*Official* Tennis Thread

[vcs]

What does you rating Simon overall as a player have to do with whether you'd play him though? I always thought he was lucky to be a top 10 player, and he's no where near an elite player, but he's still so far ahead of Llodra and Benneteau it's not even funny. Gasquet in his prime obviously would be ahead of him, but he's clearly not even close to that level right now.

Simon career: 184-130
Llodra career: 141-165

No contest.

The only time you'd play Llodra is if the final of the Davis Cup was played on indoor hard in Paris. That's not the case here.

That being said, Llodra and Clement's come back in the doubles was epic.

In my opinion, Llodra is the more dangerous player when he gets on a roll. I don't think these HCs are too different from the ones in Paris.

 

[Jono]

I agree that he's the more dangerous player, but I don't think you go into a Davis Cup final gambling on Llodra getting on a roll. Especially when you already have Gael Monfils, who isn't exactly the most consistent tennis player in the world, leading your team.

If Monfils goes down to Novak here, I think you'd rather a solid Simon in the decider, who has been on the big stage before, against Tipsarevic than a Llodra.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Llodra vs Troicki for the Cup...

 

[Jono]

Wow, they actually played Llodra.

Ridiculous.

Troicki leads 6-2 5-2.

vcs you better hope your boy at least puts up a fight. Pathetic so far.

 

[vcs]

He's been terrible. Can't believe how poorly he's volleyed.

Credit to Troicki though, he has a huge ground game when he's on form. Can hang with most top-10 players, and should have beaten Djokovic in the first round of the US Open really. I'm impressed with his returns and passing shots in this match.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Wow, they actually played Llodra.

Ridiculous.

Thoughts on Troicki/Tipsarevic choice? Obviously Janko got wiped out on Friday, but many a better player has been wiped out by Monfils and he seems the more talented player.

 

[vcs]

Thoughts on Troicki/Tipsarevic choice? Obviously Janko got wiped out on Friday, but many a better player has been wiped out by Monfils and he seems the more talented player.

Troicki is in irresistible form. Inspired choice so far.

A bridge too far for France without Tsonga.

 

[Jono]

Yeah I'd have gone Troicki too, however perhaps not in a decider. Credit to him he wiped the floor with Lol-lodra but he's often been mentally shaky so a final in front of a home crowd was a risky proposition. Tipsarevic would have been safer, but I guess Troicki's last 2-3 months have been so strong it was the right move.

 

[SirBloody Idiot]

Troicki always should have played before Janko IMO - particularly after Janko lost the plot in his singles rubber. He's been in fantastic form in the latter part of this season. Looks like Llodra played poorly, but the right choice over Simon for mine who has blown very hot and cold this year.

These reports about it being Serbia's first Davis Cup win are a bit misguided, though.

 

[vcs]

Apparently Sampras's trophy collection has been stolen.

What a legend that man is.

Tennis - ATP World Tour - Sampras' Trophy Collection Stolen

 

[Jono]

What a ****ing disgrace.

Poor Pistol.

 

[Burgey]

Amazing coincidence that Fed won the exhibition match vs Rafa in Zurich in three sets, with Rafa winning the one in Spain in three sets.

These blokes really do seem like decent mates, whcih is fantastic to see. Federer posting on his FB that he was "off to the airport to collect Rafa" then them going out and about for a wander round town. Just think it's great to see two rivals who leave it on the court and are mates off it. Kudos.

 

[benchmark00]

Who cares about those pretenders? The l00ch is in the main draw and he's coming for the trophy!

 

[Jono]

Amazing coincidence that Fed won the exhibition match vs Rafa in Zurich in three sets, with Rafa winning the one in Spain in three sets.

These blokes really do seem like decent mates, whcih is fantastic to see. Federer posting on his FB that he was "off to the airport to collect Rafa" then them going out and about for a wander round town. Just think it's great to see two rivals who leave it on the court and are mates off it. Kudos.

The contrast in their friendship compared to Agassi and Sampras is stark.

Sure Agassi and Sampras were rivals when they were young as well, and being countrymen it may have been difficult, but if they had handled themselves like Roger and Rafa it would have been better for US tennis.

 

[vcs]

Hehe, I miss the days of McEnroe and Connors (not that I was around back then).

 

[Jono]

Federer and Nadal to play off in the Abu Dhabi Exhibition final.

Always love that tournament every year. Produces some excellent tennis matches despite being an exhibition due to the ridiculous prize money.

 

[vcs]

Federer should skip these pointless exhibitions. Practice more serve and volley with Annacone, old man! Let the youngsters play these exos..

 

[Jono]

Even Sachin doesn't turn down free money in the IPL!

This is even easier money!!!

 

[_Ed_]

Tickets to four days of awesome tennis over the next two weeks. Can't wait.

I don't have very high hopes for the Kiwis this week, though. Erakovic at her very best would beat Vesnina, but we haven't seen Erakovic at her very best for 18 months or so. And Jones,... well, she's playing Kuznetsova. Uh, good luck, Sacha.

 

[Jono]

Rafa beats Federer in two tie-break sets. Good warm-up for both champions.

Now the official tournaments start in Brisbane, Doha, Chennai and Aukland.