Observations - Golubic has a quality OHBH. The way she hits the BH DTL reminds me a bit of Almagro? Also has a handy slice. She's having a lowkey decent year.
Simon-Sock was the best Shanghai QF. Sadly Sock bottled it in the TB. Pity because Sock's never played Murray.
OTOH Simon is one of Muzza's pigeons (H2H 14-2). Simon did win their last HC meeting...Rotterdam last year.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Don't bite the hand that feeds you, springs to mind. It might all seem a lark now, but people will only put up with him making a social pariah of himself for so long. No point constantly giving him fines when he still doesn't learn and money is no object.”
Yup. Who knows though, there may be another explanation...could be an undiagnosed mental health issue. Pure speculation on my part, obvs.
Originally Posted by Jimmy Connors:
“Just shows the power of a sponsor. I wasn't aware of Generali's clout, but you are right, they command a lot worldwide. They have stuck with Linz for many years as well - so maybe in hindsight the tournament deserves its spot on the tour.”
Tbh I had to look Generali up as well...they have zero presence in the UK but they're a big cheese on the continent. I suppose the UK financial/insurance market is saturated?
Originally Posted by seansnotmyname@:
“Good words from Del potro too.”
He's a Nike stablemate of Pova, he knows which side his bread is buttered.
Originally Posted by anyonefortennis:
“Alison Hughes is so strict. She's like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda.”
Ha! Can't unsee it
Originally Posted by dduk:
“I seem to recall an indoor hard court in Belgium that was bright purple. or am I imaging it? I remember Justine Henin playing in the final, it was on Eurosport.”
I remember it too. It was somewhere in Western Europe, probably France or Belgique.
Originally Posted by Ginger Daddy:
“Djokovic a break down against the world number 110...
Still expect him to win this match, though.”
He was in a weird frame of mind this match, overly smiley and treating it like an exhibition. Only seemed to switch on when elder Zverev failed to put him away in straights.
Probably lulling Andy into a false sense of security...
Originally Posted by Mike Teevee:
“I do love when Andy has straight forward wins.
6-2 6-2 over Goffin.”
Scoreline makes it look easier than it was, I think. Goffin was giving as good as he got in long rallies but bottled some big points and had mishaps at the net - one missed drive volley on BP, one missed smash. 7-5 6-3 would be a more accurate reflection.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Just on twitter: Moscow - Kuzzy and Kalinskaya. Lux - Minella, Dodin and Schiavone.
Keys through to the SF. She does everything that bit better than Dodin and has the experience advantage.”
Hmm, a bit early for Dodin to take down Keys. There are rough edges to Oceane's game that she needs to smooth out in the offseason (FH, movement, decision making, focus). I like what I see though. Tall, brunette
Originally Posted by Mike Teevee:
“Either would be great, but maybe he feels like his clay court skills have improved enough to be considered a proper contender. Losing five AO finals isn't great, but he has won a hard court slam, Roland Garros would be something extra special.”
Yeah, he now has momentum on clay. It's only in the last couple of years that Andy's realised that RG is a viable proposition - half of it is his own improved consistency and movement on the surface, the other half is Rafa declining. RG was once his fortress.
Also, in my view there is less competition on clay/grass these days, whereas a lot of players can be dangerous on hard.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“All that effort from Pavs to get back from 1-5 down to then flop in the TB.”
I thought Pavs was mentally in Moscow after losing the first set tbh.
Originally Posted by seansnotmyname@:
“Konta will go as a reserve surely, whatever happens, Serena's health is always questionable, Garbine has just picked up an injury, and hey a few of the others aren't actually made of steel injury-wise.”
Makes sense. There may be a withdrawal or two.
Originally Posted by
Irishguy123:
“Also, anybody see this? The WTA are running their player of the year poll, and Serena has voted! Also, you've got to laugh at Halep's inclusion in the poll. I mean I know they needed five to make a top five, but still
At least Pliskova made a slam final!”
Well, Halep has her fans. 90% of them are Romanian but...