AUSTRALIAN OPEN, 16-29 Jan 2012: Singles (men/ladies) Discussion Thread. Info in first posts

[Linda]

It seems that Fed has been playing better so far this tournament, but you never know.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gif

[Speedy Hawk]

Roger vs Rafa playing now!

[-J-]

like rafa to win but after a six hour epic

[-J-]

just in case
http://airlines.robian.net/images/sickbag_airfrance.jpg

[Speedy Hawk]

like rafa to win but after a six hour epic

So that if Andy beat Nole and have easier time in final?

[Speedy Hawk]

Crazy Rafa!!! Coming back all those shots!

[-J-]

So that if Andy beat Nole and have easier time in final?no so WHEN andy beats nole

[Linda]

Mats & Co are driving me completely mad with their Fed-worship. I'm going to complain to Eurosport.

[Speedy Hawk]

no so WHEN andy beats nole

Lol okay WHEN Andy beat Nole.

BP to Roger! Yes!! Roger rarely take BP chances cos Rafa save them and Roger get so many chances, today he took it, phew. I still can't relax, Roger STILL can get broken and lose set being 2 break up, I can only relax and breathe IF he take the set.

[-J-]

who is the guy in green, i thaught rafa was supposed to pkay fed ?

[RFS]

And now we have a couple of hours or so of Mat's non-stop drooling over Fed :rolleyes: I'll never complain about the BBC commentators again.

He makes me want to throw something at the TV... and then to throw the TV out the window. A whole lot of throwing.

Meanwhile - Rafa has as long as it takes me to walk to Maccy Ds in town and back again to WAKE UP AND TAKE IT TO HIM!!!!!!!

[-J-]

He makes me want to throw something at the TV... and then to throw the TV out the window. A lot lot of throwing.

Meanwhile - Rafa has as long as it takes me to walk to Maccy Ds in town and back again to WAKE UP AND TAKE IT TO HIM!!!!!!!makes me want to hurl to

[Speedy Hawk]

Lol J! It repeating like some of matches, Roger take break in 1st set, sometimes double then lose it or win it and Rafa win rest of set in match and win.

This time I hope he wins set and next one but I doubt it happen cos of record.

[pabbers]

Crumbs - just sneaking on for a few mins at work - recording match at home for when I get back late tonight. Can't believe this. Nobody will beat Roger on this form - he has a plan and he's executing it. I tend to think that's Rafa's problem. I've always thought he only plays one way and tends not to have a plan B other than hitting the ball harder and the odd volley. Roger has worked this out and providing he can continue to carry out the plan I think, sadly this is over in 3.

I've been sooooo naive - Mr P had to point out to me this morning that the reason for the men's semis being over 2 days is of course TV and therefore money - never mind the players, fairness or the sport. So, yes, Speedy let Rafa run Roger ragged over 5 sets but NOT to give the opponent an easy match, just to give them a fair match against someone who will have had 2 days to recover instead of one!

[pabbers]

Rafa looking better COMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNN!!!!! Only one break.

[Speedy Hawk]

Roger keep hitting Rafa BH! Lol that funny cos so many years Rafa did that to Roger.

[Speedy Hawk]

There it is, Rafa always do that, repeat now.

[Linda]

Murky's face when Fed fluffed that volley! :lol: Hope Fed keeps trying to volley, as he's really not very good at it.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa volley just as bad as Roger today, so best BOTH avoid volley. Both keep hitting ball in net.

[pabbers]

Just busy eating my words and very happy about it I am too!!! GOOOOOO RAFFFFFAAAAA!!!!!

[Linda]

Neither of them look sharp enough to beat Nole :sad: Really hope Andy wins tomorrow.

[Speedy Hawk]

Just busy eating my words and very happy about it I am too!!! GOOOOOO RAFFFFFAAAAA!!!!!

It just same pattern if you watch same matches in past.

[RFS]

See I told you and this therefore justifies my need to have Maccy D brekkies when I have to schlep to this god forsaken place

[Speedy Hawk]

TB! Most likely Rafa win TB cos he usually does. Roger really good at TB but not against Rafa.

[RFS]

Vamos Rafaroo....

[Speedy Hawk]

Poor Roger wife! She looks so scared and worried!

[SamP]

Wilander just makes stuff up.

[Speedy Hawk]

PHEW! Roger won 1st set! Now I can relax a bit then start get really nervous again when 2nd set starts.

[Linda]

My stream started buffering so badly that I missed most of the tiebreak. I've now rebooted my router, hopefull it will be better now.

[Linda]

Eek :crying: :sofa:

Rafa breaks straight back! :cheer:

[Speedy Hawk]

Lol! Roger broke Rafa to 40-0 and Rafa broke Roger back 40-0. Weird 2 games. Now 1-1 in 2nd set.

[Linda]

I wonder if Toni is the only coach to have a hat sponsor? I haven't noticed any others.

[Speedy Hawk]

Roger got BP but hit it bit too long so deuce. This is strange set.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa break up in 2nd set.

[Linda]

Great shot from Rafa to break! :cheer:

And then Mats says 'Of course Federer is going to win this' :rolleyes:

[Speedy Hawk]

Great shot from Rafa to break! :cheer:

And then Mats says 'Of course Federer is going to win this' :rolleyes:

Rafa will win this cos it going same way as usual. I still hope though that Roger might win.

[Linda]

Match interrupted by fireworks :grrr:

[Speedy Hawk]

Match interrupted by fireworks :grrr:

Lol yeah but they pros so should handle that fine.

[traveller7]

Enough of the fed loving wilander arggh makes me sick

rafa on form again 5-2 up

[Linda]

I would have been much better if they had waited to the end of the set to let off the fireworks. They could have done that.

[Speedy Hawk]

Why there fireworks anyway?

[karanga]

COME ON RAFITO :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Linda]

It's Australia Day. They have celebrations all day long. It happens every year.

[karanga]

Why there fireworks anyway?

Australia's National Day when Aussies remember their past history and who they are.

[Speedy Hawk]

It's Australia Day. They have celebrations all day long. It happens every year.


Australia's National Day when Aussies remember their past history and who they are.

Ah right thanks! Didn't know that.

[Linda]

Rafa takes the 2nd set! :cheer: One set all.

[Katie]

Roger-Rafa matches are always so predictable - really wish Del Potro was playing Rafa now, that would have been great to watch.

[JAMES4578]

I would have been much better if they had waited to the end of the set to let off the fireworks. They could have done that.

Yes they could easily have waited a bit longer but suppose it doesn't matter too much not too long a delay. An entertaining match even if not quite a classic yet with al the twists so far. Fed was up a set and a break but Nadal hits right back to take the 2nd 6-2! Seems Roger was maybe affected by the interruption, though not a crucial factor in the outcome of this set.

[Speedy Hawk]

Now 3rd set and Rafa serve first.

[SamP]

Interesting match isn't it.

David Law not happy with all the Wilander dissing. He's a bit of an idiot as well then.

[Speedy Hawk]

Match over now. :(

[RFS]

Wilander just makes stuff up.

Slippers, TV... really.... if he's commie-ing from the men's final, I fear for the lives of my electrical appliances

[karanga]

Yep it is an interesting match. Think there will be many twists and turns before it's over. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Rafito.

Think the commies need muting.

[traveller7]

I hate to say it but Im finding this match very dull, watching these guys just doesnt excite me lately

[Speedy Hawk]

Wow I am surprised Roger saved all BP cos normal Rafa takes it easy. Hopefully Roger WAKE UP and don't lose badly. I rather Roger lose more closer than badly.

[Linda]

Slippers, TV... really.... if he's commie-ing from the men's final, I fear for the lives of my electrical appliances

Don't worry, the final will be on BBC :)

[karanga]

I hate to say it but Im finding this match very dull, watching these guys just doesnt excite me lately

I'd rather watch Andy play because imo he is the more exciting player to watch than these two. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[RFS]

Don't worry, the final will be on BBC :)
I refuse to watch anything that that T*&T Castle might be involved with. Refuse.

[Linda]

He can't be as bad as Mats! :lol:

[RFS]

I hate to say it but Im finding this match very dull, watching these guys just doesnt excite me lately
I find Fed can be every bit as soporific as revising... except with revision there might be something at the end of it that is useful.

Then again... judging by some of my waffle at the end of my Public Affairs exam... that too could be debatable!!! :lol:

[RFS]

He can't be as bad as Mats! :lol:

I just hope Mats gives way to someone else for the final... even Annabel Croft is marginally more bearable!

[RFS]

Of course I am at work and not even watching this.. relying on Twitter from the tennis knowledgerati and y'all on here!
Oh and Slam Tracker.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa got really lucky that shot, hit net cord and went up in air outside Roger reach. Roger was at right place if ball didn't hit net cord.

[JAMES4578]

Fed possibly let off the hook earlier and now seems to be up for it again, could still be anyone's set at 3 all.

[RFS]

I would not count against this going all the way...

[Speedy Hawk]

Lots of BP and Rafa saving them all so far.

[Speedy Hawk]

Roger finally take one BP. I was expecting Rafa save all and hold like he usually do. Phew, now hardest part is Roger HOLD serve!

[Linda]

Fed breaks :sad:

[Speedy Hawk]

Fed breaks :sad:

Break don't really count until Roger hold serve cos he usually get broken after break Rafa.

[Speedy Hawk]

There you go, told you break don't count until Roger holds. So annoy!!! Come on Roger!

[Linda]

Yes! Rafa breaks straight back! :cheer:

[lynne]

Go on Rafa!!!!!:clap:

[Linda]

Come on Rafa! Break him again to take the set! :swingin:

[Linda]

5-5 Still anyone's match :sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

The longer it goes on the more likely Rafa will win it .......

[SamP]

This feels like a poor mans wimbledon final 08?

I'm just not finding it that exciting, are we a bit spoilt by this match up now?

[Speedy Hawk]

Very weird match, up and down all time. Strange shot, brilliant shot, stupid shot, smart shot, etc.

[Linda]

Neither of them are playing as well as they did that day. As I said earlier in the thread, neither of them looks sharp enough to beat Nole. I really hope Andy beats Nole tomorrow.

[JAMES4578]

This match has been a bit topsey turvey with quite a few momentum swings, though we could be heading into another breaker. Feel if Nadal wins this set he will be tough for Fed to stop.

[Linda]

Stream stopped so switched to another, and now it's buffering again - exactly what happened at the end of the first set!

[pabbers]

I should hope you do hope Andy beats Nole tomorrow, otherwise we'd wonder whose side you were on :lol:

Well looks like it's a tense one. If Andy can get past Nole, it might be nice for him to face a fresh face across the net in the final - banish some demons! So GOOOOOOOOOOO RAFAAAAAAAAAA (and Andy tomozz!)

[Speedy Hawk]

Neither of them are playing as well as they did that day. As I said earlier in the thread, neither of them looks sharp enough to beat Nole. I really hope Andy beats Nole tomorrow.

Just because they playing badly this match doesn't mean they play badly next match. It normal Roger vs Rafa play badly against each other cos of match up. I bet whoever wins this match will play usual self in final. Wait and see.

[Linda]

Eek another tb :sofa:

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa win this TB, I notice lot of match they take turns to win TB. Roger won 1st TB so it Rafa turn.

Come on Roger!! PLEASE WIN TB!

[RFS]

Alex Willis saying that Greg Sharko has pointed out... when Rafa and Federsnooze split sets... who ever takes the third typically goes on to win the match.. #justsayin

[Linda]

Phew - I was worried when all those set points were disappearing!

Vamos Rafa! :cheer:

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa 2-1 sets up. Now 4th set. Probably last set of match.

[ljs]

have just got up , somehow i cant sleep when I know matches are on yayyy Rafa :cheer:

[ljs]

Alex Willis saying that Greg Sharko has pointed out... when Rafa and Federsnooze split sets... who ever takes the third typically goes on to win the match.. #justsayin

yes , hope that holds true today !!!!!

[RFS]

Momentum should be with Rafa - but then you also get to that 4th set lull/lapse in concentration....

Andy - you have it on YOUR racquet to win tomorrow... (AND I am working at home so I will apologise in advance to my neighbour who will have to put up with me screaming at the TV)

[ljs]

swearing at your kids is not something to be proud of Matts you idiot

[JAMES4578]

Rafa may have faltered at the finishing line but was an impressive in the early part of the breaker, whilst Fed just didn't produce till it was too late. Certainly the momentum with Nadal now and I'd be surprised if he doesn't win in 4 now, though was this match you never know.

[Katie]

You can hear the disappointment in Mats' voice whenever Rafa wins a point - he is so biased and never gives Rafa any credit for good play. It's like commentary from the perspective of a 100% Fed fan...

[xenon21]

Someone go and gag Mats please?

[ljs]

thats exactly what it is Katie , wish theyd can him

[Katie]

thats exactly what it is Katie , wish theyd can him

I wish they'd employ Peter Fleming instead, an excellent commentator who doesn't feel the need to talk all the time! And is unbiased too.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa still doing hitting Roger backhand thing. Match would be more interesting if he stop doing that but won't happen.

[SamP]

Sorry but I want this to go to five sets.

If they're going to get two days rest I want them both to run themselves into the ground tonight.

[ljs]

me too Sam , as long as the outcome is Nadal lol

[traveller7]

swearing at your kids is not something to be proud of Matts you idiot

How true couldnt believe he said that!

[Katie]

Good hold by Federer there.

[Linda]

On Tuesday Mats said that if a player isn't smashing up his racquets then he's not showing enough passion. Idiot.

[Speedy Hawk]

Sorry but I want this to go to five sets.

If they're going to get two days rest I want them both to run themselves into the ground tonight.

I want to go 5 sets too cos it only way Roger can win it now.


me too Sam , as long as the outcome is Nadal lol

Lol, me want Roger. :)


Brilliant hold from Roger!

[-J-]

out and about so cant see the match , much sign of fatique ? :pirate:

[traveller7]

Even mats accent annoys me!

[Sallydaisy]

J - not so far. 3hrs 15mins on clock.
After Rafa won 3rd set Fed could have folded but he's battling on.
Fed just held for 4-3 in 4th.
Could be another TB for this set and even go to a 5th!



out and about so cant see the match , much sign of fatique ? :pirate:

[SamP]

I think Bradnam's accent is worse. He loves his own voice, the way he say's 'WAAOW' is horrendous, and the way he just said 'AAAANIMAL'.

Just watched John Lloyd's video saying he tips Djoko tomorrow though, we can't win can we?

[Speedy Hawk]

Roger hold. Rafa serving. Roger NEED stop hitting ball wide on Rafa serve.

[-J-]

they had a break for fireworks as well didnt they
cant decide if i want roger to draw this level and risk him winning this
suits my pickem more if rafa wins

[-J-]

I think Bradnam's accent is worse. He loves his own voice, the way he say's 'WAAOW' is horrendous, and the way he just said 'AAAANIMAL'.

Just watched John Lloyd's video saying he tips Djoko tomorrow though, we can't win can we?dont think theres much wrong tipping nole to win if thats what he thinks its the fact he seems to be willing just about anyone to win but andy that is a disgrace

[SamP]

They're so clueless, thought Roger had challenged that last shot when it was Rafa because it was clearly out. They'll do anything to say 'OH ROGER, KISS ME KISS ME OH GREAT ONE'.

The match is getting good now.

[Speedy Hawk]

I am still too nervous. When important points I can't watch! Have to look at my laptop screen instead.

Deuce on Rafa serve.

[-J-]

I am still too nervous. When important points I can't watch! Have to look at my laptop screen instead.

Deuce on Rafa serve.your own fault for supporting fed :pirate:you should leave the dark side and come into the light ;)

[ljs]

:rolling:

[Speedy Hawk]

your own fault for supporting fed :pirate:you should leave the dark side and come into the light ;)

Nah, Rafa isn't light and Roger isn't dark.

I don't drop support to player just cos they lose or can't beat player.

[AllyB]

Turned telly on about 10 minutes ago to hear Mats say that if Rafa wins Fed loses but if Fed wins they both win because Rafa has tried everything to win! :confused:

[JAMES4578]

Fed definitely had a shot there but Rafa's held firm for 4 all! Willander said I like that miss though!

[Speedy Hawk]

Lol at all stupid commets from Wilander on here.

[traveller7]

Turned telly on about 10 minutes ago to hear Mats say that if Rafa wins Fed loses but if Fed wins they both win because Rafa has tried everything to win! :confused:

Yep another gem!

[-J-]

Lol at all stupid commets from Wilander on here.do they have a subtitled commentry ?

[-J-]

Turned telly on about 10 minutes ago to hear Mats say that if Rafa wins Fed loses but if Fed wins they both win because Rafa has tried everything to win! :confused:the mind boggles

[SamP]

The last 15 minutes have been really excellent.

[Speedy Hawk]

do they have a subtitled commentry ?

Nope on Eurosport. BBC is only one do it. Eurosport doesn't, Sky Sport doesn't apart from football when I watch at grandparents.

[-J-]

Nah, Rafa isn't light and Roger isn't dark.

I don't drop support to player just cos they lose or can't beat player.he is darth vader in disguise

[Speedy Hawk]

Ha No J!

Rafa won cos he need serve it out. Match over.

[Linda]

They've both really stepped up their level in this set. Very exciting now.

Rafa to serve for the match! :cheer:

[traveller7]

nadal serving for match

[-J-]

wish they would get a shift on i nedd to go buy a kettle

[JAMES4578]

Yes some ecxiting stuff and Fed finally buckled in that game, looks like it over!

[Speedy Hawk]

2 points away for Rafa.

[traveller7]

deuce eek

[-J-]

went dead deuce taking ages

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa won.

[lynne]

Get innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!:)

[Linda]

Rafa wins! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo:

[traveller7]

well done rafa!

[Jane]

WELL DONE RAFA:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Rafa wins, well done! It certainly was an exciting final game!

[ljs]

rafa applauding roger off .. classy

[-J-]

not quite as long as i hoped for but think i had rafa in four for FTM and i have him in pickem so not so bad

[xenon21]

Not an el classico but very good match from Nadal. Well done! Wonder which would have been better for Andy if he wins... Nadal or Federer? Toughie either way

[traveller7]

Yep both tough, more of a chance against Fed I feel but if he beats Nole tomorrow then anythings possible!

[ljs]

dont even wanna think final , Andy will have his hands full with Djoko Im afraid

[Sallydaisy]

they had a break for fireworks as well didnt they
3hrs 42mins on court - per match stats i.e. actual time played.

[xenon21]

Hmmm, so Rafa says Andy #murray has to play more aggressive than usual to beat Novak. Not sure he's best one to listen to after Novak losses

[karanga]

Congratulations to Rafito. :clap: :clap: :clap:

Disappointed that I missed the last set of the match because 'puter is playing up. :doh: :pirate:

[-J-]

ah well on with the shopping

[Linda]

Off to work :sad:

[traveller7]

Yep on with clearing up, making my bedroom look nice and then zumba. Roll on 8.30am tomorrow for Andy!

[Katie]

Well done to Rafa! Can't see him ever losing to Fed again in a slam.

[Ace!]

Can't believe what Nadal has done! I wrote him off for this year, because of his shoulder!

[AllyB]

Can't believe what Nadal has done! I wrote him off for this year, because of his shoulder!

Me too, even went as far as having him lose to Floppy!

[xenon21]

I didn't think the shoulder was as bad as media played it up to be... so not too surprised tbh

[Ace!]

I didn't think the shoulder was as bad as media played it up to be... so not too surprised tbh

Another lesson learned, read the book not just the cover!

[xenon21]

Greg in gaga land? Saying Rafa and Novak are both mentally and physically stronger than Andy! Really? Everyone says that Andy is one of the fittest men on tour! Silly comment!

[traveller7]

Its funny how both Nadal and Nole have both had 'injuries' this tournament yet are playing outstanding tennis and sailing through the rounds.

[supergran]

Well, I called that wrong. I too thought Nadal had physical problems. I have always chosen him to win before.:facepalm::shrug:

[xenon21]

Have been soooo put off by Eurosport commentary I will be listening and watching on BBC tomorrow, which may not be too good either.

Greg and Virginia Wade are giving Andy no chance... wow! Talk about the support andy gets. :p

[RFS]

Have been soooo put off by Eurosport commentary I will be listening and watching on BBC tomorrow, which may not be too good either.

Greg and Virginia Wade are giving Andy no chance... wow! Talk about the support andy gets. :p

Look at it the other way - every year they've bigged him up he's fallen at the last hurdle. Maybe they think if they are coy (to the point od derisive) about his chances... he may storm it #pulltheotherone

[Jan]

just home - heard the result on the radio. now I need to read all about it!

[traveller7]

Well Andy doesnt care either way, whether the press big him up or bring him down he does what he does, plays his best on that day and we support him no matter what :)

[SamP]

Federer: 'I think Rafa always plays a bit better against me than he does against other players but that's good for him'

hmm...

[xenon21]

Federer: 'I think Rafa always plays a bit better against me than he does against other players but that's good for him'

hmm...

Duh! Course a player would step it up against the other top players. Rafa seems to always step it up even more against Andy!

[pabbers]

Hmmm, so Rafa says Andy #murray has to play more aggressive than usual to beat Novak. Not sure he's best one to listen to after Novak losses

Well maybe he's giving Andy some advice learned from his own mistakes?

[VamosVixs]

Delighted Rafa won, dream final is still on!! Please Andy get there!! :yahoo:

[RoastLamb]

Yay Rafa! Yay Rafa! Yay Rafa!!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

Vixs, half of our dream final is set up!!!

I went to bed after the women's semis and managed to watch the entire men's semi in one hour this morning after the kids were dropped off at school. Was a bit sad after that first set but the rest was awesome. So much of time is wasted by Rafa between points. And I fastforwarded through most of Fed's games and the commies' comments about him. Easy peasy. Some great shots from Rafa. Very, very proud of him today!!!

[rondun]

Enough of the fed loving wilander arggh makes me sick


Slippers, TV... really.... if he's commie-ing from the men's final, I fear for the lives of my electrical appliances


Think the commies need muting.


He can't be as bad as Mats! :lol:


I just hope Mats gives way to someone else for the final... even Annabel Croft is marginally more bearable!


You can hear the disappointment in Mats' voice whenever Rafa wins a point - he is so biased and never gives Rafa any credit for good play. It's like commentary from the perspective of a 100% Fed fan...


Someone go and gag Mats please?


On Tuesday Mats said that if a player isn't smashing up his racquets then he's not showing enough passion. Idiot.

Mats just said that "In a best of 5 set match, after today, I am very sceptical that Roger will ever beat Rafa again."
The man is quite clearly a misunderstood genius and I won't hear another bad word about him, understand!
:sofa:

Edit: Plus he just backed Andy to beat Nole....

[Mickey]

And Anabelle Croft as well. Hope that isn't a jinx.

[Maza1987]

Yes, Mats was annoying. He started to talk over the points with analysis from a point two rallies ago.
Keep it succint. Unless it's at change of ends.

So happy Rafa one. He played immense.

[pabbers]

and anabelle croft as well. Hope that isn't a jinx.

eeeekkkk!!!

369

[VamosVixs]

Finally the match is now being shown on eurosport so I can see it. It's game 2 and Mats is annoying me already! :rolleyes:

[AllyB]

Edit: Plus he just backed Andy to beat Nole....


And Anabelle Croft as well. Hope that isn't a jinx.

When is Andy playing Anabelle? :confused:

[RoastLamb]

I'm SO glad I didn't have Eurosport. ESPN is much more neutral altho' Pat Mac is a Fedworshipping little so and so. But Brad is always on Rafa's side so he makes up for it.

[Linda]

Can't believe what Nadal has done! I wrote him off for this year, because of his shoulder!

Then you made the mistake of believing what the idiot commies were saying instead of listening to what Rafa said! He had a problem with his shoulder in November-December but it was better by the start of AO. His only reservation was that due to the problem he hadn't been able to practice as usual during the off season so felt that he was poorly prepared. But the shoulder was fine. The commies have been saying he's taking time off after AO because of his shoulder, but it's not that at all. Time off between AO and IW was always his plan - he did the same last year.

[hfwardhouse]

Enjoyed the first semi - some incredible tennis ... way to go Rafa :yahoo:

[pabbers]

Then you made the mistake of believing what the idiot commies were saying instead of listening to what Rafa said! He had a problem with his shoulder in November-December but it was better by the start of AO. His only reservation was that due to the problem he hadn't been able to practice as usual during the off season so felt that he was poorly prepared. But the shoulder was fine. The commies have been saying he's taking time off after AO because of his shoulder, but it's not that at all. Time off between AO and IW was always his plan - he did the same last year.

You've been saying he's not on form too though. From what I've seen he's on great form - strapped knee or no strapped knee (and let's face it his knees haven't stopped him before - well not much anyway) so hopefully if he doesn't get Andy in the final, he'll see off Nole and jinx his year!

[supergran]

Finally the match is now being shown on eurosport so I can see it. It's game 2 and Mats is annoying me already! :rolleyes: I just can't say how much Mats annoys me. Not on here anyway! He is a toady, a sycophant, a servile flatterer, a creep. And he's not even a good commentator as he talks too much, he is blatantly one-sided when he should be objective and both he and Annabel should be thrown into Room 101!!:grrr::angry:

[rondun]

both he and Annabel should be thrown into Room 101!!:grrr::angry:Isn't that how he hurt his kidney?

[-J-]

Isn't that how he hurt his kidney?punctured it on one of the skinny moooos ribs

[rondun]

Anyway - won't hear another bad word about Mats-ermind. Genius the man is I'm telling ya. Genius

[david1610]

For those awake, the boys doubles finals has started with British interest. cannot find a stream but it can be livescored from www.australianopen.com while we count down to a certain other match....

[Linda]

Good grief, Mats is still going on about Federer. Will be switching over to BBC2 at 8.30

[RoastLamb]

Vera and Kuzy won the ladies' dubs title. Good for them! :clap:

[JAMES4578]

Yes, pleased for them-well done!

[RoastLamb]

Leander Paes is in both the mixed dubs and men's dubs finals. Awesome!!! Shame I can't watch the final after the women.

[RFS]

Ugh - one of these Saturdays I would like to wake up and NOT think about a full day at Journo school. As much as the demented owl howl of Azarenka can be a touch alarming, I think it has been great for the women's game to have a stream of new people getting to finals. I hope Vika doesn't let the occasion get to her and that we have another maiden slam winner. And I do believe it is all to play for and the #1 will go to the winner.

At least we will be spared the endless "slamless #1" bleatings from those who lack the intelligence to understand how the ratings lend themselves to consistent players and not part time ones (The sisters Williams, take note!)

I have to find a surreptitious way of checking the scores during this morning's reporting class!

[JAMES4578]

A bit of a disappointing final but it was a fab display from Vika who thrashed Sharapova 6-3, 6-0. She certainly was hot, but Maria didn't find much form.

[lynne]

True James,I felt quite sorry for Maria, but she has made a great comeback, at least she puts the hours in at tennis not like some female players, but Well Done to Victoria!

[Sallydaisy]

Congrats to Vika Azarenka - first Grand Slam title and now she's World #1 as well.
:trophy:

[Alis]

Well done Viktoria - an amazingly accomplished performance after the first nervous stutters. Great speeches from both the girls. A good time for women's tennis with new names emerging and an end to the Williams domination. Hopefully Caroline will win her own major now that the spotlight is off her.

[Katie]

Well done to Vika! :) I like the unpredictability of the women's game, there's been so many different slam winners over the last couple of years. I think Vika and Petra will definitely go on to win more slams.

[Jan]

well done Vika! I surprised myself by watching some of this - can't stand the shrieking!
Also, good to note that our own Heather lost to the eventual winner.

[Speedy Hawk]

I hope final will be finish before 12pm otherwise I miss ending!

[RoastLamb]

Well, I'm glad Vika won but surprised at Maria's dismal performance. It's amazing to think there's been so many different women's champs the past year. A different winner for each tourney. Wish that would happen with the men. Share the pie!!! A new number one as well. Caro goes down to number 4!

Really happy that Leander Paes with Radek won the men's dubs match. :yahoo: Only wish I could find it somewhere to watch.

[traveller7]

Well done to vika woke up to hear the news she had won.

[RFS]

Was so pleased for Vika and think normal order has been restored to the women's game getting shot of Caro-verated at the top of the table. I think that her game has to improve in a lot of directions to take her to the next step!

Looking forward to watching it back as I only caught the end of it at school and we were starting a reporting mock!!!

[supergran]

Watched the Ladies Final at 1015 last night. Really pleased for Vica the Shrieker on her win and gaining No 1 position. Was a bit surprised at Maria's performance in the second set but she has done well in the tournament. Interesting if someone could tell me what Maria earned for her short time on court compared to Andy's earnings for his marathon semi-final.

[RFS]

I am so pleased for Bethanie Mattek-Sands - she has been around so long and is such an accomplished dubs player - it's hard to believe this is her first Slam title - New AO Mixed champs.
Between that and the utter hilarity of the Sveta/Bepa dubs - not bad at all - I wonder whether Bryan-expected-dad managed to get home in time... (shame they missed out on their record)...

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa vs Nole playing now.

[JAMES4578]

Yes good for Mattek-Sands and Tecau who took the ctb 10-3. Though bit of a pity they don't play a full 3rd set in the mixed, Leander just missed out on another title. Whilst it was a disappointment for the Bryans sure they'll get there! It was good to see Sveta/Bepa in the doubles!

[pabbers]

I've forecast Nole to win this but I really would like to see Rafa do so, not least of all to even out the ranking points a bit more so that there's more chance for Andy to make a breakthrough.

[-J-]

nole for me
1) kill of my pickem good and proper but increase my TFF points
2) rafa was talking about being demotivated at the end of last year, would do no harm what so ever to future andy prospect if nole deflated him further

[rondun]

Interesting if someone could tell me what Maria earned for her short time on court compared to Andy's earnings for his marathon semi-final.Good point SG - $437000 AUD for a semi loser compared with $1150000 for a RU. 300 minutes for Andy compared with 82 for Shrieker.
If you work out prize money per minute on court Shrieker earned roughly ten times as much as Andy :shocked:
Who says prize money is fair?

[supergran]

Morning!! I want Rafa to win. I am now thinking of going back to bed to watch so see you all later. Vamos Rafa.

[supergran]

Good point SG - $437000 AUD for a semi loser compared with $1150000 for a RU. 300 minutes for Andy compared with 82 for Shrieker.
If you work out prize money per minute on court Shrieker earned roughly ten times as much as Andy :shocked:
Who says prize money is fair?Thanks for that...That's why I asked as I've long thought equal pay for the women is wrong.

[pabbers]

Thanks for that...That's why I asked as I've long thought equal pay for the women is wrong.
I absolutely agree and I suppose that's really the point isn't it - "equal" is a joke especially in the slams

[-J-]

the only upside is who would want to listen to women shriek there way through a five set marathon

[sophie900607]

Rafa breaks!

[pabbers]

I don't know why this hasn't occurred to me before but I don't really understand why Rafa's backhand is his weakness. As someone who's actually right handed you'd think it would more or less mean he could be ambidextrous.

YESSSSS!!!!! Go Rafa. Now don't be taken in by Nole's seeming frustration - that's an act to make you think he's worried.

[KnightOwl]

Nole's on to his third racquet and second shirt already, and they've only played 5 games :)

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa struggling to hold.

[JAMES4578]

Long game but Rafa consolidates for 4-2, not quite happening for Nole at the moment!

[Mandiemoo]

Morning all. Trying to work up a little enthusiasm for this but I can't.... I've not even put the tv on, such is my sadness that I'm not watching Andy. The loss to Nole has hit me harder than any of the other losses because it was so close. Hopefully I will have the post-AO slump this year, not Andy!

I think Rafa will win.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa should win cos he got 2 days off and shorter match than Nole. If Nole have 2 days off and shorter match then Nole would beat Rafa.

[wriggles]

I dont think rafa is playing particularly well...i thought nole would be a physical wreck but he's holding up ok!

[pabbers]

This first set is crucial! Think if Rafa wins it it could decide the match. Not quite so much the other way round but maybe. Rafa needs to get up to the baseline more.

Oh ohhhhhhhhhhh!

[sophie900607]

Nole breaks back!

[pabbers]

I dont think rafa is playing particularly well...i thought nole would be a physical wreck but he's holding up ok!
Think if anything it's going to be mental for Nole.
Really don't want Nole to start this year with the confidence of having won yet another slam!

[Speedy Hawk]

I rather have Nole win Aussie than Rafa. I like him better and his tennis good to watch too.

[pabbers]

I rather have Nole win Aussie than Rafa. I like him better and his tennis good to watch too.

Don't actually find either's tennis that great to watch. Not a lot of finesse even though very different games.

[JAMES4578]

Three games in a row for Nole, Rafa's let him off the hook somewhat here.

[wriggles]

ohh this is so frustrating!! rafa is not playing well and andy could have had a really good chance with him playing like this! or like the commies have just said is it the djokovic factor..nadal seems to look intimidated right now

come on rafa please take him to the cleaners it will help to heal the scars!:'(

[sophie900607]

The critical 4-5 for Rafa... How many times has he lost serve in this situation? Can he hold now?

[Speedy Hawk]

If Andy was playing, Rafa would play better cos he usually play his best against Andy (probably big reason matches always so close).

[rondun]

Anybody know if there is an ESPN audio stream anywhere? - think I'd like to listen to the US commies

[JAMES4578]

Rafa got the crucial break at 6-5 and managed to serve it out on the 3rd sp, Nole looking a bit jaded but of couse you can't count him out!

[wriggles]

wow nole breaks 3-1 in the 2nd. how is this possible!! slightly bored by this match though.....hmmm wonder what andys up to lol

[JAMES4578]

Incredible volley to get the break and Nole seems in control of this set anyway at 5-2!

[Speedy Hawk]

Well done Nole! 15-0.

[Speedy Hawk]

Nole won 2nd set!

[JAMES4578]

Poor game from Nole from 40-15 and he allowed Rafa back in and failed to take advantage of poor dropper! However Djokovic has the set as he breaks again, but Nadal double faulted at the end!

[Speedy Hawk]

Nole got easy hold then Rafa serving and it on deuce and it been ages!

[-J-]

bit of a snorefest, tho of course that could just be me i have no real emotional investment in either player

[dewster99]

yeah the match isn't great quality really there's been a scattering of good points but it's frustrating cos on current form andy would've beaten rafa playing like this

[Speedy Hawk]

Nole just broken Rafa in 3rd set 3-1 up.

I got match on TV as background, I not watching it full focus like I do for Andy and Roger. Doing stuff on my laptop and keep checking TV screen see how it going.

[JAMES4578]

yeah the match isn't great quality really there's been a scattering of good points but it's frustrating cos on current form andy would've beaten rafa playing like this

Yes it is a bit frustrating, though of course may have been different Rafa had Andy been there. Nole looking strong atm though as he powers ahead 4-1 in 3rd.

[Speedy Hawk]

Rafa serve make it easy for Nole hit ball back and win points. It predictable.

[Speedy Hawk]

Time me to sign out cos got visitor coming.

[pabbers]

Yawn. Doesn't Rafa remember telling Andy to play aggressively against Nole? What does he think he's going to achieve playing about 100 feet behind the baseline? Andy made such a better fist of it. What a shame he didn't get a shot against Rafa. Playing the same way he could have won for sure. Rafa isn't playing badly he's just playing the way Rafa plays - he's tried being closer to the baseline on the odd occasion but has then misjudged length because he's not used to it.

Here we go, Nole serving first again.........

[pabbers]

Nole's getting a bit cocky now.

[rondun]

Nole's getting a bit cocky now.Yep - come on Rafa.
I hope he remembers Andy's comeback and thinks if he can do it, so can I.
Just think clearly, step forward, absolutely hammer his forehand over and over and you'll burst him!

[Ace!]

Nole's serving has been at it's best today, then at any match!

I had him losing this final, because his serving has been pretty poor in AO.

[-J-]

hope one way or tother this match is done by the time the footy starts at 3 PM :pirate:

[david1610]

hope one way or tother this match is done by the time the footy starts at 3 PM :pirate:
Even by their slow (=time between points) standards that would be one heck of a long match!!!!

[rondun]

Still don't think rafa's been near 100% throughout this tournament

[Ace!]

How can Nole look More fresher then Nadal:confused:

Unbelievable!

[rondun]

And who's the hairy monster in Nole's box

[pabbers]

If Rafa loses the next game it's GS over :crying:

[-J-]

3 virtual match points

[rondun]

Stunning tennis now