Tennis

[Gringotts Bank]

lol, fiction! Actually attempted humour.

I'm making reference to his constant fiddling with his rear, the way a kid with worms would. The OCD is also fiction, although.... have you watched him closely at change of ends? The water bottle thing is a worry.

 

[pixel]

Two for three yesterday, as I thought Kvitova had it in her to beat Sharapova. So it's reach for the earplugs, Azarenka vs Sharapova in the final, which should be a great, if noisy, match.

Thank DGTEC for the "Mute" button! :

 

[Tink]

LOL GB, I have noticed that too about Nadal.
After last nights game, I think Nadal will win.

Will be an interesting weekend of finals.

 

[Logique]

Of Djokovic can play a 5 hour, 5 set match and back up two days later against Nadal who's had an extra days rest - he'll be a worthy champion.

 

[joea]

Hi.
I think the quality of the tennis in the Australian Open is excellent considering its the first major of the year. Nadal and Rogers match was unreal.
It reflects the attitude of the players coming to Australia.
The Hopman Cup is a fun tournament and brings out the character of the players competing. It seems to set the scene for the other tournaments.
With some good young Australian moving up, it ensures Australian Tennis is in a healthy state.
joea

 

[Tink]

Of Djokovic can play a 5 hour, 5 set match and back up two days later against Nadal who's had an extra days rest - he'll be a worthy champion.

Yep, I wondered how they worked that out, not much time for him to relax between games.
I really enjoyed the game last night, was disappointed but oh well..
You could already see Djokovic going into attack mode at the end, same moves.

Quite a few disappointed about Federer but thats the way it is.

 

[pixel]

Congratulations, Victoria Azarenka

Or make that "conGRUNTulations"

A good, though noisy game with a first-timer a deserving winner.

 

[Tink]

Yep, Congratulations to Victoria Azarenka
An hour and twenty two minutes -- all over
I cant believe it

Well deserved : )

 

[Tink]

Of Djokovic can play a 5 hour, 5 set match and back up two days later against Nadal who's had an extra days rest - he'll be a worthy champion.

Well he did it.
Congratulations and well done Djokovic

You cant help but feel for the other player in these long games, both giving it their best.
Six hours.

 

[Miss Hale]

Hi.
I think the quality of the tennis in the Australian Open is excellent considering its the first major of the year.
joea

I think that is actually part of the reason for the quality, being the first of the four Grand Slams means that all of the top players would climb Mt Everest to play it and hopefully win it. If they can win this they have the possibility of winning all four in a year, it's a big incentive at the moment I think.

Gave the women's final a miss, too much shrieking for me. Watched last night's match though which was great. Congratulations to Djokovic although Nadal would also have been a worthy winner.

 

[DB008]

Anybody watching this years Australian Open?

Any thoughts?

Novak seems to be playing pretty good.

I wasn't that impressed with Roger Federer the other night, but l guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

As for the ladies, Serina doesn't seem to have that 'fire' anymore, from what I saw. Apart from that, l don't have any 'predictions', LOL.

 

[Country Lad]

I find that here is a huge difference in the quality of the performances from very poor bordering on abysmal to very good and informative.

I am of course referring to the commentators. On the outer courts Newcombe and whoever he is with do not talk during the play and discuss issues applicable to the game in progress or to those players.

On the other hand, Courier and McAvaney just want to talk, through the play, about all sorts of things that are totally irrelevant. Both just want to hear the sound of their own voice. I prefer they would just shut up, I can see what is going on without being interrupted by childish irrelevant banter.

Cheers
Country Lad

 

[DB008]

I find that here is a huge difference in the quality of the performances from very poor bordering on abysmal to very good and informative.

I am of course referring to the commentators. On the outer courts Newcombe and whoever he is with do not talk during the play and discuss issues applicable to the game in progress or to those players.

On the other hand, Courier and McAvaney just want to talk, through the play, about all sorts of things that are totally irrelevant. Both just want to hear the sound of their own voice. I prefer they would just shut up, I can see what is going on without being interrupted by childish irrelevant banter.

Cheers
Country Lad

Spot on.

 

[Macquack]

On the other hand, Courier and McAvaney just want to talk, through the play, about all sorts of things that are totally irrelevant. Both just want to hear the sound of their own voice.

McAvaney is a good athletics commentator, may be a good AFL commentator (I don't know), but he definitely is a dud tennis commentator.

Bring back John McEnroe, what a legend.

 

[Logique]

McEnroe was a wild child as a player, but he could play tennis like an artist. Mens tennis is all smash and crash these days. An excellent commentator, but a troubled relationship with Australia.

Tomic against Federer tonight, match of the tournament in the mens, in terms of interest anyway.

The womens is at least watchable, unlike the mens 4 hour slugfests. The shriekers are all still in the draw, Azarenka first up this morning. But they'll all have their work cut out to beat Serena.

 

[Gringotts Bank]

I agree, the commentary really sucks. Commentators need to understand that they are not the entertainment (Jim Courier particularly). People just are not interested in all that garbage they go on with, and the way they say it.

McEnroe had an elegant light touch on the court. For me his commentary is ok, but not great.

Henry Le Cont - hilarious for about half an hour then gets on my nerves a bit.

Hard to please aren't I? The sport is the thing; hardly needs commentary since everyone knows what's going on.

 

[DB008]

I agree with the comments regarding the commentary.

They are now talking from first serve, fault and into the second serve.

Channel 7 - take note - tell your commentators to zip it. Look at Martin Tyler (UK Football commentator) on how it should be done...

 

[Miss Hale]

I find that here is a huge difference in the quality of the performances from very poor bordering on abysmal to very good and informative.

I am of course referring to the commentators. On the outer courts Newcombe and whoever he is with do not talk during the play and discuss issues applicable to the game in progress or to those players.

On the other hand, Courier and McAvaney just want to talk, through the play, about all sorts of things that are totally irrelevant. Both just want to hear the sound of their own voice. I prefer they would just shut up, I can see what is going on without being interrupted by childish irrelevant banter.

Cheers
Country Lad

I agree, MacAvaney is truly awful. My heart sunk when the Sydney tournament finished and we switched from the very capable part time commentators to the so called experts like Courier and McAvaney. McAvaney not a good football commentor either. I much prefer it when they cross to the outside courts and we get Newc, Fitzy etc. Henri Le Conte was funny the first time, now he is predictable and irritating. With Hewitt out, he will join the commentary team tonight, he's pretty good IMO. I spent a day at the tennis earlier in the week and it was quite a relief to watch without the commentary!

I wonder if Andy Murray might be a chance this year. I give Tomic a small chance to beat Federer tonight but maybe only 10%. I am not enamoured with any of the top women, can't abide shrieking and Serena lakes graciousness so I don't have much interst in the women's now all the Aussies are out. I expect Serena or Sharapova to win.

The side commentry on the Pat Rafter/Bernard Tomic stand off re the Davis Cup is interesting with various old players making their feelings known on several occaisions

 

[Tink]

Go Andy

He won the Olympics, he was a happy man ..

 

[Miss Hale]

Great match between Federer and Tomic, I thought Tomic played really well but Roger is just too good for most players. Oh well, last of the Aussies gone....