Australian Open thread

[Emma]

Coxy, he hit a winner last night at something like 170km - I'd be grunting too if I was hitting the ball that hard! And at least it does sound like a genuine show of effort, unlike the likes of Sharapova...

 

[Coxy]

The Hewitt and Nadal game is similar, but also very, very different imo. Hewitt relied on getting the ball back, hitting winners a bit, but also relying a LOT on his opponent to hit an unforced error after the point had gone on for ages if you ask me. It's almost impossible to hit a winner past Nadal, but the amount of winners he hits (and the actual shot itself) is unbelievable.

I realise Nadal is streets ahead of Hewitt in terms of skills. Hewitt was very average in most areas of the game, but unmatched in tenacity. He's lost that now and it's not surprising he's tumbled down the rankings.

Nadal doesn't rely on unforced errors so much, but he creates plenty because his speed and ability to get the ball back forces his opponent to overplay shots to try and get the winner. Federer was guilty of it a lot last night.

We'll see if I'm wrong in 2-3 years time, but I think Nadal will be on the way down by then.

 

[BroncoMatt]

Away from the final for a minute I struck a good Trivia Question the other night....

Name all the Australian Men who have made the the Semi FInals or better of a Mens Singles Grand Slam since 1987.


The first to get the correct answer will win a Season Pass to all the South East Queensland Crushers Home Games this year!

 

[Coxy]

LOLZ

Since 1987 = including?

Pat Cash
Pat Rafter
Lleyton Hewitt
Mark Philippoussis

 

[BroncoMatt]

Yes Inclusive of 87

 

[Coxy]

I listed the obvious ones (Wayne Arthurs was a brain explosion, lolz)

 

[BroncoMatt]

You have half of them

 

[Coxy]

Pat Cash
Pat Rafter
Lleyton Hewitt
Mark Philippoussis
Wally Masur
Mark Woodforde
Todd Woodbridge
Darren Cahill

 

[BroncoMatt]

All but 1!

 

[Coxy]

Pat Cash
Pat Rafter
Lleyton Hewitt
Mark Philippoussis
Wally Masur
Mark Woodforde
Todd Woodbridge
Darren Cahill

 

[BroncoMatt]

Actually I miscounted there is still 1 more - So 9 in total

 

[Coxy]

Jason Stoltenberg

 

[BroncoMatt]

You are the winner! You win the Crushers Season Pass! I'll even buy you a drink at the Crushers V Adelaide Rams game

 

[Coxy]

Sweeeeeeeet! :-)

My method was pretty hit and miss. It was basically "what male Australian tennis players do I know" and look them up on Wikipedia and see their "best grand slam performance".

Note: I didn't bother looking up Roger "I'm totally rat shit" Rasheed.

 

[Ari Gold]

IMO Federer has to be one of the worst "champions" I have ever seen (in a sporting sense). He gets by on pure talent but when he's genuinely challenge seems to have the mental resolve of a chipmunk. Compared that with Tiger, for instance, who as well as be completely superior in talent, has the mental strength, tenacity and steel that are truly befitting of champions. Personally, I don't think Federer will ever beat Nadal again.

 

[Coxy]

Not until he gets a coach who works on Federer's psyche, no, I agree. He's a shot duck.

He thinks he doesn't need a coach. And technically speaking, he's probably right. But tactically and mentally he needs someone to groom him better.

 

[Flutterby]

I agree he is mentally weak right now and especially against Nadal, but I disagree he has always been bereft of mental fortitude - I have seen him in the past display a whole heap of mental toughness. Also agree with Coxy - he needs a mentor at least if he really doesn't want a coach - someone to help him set a game plan, because the one he has for Nadal and some of the other newer guys, just ain't working (and tbh I think that was more what Rochey was rather than teaching him any technical aspects)

 

[Bucking Beads]

He is a cry baby.. Nadal did the right thing and gave him a hug though...