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The Tennis Thread (Part 31)
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Irishguy123
02-10-2016
Karen Khachanov won his first title in Chengdu today. 20 years old, beating four seeds along the way, anyone see him play? Much potential?

Meanwhile in Tokyo, a Nishikoi practice session attracted over 9,000 spectators!
Jimmy Connors
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by seansnotmyname@:
“Anyway, on a lighter note, Kris Pliskova showing the plis-bot meme utterly wrong with her beaming smile after winning her first WTA title.”

What on earth have they got her wearing? That trophy will never see her sideboard methinks. Straight in the cupboard. No wonder she looks so 'happy'!

Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“Its like the human version of Buckaroo, they are trying to see how much crap they can put on her before she flips out.”

Perfect analogy.
Jenny1986
03-10-2016
Muguruza eventually wins her 2nd match in a row. How many match points did she need? ffs.
dduk
03-10-2016
Keys could potentially meet Kuznetsova in the third round. Anyone know what the problem was with Venus today? Didn't see the match, but I think she had some set points in set 1, but lost the set and then lost the match in 2 sets.
Ginger Daddy
03-10-2016
Kyle Edmund won in China, btw.
Jaccobabe
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Karen Khachanov won his first title in Chengdu today. 20 years old, beating four seeds along the way, anyone see him play? Much potential?

Meanwhile in Tokyo, a Nishikoi practice session attracted over 9,000 spectators!”

Rhavent seen him play but noticed his name.
Will be exciting to watch
Lisa.B
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“Its like the human version of Buckaroo, they are trying to see how much crap they can put on her before she flips out.”

Even Karobot took the mick out of her. Still, could've been much worse...
tartan-belle
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Even Karobot took the mick out of her. Still, could've been much worse... ”

well that's the stuff of nightmares!
Irishguy123
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Even Karobot took the mick out of her. Still, could've been much worse... ”

Is that Bethanie Mattek-Sands?
Lisa.B
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Is that Bethanie Mattek-Sands?”



2pm tomorrow afternoon is when we'll find out what CAS' decision is with Maria.
Jenny1986
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“

2pm tomorrow afternoon is when we'll find out what CAS' decision is with Maria.”

Finally.

Sam Smith reckons she'll be back early next year. So a year out, I think that sounds possible, considering how lenient they have been to everyone else.

I'd say the 2nd half of the year, nearer to 18 months.
pasodabble
03-10-2016
Originally Posted by dduk:
“Keys could potentially meet Kuznetsova in the third round. Anyone know what the problem was with Venus today? Didn't see the match, but I think she had some set points in set 1, but lost the set and then lost the match in 2 sets.”

I reckon with no Singapore prospects and Zhuhai in the bag, she lost interest in China. Or may just be an age thing.
Irishguy123
04-10-2016
Can you imagine if Sharapova's suspension is actually increased tomorrow?

On a serious note though, CAS are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand it's pretty clear, she failed a drug test for a banned substance and should be punished accordingly. On the other, it's looking likely that they were unnecessarily harsh to make an example of her, others like Lepchenko haven't been treated anywhere near as badly (different circumstances I know, but still murky) and then of course there's the comments made by the head of WADA in the aftermath of her ban, basically gloating about the fact they got her. She should be able to make a case for herself that it was a ban of a more personal nature than anything else, but who knows? Personally I think she'll get a reduction of some kind, but equally I won't be surprised if they leave it.
Cherry-choc
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Karen Khachanov won his first title in Chengdu today. 20 years old, beating four seeds along the way, anyone see him play? Much potential?

Meanwhile in Tokyo, a Nishikoi practice session attracted over 9,000 spectators!”

Yes, I've seen him a few times. Very attacking game, big serve and groundies...best comparison would be Safin. His BH is the stronger wing and he hits it best DTL. Also seems capable at the net.

I've mentioned it several times that Russia have an exciting gen coming up, in their late teens/early twenties. Rublev, Khachanov, Medvedev and I suppose you can throw Zverev in there too, even though he obviously represents Germany.
Cherry-choc
04-10-2016
Oh go on then, have a multi quote.

Don't think anyone mentioned that the DC final will be in Zagreb. Karlovic recalled to the Croats if Coric isn't fit. Will be interesting to see how the Croats tailor the surface.

Originally Posted by tartan-belle:
“Thanks!

I see that Djoko has pulled out of the China Open next well - still his elbow.”

Useful chance for Muzzard to close the race gap to 1500 or so. I still think a lot will depend on the WTF though.

Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Urgh it's a shame they're so militant about matches being posted on youtube nowadays. The day's play is virtually over by the time I get to see any of it when it comes to the Asian swing.”

Nowadays? It's been the case for 3-4 years now.

I wouldn't mind if the official highlights were decent, but they're naff. All the ATP ones are 2 mins long, with just set points/match points and tell me very little about the match. 10-15 min highlights are the real deal.

Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Kvitova having a run in Wuhan, first time all year she's won four matches at one tournament. As JoJo once sang, it's all a bit "too little, too late".”

You still remember JoJo? Amaze.

Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“It's tight from 7th-11th, but with the likes of Cibulkova and Kuzzy maintaining their consistency it makes it difficult to gain any inroads. Garbine in 6th is doing her best to help everyone in qualifying contention, but she has a good buffer against the chasing pack. Still at least Konta is well placed for the Zhuhai rejects event.”

Tbh I think it'll be a blessing in disguise if Konta dodges Singapore. A lot of pressure at the YEC and the conditions will likely be molasses. Zhuhai should be faster - Konta is more effective in medium/fast conditions. She can quietly close in on the top 10 to sign off a brilliant season.

Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“The post-coach dumping flourish. Petra's got through a few this year. I see she's swiped Wim Fissette on a trial basis, although he's not with her this week. Meanwhile her old coach is now with Safarova who's parted ways with Rob Steckley.”

Like musical chairs, this.

Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“The fact that Lepchenko has literally suffered zero backlash has just astonished me tbh. I mean, are people not aware that this is the exact same thing Sharapova was taking? I know it was proved that she stopped taking it before 2016, but she was obviously taking it for performance enhancing purposes too, so why no backlash? Sharapova's a big doper and her whole career is a lie because she took meldonium for three weeks longer than Lepchenko did? It's a bit baffling to me tbh.”

Not baffling to me. Lepchenko goes well under the radar because she's irrelevant. Won nowt at WTA level...was in the top 20 a few years ago. I doubt she's ever had any meaningful media coverage. Not marketable for her looks, so....(sorry if that offends, but 'tis true. Tennis players have become relevant on looks alone before)

Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“Its like the human version of Buckaroo, they are trying to see how much crap they can put on her before she flips out.”

Originally Posted by tartan-belle:
“Kyle through to MD, great stuff.”

Yes, didn't have too much troubles with an off form GGL. Would've been a worry if he had.

Originally Posted by Jaccobabe:
“Went to qualifying in Tokyo yesterday. Youzhny lost quite easily to Ebden. Had loads of chances and the match was much closer than 62 62 suggests.

Stepanek looked great against watanuki. Watanuki very young, very talented. Could easily be top 10 but you really never know.

Very bad loss for Evans against unknown Japanese”

Konnichi wa
*Sparkle*
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Can you imagine if Sharapova's suspension is actually increased tomorrow?

On a serious note though, CAS are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand it's pretty clear, she failed a drug test for a banned substance and should be punished accordingly. On the other, it's looking likely that they were unnecessarily harsh to make an example of her, others like Lepchenko haven't been treated anywhere near as badly (different circumstances I know, but still murky) and then of course there's the comments made by the head of WADA in the aftermath of her ban, basically gloating about the fact they got her. She should be able to make a case for herself that it was a ban of a more personal nature than anything else, but who knows? Personally I think she'll get a reduction of some kind, but equally I won't be surprised if they leave it.”

I don't think the head of WADA was gloating about getting Sharapova specifically, rather he wanted to demonstrate that they didn't hush up breaches by the big stars, contrary to what the conspiracy theorists claim. It was also an opportunity to point out their rather low budget, especially compared with the wealth of the sports stars they are supposed to police. You can be sure Sharapova has spent more on lawyers than WADA can afford. She can also spend more on PR, which is why his comments were spun as gloating.
Jenny1986
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by *Sparkle*:
“I don't think the head of WADA was gloating about getting Sharapova specifically, rather he wanted to demonstrate that they didn't hush up breaches by the big stars, contrary to what the conspiracy theorists claim. It was also an opportunity to point out their rather low budget, especially compared with the wealth of the sports stars they are supposed to police. You can be sure Sharapova has spent more on lawyers than WADA can afford. She can also spend more on PR, which is why his comments were spun as gloating.”

I don't think there was any spin required, I never read comments from her side about what he said. I read the quote and could see he was very pleased with himself. I think he was pleased for the reasons you say, WADA have been accused of hushing up the misdemeanours of big stars, and this was his chance to refute it. It was a natural reaction for someone in his position, but perhaps he could have rephrased it for his public statements. Sharapova could use it in her defence.

Nice win for Rafa, he looked confident throughout which is the main thing.
EuroFoxi
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Is that Bethanie Mattek-Sands?”

Love it!

Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“

2pm tomorrow afternoon is when we'll find out what CAS' decision is with Maria.”

Well, in all honesty, I think it should stay the same. The guidelines seem pretty clear to me.

Of course I hope she comes back sooner! But I wouldn't bet on it, personally.
Irishguy123
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Cherry-choc:
“You still remember JoJo? Amaze.”

You mean you don't? Get out, right now.
Mike Teevee
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Can you imagine if Sharapova's suspension is actually increased tomorrow?

On a serious note though, CAS are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand it's pretty clear, she failed a drug test for a banned substance and should be punished accordingly. On the other, it's looking likely that they were unnecessarily harsh to make an example of her, others like Lepchenko haven't been treated anywhere near as badly (different circumstances I know, but still murky) and then of course there's the comments made by the head of WADA in the aftermath of her ban, basically gloating about the fact they got her. She should be able to make a case for herself that it was a ban of a more personal nature than anything else, but who knows? Personally I think she'll get a reduction of some kind, but equally I won't be surprised if they leave it.”

Originally Posted by *Sparkle*:
“I don't think the head of WADA was gloating about getting Sharapova specifically, rather he wanted to demonstrate that they didn't hush up breaches by the big stars, contrary to what the conspiracy theorists claim. It was also an opportunity to point out their rather low budget, especially compared with the wealth of the sports stars they are supposed to police. You can be sure Sharapova has spent more on lawyers than WADA can afford. She can also spend more on PR, which is why his comments were spun as gloating.”

Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“I don't think there was any spin required, I never read comments from her side about what he said. I read the quote and could see he was very pleased with himself. I think he was pleased for the reasons you say, WADA have been accused of hushing up the misdemeanours of big stars, and this was his chance to refute it. It was a natural reaction for someone in his position, but perhaps he could have rephrased it for his public statements. Sharapova could use it in her defence.

Nice win for Rafa, he looked confident throughout which is the main thing.”

The funny thing is if she'd kept her mouth shut for a few more weeks, she could have spun this as an accidental doping offence. Which obviously would have been a blatant lie, but we wouldn't have known that for sure.

She'd have probably been back playing around Wimby or failing that US Open and things would have carried on as normal. As in loads of people would still love or dislike her the same amount.

Anyway I doubt she'll be playing again before AO, as the authorities will want to be seen to have made a significant punishment.
dduk
04-10-2016
Konta has been sent home for the day. Murray is through though.
dduk
04-10-2016
I've only just found out that I have Sky Sports Mix available on my Virgin TV XL package, and it's showing ATP tennis. Bonus!
EuroFoxi
04-10-2016
Originally Posted by Cherry-choc:
“Oh go on then, have a multi quote. ”

So unlike you, Cherry-Choc.

Quote:
“You still remember JoJo? Amaze.”

Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“You mean you don't? Get out, right now.”

What do you mean 'remember'? She's still quite current isn't she?
cas116
04-10-2016
Well this is odd:

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis...-arm-1-4247989
Jenny1986
04-10-2016
April 2017 return, Sam Smith was right then. It's actually less than I thought, I thought in time for the US Open.
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