Australian Open - Day 9

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

As much as I love Genie I think we need to see massive improvement in her defensive game before she's a slam winner (unless the draw is especially kind to her). She's one of the best in the world when stepping into the court but as soon as she gets pushed back she has no backup plan whatsoever. Last five slam losses (perhaps even further back) have been to big hitters. It's no coincidence.

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

Anyone giving Berdych a chance?

 

[Hawks1523]

I literally don't care about the women's side anymore. As long as sharapova doesn't win im happy. Won't watch though

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Missed this morning's game; what happened? Halep completely off or Makarova extremely good?

Halep was a fraction off but it is typical when she had very few weapons. 2nd serve was horrible too and Makarova smashed it.

 

[rippersnipper]

I'm still holding out for a Nadal v Djokovic final in the men's. That was my preferred final even before the tournament

 

[Redline]

Anyone giving Berdych a chance?

I don't think so, I really like Berdych so hopefully he can put up a good fight.

Just on the schedule tomorrow, I am a bit surprised Wawrinka and Nisikori is on during the day. I think that game holds more interest than Raonic and Djokovic.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Anyone giving Berdych a chance?

Yes actually, despite the record. Nadal only has to be slightly off the way Berdych is playing. One crook service game per set is pretty much all Tomas needs the way he's serving, and Rafa's been a bit up and down. Nadal certainly has the matchup advantage but I think Berdych is in better form.

 

[Mingo]

I'm still holding out for a Nadal v Djokovic final in the men's. That was my preferred final even before the tournament

Djokovic will destroy him

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I don't think so, I really like Berdych so hopefully he can put up a good fight.

Just on the schedule tomorrow, I am a bit surprised Wawrinka and Nisikori is on during the day. I think that game holds more interest than Raonic and Djokovic.

Number 1 seed would have the first pick in terms of sessions. Day session suits Kei though!

 

[Xtreme]

I'm still holding out for a Nadal v Djokovic final in the men's. That was my preferred final even before the tournament

My ideal match up would be a rematch of last years final, love both Stan and Rafa .

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

As much as I love Genie I think we need to see massive improvement in her defensive game before she's a slam winner (unless the draw is especially kind to her). She's one of the best in the world when stepping into the court but as soon as she gets pushed back she has no backup plan whatsoever. Last five slam losses (perhaps even further back) have been to big hitters. It's no coincidence.

Great post!

Genie's biggest problem at the moment is she doesn't have a plan B in her game style especially against big hitters. Today she looked nervous at the start and never got going sadly.

 

[toxic]

Cheering for berdych now I've sern his missus

Bykarumba

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Nadal looking atrocious.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Quality of this match is shocking. Berdych looks nervous as all hell and Rafa just looks off. Hopefully both pick it up - was expecting a great contest.

 

[proka123]

I'm still holding out for a Nadal v Djokovic final in the men's. That was my preferred final even before the tournament

Their final in the Aussie Open in 2012 still remains the best game I've ever seen.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Berdych at $3.75 to win in four was great value.

 

[SK_MD_#7]

c'mon rafa.

 

[krisholio14]

Not sure why anyone would play down Berdych's chances pre match. Rafa hasn't really got going at all so far this tournament, Berdych has looked in excellent touch. No surprise for me to see him seal the first set pretty easily.

 

[Hudu Gurusingha]

Anyone giving Berdych a chance?

For the Berdman, there are two hopes:

Bob Hope and No Hope

 

[Redline]

I am really hoping we get a repeat of the other day where Rafa's drink bottle blew over and the ball boy put it back in the right place.

So funny, one of the moments of the tournament.

 

[rippersnipper]

Shit, Rafa is completely off

 

[randyzany]

Berdych schooling moonballing Nadull, loving every second of it.

 

[Hudu Gurusingha]

I am really hoping we get a repeat of the other day where Rafa's drink bottle blew over and the ball boy put it back in the right place.

So funny, one of the moments of the tournament.

 

[Hudu Gurusingha]

There is more certainty that Nadal will come back to win and Berdych will choke, than there is about the sun coming up in the morning

 

[ItsGameTime]

Hopefully the fashion house partner wins?