Week 2 - ATP 250 - Apia International, Sydney, Australia (hard)

Michael D · All-time great

RE: Week 2 - ATP 250 - Apia International, Sydney, Australia (hard)

Priesty · Challenger level

James wrote:
Priesty wrote:

Edit - loved that bit of banter between the 2 of them during the prize giving

Any chance you could elaborate please!
Hugely impressive week for Dan and if Muller hadn't had a few fluky net cords in the first set tie break the match could easily have swung in his favour. Lovely to see him competing within the type of environments/situations that bring out the best in him.

Dan said he had been hoping that it would be six finals without a win for Gilles which made his opponent smile. Muller then went on to say in his victory speech that he was sorry Dan hadn't got what he wanted or something to that effect. Clearly some good bonhomie between the 2 which was nice to see.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

James wrote:
Priesty wrote:

Edit - loved that bit of banter between the 2 of them during the prize giving

Any chance you could elaborate please!
Hugely impressive week for Dan and if Muller hadn't had a few fluky net cords in the first set tie break the match could easily have swung in his favour. Lovely to see him competing within the type of environments/situations that bring out the best in him.

Evo, who is far more comfortable on the court than with a microphone in his hand, said he had hoped to put Gilles Muller to an 0-6 record in slams. Muller responded by acknowledging that but saying he had waited a long time for this win and that Evo would have many more chances.

Edit

Basically what Priesty has just said too.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Saturday 14th of January 2017 11:44:54 AM

paulisi · Tennis legend

Better player won, but there wasn't too much between them.

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

Evo very impressive all week and for me he has improved through the week. Less service errors more aces more winners more power. A marginal improvement in his accuracy would have turned this match I think.
Very good Mr Evans, gracious in defeat, speech etc and you do get a trophy as Runner-Up. Well done Evo.

Spectator · All-time great

The ATP video with the match report focuses on Muller's two sons, who spent the time after the presentations hitting balls on the court. Looks as if there was lots of fun all around: www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/muller-evans-sydney-2017-final. Hope they remember it! There's a highlights video, too: looks like (as said above) a good match.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Great week of tennis from Evo. I hope he can carry this form into next week; having thoroughly enjoyed the hors d'oeuvre it is essential he feasts in the main course.

I have always rated Dan's serve he is a man who really bends his back and got some extra pop in the final, nudging towards 130 mph, impressive although he didn't have the control Giles had on his which I think is where the match was won, as opposed to lost by Evo. Break points were scarce for Evo and Giles able to generate pressure by winning his service games quickly. I would like to have seen Evo lob Giles more. Great stuff never the less.

indiana · Tennis legend

Dan just misses the top 50 for now, up 16 places to CH 51. Might as well achieve that on the Aussie Open stage.

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

Top 50 would be a milestone but he has now made the top 64 and perhaps his ultimate target will be the top 32 to benefit in competition draw and avoid the elite guys in early rounds.

wolf · Tennis legend

If he gets himself in the top 45 that gives him direct entry to all the Masters draws, though the cut normally drops to around 50 after withdrawals.