The ATP Cup washup
As an outsider looking in during the last week, the ATP Cup has seemed like a huge success. But it won’t be until the…
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Professional tennis coach for nearly 15 years. Travelled to dozens of tournaments around the world. Also take more than a passing interest in AFL, Rugby League, Cricket, Olympics, and even Ice Hockey.
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Absolutely. But I’m talking about the mid tier players who didn’t qualify to play in the ATP Cup. There were very few other options for them to play a match.
The ATP Cup washup
Great effort! And you’re right about seeing the world number one 3 times too. Don’t get that opportunity in many tournaments. I think that’s why the Hopman Cup was such a success in Perth. Such a shame to see that tournament go.
Fed Cup shows why team events are so important in tennis
Even the Kyrgios circus is getting boring to be honest. It’d be great to see half a dozen new guys making finals and winning titles, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer
The men's 2019 Grand Slam wrap-up
Spot on. I think that is the exact reason there are so many different winners on the women’s side now. However, when Serena was in her Prime, I guess that theory didn’t really fly, did it? Still, I think Serena probably has another Slam in her, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she just fell short of the record.
Why Serena Williams is losing her aura of invincibility
Thanks malibu77, definitely off to a good start with my predictions, although I wish I was wrong about a few of them. Would like to see some more Aussies get through. I heard Stosur speak the other day, and I feel as though she might continue on; maybe spending more time playing doubles though. You’re right about Bouchard; has really struggled to get back. That fall was actually 4 years ago! Berdych has had a great career, and left everything out there, but I do expect him to call it quits at the end of the season.
US Open: Aussie preview and predictions
Nice article Richard. If he is not burnt out from his recent stack of matches, and if he can cruise through the first week with limited court time, he’s a chance to upset the big boys. But there’s a lot of if’s in a grand slam. Khachanov has been more consistent in the Slams, and I have a sneaky feeling he might be the young Russian to break through here.
Just how far can Daniil Medvedev go at the US Open?
Thanks Joshua, appreciate your comments. Yeah, Delbonis will be no easy beat, but Popyrin should take care of him. De Minaur definitely hasn’t recaptured his early season form, but, as you say, runs into an opponent who is also not setting the world on fire. Should be interesting.
US Open: Aussie preview and predictions
After his latest performance, Nick shouldn’t be allowed to play in the US Open, but I’m sure the ATP won’t do anything about it unfortunately.
Why the US Open could be Nick Kyrgios’ best chance so far
Fair enough. You’re not the only one with that opinion. Article not a personal endorsement of him, just an observation on where he’s at right now.
Why the US Open could be Nick Kyrgios’ best chance so far
I tend to agree with you Ash. I just feel if he can cruise through the early rounds, maybe he’ll have something in the tank for the second week. History says you’re more likely to be correct though.
Why the US Open could be Nick Kyrgios’ best chance so far
You’re spot on Scott. I’m still not sure whether to support him or not, but the way he plays when he wants to knuckle down for a tournament, is well worth watching.
I’m also not surprised he lost first round in Montreal. I expect a better effort in Cincinnati next week, and hopefully a big US Open run.
Why the US Open could be Nick Kyrgios’ best chance so far
Have to agree to disagree on that one Brian. Head to Heads are definitely not meaningless, especially when we’re trying to split hairs on who is the best. As far as I’m concerned, if you step on court, you’re fit. Roger took time off, and has taken the whole clay court season off in recent years. If he played that, his percentage would be lower. Nadal has taken a lot of time off in his career to recover from injuries, so I don’t think your point is valid. There’s no asterisk on the record book next to players who aren’t 100% fit.
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
Decent suggestion Tomothy. With the Murray family such strong names in both men’s and women’s tennis, it would be great to see a tournament in Scotland.
The time has come for a Masters 1000 tournament on grass
I think that could definitely be an option, but I would prefer to see an extra tournament, thus allowing players more weeks on the grass.
The time has come for a Masters 1000 tournament on grass
I agree it would be tricky to alternate. I have no problem with your suggestion to relegate Cincinnati to a 500 event. That is probably the easiest way to get around it.
The time has come for a Masters 1000 tournament on grass
Great win. Interestingly though, Alex has never beaten a top 20 player… Still got some work to do to match it with the big boys, but he’s definitely a fighter.
De Minaur claims second title of 2019
The longer this thread continues, the more interesting it gets! To play devils advocate, could we also say that when Roger peaked (04-07), he didn’t have to contend with Novak at his peak? It just goes to show, that comparing players in the same era is hard enough, let alone throwing players like Laver and Borg into the mix. However, the stats that lean me towards Novak, are his percentage of wins in career. While we’re talking slim margins, Novak leads Roger in total win percentage at 82.79 to 82.13. Breaking it down further, he leads Roger at beating top 100 players, top 50, top 20, top 10, and top 5. So even if they never quite played each other at their absolute prime, Novak has proven himself to beat the best of the best more often. Splitting hairs again though….
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
Great comment Pierro, and a really valid point about the grass speed. You’re completely right that there’s not much between them, and that’s what makes the debate so interesting. Everyone has different metrics on how to rank the players. Nearly all have some validity, so unless Novak completely dominates the next four or five years, the debate will probably carry on for a long time.
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
Agree with your sentiments on the Grand Slam count. But I feel as though if it’s only one or two slams the difference, we have to take into account the Masters 1000 wins. If Novak carries on for a few more years, he’ll likely be quite a distance ahead in that stat.
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
Possibly not Bilbo, but as good as Murray was, he still found it difficult to beat the Big 3 on regular occasions. Too often he came up just short, so I’m not sure it would’ve made too much difference.
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
That will be the deciding factor JamesH. If Novak can stay fit… A professional tennis player will rarely win a Slam if not close to full health and fitness. Will be interesting to see.
Why Novak Djokovic will be - and possibly already is - the GOAT
Djokovic will be the GOAT once all is said and done. Winning record against Nadal and Fed. Will have more Masters titles, and probably more Slams. Will never be the favourite, but will be the best.
Can Djokovic overtake Federer's 310 weeks at Number 1?
Not sure about sticking it to the haters, but a solid win. He plays the same every time, win or lose. Looks like he doesn’t try. Not sure why we make a big deal of him either way.
Bernard Tomic sticks it to the haters with gutsy win over Aus Open quarter-finalist
Don’t you hate when you write a piece on a player, and he loses the same week to a player he would beat 9 times out of ten! He will definitely be in the hunt at RG, but the clay courts can throw up some weird results in the early rounds. No certainty to make another final.
How far can Dominic Thiem go at Roland Garros?