frame:
http://www.tennis.com/gear/2014/06/inst ... 7S8OvldW8Q

The video in that link was pretty amusing. Thanks for the info guys. Jack, the specs on your Organix 4 are almost exactly the same as my old Prince Speedport Reds...great racquet of its type. I've a long history with OS racquets, despite the condescending views of the purists. Curiously enough, I'm also playing with a Volkl at the moment, the Organix 10 Mid, which is at the other end of the spectrum. Pros and cons.

Fed is clearly happy with the more powerful and forgiving new racquet and if he wins Wimbledon (or even if he doesn't), it's going to sell like hot cakes. I'm surprised Wilson is holding back so long on the launch.

[rhymes450]

Two Canadians in the semis. That's unheard of. Both with good chances to move to the finals. Bouchard reminds me so much of a young Chrissy Evert, her demeanor, calmness and interior fire. I like her cross court forehand as well as her cross backhand. Her serve is not as powerful as others but her placements are very accurate.

Raonic will have to serve huge to beat Roger. With the greater variety in Federer's game, I still pick him to win the match but he must continue to serve well because one aspect of Milo's game that has improved a lot is his return of serve especially on the backhand side.

Great for Canadian tennis. Bouchard v Halep should be a good match.

I was blown away by how well Raonic returned off both wings yesterday. I'd never thought of him as a "returner". Kyrgios has a great serve but (back to variety again) Fed has so many options when he's serving that it might be more difficult to read.

[JackB1]

Jack, the specs on your Organix 4 are almost exactly the same as my old Prince Speedport Reds...great racquet of its type. I've a long history with OS racquets, despite the condescending views of the purists. Curiously enough, I'm also playing with a Volkl at the moment, the Organix 10 Mid, which is at the other end of the spectrum. Pros and cons.

Fed is clearly happy with the more powerful and forgiving new racquet and if he wins Wimbledon (or even if he doesn't), it's going to sell like hot cakes. I'm surprised Wilson is holding back so long on the launch.

Yes the Prince Red is almost the same and another one of my favorites. I could care less about the so called "purests" I laugh as they hit ball after ball into the net or long with their Prostaff or Prestige's All I care about is getting it back over the net and the games take care of themselves. The Organix mid is a true "players frame" but I'm sure it feels fabulous when you hit one dead center.

Yes I'm sure the new Fed racquet will sell like hotcakes. Only one I would even be interested in trying is the 97LS. Looks similar to the Blade 98S.

[JackB1]

Two Canadians in the semis. That's unheard of. Both with good chances to move to the finals. Bouchard reminds me so much of a young Chrissy Evert, her demeanor, calmness and interior fire. I like her cross court forehand as well as her cross backhand. Her serve is not as powerful as others but her placements are very accurate.

Raonic will have to serve huge to beat Roger. With the greater variety in Federer's game, I still pick him to win the match but he must continue to serve well because one aspect of Milo's game that has improved a lot is his return of serve especially on the backhand side.

Great for Canadian tennis. Bouchard v Halep should be a good match.

I was blown away by how well Raonic returned off both wings yesterday. I'd never thought of him as a "returner". Kyrgios has a great serve but (back to variety again) Fed has so many options when he's serving that it might be more difficult to read.

Can't wait for Fed vs Raonic. Hope the old master can find some holes in Raonic's game to exploit. This may be his best and last chance at a major. Hope he can do it.

[10spro]

The genie in the bottle is in the finals. First GS finals for Bouchard who outplayed Halep in straight sets. I expected the match to go the distance and when she had a few hiccups during her match points, I thought the Romanian player would push her further.

But Bouchard is so calm and collected nothing bothers her, yet she's got a fire and focus inside that's hard to teach. She was aggressive today, got some easy points with her serve when she needed but the key to her game is how early she takes the ball on the rise especially on her right side.

She moves well and will have to defend well against lefty Kvitova who has a heavy serve.

Maybe Jim Parsons is given her a new confidence.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/cel ... e19432153/