Grand Slam Australian Open - Day 8

[BobbyMorri]

This is later than normal but it was a damn good match. Another long, long 5 set which was damn entertaining. That was the 2nd of the day. We also said goodbye to the world's number 1 in the womens as Rybakina showcased that she deserves way better than court 13. Pegula continued her run and looks tough to beat.

Monday is the last day of multi-channel coverage and probably JCA.

Weather: 27C Partly Cloudy
Rest of Week. Saturday 35C is the only extremely hot day. Getting Warmer

RLA 11AM
Sabalenka [5] vs Bencic [12]
Linette vs Garcia [4]
Rublev [5] vs Rune [9]
7pm
de Minaur [22] vs Djokovic [4]
Womens Doubles

MCA 12:30 PM
Vekic vs Fruhvirtova
4 PM
[24] Bautista Agut vs Paul

JCA 2PM
Shelton vs Wolf

KIA Arena
Pliskova [30] vs Zhang [23]

Mens Draw

[18] Khachanov vs [29] Korda
[3] Tsitsipas vs. Lehecka
---------------------------------------------
Rublev [5] vs Rune [9]
de Minaur [22] vs Djokovic [4]

Shelton vs Wolf
[24] Bautista Agut vs Paul

Womens Draw

[22] Rybakina vs. [17] Ostapenko
[3] Pegula vs. [24] Azarenka/Zhu
-----------------------------------
Pliskova [30] vs Zhang [23]
Linette vs Garcia [4]

Sabalenka [5] vs Bencic [12]
Vekic vs Fruhvirtova

I have no idea what the schedule is doing now. Why the hell is Pliskova on KIA Arena for? Why only 2 singles match on MCA and one on JCA. I guess it is not a big name match but still......I just don't understand. On top of that, Why is Bencic/Sabalenka first up on RLA. That is the best match in the women's draw and it gets the crappy first match. slot. Novak will not play a day match all tournament, which also rubs me the wrong way but that issue should have been addressed earlier. Complaining over.

Again, this is the soft side of the draw. Bencic/Sabalenka should be a grand match and I feel the winner of that will make the final on this side. I tipped Sabalenka at the start and I can see her making the final. Garcia has been alright but not to Sabalenka quality just yet. Pliskova is a smokey.

Mens-wise, all Aussie eyes will be on the evening match between ADM and Novak. I think Novak would prefer to play someone who won't get every ball back atm but, even on 1 leg, he should still be too strong for the local hope.

Match of the Day: Rublev vs Rune will be fantastic. Rune has been very solid so far but has been out of the limelight. Hasn't even dropped a set. Rublev has only dropped the one and looked good beating Thiem and Evans especially. Rublev has never really beaten the top top players at slams before but normally gets the job done against the lesser ones. I am interested to see what side of the ledger Rune falls on today.
Rune in 4.

(also Bencic/Sabalenka but no one will see that)

 

[JamisonRun40]

Great write up. I'm tipping Bencic in three. Rublev depends if he keeps his head. Yes loss the only match they played but it was close. I also don't think Rublev had a great 2022 for a number of reasons. Vekic's match looks interesting, and she is also coming back from injury and has Shriver as her coach. Vekic in three. Sablenka/Bencic should not be first up just like today's match between Swiatek and Rybakina.

 

[danstar]

Totally dud schedule today. No way should they still be playing singles on Kia Arena and why is bencic/sabalenka not on in the night and why is womens doubles on following the mens, totally crap

 

[Gigantic]

Rybakina vs Sabalenka would be a great womens final

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Onya Sabalenka

 

[YeoShuey]

For me: Rune in 3. Djokovic in 4.

 

[gordo2016]

Totally dud schedule today. No way should they still be playing singles on Kia Arena and why is bencic/sabalenka not on in the night and why is womens doubles on following the mens, totally crap

Yer, ok. But we need your tips so we can make a few $, punting on the complete opposite. I've already won $576 and want to keep it going.

 

[Munich]

Totally dud schedule today. No way should they still be playing singles on Kia Arena and why is bencic/sabalenka not on in the night and why is womens doubles on following the mens, totally crap

It's like they've caved to the masses screeching about tennis matches being on after their bedtime.

Leave it alone ffs!

 

[Drummond]

Fruhvirtova almost gone. Great fight but it might be ending here.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Oh dear Garcia.

 

[Bumpswithagrin]

Yes, well done Donna!


Worst tennis attire award goes to Nike (again). The swirly patterns are horrible (think Francis Tiafoe's outfit). Admittedy the women's version was not as bad (Fruhvirtova).

 

[Munich]

Yes, well done Donna!


Worst tennis attire award goes to Nike (again). The swirly patterns are horrible (think Francis Tiafoe's outfit). Admittedy the women's version was not as bad (Fruhvirtova).

Korda has done well to have his own line.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Come on Rublev

 

[gordo2016]

Pav looks unnatural and looks like he's ready to sh** himself in the hosting chair. Well done Ch.9, another dud host.

 

[Drummond]

Pav looks unnatural and looks like he's ready to sh** himself in the hosting chair. Well done Ch.9, another dud host.

But but he’s a footy player, must be amazing and a born media personality! Right?!

 

[Drummond]

Come on Rublev

Good start by our boy here, although wasted some half chances on Rune’s first service game.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Pav looks unnatural and looks like he's ready to sh** himself in the hosting chair. Well done Ch.9, another dud host.

Still better than Tony Jones

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Good start by our boy here, although wasted some half chances on Rune’s first service game.

Just keep the bloke out there 5 hours

 

[gordo2016]

Still better than Tony Jones

You're not wrong.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Rublev how did you miss that BP it was there jeez

 

[Drummond]

Rublev lol, I’m going to put some money on Rune for the title.

 

[Drummond]

Good early jinx works, let’s go haha

In all seriousness, I find it very hard to warm to Rune.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Rublev lol, I’m going to put some money on Rune for the title.

What a fight from Rublev massive serving

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Good early jinx works, let’s go haha

In all seriousness, I find it very hard to warm to Rune.

It’s worth losing a bit so Rublev wins lol

 

[Drummond]

What a fight from Rublev massive serving

Glorious save. Now let’s put the pressure right back on!