slugking50
All-Star
Still on pace for a Davenport vs Sharipova finals.
Sharipova just won over a Russian I cant pronounce nor spell.
Sharipova just won over a Russian I cant pronounce nor spell.
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Australian open
- Thread starter loopymitch
- Start date
loopymitch
All-Star
The worst part is these players are losing to virtual unknowns! Baghdatis?? Who the hell is that? Pironkova? Not exactly household names. This sucks
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
In the womens I am still rooting for Ms. Clijsters!! Go KIM!!
loopymitch
All-Star
I hear ya piksi, lol. Maybe Kings should try tennis, no baskets.
Insomniacal Fan
Starter
piksi said:
Actually, I think Safin is the only guy that Can beat Federer regularly.
You were referring to somebody else?
Kajun
G-League
Baghdatis isn't just some unknown. The kid is just 20, gave Federer a scare a few years ago (04) at the US Open, and is extremely talented. He made the Aussie Open R16 last year. He hasn't done anything spectacular yet, but given his talent (he was top 3 in juniors), I would not be surprised at all if he makes top 10 in the future.
Think of him as part of the Nadal, Gasquet generation.
The fact that you don't know his name, does not automatically imply he is some random journeyman.
I think Piksi meant Roddick.
Safin actually has a backhand. It's his best shot.
Think of him as part of the Nadal, Gasquet generation.
The fact that you don't know his name, does not automatically imply he is some random journeyman.
Insomniacal Fan said:
I think Piksi meant Roddick.
Safin actually has a backhand. It's his best shot.
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Savo
G-League
Bballkingsrock said:
Did you really believe that Roddick would beat Federer? He couldn't do it even if he had a 2 set advantage to start the match. It's 10 - 1 for Fedman. Need I say more?
The only player that might trouble Federer is Ljubicic. And by trouble I mean Federer losing a set.
Hingis is playing great, her tennis is so beautiful to watch. Welcome back!
But she can't go all the way...
Insomniacal Fan
Starter
Kajun said:
I realize piksi was referring to Roddick, I forgot the smiley to demonstrate my attempt at humor.
But I think Safin is the only current player on the tour who has been competitive with Federer during the past couple years where the Fed has dominated the sport. And though I admit it's been a while since I've seen Safin play, isn't he basically a serve and volleyer with a bad attitude?
Kajun
G-League
Insomniacal Fan said:
Did you forgot the smiley there too? If so, I don't get it.
If not...Oh, dear.
Safin at his best can challenge Federer without a question. The problem of course, he rarely is -- too many injuries, and too many mental breakdowns. Thus using "competitive" is slightly misplaced here. More competitive is Nadal, who's given Fed 3 very tough matches so far. Nalbandian, Kiefer can give Federer some problems when they play (though they aren't really contenders to win titles).
It speaks volumes when you have a tough time coming up with names that "challenge" Federer.
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Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Savo said:
But when Roddick was there anything can happen. I know Roddick was probably going to lose. But you never know when Roger has a bad day........
fishgirl
Bench
Ya I gotta agree - Federer totally owns Roddick. I also agree that Safin, if only he can play his game at a consistent level, can easily challenge Federer. He's definitely got the game and the talent to beat him.
Nalbandian did it at the Masters in Shanghai last year, and even though Roger just came off an injury then and was probably not 100%, Nalbandian showed how to beat him.
Ljubicic lost in five last night to Baghdatis (who I would argue is not some unknown) - he's beaten some good players in his young career. In this same tourney last year, he won over Ljubicic and Robredo before losing to Federer (and it was a good match, too). I think I also remember him beating Haas and Nalbandian late last year. He's definitely a guy to watch.
Nalbandian did it at the Masters in Shanghai last year, and even though Roger just came off an injury then and was probably not 100%, Nalbandian showed how to beat him.
Ljubicic lost in five last night to Baghdatis (who I would argue is not some unknown) - he's beaten some good players in his young career. In this same tourney last year, he won over Ljubicic and Robredo before losing to Federer (and it was a good match, too). I think I also remember him beating Haas and Nalbandian late last year. He's definitely a guy to watch.
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Cant believe Justine beat Davenport. Sharapova is still in it and in my opinion for the final four are:
Amelia Maurasmo, Henin - Hardene, Clisters, Sharapova. Still going with Kim in this one.
A great match is coming up! Clijsters verse Hingis. Cant wait for that one.
Dont even need to talk about hte men's side..........
Amelia Maurasmo, Henin - Hardene, Clisters, Sharapova. Still going with Kim in this one.
A great match is coming up! Clijsters verse Hingis. Cant wait for that one.
Dont even need to talk about hte men's side..........
Savo
G-League
Kajun said:
Yeah, I watched the match and it was tight. Federer now has to play guys who will cause problems for him. Kiefer and Nalbandian/Baghdatis are not intimidated by him and it should be fun. I bet he's sorry that Roddick is not around anymore.
Belgium will have a winner in Australia this year...
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
There are some underdogs that are going to have some nice shots against Roger IMO............
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Sharapova lost and now Justine advances to finals. Its bewteen Amelia and Kim. I still want Kim to win but right now its a close one!
Savo
G-League
Kajun said:
True that. Clement in 2001, Schüttler in 2003 to name a couple. They were both demolished in the final (by Agassi).
Marcos really did a fantastic job today, but I wonder how he will play against Federer. Will he be nervous? It is the final after all. I can't wait to see what happens. So nice to see a new kid on the block (I think people will know who he is from now on). He has great potential. Whether he will develop into something big is another question.
Kajun
G-League
Savo said:
The Australian Open has relatively weak players in the last stages, quite often. Compare that to the US Open, where the top players always seem to win.
Regarding Baghdatis, that's a really tough question. If it were a 1st or second round, I'm sure Baghdatis would have given Federer alot of trouble, *especially* when Federer is out of sorts like he is now. But we all know Federer steps it up in the final, and that the last couple of years he's turned into an amazing pressure player. And I imagine Federer is not unhappy that Baghdatis beat Nalbandian.
As far as his future: he will probably be a top 10 player (like I said a few posts back), he may even win a GS, but it's tough to see him becoming a "great" player. Good, but not great.
Federer has yet to make it past Kiefer, of course. That will be one ugly battle.
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Wow!! You never know in the finals!!Fderer might have an off day and he might have a struggle. I will still give teh edge to Rogetr just I think bagdhatis will try really hard and I am going to say this will go in 4 sets.
In womens, Clijsters had a good start but ened to injury. Really tough loss there since I wanted her to win! I am going with Amelia in this one.
She always chokes but I think she will pull it out this time.
In womens, Clijsters had a good start but ened to injury. Really tough loss there since I wanted her to win! I am going with Amelia in this one.
She always chokes but I think she will pull it out this time.
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Amelia won!! I knew should would win! 
Her first major and im glad she got it.
Now its time for Federer. Does anyone know what time the match with Federer will air?
Her first major and im glad she got it. Now its time for Federer. Does anyone know what time the match with Federer will air?
TheSerbianQueen
Bench
It was GREAT seeing Henin NOT win yet another slam (yes, I greatly dislike her...). Must say, that whole "feeling sick" moment last night was questionanle. henin has played finals before when she was REALLY sick.... ready to fall over and die, but because she was in lead she never retired. Last night she was getting her (you know what) kicked and right away she comes over with this sudden feeling of sickness.... Whatever! Way to go Amelie!!!
Bballkingsrock
All-Star
Wow!! Federer had lots of emotions in this one. But I am very happy for him!
Bagdhadtis tried his best, but of course thats not enough verse Federer.
Bagdhadtis tried his best, but of course thats not enough verse Federer.
Nazman
Bench
What another great moment in the compelling history of Grand Slam tennis. Baghdatis compeletly energized this tournament w/ his infectious smile and poise not to mention the glorious atmosphere of pandemonium generated by his entourage that reminds one easily of Davis Cup.
In what would otherwise have been another boring run by uber athlete Roger Federer this tournament was transcended by the gifts and charisma of a seeming unknown.
It was that Proverbial Game of Hearts and you could feel the difference. It was palpable. Given the inspired play of Baghdatis, the incomparable commentary by the master, Dick Enberg, the touching camera shots over to Baghdatis' pensive and eventually tearful Parisian girlfirend or finally the warm embrace by the two great competitors to close the match it was yet another unforgettable experience.
Another great year of Grand Slam tennis. A magical moment for Amelia Mauresmo. Another striking portrait of tennis greatness in the form of Roger Federer who is an extraordinary blend of mental toughness and physical dexterity. There is just no one who can match him right now. Baghdatis got his attention and undoubtedly his respect.
Fortunately in this arena it is still all about Heart. That's what seems to make all the difference in the game of sport. And when it happens you can feel the difference. Grand Slam Tennis from the land down under.
In what would otherwise have been another boring run by uber athlete Roger Federer this tournament was transcended by the gifts and charisma of a seeming unknown.
It was that Proverbial Game of Hearts and you could feel the difference. It was palpable. Given the inspired play of Baghdatis, the incomparable commentary by the master, Dick Enberg, the touching camera shots over to Baghdatis' pensive and eventually tearful Parisian girlfirend or finally the warm embrace by the two great competitors to close the match it was yet another unforgettable experience.
Another great year of Grand Slam tennis. A magical moment for Amelia Mauresmo. Another striking portrait of tennis greatness in the form of Roger Federer who is an extraordinary blend of mental toughness and physical dexterity. There is just no one who can match him right now. Baghdatis got his attention and undoubtedly his respect.
Fortunately in this arena it is still all about Heart. That's what seems to make all the difference in the game of sport. And when it happens you can feel the difference. Grand Slam Tennis from the land down under.
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