Weeks 35-36: US Open (men's main draw) - hard

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

RE: Weeks 35-36: US Open (men's main draw) - hard

Tennis36 · Masters Series Champion

Andy and Novak on Ashe tomorow, really don't get why they didnt put berdych stan on, has the potential to be a thrilling night match! But if they feel people prefer to see one sided walkovers, it's there choice

indiana · Tennis legend

Yes, Fed in an unexpected late shunt onto Armstrong. Apparently the first time he's been off Ashe in many, many years.

indiana · Tennis legend

And the worst thing about Andy being the last match on Ashe tomorrow, he'll be far too late for the British newspaper deadlines. No respect !

Seriously, I'm quite happy as no doubt is Andy. Although I do see Tennis36's point about Berdych vs Wawrinka looking to be a rather more appealing match.

I guess it will vary with folk, especially if they are one off attendees, whether they want to see the really big stars in action or a much more competitive match between two still very good players.

steven · Tennis legend

indiana wrote:
Yes, Fed in an unexpected late shunt onto Armstrong. Apparently the first time he's been off Ashe in many, many years.

... and he managed to take one set less off Tommy than Evo did!

Spectator · All-time great

If I were a fan particularly of women's tennis and had paid an exorbitant sum of money for Ashe day tickets tomorrow, I would be delighted to have more than expected. If I were a fan particularly of men's tennis and had paid an exorbitant sum of money for Ashe day tickets, I would be considerably less thrilled. Can you get onto Armstrong with an Ashe ticket? Or are there tickets just for Armstrong?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

So can we start asking the question - "Will the Fed qualify for the O2 this year?"

Josh · Challenger level

Spectator wrote:
If I were a fan particularly of women's tennis and had paid an exorbitant sum of money for Ashe day tickets tomorrow, I would be delighted to have more than expected. If I were a fan particularly of men's tennis and had paid an exorbitant sum of money for Ashe day tickets, I would be considerably less thrilled. Can you get onto Armstrong with an Ashe ticket? Or are there tickets just for Armstrong?

There are only a few tickets for reserved seats on Armstrong, most seats are unreserved so any Ashe ticket holders would still be able to get in. Although it might require a bit of patience now there are less matches on the outside courts and I'd imagine very long queues for Armstrong and Grandstand.

korriban · Challenger level

Bob in Spain wrote:
So can we start asking the question - "Will the Fed qualify for the O2 this year?"

No we can't. My 10 year old son would hunt anyone down who even whispers this in hushed tones. I'm still planning how I break the news to him that Fed lost tamely to Tommy Robredo last night. smile

But seriously, I'd be surprised if he missed out - more in that it would require a sustained run of form from those below him to close the gap, including Tsonga (long term injury, no coach and patchy form), Gasquet (can blow hot and cold, mostly cold), Stan (similar), Raonic (improving fast but crumbles under pressure), Haas (who may well have peaked) and Isner (who looks exhausted).

I just have a feeling that Gasquet could be a surprise Finalist at the USO, beating Nadal, but losing to Andy..........yes I know that makes absolutely no sense on any level (even Richard probably thinks I'm mad)........but if that happens, then it could get very tight for the WTF. But let's hope Roger pulls his finger out.

john · Top national player

korriban wrote:
Bob in Spain wrote:
So can we start asking the question - "Will the Fed qualify for the O2 this year?"
No we can't. My 10 year old son would hunt anyone down who even whispers this in hushed tones. I'm still planning how I break the news to him that Fed lost tamely to Tommy Robredo last night.
But seriously, I'd be surprised if he missed out - more in that it would require a sustained run of form from those below him to close the gap, including Tsonga (long term injury, no coach and patchy form), Gasquet (can blow hot and cold, mostly cold), Stan (similar), Raonic (improving fast but crumbles under pressure), Haas (who may well have peaked) and Isner (who looks exhausted).
I just have a feeling that Gasquet could be a surprise Finalist at the USO, beating Nadal, but losing to Andy..........yes I know that makes absolutely no sense on any level (even Richard probably thinks I'm mad)........but if that happens, then it could get very tight for the WTF. But let's hope Roger pulls his finger out.

I hope you're right. Got a couple of quid on Gasman at 150s. Also had Raonic at 66s, and was actually hoping for a Raonic win last night as I thought he had the better chance of beating Ferrer, but hey ho, let's go Gasquet!

Jan · Hall of fame

steven wrote:
indiana wrote:
Yes, Fed in an unexpected late shunt onto Armstrong. Apparently the first time he's been off Ashe in many, many years.
... and he managed to take one set less off Tommy than Evo did!

yes - that was my first thought when I saw the result!

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

korriban wrote:
Bob in Spain wrote:
So can we start asking the question - "Will the Fed qualify for the O2 this year?"
No we can't. My 10 year old son would hunt anyone down who even whispers this in hushed tones. I'm still planning how I break the news to him that Fed lost tamely to Tommy Robredo last night.
But seriously, I'd be surprised if he missed out - more in that it would require a sustained run of form from those below him to close the gap, including Tsonga (long term injury, no coach and patchy form), Gasquet (can blow hot and cold, mostly cold), Stan (similar), Raonic (improving fast but crumbles under pressure), Haas (who may well have peaked) and Isner (who looks exhausted).
I just have a feeling that Gasquet could be a surprise Finalist at the USO, beating Nadal, but losing to Andy..........yes I know that makes absolutely no sense on any level (even Richard probably thinks I'm mad)........but if that happens, then it could get very tight for the WTF. But let's hope Roger pulls his finger out.

Well unless your son has a passport and an "unaccompanied minor" badge, I think I am safe wink

I think you are right though. If Tsonga was fit, it might make it closer but I do think the Fed will make it this year. But I'm afraid that by the time your son is 12, he may have to find himself a new tennis hero. I honestly believe that if Fed has a similar year in Slams next year, he will retire. I don't think he is interested in anything but the slams and the 2016 Olympics are too far away.

indiana · Tennis legend

I think Fed will make the O2 OK. And I hope Tsonga recovers and makes it too.

We have clearly talked for a while about the "big 4". There is also to my mind a very clear "big 8", i.e. the current top 8 in the race.

While the race gaps are closer, a big difference is shown in the rankings with Fed 7th on 4695 points more than 2000 clear of Gasquet in 9th on 2625 points. The injured Tsonga lies in 8th on 3470 points.

If say Tsonga remains injured and either or both of say Gasquet or Wawrinka come through fair dos. But I'd like to see the current top 8 at the O2.

kundalini · Specialist Reporter + Intermediate Club Player

Istomin pulled off some big shots but Andy was rather careless at times, especially in the first set tiebreak. The occasional good rally. Took control of the second set early then surged ahead to lead 3-1 in the third, only to fall asleep for 5 mins, when he awoke it was 3-3. Did enough to eventually get another break and serve out the third set. Neither player threatened to break in the 4th until 4-4. Rather strange point to break in that game with Andy just about reaching Istomin's down the line shot but the ball flew off the edge, up into the air, landing deep inside the court and Andy went on to win the rally a few shots later.

Berdych out.

-- Edited by kundalini on Wednesday 4th of September 2013 04:06:14 AM

Spectator · All-time great

Of course, Mr Wawrinka then beat Mr Murray at the USO in 2010. A slightly better match-up than Berdych in terms of the record and styles of play, but as Mr Wawrinka's match against Mr Djokovic at the AO this year proved, he is very at home in big matches on hard courts, best of five. And if he starts well, he can be quite spectacular. No space for slow starts and wandering minds here.

Meanwhile Mr Djokovic gets - for the umpteenth match in a row - a far lower-ranked player who has been depleted by his previous exertions. If one were seeking to be determinedly optimistic (from the side of this match), one might wonder whether perhaps the lack of competitive match play will be a disadvantage to him in the latter rounds.

Edit -- The early morning crew tapping away simultaneously ... but in Steven's case, as ever, with the full information!

-- Edited by Spectator on Wednesday 4th of September 2013 05:26:48 AM

-- Edited by Spectator on Wednesday 4th of September 2013 05:27:10 AM