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

[Sallydaisy]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cgu1cdJD5ng/TUZJBg3xEyI/AAAAAAAAAlI/ntBZExJZekQ/s1600/Aussie+open.jpg
Melbourne Park, Batman Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
WEB SITE: www.AustralianOpen.com (http://www.australianopen.com/)

SHOW COURT WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF
SURFACE: Plexicushion
BALL: Wilson Australian Open Ball

Qualifying draw: Tuesday, January 10, TBA
Main draw: Friday, January 13, TBA
Men's doubles draw: TBA
Mixed doubles draw: Wednesday, January 18, 4:00 p.m.

Tournament Schedule
Daily OOP
Livescore

ATP Ranking Points
W: 2000, F: 1200, SF: 720, QF: 360, R16: 180, R32: 90, R64: 45, R128: 10 (WC: 0)
Q: +25, Q32: 16, Q64: 8, Q128: 0

MENS SINGLES ENTRY LIST
Entry deadline and Ranking on December 5, 2011
Seedings based on Rankigns on January 9, 2012


1 Djokovic, Novak SRB 1
2 Nadal, Rafael ESP 2
3 Federer (http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=193642#), Roger SUI 3
4 Murray, Andy GBR 4
5 Ferrer, David ESP 5
6 Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried FRA 6
7 Berdych, Tomas CZE 7
8 Fish, Mardy USA 8
9 Tipsarevic, Janko SRB 9
10 Almagro, Nicolas ESP 10
11 Del Potro, Juan Martin ARG 11
12 Simon, Gilles FRA 12
OUT Soderling, Robin SWE 13
14 Roddick, Andy USA 14
15 Dolgopolov, Alexandr UKR 15
16 Monfils, Gael FRA 16
17 Wawrinka, Stanislas SUI 17
18 Isner, John USA 18
19 Gasquet, Richard FRA 19
20 Lopez, Feliciano ESP 20
21 Haas, Tommy GER @20
22 Cilic, Marin CRO 21
23 Troicki, Viktor SRB 22
24 Mayer, Florian GER 23
25 Verdasco, Fernando ESP 24
26 Nishikori, Kei JPN 25
27 Monaco, Juan ARG 26
28 Granollers, Marcel ESP 27
29 Stepanek, Radek CZE 28
30 Chela, Juan Ignacio ARG 29
31 Ljubicic, Ivan CRO 30
32 Raonic, Milos CAN 31
33 Anderson, Kevin RSA 32
34 Melzer, Jurgen AUT 33
35 Bogomolov Jr., Alex RUS 34
36 Youzhny, Mikhail RUS 35
37 Dodig, Ivan CRO 36
38 Bellucci, Thomaz BRA 37
39 Seppi, Andreas ITA 38
40 Young, Donald USA 39
41 Tursunov, Dmitry RUS 40
42 Davydenko, Nikolay RUS 41
43 Tomic, Bernard AUS 42
44 Kohlschreiber, Philipp GER 43
45 Baghdatis, Marcos CYP 44
46 Haase, Robin NED 45
47 Andujar, Pablo ESP 46
48 Llodra, Michael FRA 47
49 Fognini, Fabio ITA 48
50 Malisse, Xavier BEL 49
51 Ferrero, Juan Carlos ESP 50
52 Robredo, Tommy ESP 51
53 Benneteau, Julien FRA 52
54 Montanes, Albert ESP 53
55 Muller, Gilles LUX 54
56 Giraldo, Santiago COL 55
OUT Gonzalez, Fernando CHI @55
58 Karlovic, Ivo CRO 56
59 Kubot, Lukasz POL 57
60 Starace, Potito ITA 58
OUT Blake, James USA 59
62 Berlocq, Carlos ARG 60
63 Gulbis, Ernests LAT 61
64 Stakhovsky, Sergiy UKR 62
65 Petzschner, Philipp GER 63
66 Nalbandian, David ARG 64
67 Garcia-Lopez, Guillermo ESP 65
68 Ramos, Albert ESP 66
69 Rochus, Olivier BEL 67
70 Machado, Rui POR 68
71 Volandri, Filippo ITA 69
72 Rosol, Lukas CZE 70
73 Kunitsyn, Igor RUS 71
74 Sweeting, Ryan USA 72
75 Istomin, Denis UZB 73
76 Falla, Alejandro COL 74
77 Cipolla, Flavio ITA 75
78 Dimitrov, Grigor BUL 76
79 Nieminen, Jarkko FIN 77
80 Mayer, Leonardo ARG 78
81 Harrison, Ryan USA 79
82 Mahut, Nicolas FRA 80
83 Becker, Benjamin GER @80
84 Stebe, Cedrik-Marcel GER 81
85 Lu, Yen-Hsun TPE 82
86 Sela, Dudi ISR 83
87 Devvarman, Somdev IND 84
88 Mello, Ricardo BRA 85
89 Ebden, Matthew AUS 86
90 Mannarino, Adrian FRA 87
91 Darcis, Steve BEL 88
92 Riba, Pere ESP 89
93 Hanescu, Victor ROU 90
94 Kukushkin, Mikhail KAZ 91
95 Kavcic, Blaz SLO 92
96 Querrey, Sam USA 93
97 Bachinger, Matthias GER 94
98 Paire, Benoit FRA 95
99 Kamke, Tobias GER 96
OUT Mathieu, Paul-Henri FRA @96
101 Prodon, Eric FRA 97
102 Beck, Andreas GER 98
103 Russell, Michael USA 99
OUT Berrer, Michael GER 100
105 (Q)
106 (Q)
107 (Q)
108 (Q)
109 (Q)
110 (Q)
111 (Q)
112 (Q)
113 (Q)
114 (Q)
115 (Q)
116 (Q)
117 (Q)
118 (Q)
119 (Q)
120 (Q)
121 (WC) Hewitt, Lleyton AUS
122 (WC) Duckworth, James AUS
123 (WC)
124 (WC)
125 (WC) Matosevic, Marinko AUS (TA playoff champion)
126 (WC) tbd (ATF)
127 (WC) de Schepper, Kenny FRA (FFT)
128 (WC) Levine, Jesse USA (USTA)

Alternates
IN Beck, Karol SVK 101
IN Gil, Frederico POR 102
IN Chardy, Jeremy FRA 103
IN Souza, Joao BRA 104
IN Robert, Stephane FRA 105
1 Roger-Vasselin, Edouard FRA 106
2 Gimeno-Traver, Daniel ESP 107
3 Lorenzi, Paolo ITA 108
4 Zeballos, Horacio ARG 109
5 Brands, Daniel GER 110
6 Ilhan, Marsel TUR 111
7 Lacko, Lukas SVK 112
8 Van der Merwe, Izak RSA 113
9 Ungur, Adrian ROU 114
10 Andreev, Igor RUS 115

http://www.andymurray.com/uploads/127592850880426/resize_then_crop_440_260.jpg

[Sallydaisy]

LADIES SINGLES DRAW AND INFORMATION

tbc

[AussieAndyFan]

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

[cazza99]

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

Hope you are keeping your voices well oiled!

[MurrayAOne]

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

Here we go, here we go, here we gooooooo-o....

[AussieAndyFan]

Hope you are keeping your voices well oiled!
You bet we are!

[Alis]

Anyone know when the draw is due to take place?

[Linda]

Main draw on Friday 13th

[-J-]

Main draw on Friday 13thye no mention of what time tho
i seem to remember watching it last year around midnightish but cant be sure

[Sallydaisy]

I've asked and BT.net have a record of it being done around 11pm UK time on the Thursday night which would tie in with the draw being done at 10am in Melbourne on the Friday (Melbourne is 11hrs ahead).

[-J-]

makes sense im sure it was at a semi sensible hour

[banskogirl]

We are going to need sleep this week! have warned my family to ignore my midnight wanderings!

[DaveArneRiise]

Andy is the favourite in my opinion.

[Raven]

The seeding is out: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-09/201201091326090539568.html

As usual,

R3: TS 1-8 to meet TS 25-32
TS 9-16 to meet TS 17-24

R4: TS 1-4 to meet TS 13-16
TS 5-8 to meet TS 9-12

Q: TS 1-4 to meet TS 5-8.

[Madeline]

I have just been looking up the BBC coverage of the AO, and to my horror it seems they are only showing the two finals. They always used to cover the tournament on the red button in the mornings, but this year I can find no trace of that. Please tell me I'm wrong!

[cazza99]

I have just been looking up the BBC coverage of the AO, and to my horror it seems they are only showing the two finals. They always used to cover the tournament on the red button in the mornings, but this year I can find no trace of that. Please tell me I'm wrong!

I can't find anything either - it just says snooker, so maybe the BBC are not covering it on the red button because of the cuts.

There is a TV schedule on the Ozzy Open site which lists the BBC red button - but that is for last year. They have not updated it for this year, so it might be worth looking later on.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/event_guide/tv_schedule.html

[Caro]

Oh no! Have eurosport at home but I always go to Dublin at the end of the 2nd week (work conference - how thoughtless to have it at the business end of the AO!!)

The past couple of years when Andy has played his semi, they have shown it live on BBC (not red button) and I've been able to watch in Dublin where there is BBC on the TV in the hotel but no eurosport. I will be absolutely GUTTED if BBC don't show Andy's matches and I end up missing his semi if he gets there ... am very worried now .... :crying::crying:

[JAMES4578]

Most disappointing if this turns out to be the case, you'd think there'd at least be some coverage on the red button. I do have Eurosport myself thankfully! Of course at times there are gripes with some of the presenters/commentators but the BBC is the same in this regard!

[supergran]

I feel for you all if there is no coverage by BBC. Also think it's quite disgraceful of them to ignore a Major tennis tournament. It's not the first time that I'm thankful to have Sky Sports and EuroSport. You could get it installed for the AO and then cancel it, I'm sure.

[Caro]

EuroSport is part of one of the minor packages on Sky unlike Sky Sports which is more expensive. The AO is also in HD on EuroSport which is good. I would be fine if I was at home ... it's just that I will be away from the Weds to the Friday in the 2nd week and I know from previous trips that the hotel doesn't have EuroSport - bizarre becasue they do have Sky Sports. I have always relied on the BBC showing any British player matches live in the past ... I agree SG, it's a disgrace if they don't! And I see the French Open is going to ITV as well :shocked:

[Raven]

If I may give you all a suggestion, I think the Eurosport player (www.eurosportplayer.co.uk) is a good catch. It's not like having the matches on the telly, but at least you can re-watch any match you want whenever you want :)

[rouges]

I've asked and BT.net have a record of it being done around 11pm UK time on the Thursday night which would tie in with the draw being done at 10am in Melbourne on the Friday (Melbourne is 11hrs ahead).
That's correct, Thursday 11PM GMT

[rouges]

I can't find anything either - it just says snooker, so maybe the BBC are not covering it on the red button because of the cuts.

There is a TV schedule on the Ozzy Open site which lists the BBC red button - but that is for last year. They have not updated it for this year, so it might be worth looking later on.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/event_guide/tv_schedule.html
The BBC are trimming sports like they have with F1 may be they are not showing this year. Shame on them.

[Linda]

If I may give you all a suggestion, I think the Eurosport player (www.eurosportplayer.co.uk) is a good catch. It's not like having the matches on the telly, but at least you can re-watch any match you want whenever you want :)

Eurosport player might be OK in Italy, but it's utter carp in the UK. I subscribed to it for the USO, only to find that they were only showing women's matches. I complained and got my money back.

[cazza99]

Venus Williams is out of the ladies Ozzy Open

jon_wertheim Jon Wertheim

RT @Venuseswilliams I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the Australian Open. Thanks for your love and support! #tennis

[Raven]

Eurosport player might be OK in Italy, but it's utter carp in the UK. I subscribed to it for the USO, only to find that they were only showing women's matches. I complained and got my money back.

Really? I thought it was the same everywhere in Europe since the version we got is multi-lingual! So weird!

[Linda]

No, it's different in different countries due to different rights. Basically Sky have got everything stitched up here. I've sometimes found a livestream for a match that says Eurosport on the screen, but it's not shown on our Eurosport.

[cazza99]

No, it's different in different countries due to different rights. Basically Sky have got everything stitched up here. I've sometimes found a livestream for a match that says Eurosport on the screen, but it's not shown on our Eurosport.

In the days when Sky digital started, I still had my old analogue dish as I could get International Eurosport as they often showed different matches to British Eurosport.

[david1610]

Eurosport player might be OK in Italy, but it's utter carp in the UK. I subscribed to it for the USO, only to find that they were only showing women's matches. I complained and got my money back.
Linda, don't forget the difference between the normal Eurosport channels and the Eurosport player, which is essentially multiple courts online. I think Raven was referring to the latter.
Andy's ranking means that he is on the TV channels and, very importantly, I could record some of his matches to watch later. Most of the year Eurosport is what you describe, but it is definitely worth thinking about during the AO and RG.

PS Over the years it has been good for courts involving other British players btw which do not get on TV of course.

[supergran]

Eurosport player might be OK in Italy, but it's utter carp in the UK. I subscribed to it for the USO, only to find that they were only showing women's matches. I complained and got my money back. SkySports covers the US Open and British EuroSport covers the AO. During the year EuroSport does concentrate on the WTA a lot but usually Sky Sports has the ATP. There will be extensive coverage of the tournament on British EuroSport.

[david1610]

SkySports covers the US Open and British EuroSport covers the AO. During the year EuroSport does concentrate on the WTA a lot but usually Sky Sports has the ATP. There will be extensive coverage of the tournament on British EuroSport.
Here in Portugal there are two Eurosport channels (ignoring the News one and the HD or not flavouring). In the last couple of years during the night one has sometimes been the local Portuguese commentated channel and the other the International channel, which sometimes has English commentary. I certainly used it to record Andy's matches last year when I simply had to get up for work.

[cazza99]

judmoo judy murray

Hailstones, yeh really, n heavy rain in Melbourne so prac on Hisense for @andy_murray + Juan Monaco http://yfrog.com/ocmkiqdj

[Madeline]

I've just paid out my £3.99 for Eurosport player, and I seem to get all 3 channels. What is more I saw an advert for the AO and it mentioned that it would be showing all Andy's matches live - so I hope that they are in the Australian evening! Or that their "video on demand" is exactly that and I would be able to watch the overnight ones the next day.

[lankster2003]

I notice that the Beeb only has coverage of the finals this year which is a bit of a shame, but Eurosport will do just dandy

[-J-]

I notice that the Beeb only has coverage of the finals this year which is a bit of a shame, but Eurosport will do just dandyWhere did you see that, i cant find a single hint of ANY bbc coverage (par the radio)

[-J-]

I've just paid out my £3.99 for Eurosport player, and I seem to get all 3 channels. What is more I saw an advert for the AO and it mentioned that it would be showing all Andy's matches live - so I hope that they are in the Australian evening! Or that their "video on demand" is exactly that and I would be able to watch the overnight ones the next day.is the month January or is it from the date you subscribe anyone know

[JAMES4578]

Where did you see that, i cant find a single hint of ANY bbc coverage (par the radio)

BBC coverage (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6102132.stm)

[-J-]

thanks James, strange i couldn't find that yesterday

[cazza99]

thanks James, strange i couldn't find that yesterday

I suppose its cos they are onlyhaving one channel on the red button now and they are putting the snooker on that.

[Madeline]

is the month January or is it from the date you subscribe anyone know

From the date you subscribe.

[cazza99]

NeilHarmanTimes Neil Harman

An all too brief look at AM's practice here. We get 10 minutes is all http://twitpic.com/85tto8


LTA watching brief!!! Two captains and a former captain http://twitpic.com/85tvn8

[cazza99]

There is a livestream running from the Oz Open - mainly for qualies but they have been homing in on other players practicing too.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/live.quals.html

It looks like we may be able to subscribe to livestreams from the site for the Oz Open itself but details are not yet available.

[Caro]

Hmmm - wondering what to do now as I will be in Dublin for the semi's. Watched on BBC last year but they don't have Eurosport TV in the hotel. Wonder if there will be any free livestreams or whether you can pay per view ie. just pay for one match. If not it looks like I will miss the semis ... unless I subscribe. have TV eurosport at home so it would just be for that match. May have to be live score and forum for me.

[cazza99]

I should think you pay one fee for the tournament with the Australian Open site TV.

I think it costs around £3.99 per month for Eurosport and you can cancel after a month. I assume Eurosport Player will be showing multiple courts.

[pabbers]

I've got my fingers crossed that Andy (all being well) will play Monday, Wed and Friday in the first week as I don't work Mondays or Fridays so would only need matchsticks for work on the Wed!!!

[sophie900607]

It's only a couple of days... I'm starting to get more and more excited...:) This is my favourite GS, the corwd, the atmosphere, the weather... everything is soo nice. Well, apart from the time zone...:D But I'll finish most of my university stuff so I'll be able to concentrate 100% on Andy! :)

[xenon21]

The question is... will Andy be on Nadal's half of the draw... again? ;)

[sophie900607]

Do we know the exact time of the draw? I might be blind but can't see it...

[VamosVixs]

The question is... will Andy be on Nadal's half of the draw... again? ;)

Of course he will be. :rolleyes:

[xenon21]

Do we know the exact time of the draw? I might be blind but can't see it...


I've asked and BT.net have a record of it being done around 11pm UK time on the Thursday night which would tie in with the draw being done at 10am in Melbourne on the Friday (Melbourne is 11hrs ahead).

Here you go... 11 p.m. UK time

[Linda]

Strange, I was watching the pre-draw stuff on the AO livestream and it's just suddenly gone off air - half an hour before the actual draw is due to start :confused:

[MurrayAOne]

I could only see a short video. Not sure where to find it.

[cazza99]

The qualifier live stream is now working and it is showing the ceremony. Maybe they are showing the draw on this one before the qualies.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/live.quals.html

[cazza99]

Looks like it is the right stream - speeches are now starting.

[Linda]

Ah yes, it's back on air now - that's what I was watching but it went off air for about 15 minutes for some unknown reason.

[cazza99]

Its raining in Oz so the qualies are delayed.

[xenon21]

I reckon Andy in Rafa's half again! :p

[lankster2003]

I'd prefer Andy to be in Rafa's half as don't see Rafa getting that far. But we'll see what it brings

[cazza99]

I reckon Andy in Rafa's half again! :p

I'd be quite happy here as Rafa often does not do as well in Oz and Fed would probably be a harder option.

[lankster2003]

I'd be quite happy here as Rafa often does not do as well in Oz and Fed would probably be a harder option.

Remember it's Nole, not Fed

[-J-]

so slow

[-J-]

here we go

[lankster2003]

I'm watching Dumb and Dumber, just looking at twitter

[jaysee]

Women's draw first :-(

[lankster2003]

Bally got Foretz Gacon who is world number 108 and Anne got Barthel who is world number 64. Heather got Azarenka!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Women's draw first :-(
Always is; pain in the proverbials .....
;)

[jaysee]

Ryan Harrison in R1; Nole's half

[-J-]

ryan harrison ?

[Sallydaisy]

Andy in Nole's half

[pabbers]

Andy in Nole's half if I'm correct

[Sallydaisy]

Murray v Tsonag seeded to meet in Quarter Final

[Sallydaisy]

Djokovic-Ferrer
Murray-Tsonga
Federer-Fish
Nadal-Berdych

[Murray's_Backhand]

DEL PO in the 4th followed by Jo Tsonga in the quarters. Very tough,

[Sallydaisy]

Fed to play Simon/Fish in the quarters.

[Sallydaisy]

Roddick Djoko R16
Monfils Murray R16
Dolgo Fed R16
Isner Nadal R16

[Sallydaisy]

Roddick/Hewitt 2R
Verdasco/Tomic 1R

[Sallydaisy]

Stepanek Djoko R3

I'll merge a load of my posts later on .

[greatunclebulgaria]

Verdasco v Tomic is one of the highlights for me

[Linda]

The stream's gone off air again :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

Dolgo vs. Fed.
Mahut vs Stepanek
Melzer/Karlovic vs Fed R3
Ljubicic vs Nadal R3

[rouges]

Thanks Sally.

[RoastLamb]

Ryan Harrison? Yuck.

[Sallydaisy]

Info has slowed up a bit - am posting what I can from various sources.

@stu_fraser (https://twitter.com/#%21/stu_fraser) Stuart Fraser
Murray's potential Oz Open route - R1: Harrison R2: Malisse/Roger-Vasselin R3: Bogomolov Jr R4: Monfils QF: Tsonga SF: Djokovic F: Fed/Nadal





NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/#%21/NeilHarmanTimes) Neil Harman



Murray could play Roger-Vasselin, Monfils, Tsonga or Simon in the Aussie Open. Oooh la la

[Sallydaisy]

Erm, you know what?
If Stu Fraser has that right it isn't too bad at all - especially given Andy's record against French players.
:)

[cazza99]

:thanks: Sally - my stream keeps on going.

[supergran]

Thanks Sally...lost my stream so think I'll follow comments on here.

[Sallydaisy]

R32 - seed placings in the draw.
Ignore the numbers they refer to the reference on the drawsheet and are NOT seedings or anything else.

1 Djokovic
8 Stepanek
9 Raonic
16 Roddick
17 Tipsarevic
24 Gasquet
25 Chela
32 Ferrer

33 Murray
40 Bogomolov Jr
41 Troicki
48 Monfils
49 Simon
56 Nishikori
57 Granollers
64 Tsonga

65 Fish
72 Monaco
73 Flo Mayer
80 Del Potro
81 Dolgopolov
88 Verdasco
89 Melzer
96 Federer

97 Berdych
104 Anderson
105 Wawrinka
112 Almagro
113 Isner
120 Feli Lopez
121 Ljubicic
128 Nadal

[lankster2003]

Reasonable draw overall

[DaveArneRiise]

Nadal is not in Andy's half for once! Get in.

[supergran]

What does Fed's draw look like?

[Linda]

For once, Fed's draw doesn't look like a cakewalk.

[Sallydaisy]

65 Fish
72 Monaco
73 Flo Mayer
80 Del Potro
81 Dolgopolov
88 Verdasco
89 Melzer
96 Federer




What does Fed's draw look like?
Probably R3 matches above.
R3 Fed v Melzer
R4 he faces Verd or Dolgo
QF prob Fish or Delp - neither of which he'll like

[DaveArneRiise]

Probably R3 matches above.
R3 Fed v Melzer
R4 he faces Verd or Dolgo
QF prob Fish or Delp - neither of which he'll like

Then Nadal in the semis. I'd have Andy's draw over Fed's any day of the week. The Dog in R4 is a horrible match for Fed too.

[cazza99]

alex_willis Alexandra Willis

Rest of the Brits-Baltacha v Stephanie Foretz Gacon, Keothavong v Mona Barthel, & oh crunch, Watson v Azarenka. Ward, Robbo, Broady in quals

[Sallydaisy]

Top Half (Q's to be placed in the gaps)

[1]Djokovic v Lorenzi
Giraldo v Qualifier
Ito v Starace
[29]Stepanek v Mahut
[23]Raonic v Volandri
Rosol v Petzschner
Stebe v Hewitt
[15]Roddick v Haase

[9]Tipsarevic v Tursunov
Qualifier v Duckworth
Youzhny v Qualifier
[17]Gasquet v Seppi
[27]Chela v Russell
Kunitsyn v Andujar
Bachinger v Sweeting
[5]Ferrer v Machado

-------------------

[4]Murray v Harrison
Malisse v Roger-Vasselin
Llodra v Gulbis
[32]Bogomolov Jr. v Gimeno-Traver
[19]Troicki v Ferrero
Garcia-Lopez v Kukushkin
Bellucci v Sela
[14]Monfils v Matosevic

[12]Simon v Qualifier
Benneteau v K.Beck
Souza v Ebden
[24]Nishikori v Robert
[26]Granollers v Levine
Gil v Dodig
Qualifier v Mello
[6]Tsonga v Istomin

[cazza99]

NeilHarmanTimes Neil Harman

Ryan Harrison is a smashing young man, well mannered and well spoken. Calls me "Sir" when we meet. Will go far, but maybe not next week

[Maza1987]

Seems like a nice draw.
But then again. Andy playing at his best would beat anyone until the semis anyway, but gotta be diplomatic and all that.lol.

Baltacha got foretz gacon, and Watson got Azarenka. Sheesh.

[Sallydaisy]

[8]Fish v Muller
Falla v Fognini
Montanes v Riba
[25]Monaco v Kohlschreiber
[20]F.Mayer v Lu
Q v Darcis
Q v Kavcic
[11]Del Potro v Mannarino

[13]Dolgopolov v Jones
Kamke v Hanescu
De Schepper v Querrey
[22]Verdasco v Tomic
[31]Melzer v Karlovic
Berloq v Q
Prodon v Beck
[3]Federer v Qualifier

-------------------

[7]Berdych v Ramos
Rochus v Q
Stakhovsky v Q
[30]Anderson v Qualifier
[21]Wawrinka v Paire
Bagdhatis v Ben Becker
Chardy v Dimitrov
[10]Almagro v Kubot

[16]Isner v Mitchell
Nieminen v Nalbandian
Cipolla v Davydenko
[18]Lopez v L.Mayer
[28]Ljubicic v Qualifier
Qualifier v Young
Haas v Qualifier
[2]Nadal v Qualifier

[JAMES4578]

Fed maybe has it tougher than usual but still think Andy could have a few awkward customers along the way, though I'm sure he can rise to the challenge! Bad luck for Heather in drawing Azarenka but hopefully she can be inspired. Bally has a reasonable opener.

[Linda]

They've now got the draws up on the site. http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/ms/index.html

[RoastLamb]

I don't think Fed has it that tough. Andy's the toughest I think.

[40-15]

Andy's draw looks not too bad -

all we need now is the OOP for the opening day!!

[supergran]

Got a stream in time to hear McEnroe!

[xenon21]

Probably R3 matches above.
R3 Fed v Melzer
R4 he faces Verd or Dolgo
QF prob Fish or Delp - neither of which he'll like

You say that but Federer has a 3-1 head to head against Melzer, a 1-0 H2H against Dolly (a toughie) and a 7-1 head to head against Fish! I don't think he will be scared of Fish. Against Del Po it is 7-2 but can't rely on that too much maybe because of Del Po's injury

[MurrayAOne]

Got a stream in time to hear McEnroe!

He was great!!!...as per!!!

[Sallydaisy]

You say that but Federer has a 3-1 head to head against Melzer, a 1-0 H2H against Dolly (a toughie) and a 7-1 head to head against Fish! I don't think he will be scared of Fish. Against Del Po it is 7-2 but can't rely on that too much maybe because of Del Po's injury
Ah, but that doesn't mean Fed will LIKE playing Fish or Melzer and he'll never forget Delpo beating him to the US title.
;)

[Speedy Hawk]

Draw doesn't look too bad. Glad Andy in Nole's half instead of Roger and Nadal half. That rare.

[Speedy Hawk]

Where it be on TV? I don't see it on BBC cos it usually do last few year on red button. It only do snooker.

[-J-]

its on eurosport Speedy , tho the final and one semi is on the bbc

[Speedy Hawk]

its on eurosport Speedy , tho the final and one semi is on the bbc

Aww, I don't have eurosport. Means have to go hunting for live stream again.

[-J-]

Aww, I don't have eurosport. Means have to go hunting for live stream again.they do a online eurosport player for £4 per month which i think a few people are going with( its on my plan for tomorrow)

[-J-]

Nadal and Federer have been paired in the same half of a Grand Slam draw for the first time since the 2005 French Open. that once in somthing like 24-25 times ..........

[Speedy Hawk]

they do a online eurosport player for £4 per month which i think a few people are going with( its on my plan for tomorrow)

But will it work though? I see so many complain about Eurosport player like stream drop, not working, too slow, jumping, etc. So many problems. Have they improved since then?

[-J-]

But will it work though? I see so many complain about Eurosport player like stream drop, not working, too slow, jumping, etc. So many problems. Have they improved since then?worth a £4 Gamble i really cant be botherd trying to find a stream in the middle of the night so if it works well, should save a lot of hassle if not its only £4 cant even buy a couple big macs for that :)

[Speedy Hawk]

Okay good point. Gonna see website tomorrow see what on there.

[-J-]

Okay good point. Gonna see website tomorrow see what on there.im on commission ;)

[DaveArneRiise]

What time GMT will Andy's matches be on at? In fact what time GMT will most of the matches be on it in general?

[-J-]

between midnight and noon generally speaking but aus has been know to go on till the middle of their night so maybe even later
impossible to say when andys matches will be played

[DaveArneRiise]

Cool suits my sleeping pattern well.

[-J-]

:rolling: not mine

[DaveArneRiise]

You are up now though. Good preparation ;)

[-J-]

waiting for andys match should have started at 1:00 but there was a rain delay

[DaveArneRiise]

His US Open match is still not finished?

[-J-]

:) just an exbo match

[DaveArneRiise]

;)

[Alis]

I don't think Andy has an easy draw but I'm glad he's avoided Delpo and Berdych.

[pabbers]

Will spend the next however long (there, I've started already) doing anti-jinx stuff in case I say something that means Andy goes out in the first round! Anyway (twirls in an anti-clockwise direction), I've got my wish that Andy plays Mon/Wed/Thurs (subject to weather and that he gets that far........more anti-jinxing!) so I'd only need matchsticks for work on Wed.

Assuming the seeds live up to their seedings, I think, on balance, I'd rather see Andy meet Nole in the semis than (if he gets that far) the final - less mental stress at that stage so could play better. If we get our dream of Andy in another Oz final, I feel that this time he wouldn't have such colly wobbles against either Fed or Rafa - that's not to say they wouldn't outplay him of course (have I covered all anti-jinx angles?). I'm going to need therapy after this tournie - or after whichever round Andy goes out in.......is it too early for a drink?

[cazza99]

Eurosport will be showing replays of matches later on in the day, after the AO stops too.

It may also be possible to pay the Oz Open site to watch the matches/interviews etc but details are not up yet and not all countries can do this.

[david1610]

Nadal and Federer have been paired in the same half of a Grand Slam draw for the first time since the 2005 French Open. that once in somthing like 24-25 times ..........
Thank goodness I am not a conspiracy theorist who believes Roger always gets want he wants and this time he realises Rafa is probably the weakest hard court semi final opponent at this time and may not even get that far, so has demanded the change, otherwise you might think....

For the record, I always want Andy to have as easy a draw as possible in every GS until he wins his first, then he can win one taking out all the great and good along the way, but until that point I want him drawn against the strongest probable player just in the final, for the simple reason that there is many a slip between cup and lip and it is one more round for that player to have to negotiate. I appreciate the logic of comments on nerves in a final, but the other side is that if Andy were to beat Djo, if Djo is at his top level, it might well be in one of the best GS SFs ever seen and if it took five hours of wonderful tennis Andy would be a physical wreck for the final, and a lack of nerves wouldn't compensate for that! And I think the previous Fed finals cause more problems than the previous Djo final, given what Djo did the rest of 2011.

Right, that is my one star gazing comment for this year. And rather than 21 sets to go, and counting them down, this year with Mr Lendl it is just a case of winning the next point, because at some point that will be the point that gets the GS! C'mon Andy!

[-J-]

Right, that is my one star gazing comment for this year. And rather than 21 sets to go, and counting them down, this year with Mr Lendl it is just a case of winning the next point, because at some point that will be the point that gets the GS! C'mon Andy!im not sure which is the more improbable believing in such a conspiracy or believing it the probability of such a random coincidence im sure if you tried long enough you could toss heads 25 times in a row. if i witnessed someone do that i would like to inspect the coin just to be o the save side of course
seeing as your are allowing us one moment of star gazing,out there is a player who is destined to be the first tennis player of the modern era to win THE GRAND SLAM, how wonderful would it be for that player and his fans who have followed his journey

OH AND BTW HERE IS TO THE NEXT POINT

[Madeline]

I've got my wish that Andy plays Mon/Wed/Thurs (subject to weather and that he gets that far........more anti-jinxing!)

Er - are you sure? I just read a post on MTF that quotes this:

https://twitter.com/#!/AustralianOpen

Quote:
#Newsflash - Bottom half of men's draw, top half women's draw will be played at #AusOpen on Monday. Schedule out after 5pm AEDST tomorrow

[-J-]

Er - are you sure? I just read a post on MTF that quotes this:

https://twitter.com/#!/AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/#%21/AustralianOpen)

Quote:
#Newsflash - Bottom half of men's draw, top half women's draw will be played at #AusOpen on Monday. Schedule out after 5pm AEDST tomorrowthat makes sence they gotta ensure fedkins gets the maximum possible rest

[Yorkie]

Nadal and Federer have been paired in the same half of a Grand Slam draw for the first time since the 2005 French Open. that once in somthing like 24-25 times ..........

to be fair quite a few of those they were 1 and 2 so could not be in the same half. However who cares when there is a conspiracy theory to play with.

[-J-]

to be fair quite a few of those they were 1 and 2 so could not be in the same half. However who cares when there is a conspiracy theory to play with.Ignoring facts are at the heart of any self respecting conspiracy

[Sallydaisy]

that makes sence they gotta ensure fedkins gets the maximum possible rest

Umm, actually the hypothesis is that the AO works it so that potentially they have Hewitt playing his R3 match on the middle Saturday. On MTF this theory is expanded whereby USO tries to ensure Roddick gets the middle Saturday 'fans' for his R3 match. The French is less clearly defined but it seems they tried to get their top guys kicking off on the showcourts on first Monday. Only Wimbledon seems to use the defending champions to determine which half plays first.

Unfortunately for the AO there is no longer a guarantee of Hewitt reaching R3 ...
:sad:

[RoastLamb]

Hewitt'll be lucky if he gets past round one. I saw him play in Perth. Not great.

[-J-]

Umm, actually the hypothesis is that the AO works it so that potentially they have Hewitt playing his R3 match on the middle Saturday. On MTF this theory is expanded whereby USO tries to ensure Roddick gets the middle Saturday 'fans' for his R3 match. The French is less clearly defined but it seems they tried to get their top guys kicking off on the showcourts on first Monday. Only Wimbledon seems to use the defending champions to determine which half plays first.

Unfortunately for the AO there is no longer a guarantee of Hewitt reaching R3 ...
:sad:and weirdly they always seem to benifit fedkins
at the french federer started the tournament two days before Murray so you have the ridiculous situation where one player has 14 days to play a potential 7 matches the other 12
BTW depends on your feelings towards hewitt as to whether you think thats unfortunate or not ;)

[harriet]

i wonder if this is an unfounded rumour. raven posted a mention of eurosport player ages ago, and it had the line re the schedule. so, i wonder if it has substance?

[harriet]

If I may give you all a suggestion, I think the Eurosport player (www.eurosportplayer.co.uk) is a good catch. It's not like having the matches on the telly, but at least you can re-watch any match you want whenever you want :)
i subscribed since then, but someone who hasn't might click on the link, see what it shows

[david1610]

Umm, actually the hypothesis is that the AO works it so that potentially they have Hewitt playing his R3 match on the middle Saturday. On MTF this theory is expanded whereby USO tries to ensure Roddick gets the middle Saturday 'fans' for his R3 match. The French is less clearly defined but it seems they tried to get their top guys kicking off on the showcourts on first Monday. Only Wimbledon seems to use the defending champions to determine which half plays first.

Unfortunately for the AO there is no longer a guarantee of Hewitt reaching R3 ...
:sad:
Sorry Mr Hewitt but I think this has to be updated to... make sure Tomic .....

Although I love beating the Aussies at sport, I am happy for them that as Hewitt starts to head for the exit, Tomic has certainly come through the entrance, so to speak.

[Murray's_Backhand]

This draw is going to bring out the best in Andy. A fairly tough opening round, Le Monf in the last 16 will push him to play attacking tennis and taking out Big Jo will just push his confidence higher and higher.

[VamosVixs]

Finally, Andy and Rafa not in the same half!!! :yahoo: Dream final is on!!! ;)



Worried about Tsonga though! :sofa:

[Manaus]

Not the greatest draw but could be worse. Tsonga I think will be tough but Andy is more than capable of beating anyone in his part of the draw. Looking forward trying to wake up at goodness knows what hours in the morning to watch Andy's matches.

[cazza99]

Just to confirm the tweet mentioned earlier was from the Oz site itself

AustralianOpen Australian Open

#Newsflash - Bottom half of men's draw, top half women's draw will be played at #AusOpen on Monday. Schedule out after 5pm AEDST tomorrow

stu_fraser Stuart Fraser

Murray v Harrison on Tuesday! RT @AustralianOpen #Newsflash - Bottom half of men's draw will be played at the #AusOpen on Monday.

[Aya]

Tsonga scares me. But Andy will rock the show. COME ON!

[-J-]

just subscribed to eurosport, added bonus thier video archive goes as far back as RG plan on settling down to watching arod Murray queens match soon

[david1610]

James Ward through to the main draw! Well done! :) (As is Laura - watched the match and posted an LS type report on her thread! She was great int he first set, was slightly outplayed first half of second set but came back well and played a very good TB to get the W).

[Sallydaisy]

RLA schedule Mon
Azarenka v Watson
Tomic v Verdasco
Clijsters v Koehler

RLA night:
Federer v Kudryavtsev
Wozniacki v Rodionova

By tweet from the AOtwitter; no further details as yet.

[Linda]

Monday's schedule is here (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html)

[Hawkeye]

All the Brits except Andy playing Monday, so if it all goes horribly wrong, Andy could be the only one left on Tuesday!

[Sallydaisy]

Monday's schedule is here (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html)
I know but it's huge so I'm waiting for the ATP site (or someone else) to type it all up!!!
;)

[greatunclebulgaria]

:
All the Brits except Andy playing Monday, so if it all goes horribly wrong, Andy could be the only one left on Tuesday!

don't say that :crying::crying::crying::crying:

[cazza99]

GBtennis Steven

For curiosity's sake, GB R1 win probabilities based on early bookies' odds: Andy 92% - Elena 65% - James 44% - Anne 25% - Laura 17% - Hev 6%

[Jan]

Let's hope for some upsets (of the right kind) in the first round!

[RoastLamb]

Let's hope for some upsets (of the right kind) in the first round!

Djokovic, Potty, Federer, Berdych, Tsonga all falling in the first round.

[Jan]

Djokovic, Potty, Federer, Berdych, Tsonga all falling in the first round.

and of course wins for Bally, Anne, James, Laura and Heather - it's not a lot to ask, is it???!!

[david1610]

All the Brits except Andy playing Monday, so if it all goes horribly wrong, Andy could be the only one left on Tuesday!
Realistically, apart from Andy (superstitiously came back to add that!) Elena has the best chance it would seem - she is playing the French player whom Heather beat at RG last year in R1.

[-J-]

Djokovic, Potty, Federer, Berdych, Tsonga all falling in the first round.you left nadal of your list :confused:

[davech]

Today on the practice courts. Can you name all the players? (No prizes if you get them all, I'm afraid!)


http://youtu.be/Q5qterI3Bsc

[RoastLamb]

you left nadal of your list :confused:

Um, that's coz I want him in the final versus Andy. My dream final!

[40-15]

well done James and Laura!! - for making it through to the main draw

James plays Blaz Kavcic - 104
and
Laura plays Jelena Jankovic - the 13th seed

if this has been posted before - apologies!!

[cazza99]

5livetennis 5livetennis

Double practice for Murray today. He had a hit out on Court 16 earlier and now on RLA with Troicki.

darren_cahill Darren Cahill

The sun comes out in Melbourne for the 1st time in 2 weeks & makes a big diff to playing conditions. Ball is flying & now jumping from court

judmoo judy murray

Afternoon practice v Troicki on Rod Laver Arena. Roof's open. Roasting! http://yfrog.com/kl7kxvbwj

[cazza99]

Just realised how top heavy the top half of the draw is. There are 4 of the 5 winners of this year's tournaments, Monfils, Raonic, Andy and Ferrer. The bottom half has Nieminen, but he won Sydney on Sunday and has to play Monday so will be tired and probably not had enough practice on the surface.

[Linda]

Yes, I think there are more dangerous players in the top half (e.g. Raonic, Monfils, Tsonga) than in the bottom half.

[-J-]

Yes, I think there are more dangerous players in the top half (e.g. Raonic, Monfils, Tsonga) than in the bottom half.think the goats 1/4 is the worse the dog JMDP EVEN TOMIC , rafas 1/4 has no one i would fear

[Linda]

That's true, Fed has a terrible draw for once! And Rafa doesn't have a bad draw at all for once (although whoever of Isner and Nalbandian comes through could possibly pose him some problems).

[-J-]

watch nalbanian the other night, bit hard to judge in an exbo but rafa would have no problems with him and isner is isner, he rarely beets anyone ranked higher than him let alone one of the top 4

[Sallydaisy]

As before with the Grand Slams there's now 3 main threads:-
a) this one for discussion of singles matches (ladies and men)
b) a thread in Jamie's Joint for discussion of doubles matches (ladies, men and mixed)
c) a new thread with ALL the draws in as they are available and the daily OOP

The latter thread is so it's easy to find information without ploughing through the discussions.

[cazza99]

bgtennisnation Brad Gilbert

my son Zach says i am not aloud to pic Muzzard because i have picked him many times to win,says after he wins then i can pic him again

[cazza99]

The Eurosport Oz Open program has started. Talking about Andy and Lendl.

[lankster2003]

That's an old programme but decent all the same

[cazza99]

Looks like we can't get free streams from the Oz website in the UK.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/live.html

[Sallydaisy]

I've got a decent stream on livescorehunter; Eurosport Live, Frew McMillan and Simon someone

[ljs]

can u post your stream Sally please ?

[cazza99]

Simon Reed - Oliver Reed's bruv.

[Sallydaisy]

can u post your stream Sally please ?
http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=77883&tv_id=625&tid=26852&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

but be warned there's an ad across it that I can't get to go away!

[Sallydaisy]

OK so the following 7 courts are televised:-

Rod Laver Arena, Hisense, Margaret Court Arena, 2, 3, 7 and 8.

Court 11 is not so it's livescores only for Wardy, Bally and AnneK.
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/index.html

[ljs]

arrrgg , I can get sound but no picture . must be this new hard drive

[Sallydaisy]

Wardy serving *1-2.
DelPotro down a double break; Mannarino serving *4-1.
Anderson 5-0* over Nielsen

[lankster2003]

Heather being outclassed by Vika now. Showing her true class now after Heather's positive start

[-J-]

important for the second st heather holds here regain a bit of momentum

[DaveArneRiise]

What is going on with Del Potro?

[Sallydaisy]

Wardy broken, Kavcic serving *4-2.
Mannarino takes first set 6'2 against DelPy

[DaveArneRiise]

Anyone know any links for JMDP match?

[Sallydaisy]

Cipolla takes first set off Davydenko ... 6'4
Kubot takes first set off Almagro 6'1

[lankster2003]

http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=77884&tv_id=489&tid=26855&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

For Delpo, though best on silent

[-J-]

sticking with the heather match tho looks like im getting an early sleep afterall

[KnightOwl]

Stakhovsky takes the first set 6-3 against Marchenko
Kevin Anderson takes the first set 6-1 against some Danish chap I've never heard of - Nielsen

[-J-]

on a side note so much better seeing the ladies wearing shorts, its supossed to be a sport frocks are for nights out

[KnightOwl]

Looks like Delpo is staging a bit of a comeback, now 3-0 up in the 2nd set, just one break tho.

[Sallydaisy]

Stakhovsky takes the first set 6-3 against Marchenko
Kevin Anderson takes the first set 6-1 against some Danish chap I've never heard of - Nielsen
Nielsen is known for his Brit player slaying - he's got a bit of a winning record against our guys in Futures and Challengers!

[supergran]

Can anyone recommend a livestream for someone who is unable to get lshunter or are you all on livescore?

[Sallydaisy]

Wardy breaks back!!! Serving next at *4-5.

Sorry SG; am on livescorehunter.

[KnightOwl]

Looks like James Ward is battling hard, he has a break back point against Kavcic who's serving for the set!

[KnightOwl]

Wardy breaks back!!! Serving next at *4-5.

I do wish the livescore would refresh a bit quicker ;)

[Sallydaisy]

Argh!! Wardy will ya just hold serve. *0-40 now.
:sad:

[KnightOwl]

Delpo is sailing through the 2nd set, now 5-0

[Sallydaisy]

Kavcic takes the 1st set 6'4 after breaking Wardy again.
Blast it.

Come on James!!! you've got another 3 or 4 sets to turn it around.

[-J-]

just one game heather
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Sallydaisy]

AnneK has food poisoning apparently so her participation today is touch and go.

[-J-]

gotta hurt from being break point up going on to lose the next 12 games
hopfully she can have a little run in the doubles to regain her confidence

[KnightOwl]

All over for Heather, 6-1 6-0

She did pretty well in the first 3 or 4 games, but didn't really do enough after that :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

Heather is out; shame but she was outclassed by Vika who won 6'1, 6'0

[Sallydaisy]

Giving in and going to bed for a few hours; setting alarms for 6am in anticipation of being able to watch Laura take on WobblyJellyJankovic.

[xenon21]

Collapsed member in the crowd as DelPo serves for the set. James Keothavong the umpire has temporarily suspended play while the person is being treated. Hope the person is ok

[KnightOwl]

Delpo has just taken the 2nd set against Mannarino, so that now stands at 6-2 2-6

There was a brief pause during the match, as Mannarino "wasn't well" but no other detail given other than that the trainer was called.

[KnightOwl]

Collapsed member in the crowd as DelPo serves for the set. James Keothavong the umpire has temporarily suspended play while the person is being treated. Hope the person is ok

Ooh, odd, sounds like one of the commentators got it wrong, then? I was sure they said it was Mannarino who was treated...

[-J-]

Delpo has just taken the 2nd set against Mannarino, so that now stands at 6-2 2-6

There was a brief pause during the match, as Mannarino "wasn't well" but no other detail given other than that the trainer was called.properly someone realized they had delp getting to the final in pickem

[Sallydaisy]

Wardy in a repeat of set 1; broken to go 1-3 and Kavcic serving.
James must find a way to break back and get into this match.
Wish we could watch it .....

[Sallydaisy]

Golden Globes - from the Beeb


Veteran actor Christopher Plummer won the evening's first award for his supporting role in Beginners.

There was also success for ITV's Downton Abbey, named best mini-series, and for Britain's Kate Winslet, recognised for HBO mini-series Mildred Pierce.

[KnightOwl]

Daniela Hantuchova has dropped the first set 6-4 against Lepchenko
Kevin Andersen seem to be cruising, 3-1 up in the 3rd, and probably final set, against Nielsen

[KnightOwl]

Golden Globes - from the Beeb

Living up to your sig a bit there, Sally ;)

[Sallydaisy]

Living up to your sig a bit there, Sally ;)
Wouldn't want anyone to be disappointed ..........
:pirate:

[Sallydaisy]

Goddarn it - Wardy just got broken again. Kavcic serving for 2nd set.
Tough for James to come back from 0-2.

[KnightOwl]

Hantuchova now a break up in the 2nd set, having lost the 1st to Lepchenko
Court 6 looks intriguing - Kubot took the first set 6-1, then Almagro fought back to take the 2nd set 7-5, on serve in the 3rd so far

[KnightOwl]

Goddarn it - Wardy just got broken again. Kavcic serving for 2nd set.
Tough for James to come back from 0-2.

Yeah, it's not looking too great at the moment - hard to judge how he's playing via livescore though...

[Sallydaisy]

I think the heat must be getting to James; Judy tweeted earlier that it was 32degrees.
Anyhoo, I'm deffo off to kip for a few hours.

G'night KnightOwl - deffo living up to your name!
;)

[supergran]

Verdasco's outfit may give me a migraine!!

[KnightOwl]

I think the heat must be getting to James; Judy tweeted earlier that it was 32degrees.
Anyhoo, I'm deffo off to kip for a few hours.

G'night KnightOwl - deffo living up to your name!
;)

Wouldn't want anyone to be disappointed :pirate: :big grin:

[Ace!]

Potty needs to step it up!! not in impress at all

[david1610]

And more to the point needs to hold to avoid going down another set!

[KnightOwl]

Verdasco's outfit may give me a migraine!!

Woah, just seen it - I see what you mean - that is seriously horrible!

[KnightOwl]

Hantuchova took the 2nd set 6-3, but Lepchenko is now a break up in the 3rd

[Ace!]

Woah, just seen it - I see what you mean - that is seriously horrible!


Wow, SACK the stylist



COME ON TOMIC!!

[david1610]

Goddarn it - Wardy just got broken again. Kavcic serving for 2nd set.
Tough for James to come back from 0-2.
And now a break down in the third.
To come through qualifying and get drawn against somebody ranked outside the top 100 is a bit of an opportunity that he really should be making more of if he wants to move towards the top 100, to be absolutely honest.

[KnightOwl]

All over for James Ward, lost 6-4 6-3 6-4 to Blaz Kavcic :sad:

[david1610]

Just hope Laura has a positive result, whatever the score, if you see what I mean.

[KnightOwl]

Hantuchova has won against Lepchenko 4-6 6-3 6-2

[RoastLamb]

Watching ESPN coverage and when the commies had to make their bold predictions for 2012 Brad Gilbert said his was that Andy would win TWO grand slams and become the world number one. WOWSA!!! Mary-Jo Fernandez agreed that he'd win his breakthrough slam.

[KnightOwl]

Wow! Much as I would love that to be true, I'm not sure I'd go that far myself - I think I agree with Mary-Jo rather than Brad, unfortunately - but I won't mind if I'm wrong ;)

[KnightOwl]

Del Potro finally seals the deal against Mannarino 2-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 - pretty good match to watch, actually.

Nicolas Almagro also needed four sets to see off Lukasz Kubot 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-5 - shame this one wasn't televised over here - it sounded like quite an intriguing match

Definitely off to bed now - even night owls have their limits - plus the heating went off a few hours ago and I've just realised I'm freezing :cold:

[RoastLamb]

Was really hoping Potty would be beaten but then I realized he's in Fed's quarter so pleased now he's through.

Berdbrain lost the second set. Would love to see him OOTED.

[david1610]

Wow! Had a look yet at the AO website's slamtracker and go to the detailed info for one particular match.... impressive!

Was really hoping Potty would be beaten but then I realized he's in Fed's quarter so pleased now he's through.

Berdbrain lost the second set. Would love to see him OOTED.
Doubt very much that Margaret Court would!

[Linda]

Rafa breaks in the opening game :cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Didn't see it all but great contest with Tomic and Nando, a real gutsy win for the Australian! Disappointments from both James and Heather (Hopefully Ward will learn from the experience and whilst I didn't think Watson could really trouble Azarenka one game was not what I expected) Oh no poor start for Elena ans she's 4-0 down, come on! Del Potro was tested but came good in the end.

[david1610]

Laura has started!

[lankster2003]

If only Bally could convert one of these break points. Certainly a much closer match now

[david1610]

What a pity! She has lost the opening game.
Got to deuce on Jelena's serve. C'mon Laura!
0-2 C'mon Laura. Let's hold please!
Yes! Laura on the scoreboard! 1-2
1-3- C'mon Laura. Let's try and hold again!
So close to getting the game. Goes to deuce. C'mon Laura!
Yes! Game back from BP down to hit three first serves plus winning groundstroke!
OK still a break down but the more games she gets the more she will believe.
Don't forget Maria João Koehler, who played so well in the first set against Kimmy, will be one of GB's opponents in the Fed Cup next month!
Adv Laura. Second BP in this service game. C'mon Laura! Not to be 2-4
C'mon Laura. Safe hold please!
Eek! Gone from 40-15 to deuce. Good first serves please! And dropped serve. Pity as she put pressure on Jelena's previous game.
Oh well! She looks very good when she gets her serve in. Not very good at court movement of course. But the weight of shot is completely there.
Just needs a bit more court craft and movement.
Elena Baltacha loses 6-2 6-4 to world ranked 107 Foretz Gacon. Not many excuses to say "poor Bally" as far as I can see, unless it is just a literal statement. Get a player ranked outside the top 100 in the main draw of a GS and you should do better.
Oh well. Suppose this will be good experience. And Laura has incredible support on court.
First set to Jelena 6-2. Important for Laura to hold her first game in the second set.

[Ace!]

Yes! Tomic won:yahoo: i slipped to sleep:doh: it's going to be a battle with my bed.

[Jan]

Laura loses first set just as Bally loses match.

[Linda]

Sad that Bally lost - I thought she would win that one :sad:

Happy that Rafa just won his match 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 :big grin:

[david1610]

Laura loses her serve. Ho hum.
Now 0-3. Hope she can get a couple more games. C'mon Laura!
0-5 and she should really have got that game. Oh well....
And loses 2-6 0-6.
Anne K., who in fairness has had a virus apparently, currently 0-4 down.
Not such a good day for the ladies. Hope the young ones can take something positive from the day.

[lankster2003]

Sad that Bally lost - I thought she would win that one :sad:

Happy that Rafa just won his match 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 :big grin:

The live scores seemed to suggest that the 2nd set was really close and if only Bally had taken one of those BPs :(

[pabbers]

Mawnin'. Just watching the Robson match. Feel like hitting her. She doesn't seem to either anticipate or move - does she think every ball should come to her? When you watch somebody like Andy or Heather who will run everything down, this really annoys me. I know she's young but her serious training must surely start sometime soon. It's almost like it's beneath her to run.

[Jan]

Laura now 0-3 down :sad:

[Jan]

Anne's match has just started - she lost the first game and is 0-40 in the 2nd

And in the blink of an eye she's 0-3 down

[DaveArneRiise]

Anne hasn't won a point yet.

[RFS]

I am so disappointed for Bally as that was winnable for sure.
With the greatest of respect, Heather wasn't going to make a dent on Vika's game, but I expected more of a fight from Laura against a match-rusty JJ ...

Then again as a JJ fan, I want to see her get serious this year so I am always conflicted when she draws a Brit early. But Laura v JJ at Wimbledon was so much more spirited (although I did get back from the gym at the start of the 2nd).

All hopes now on Anne for today... and then same old same old - all focus on Andy.

[pabbers]

I am so disappointed for Bally as that was winnable for sure.
With the greatest of respect, Heather wasn't going to make a dent on Vika's game, but I expected more of a fight from Laura against a match-rusty JJ ...

Then again as a JJ fan, I want to see her get serious this year so I am always conflicted when she draws a Brit early. But Laura v JJ at Wimbledon was so much more spirited (although I did get back from the gym at the start of the 2nd).

All hopes now on Anne for today... and then same old same old - all focus on Andy.

At least I'll be able to organise my sleep more easily!

And out goes Laura. Thought Jankevic was very irritable today.

[david1610]

Laura has to develop a tennis brain and start moving I agree. With her injuries in the last couple of years I will still give her the benefit of the doubt.
Not for the first time, such a pity we do not have a player with Heather's tenacity,movement and Laura's weight of shot.

Oh, and, sorry, but I am not sorry for Bally. The young 'uns are still learning and played highly ranked opponents (though look at what their Portuguese opponent next month, Maria João Koehler did against Kimmy - made her very, very honest for the first set - and I am tempted to say that she already has a tennis brain), but Bally simply, once again, was found wanting on the big stage. Really wish one of the young 'uns had had her luck in the draw.