TOKYO 2011 (ATP500), 3-9 October: Main thread - information and Entry Lists (Japan Open)

[Sallydaisy]

http://www.longines.com/images/partnership/Rakuten-Japan-Open-Tennis.jpg

RAKUTEN JAPAN OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
Ariake Tennis Forest Park/Ariake Colosseum, 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, 135-0063 Japan
WEB SITE: http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp (http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp/)

Dates: OCTOBER 3–9, 2011
Prize Money: US $1,214,500
SURFACE: HARDCOURT
BALL: SRIXON made by Dunlop

32 MAIN DRAW & 16 QUALIFYING DRAW
Qualifying draw: Friday, September 30, 9:00 p.m.
Main draw: Saturday, October 1, not before Noon - http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2011/329/mds.pdf
Doubles draw: Saturday, October 1, 6:00 p.m.

ATP Ranking Points
W: 500, F: 300, SF: 180, QF: 90, R16: 45, R32: 0, Q: +20, Q8: 10, Q16: 0

SINGLES DRAW
Entry deadline and ranking on: August 22, 2011
Seeding based on rankings on: September 26, 2011

SINGLES DRAW

[1] NADAL, Rafael ESP v WC SOEDA, Go JPN
RAONIC, Milos CANv WC SUGITA, Yuichi JPN
HAASE, Robin NED v GIRALDO, Santiago COL
TURSUNOV, Dmitry RUS v [7] TIPSAREVIC, Janko SRB

[4] FISH, Mardy USA v QUALIFIER
GULBIS, Ernests LAT v KUBOT, Lukasz POL
WC ITO, Tatsuma JPN v QUALIFIER
TOMIC, Bernard AUS v [5] TROICKI, Viktor SRB

[7] STEPANEK, Radek CZE v DEVVARMAN, Somdev IND
QUALIFIER v GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo ESP
QUALIFIER v ANDUJAR, Pablo ESP
NISHIKORI, Kei JPN v [3] FERRER, David ESP

[8] MONACO, Juan ARG v DODIG, Ivan CRO
NALBANDIAN, David ARG v ROSOL, Lukas CZE
NIEMINEN, Jarkko FIN v BOGOMOLOV JR., Alex USA
BAGHDATIS, Marcos CYP v [2] MURRAY, Andy GBR


DOUBLES DRAW
Advance entry deadline: September 19, 2011
On-site entry deadline: October 1, 2011
Seeding: September 26, 2011

(1)Bopanna/Qureshi v Melo/Soares
Kubot/Stepanek v Kohlmann/Petzschner
(4)Cermak/Polasek v Uchiyama/Young
Bracciali/Gonzalez v Ferrer/Lopez

Andujar/Raonic v Murray/Murray
Ito/Nishikori v (3)Kas/Peya
Haase/Troicki v Bogomolov Jr./Monaco
Dodig/Garcia-Lopez v (2)Butorac/Rojer

[RoastLamb]

So great to see Milos back!!! And seeded 8 too. :cheer:

[cazza99]

Alis

The draw looks nice and easy for Andy in Japan!!!!

1st round - Bagdhatis
2nd round - Nieminen or Bogmolov Junior
3rd round - Nalbandian or Monaco
Semis - Ferrer or Stepanek
Final - Nadal or Fish

No problem there then - good luck Andy!
Jeannie13

Andy capable of beating most of them. Ferrer is always difficult as is Rafa. Masters tournies are always tough, but the cream will rise to the top--hopefully Andy http://illiweb.com/fa/i/smiles/icon_flower.png
Katie

Baghdatis is a really tough first round draw - Andy's got a losing record against him (1-3, including a victory to Baghdatis in Rotterdam this year). Baghdatis is a finalist too this week so he's playing well, but hopefully Andy will still come through that match.
Linda

Here's a link to the full draw: http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2011/329/mds.pdf

And here's a link to the doubles draw (Andy partnering Jamie): http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2011/329/mdd.pdf
Jeannie13

Baghdatis beat him in rotterdam--yes,but it was just after Andy's loss in the AO final & Andy was very low. He is in a much better place at the moment, so I expect a good, competitive match ,with a win for Andy. http://illiweb.com/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif
James4578

Could be a few tough encounters but if Andy is in form should go a long way! Of course this is a 500, the Masters is in Shanghai the following week.
Jeannie13

Sorry, forgot it was a 500 & not a masters http://illiweb.com/fa/i/smiles/icon_redface.gif
Alis

I had thought that Andy would have a bye in the first round. Does that mean he will have to travel to Tokyo in time to play on Tuesday? I suppose it's the same for Bagdhatis though - he's in the final at Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Katie

That's true, it was the start of this years' post-AO slump and Andy did play an awful match. I'm always a bit wary of Baghdatis anyway though as he's capable of playing very aggressive tennis which on a fast court like Tokyo could be very effective. But if Andy plays well then he should win. This will be Andy's first match against Marcos since Miles Maclagan took over as his coach - will be interesting to see him in the stands!

Alis - I think the rule for byes in 500 tournaments depends on draw size. In draws like Tokyo where there are 32 players then there are no byes, but there are byes in bigger draws of 48 or 56 players. Will be tough for both Andy and Marcos - I guess the first round match could be played on Wednesday, but that would potentially mean five matches in five consecutive days for Andy.

[Madeline]

At least he can't meet Rafa in the semis here!

[Linda]

That's true - I hope we get to see an Andy-Rafa final! :big grin:

[RoastLamb]

at least he can't meet rafa in the semis here!


that's true - i hope we get to see an andy-rafa final! :big grin:\

Finally!!!

[Sallydaisy]

SINGLES DRAW

[1] NADAL, Rafael ESP v WC SOEDA, Go JPN
RAONIC, Milos CANv WC SUGITA, Yuichi JPN
HAASE, Robin NED v GIRALDO, Santiago COL
TURSUNOV, Dmitry RUS v [7] TIPSAREVIC, Janko SRB

[4] FISH, Mardy USA v QUALIFIER
GULBIS, Ernests LAT v KUBOT, Lukasz POL
WC ITO, Tatsuma JPN v QUALIFIER
TOMIC, Bernard AUS v [5] TROICKI, Viktor SRB

[7] STEPANEK, Radek CZE v DEVVARMAN, Somdev IND
QUALIFIER v GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo ESP
QUALIFIER v ANDUJAR, Pablo ESP
NISHIKORI, Kei JPN v [3] FERRER, David ESP

[8] MONACO, Juan ARG v DODIG, Ivan CRO
NALBANDIAN, David ARG v ROSOL, Lukas CZE
NIEMINEN, Jarkko FIN v BOGOMOLOV JR., Alex USA
BAGHDATIS, Marcos CYP v [2] MURRAY, Andy GBR

DOUBLES DRAW
(1)Bopanna/Qureshi v Melo/Soares
Kubot/Stepanek v Kohlmann/Petzschner
(4)Cermak/Polasek v Uchiyama/Young
Bracciali/Gonzalez v Ferrer/Lopez

Andujar/Raonic v Murray/Murray
Ito/Nishikori v (3)Kas/Peya
Haase/Troicki v Bogomolov Jr./Monaco
Dodig/Garcia-Lopez v (2)Butorac/Rojer

[RoastLamb]

Ooh the return of Mardy Fish. Where's that EEK smiley...

Milos vs Murray bros in dubs. How I'd love to watch that one.

[david1610]

BTW Are Nole and Roger definite non-starters in Shanghai, meaning Andy and Rafa will also be kept apart in that tourney?

[RoastLamb]

david, Fed is def. out but Djoko has only said he's out of Beijing for sure. I bet he stays away though. Wants to gear up for Paris and the WTF I expect.

[pabbers]

Would be great for Andy to get some serious practice in against Rafa ahead of any more semis meetings in Grand Slams!!

[Aya]

Looking forward to this one. Hope he can even more closer to the number 3 ranking and if possible, pick up the title. Good luck Andy.

[VamosVixs]

That's true - I hope we get to see an Andy-Rafa final! :big grin:


\

Finally!!!

:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[patmoren]

Hope Andy has recovered enough, at least todays match was fairly easy. More tennis like the last wek especially the serving and he will have a good time.

[Nina]

Wish all the best in Tokyo Andy!
I hope he can win this too!
Come on man, you can do it!

[cazza99]

The oop is out for Monday - Tokyo is 8 hours ahead of the UK.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/Schedule.aspx

MONDAY, 3 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[7] R Stepanek (CZE) vs S Devvarman (IND)
[WC] T Ito (JPN) / K Nishikori (JPN) vs [3] C Kas (GER) / A Peya (AUT)
[4] M Fish (USA) vs [Q] R Harrison (USA)
[Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI) vs G Garcia-Lopez (ESP)

COURT 1 start 1:00 pm
R Haase (NED) / V Troicki (SRB) vs A Bogomolov Jr. (USA) / J Monaco (ARG)

Not Before 3:00 PM
[Q] M Ebden (AUS) vs P Andujar (ESP)

[Sallydaisy]

4am start UK time. I really hope Andy doesn't have early starts here 'cos getting up at that time will be tough.

[david1610]

david, Fed is def. out but Djoko has only said he's out of Beijing for sure. I bet he stays away though. Wants to gear up for Paris and the WTF I expect.
Given the season he has had I doubt he would frankly want to go out to Asia just for one Masters, and I am sure he will want to save any energy left for the WTF and Paris Masters.

[Aussie Andy]

Hmm, Tokyo is one hour ahead of my time. I'm going to miss a few daytime matches (work). Probably including the final :grrr:

[supergran]

Some of these matches are going to mean camping out on the sofa!! As Andy had a fairly easy tournament in Bangkok hope he feels relaxed and fit for this one. Would love to see him win and get nearer to the no 3 spot. Go Andy!!:thumbup::clap:

[Mickey]

Tomorrow's schedule is out Rafa is playing tomorrow evening Andy and Jamie are playing in the afternoon, so Andy won't play singles until Wednesday. So that is good news.

[Sallydaisy]

Thanks Mickey - and welcome back!
:)

[Sallydaisy]

TUESDAY, 4 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
M Raonic (CAN) vs [WC] Y Sugita (JPN)
D Nalbandian (ARG) vs L Rosol (CZE)
K Nishikori (JPN) vs [3] D Ferrer (ESP)
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [WC] G Soeda (JPN)

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon (4am UK time)
E Gulbis (LAT) vs L Kubot (POL)
[WC] T Ito (JPN) vs [Q] D Sela (ISR)
P Andujar (ESP) / M Raonic (CAN) vs A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) approx 7am UK onwards
R Haase (NED) vs S Giraldo (COL)

COURT 2 start 12:00 noon
J Nieminen (FIN) vs A Bogomolov Jr. (USA)
[8] J Monaco (ARG) vs I Dodig (CRO)
B Tomic (AUS) vs [5] V Troicki (SRB)


MONDAY, 3 OCTOBER, 2011
CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[7] R Stepanek (CZE) def S Devvarman (IND)
[WC] T Ito (JPN) / K Nishikori (JPN) def [3] C Kas (GER) / A Peya (AUT)
[4] M Fish (USA) vs [Q] R Harrison (USA)
[Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI) vs G Garcia-Lopez (ESP)

COURT 1 start 1:00 pm
R Haase (NED) / V Troicki (SRB) def A Bogomolov Jr. (USA) / J Monaco (ARG)
Not Before 3:00 PM
[Q] M Ebden (AUS) def P Andujar (ESP)

[Sallydaisy]

Mardy Fish and Ryan Harrison are locked in battle in their R1 match in Tokyo!
The Americans at 5-5 in the 3rd set; Harrison serving at 4'6, 6'3, 5-5.

Mardy serving for the match having broken Ryan's serve to go *6-5 up.
Despite Ryan having a break back point it's Mardy who wins through 7'5 in the decider.

[RoastLamb]

I should be able to watch Milos' match if it's televised coz that's 11 p.m. my time. Rafa's probably not.

[Pam]

I didn't realise Andy was playing here this week. The time difference is not too bad fo him - let's hope he gets used to it really quickly.

[Helen40]

NArks me that andy's playing dubs to get his bro more points and at the same time talking of striking cos he has to play too much.

[Mickey]

NArks me that andy's playing dubs to get his bro more points and at the same time talking of striking cos he has to play too much.
Please make sure you have all the facts, Andy is talking about sorting out the schedule, it is that ,that is the problem. Traveling and jet lag being part of the problem eg.US Open and then Davis Cup a bare week later, so Andy back to GB, Rafa to Spain, Roger to Australia and Nole to Serbia. That is the sort of thing the players are talking about. Andy is already in Tokyo so it won't make too much difference and also gives him good practise, and come into the net etc.

[LC the fan]

I agree that doubles in good for Andy - he's been a more confident volleyer since he's played more regularly and he seems to enjoy it. However, I was surprised to see that pairing
Partly because I thought Andy would be pretty tired with consecutive days, plus the journey and the time difference.
Partly because I feel that Jamie should try and stick to one partner. If he's going to get his ranking up then surely one consistent pairing that works will be the best for him

[david1610]

I agree that doubles in good for Andy - he's been a more confident volleyer since he's played more regularly and he seems to enjoy it. However, I was surprised to see that pairing
Partly because I thought Andy would be pretty tired with consecutive days, plus the journey and the time difference.
Partly because I feel that Jamie should try and stick to one partner. If he's going to get his ranking up then surely one consistent pairing that works will be the best for him
Don't forget that Jamie sometimes plays with Andy (or viceversa :) ) precisely because his ranking would not get him into certani tournaments otherwise. One thing is for him to find a regular doubles partner for the tournaments he is eligible to enter and another is to use Andy for tournaments with good points on offer when he would not get in with his normal partner - lots of previous discussion on our forums about how some doubles draws e.g. a Master's tourney, is full of singles players and somewhat "shutting out" the regular doubles players.

[rouges]

Good Luck A/J for dubs tomorrow. good night all.

[RoastLamb]

I can't find any livestreams scheduled for Tuesday. :confused: And tennistv starts their coverage on Thursday. So disappointed.

[Aussie Andy]

Ooh the return of Mardy Fish. Where's that EEK smiley...

Milos vs Murray bros in dubs. How I'd love to watch that one.

What are you afraid of? Murray battered him recently, I thought! Someplace called Cincinnati, or so I've heard... fairly respectable scoreline, too, 6-3, 7-6.

[Aussie Andy]

Alex Bogomolov JR beat Jarkko Niemenen, and will face the winner of Murray/Baghdatis.

For those who follow Milos Raonic, he beat Yuichi Sugita 6-7, 6-3, 7-6

[Aussie Andy]

As an evil aside, I have been thinking of all the things Andy could do to poor Fish:

He could batter, broil, bake, crumb, barbeque, poach, fry, marinade, saute, catch, hook, fillet, net, spear, trap, bait... just as well Fish isn't in Andy's half of the draw.

[Linda]

I think he'd like to make sushi :)

[Sallydaisy]

A few interesting tweets doing the rounds after Roddicks R1 loss to Kevin Anderson:

Brad Gilbert

Press Room needs to have an eject button, common sense is sometimes not enough for reporters, I say good move taking the walk.

Mike&Mike brought it to SportsCenter, u don't ask a 29yr old athlete, who's made no hint of retiring that type of question after a loss

@Aleped84 (http://twitter.com/#!/Aleped84) a reporter asking Ariod if he is going to retire because his ranking has sliped

Are you out of ur mind? I never asked or would have asked such a ridiculous question RT @luciahoff (http://twitter.com/#!/luciahoff) hv 2say ws shocked when u ambushed nadal

Andy Roddick

About this whole "walked out of a press conference" thing. Moderator announced that it was last question before my retirement response

Definitely did not get up in the middle and " walk out of interview" contrary to headline on cnnsi.com. Answered last question and left

Brad Gilbert

@luciahoff (http://twitter.com/#!/luciahoff) I would never ask a retirement question.

The equivalent to "walking out of the press room" on twitter = hitting the Block.

Jon Wertheim

Best part of the @andyroddick (http://twitter.com/#!/andyroddick) clip is the applause following his answer...

Andy Roddick

Cnnsi.com changed their headline :)
:thumbup:

[Helen40]

Don't forget that Jamie sometimes plays with Andy (or viceversa :) ) precisely because his ranking would not get him into certani tournaments otherwise. One thing is for him to find a regular doubles partner for the tournaments he is eligible to enter and another is to use Andy for tournaments with good points on offer when he would not get in with his normal partner - lots of previous discussion on our forums about how some doubles draws e.g. a Master's tourney, is full of singles players and somewhat "shutting out" the regular doubles players.

Yeah, must say I don't agree with it. Would have been nice for Hutch/Flem type players to be given that opportunity. Kinda feel Jamie's only got his ranking cos of Andy.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa on court, against Japanese hope Go Soeda, and he's a break up already serving at *4-3.

[Aussie Andy]

The order of play for Wednesday is out, and Andy is second on Centre Court. Such a shame I can't follow it, I've got a first aid course which will be occupying me full-time Wednesday and Thursday. :crying:

[Helen40]

Nadal won 6-3, 6-2 over Soeda.

[Sallydaisy]

WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
D Tursunov (RUS) vs [6] J Tipsarevic (SRB)
M Baghdatis (CYP) vs [2] A Murray (GBR) Approx start in Japan 2pm, 4am UK time.
[4] M Fish (USA) vs E Gulbis (LAT)
[WC] T Ito (JPN) vs B Tomic (AUS) or [5] V Troicki (SRB)

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon
[7] R Stepanek (CZE) vs [Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI)
[Q] M Ebden (AUS) vs [3] D Ferrer (ESP)
L Kubot (POL) / R Stepanek (CZE) vs M Kohlmann (GER) / P Petzschner (GER)
D Bracciali (ITA) / S Gonzalez (MEX) vs D Ferrer (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP)

COURT 2 start 12:00 noon
[1] R Bopanna (IND) / A Qureshi (PAK) vs M Melo (BRA) / B Soares (BRA)
I Dodig (CRO) / G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs [2] E Butorac (USA) / J Rojer (AHO)
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) vs [WC] Y Uchiyama (JPN) / D Young (USA)

[Helen40]

Yeah, but there are no live streams anyways, and livescore just ain't the same

[Pam]

Won't be getting up for this if there is no livestream - hope you can play your best and get the W Andy.

[Helen40]

Won't be getting up for this if there is no livestream - hope you can play your best and get the W Andy.

My sentiments exactly

[supergran]

I didn't get up but just before I woke up was dreaming they had won!:)

[RoastLamb]

My FTM was very close to the actual result for Team Murray. Glad Milos won but I bet it wore him out. I'm glad he has a day off. Who does he have next? Rafa? I must go check.

Can't believe there's no livestreams for this till Thursday. Grrr. Really hope Andy can beat Baggy so we get to see him.

[hfwardhouse]

So pleased to hear the boys came through a tough match! Well done Murmur :yahoo:

[david1610]

Yeah, must say I don't agree with it. Would have been nice for Hutch/Flem type players to be given that opportunity. Kinda feel Jamie's only got his ranking cos of Andy.

I don't follow doubles or even Jamie closely enough to know how many of Jamie's ranking points are due to Andy and so affect his ranking. Of course, if it makes him eliligle for other tourneys with a more regular partner, it also helps that person.
It would be interesting to have a good analysis of the state of play in the doubles world in terms of how the changes introduced by the ATP a couple of years have affected various aspects of doubles, but I do not really know.
Jamie will not be the only one, though. And next season is of course going to be even more interesting given the Olympics - we might be seeing more national pairings than at present, precisely to qualify for the Olympics - or are we already?

[lynne]

Should'nt be long now for Andy...Tipsy & Tursunov is a set each & 5-5 in the third :sleepy: that's it Tursunov won the third 7-5, must be a bit of a disappointment for Tipsy!!

[Hawkeye]

Finally, a break! Tursunov wins 7-6 6-7 7-5.

[Linda]

I bet that was a really exciting match to watch! Well done to Tursunov.

[JAMES4578]

Wasn't following the match early on but it turns out there were actually 9 breaks in the match!

[lynne]

Where is Hawkeye's post about 3hr and 1 min of serve dominated yawn...as I think I pressed the wrong button I meant to press thanks & I think I pressed report....sorry Hawkeye did'nt mean to:sofa:

[Linda]

If you press report, don't you get a pop-up box asking you why you want to report the post?

[Hawkeye]

I deleted it because someone reported me... :crying:

nah seriously I deleted it because I checked my facts and saw that there had been a gazillion breaks like James said...

[lynne]

I deleted it because someone reported me... :crying:

nah seriously I deleted it because I checked my facts and saw that there had been a gazillion breaks like James said...


PHEW!!!Sorry Hawkeye........early mornings, mind you were right about the "yawn":rolling:

[Linda]

Apparently Tipsy isn't well - he's just tweeted "Antibiotics and bed for 3 days....Need some rest..."

[LC the fan]

Just looked at tomorrow's schedule - Andy has a pretty rough day. His 2nd round singles is 3rd on court and then the fifth match is with Jamie in the doubles. Phew !
Couldn't they have made him at least second to give him a couple of hours off ? Seems a bit harsh

[david1610]

At least the singles match is first. Priorities ...

[rouges]

Hiya all, So there is no livestream at all. pity !!!. I started following the livescore and when Andy went down a double break second set I went on with my daily business and was so pleased to find out he won. Talk to you all tomorrow.

[Linda]

Hiya rouges. Livestreams for Tokyo start tomorrow! :)

[Alis]

Hiya rouges. Livestreams for Tokyo start tomorrow! :)

Do you know which site is showing it?

[Sallydaisy]

THURSDAY, 6 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon (4am UK)
[Q] M Ebden (AUS) vs [3] D Ferrer (ESP)
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs M Raonic (CAN)
A Bogomolov Jr. (USA) vs [2] A Murray (GBR) approx 7.30/8.00am UK
I Dodig (CRO) vs D Nalbandian (ARG)
A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) vs [WC] T Ito (JPN) / K Nishikori (JPN) approx 12noon UK

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon
S Giraldo (COL) vs D Tursunov (RUS)
R Haase (NED) / V Troicki (SRB) vs [2] E Butorac (USA) / J Rojer (AHO)
D Bracciali (ITA) / S Gonzalez (MEX) vs D Ferrer (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP)

COURT 2 start 2:00 pm
L Kubot (POL) / R Stepanek (CZE) vs M Kohlmann (GER) / P Petzschner (GER)

[Linda]

Do you know which site is showing it?

Well, I'll be watching on TennisTV. But it will be on all the other livestreams, livescorehunter.com, fromsport.com, etc.

[RoastLamb]

I so wish Rafa's match was up first and Andy's match on last so I could watch both. This will be impossible for me to watch. :crying:

[Sallydaisy]

I so wish Rafa's match was up first and Andy's match on last so I could watch both. This will be impossible for me to watch. :crying:

Ah, just realised 2 of your favourite players play each other tomorrow .........

There are some quite nice photos of the players on the official Tokyo website.
Here's one (http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp/photo/201110030901.jpg) of the top guys lined up for an official photo - but dressed down.

One (http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp/photo/201110041000.jpg) of Rafa in purple!!!

Raonic (http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp/photo/201110040100.jpg)

[RoastLamb]

Just received this fab tweet. YAY!!! Means I can get some sleep and then watch only Andy's match live.

Tennis_Canada Tennis Canada
Yay! :) RT @RogersSportsnet: We have added Milos Raonic's match v Nadal from the Japan Open @ 1am ET on ONE & streamed at sportsnet.ca

[RoastLamb]

So I watched Rafa vs Milos 7-5 6-3 and still find myself thinking Milos really needs to do something with his return game. Rafa has so much in his repertoire he just needs to bide his time. Sigh. Having a great serve is fab but it's not going to win the big matches on its own.

[JAMES4578]

Yes, Rafa took the only break points in the match and Milos wasn't able to create any chances. I suppose he held hos own for a while but it couldn't last.

[Sallydaisy]

FRIDAY, 7 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon (4am UK time)
[4] M Fish (USA) vs B Tomic (AUS)
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs S Giraldo (COL)
[7] R Stepanek (CZE) vs [3] D Ferrer (ESP)
D Nalbandian (ARG) vs [2] A Murray (GBR) (approx 10am UK)

COURT 1 start Not Before 4:00 PM
M Melo (BRA) / B Soares (BRA) vs L Kubot (POL) / R Stepanek (CZE) - After Necessary Rest

COURT 2 start Not Before 4:00 PM
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) vs D Ferrer (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP) - After Necessary Rest

If Andy wins his match he'll have to play both a Singles Semi and Doubles Semi on Saturday.

[Aussie Andy]

If Andy wins his match he'll have to play both a Singles Semi and Doubles Semi on Saturday.

Then he needs to dominate his matches from the word go. Can't afford Murraycoasters.

[lynne]

T/B for the first set in the Rafa match 6-6 , this has been a very close match!! Don't really know much about Giraldo! Rafa gets the set 7-6!

[Sallydaisy]

Fish beat Tomic but it took him over 2hrs and 3 sets.

Rafa had a break for 2-0 in the 2nd set, got broken, broke back and is serving at 3-1.

[lynne]

5-2 Rafa, good match to watch!

That's it...Rafa 7-6,6-3...enjoyed that match!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Ferrer takes the first set 6'2 v Stepanek and has break points in the 2nd game of the 2nd set.

This could be over sooner if he can wrap it up in 2.

Andy at 10.30?

[RoastLamb]

For anyone who watches tennistv: I got up at 4:30 this morning and saw that the Ferru match was only in the first set so I fiddled about with my laptop and accidentally found myself back in the second set of the previous match (Rafa). Further investigation got me to the beginning of the match which I watched until Andy's match began. To my greata delight. You can rewind right to the beginning of the day if you want and forward and rewind as much as you want. Awesome! :yahoo:

[Madeline]

Thanks RL - I have just tried that; the only snag is you can't do it after play has finished. It worked for the Beijing tournament which is still playing, but I couldn't find a way to watch Tokyo now that play is over. Very useful to know for the future though!

[RoastLamb]

Madeline, I did wonder about that. But if I'd gotten up at say a more reasonable time like 6 a.m. when play was still live I could have just rewound. As you say, good to know for the future. Means none of us have to get up in the middle of the night unless we have to watch it live. However, it only works if there's a match (or more) after the one we want to see.

[rouges]

Good day all, was there a livestream of Andy's match this morning, please tell me no, as I went out. Is the match on livestream in the morning on LSH tomorrow ? Let me please and I'll check later. Ta.

[RoastLamb]

Good day all, was there a livestream of Andy's match this morning, please tell me no, as I went out. Is the match on livestream in the morning on LSH tomorrow ? Let me please and I'll check later. Ta.

It's on subscription-based tennistv and free livescorehunter/fromsports, etc.

[Sallydaisy]

SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [4] M Fish (USA)
Not Before 2:00 PM (6am UK time)
[3] D Ferrer (ESP) vs [2] A Murray (GBR)
M Melo (BRA) / B Soares (BRA) vs [4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK)
A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) vs R Haase (NED) / V Troicki (SRB)

[Linda]

So if I can't get up to see Rafa's match at 4am, I can rewind and see it after watching Andy's? Provided I do it quickly before they stop transmission!

[MurrayAOne]

Thanks for the match details. Great win for Andy today. Go Andy and Jamie tomorrow! ( am really loving this!!!!)

[RoastLamb]

So if I can't get up to see Rafa's match at 4am, I can rewind and see it after watching Andy's? Provided I do it quickly before they stop transmission!

Yes! I couldn't believe it when I was able to just "rewind" and watch Rafa's match instead of Ferru's. Could have watched Fishy-Tomic too. You just put your mouse on the timeline running at the bottom of the screen and click onto any time you want.

This time is 11 p.m. for me so I will try to stay up for it instead. Then Andy's match should be around 1 a.m. Don't know if I'll be able to stay awake but I'll try.

[Linda]

Rafa's is 4am. Really doubt that I'll be able to get up. This morning my alarm went off at 5.45 for Rafa's match - it didn't start that early 'cos the first match went to three sets but would have done if it had been done in 2. When his match was finished I fell asleep again for about half an hour or so. Then I got up, bathed & dressed, did a few bits and it was time for Andy's match. Would have liked to see Ferru v Steps as well (I saw a fantastic match between them when I was at Wimbly in 2009) but just couldn't be done.

Anyone know what time the final will be?

[Madeline]

I think it is 2pm local, 6am UK. I'm fairly sure I heard the commentators mention it. Not that they necessarily have it right, of course!

[lynne]

Rafa 7-5,6-1..................only caught the end of the match so can't comment! ........ urgh! Morning Folks off for coffee!!:wave:

[RoastLamb]

Raf played well but Fish made so many errors in the 2nd set.

[lynne]

:thanks:Fiona!!!:thumbup:

[Linda]

Thanks Madeline - it'll be a lie in till tomorrow then, compared to today's 4am start!

[Sallydaisy]

SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 2:00 pm
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [2] A Murray (GBR)
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) vs A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) - After Minimal Rest

Well, at least the Singles is first - and at 6am again for us lot in the UK!!!
Minimal rest instead of 'suitable' rest .... hmm

[Jan]

SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 2:00 pm
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [2] A Murray (GBR)
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) vs A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) - After Minimal Rest

Well, at least the Singles is first - and at 6am again for us lot in the UK!!!
Minimal rest instead of 'suitable' rest .... hmm

Yes I just saw that and put something in the doubles thread - hope they give Andy a fighting chance

[VamosVixs]

My dream final so will make an effort to get up to watch this. I assume it's only on a livestream not on tv?

[RoastLamb]

My dream final so will make an effort to get up to watch this. I assume it's only on a livestream not on tv?

My dream final too. This will be at 1 a.m. for me. Sigh. I only got about 3 hours of sleep tonite and 4 last night. ARGH!

[VamosVixs]

My dream final too. This will be at 1 a.m. for me. Sigh. I only got about 3 hours of sleep tonite and 4 last night. ARGH!

I would rather 1am than 6am on a Sunday morning!! :sleepy:

[RoastLamb]

Suppose I can have a lie-in on Sunday. This morning I got to sleep around 3:30 and my eldest woke me up at 5 coz she was ill then my hubby woke me up again at 7. Not a happy camper right now.

[VamosVixs]

For sure I will be going back to bed after the match!!

[cazza99]

Sky is doing a highlights program for the Japan Open on Sunday 6.30 pm SS3.

[Madeline]

For sure I will be going back to bed after the match!!
I'd love to do that, but unfortunately I have to go out singing at 11am. I hate it when two hobbies clash. Mind you, I used to hate it even more before I retired and work clashed with tennis. . .

[JAMES4578]

For sure I will be going back to bed after the match!!

I done that for a few hours this morning! Will need to follow the doubles tomorrow when there'll won't be so much of a break though.

[Linda]

I'll miss the doubles as I'll be at church. But the singles should be finished before I go.

[40-15]

SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER, 2011

CENTRE COURT start 2:00 pm
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [2] A Murray (GBR)
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) vs A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) - After Minimal Rest

Well, at least the Singles is first - and at 6am again for us lot in the UK!!!
Minimal rest instead of 'suitable' rest .... hmm

yes Sally - ok - Doubles final - after minimal rest? - it usually states - after suitable rest? -
so the tournie organisers are obviously thinking about time between matches here -
so whats the apt rules for rest between matches for players involved in singles and doubles matches?

I've never really thought about it before!!