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Post by bia2209 on Jan 24, 2007 14:28:54 GMT 3
Don't mind me...I am just going to go vomit in my corner and plot Gonzo's demise... Rafa is down two sets and he's limping. Called the trainer to get treatment on his left leg. Ok Gonzo is playing very well but Rafa's just not looking like himself...he's pissed as hell for one thing. I hope he can turn it around but I'm smelling shades of Mischa at the US Open. Besides as important a match as this is, it's not worth risking his health longterm. If Rafa loses this match...might as well give Fed the trophy one time becasue there will be no stopping him. He could play left handed and blindfolded and he'd probably still roll over everyone else in this draw.  Not giving up on him yet but it's not looking good. And Kolya lost to the android (and I mean android in the nicest possible way so no one get mad  ) Can this day get any weirder?? Oh yea it can becasue i have to go to class in half an hour.... |
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Post by davis on Jan 24, 2007 15:04:01 GMT 3
If Rafa loses this match...might as well give Fed the trophy one time becasue there will be no stopping him. He could play left handed and blindfolded and he'd probably still roll over everyone else in this draw. I beg to differ a little bit, bia (I have to, otherwise I'd have to stop watching the AO as of now  ): 1. I think Andy has a fair chance against Roger in the semis. Roger hasn't lost a set yet, but his performance against Robredo wasn't outstanding in any way (rather, Robredo played badly). Andy on the other hand has shown some brilliant tennis, so why not another victory by A-Rod over R-Fed? 2. Gonzo has been known to be easy pray for Roger but he has played outstanding tennis throughout the whole tournament. I've never seen him better and I think he could have a realistic shot at the title. I definitely don't see a chance for Tommy to advance further. 3. Rafa wouldn't have had a chance against Roger in Australia. His game just isn't versatile enough. To sum it all up: I want to see Fernando Gonzales vs. Andy Roddick for breakfast on Sunday morning. But with my "luck", it'll be Federer-Haas... |
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Post by davis on Jan 24, 2007 15:58:19 GMT 3
I found a little bit more about Marat at the AO: Heavy Hitters Posted 01/19/2007 @ 4 :30 PM by Steve Tignor www.tennis.com I was up late last night and back in front of the TV early this morning—I pretty much staggered into the living room at 8:00 A.M. and got right to the Roddick-Safin match. I’ve never fast-forwarded between points before, but I guess there’s a first for everything. Who said these Aussie Open late nights were fun? Was that me? What was I thinking? OK, let's go straight to the rundown: Roger Federer: Sire Jacket is flying under the radar mainly because there isn’t much left to say about him. But I’ve got three small observations: (1) The blue looks good; (2) Last night he was getting testy when he lost single games. Even the way he slapped the balls to the ballboys after holding serve looked a little disdainful; (3) Next time you watch, keep an eye on his head. He makes it a part of each stroke. When he hits a slice backhand, his head snaps downward. In a replay of one crosscourt forehand pass, you could see Federer keep his head completely still while his body rotated around it; looked kinda Exorcist. Andy Roddick: Was this the sequel to Sampras-Courier 1995, when Pete did it for his coach? Roddick ended his win over Safin with tears in his eyes as he looked over to Jimmy Connors, who had flown in after burying his mother. Whatever the emotions behind it, Roddick’s performance was solid and grounded. He wasn’t as blistering as he was against Lleyton Hewitt at the U.S. Open; this win was more about his improved backhand, tactical forays to net—Roddick still doesn’t come in all that much, but he's more comfortable up there—and steadiness in the face of Safin’s up and down play and continual outbursts at the chair umpire. What do these three things have in common? They were all specialties of one James Scott Connors, who was a master at controlling the mood of a match. But it’s the backhand down the line that could be the real difference-maker in Roddick’s future; it finally gives him a weapon beyond his serve and forehand. Federer-Roddick in the semis? I think we’ll get it, and it will be a good one. And Federer will win. Marat Safin: He played pretty well, but looked weary in the end from his earlier five-setters. I felt like he was just slightly off and tied up all night; he didn’t send his shots to the corners the way he can. Like Petrova, Safin also did the Russian roller-coaster of emotions, which didn’t help. But it did give us a funny line. Safin had been complaining about the wet court (it was raining slightly); the tournament referee came out and decided play should continue. Safin continued to harangue the umpire with something like this: “That guy in a tie, smoking a cigarette, with two chicks comes out and gets to decide?” PS: Isn't it odd that the players are saying they want the chair umpires to overrule more often, now that Hawkeye has been installed? There really is a first for everything.  |
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Post by bia2209 on Jan 24, 2007 16:23:11 GMT 3
If Rafa loses this match...might as well give Fed the trophy one time becasue there will be no stopping him. He could play left handed and blindfolded and he'd probably still roll over everyone else in this draw. I beg to differ a little bit, bia (I have to, otherwise I'd have to stop watching the AO as of now ): 1. I think Andy has a fair chance against Roger in the semis. Roger hasn't lost a set yet, but his performance against Robredo wasn't outstanding in any way (rather, Robredo played badly). Andy on the other hand has shown some brilliant tennis, so why not another victory by A-Rod over R-Fed? 2. Gonzo has been known to be easy pray for Roger but he has played outstanding tennis throughout the whole tournament. I've never seen him better and I think he could have a realistic shot at the title. I definitely don't see a chance for Tommy to advance further. 3. Rafa wouldn't have had a chance against Roger in Australia. His game just isn't versatile enough. To sum it all up: I want to see Fernando Gonzales vs. Andy Roddick for breakfast on Sunday morning. But with my "luck", it'll be Federer -Haas... You're perfectly entitled to your opinion as is everyone.  Sure Andy is playing better than he has in a long while. And Gonzo is as you correctly pointed out playing the best tennis I think he's ever played. However as you also said Federer hasn't been playing his best. Just think of how many gears up he can shift if he has to. All I'm saying is that I think down to the business end of this tournament now, Fed will produce the level of brilliance that is required. Nothing more and nothing less. And to be honest, I could completely care less at this stage. *goes back to her footie filled world and waits for Marat's next tournie to come around* |
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Post by Annie on Jan 24, 2007 17:13:45 GMT 3
Schedule for ThursdayRod Laver Arena Start Time 11:00 AM Men's Doubles - Semis Paul Hanley (AUS)[4]/ Kevin Ullyett (ZIM)[4] vs. Jonas Bjorkman (SWE)[2]/ Max Mirnyi (BLR)[2] Not Before 1:30 PM Women's Singles - Semis Serena Williams (USA) vs. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE)[10] followed by Women's Singles - Semis Maria Sharapova (RUS)[1]  You are my last hope!!! vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)[4] Rod Laver Arena Start Time 7:30 PM Men's Singles - Semis Roger Federer (SUI)[1] vs. Andy Roddick (USA)[6] followed by Mixed Doubles - Qtr. Finals Daniel Nestor (CAN)/ Elena Likhovtseva (RUS) ;D vs. Leander Paes (IND)[3]/ Samantha Stosur (AUS)[3]
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Post by love15 on Jan 24, 2007 18:21:04 GMT 3
did safin lose? unfunny joke, i was there infront of the tv screen like many otheres holding back the tears when he lost to andy. Ive been away, so i couldnt vent my frustrations on tgfr. Cruel, cruel.
I love rafa but am happy that Fernando won, he has been playing incredible. But i like Haas too.. its difficult. Rog will be in finals most prob, then again we dont know.
Rog and Gonzo 4 the finals
oh and fan reports rock, so i shall quickly head to fan reports and express my gratitude!
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Post by Annie on Jan 24, 2007 18:28:02 GMT 3
And whilst you're at it Natalie, run to the scans thread and express your gratitude to God |
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Post by rus7 on Jan 24, 2007 18:50:40 GMT 3
next time marat wins ;D
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Post by maryb on Jan 24, 2007 19:11:21 GMT 3
Thought the Gonzo Rafa match was a great result for Gonzo. Tactically he was the better player, and he kept it consistent throughout the match. Think Rafa is going to have to develop his tactical play more and rely a bit less on hammering the ball down and bludgeoning his opponent with long baseline rallies. Hey, wait a minute ... he's only 20 ...  Hope Gonzo gets through to the final and doesn't think too much about being in his first GS semi. ;D (I've forgiven him for beating Marat at Wimbles). Will miss the Roddick Federer match tomorrow. Think it could go the distance. May the best man win. PS Someone sent me some one-liners. I'll post in non-Marat topics. They are hysterical. ;D |
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Post by avalon on Jan 25, 2007 5:59:05 GMT 3
It was great match. Gonzo's forehand, you could hear it wizzing through the air and Nush was weeping into her Spanish flag. Luckily she kept herself together not like two ladies who with one too many "Carn Nar-dell's" and beers were escorted out of Rod Laver [it was more entertaining than the match itself ]. Rafa's remark at the press conference was a classic. Asked where he had a pain, he pointed to his thigh and then his butt and said "I have a pain in my famous arse". He just got whipped and still has a sense of humour. As did the crowd. Many cracks about Bonds, comfy undies and having a chat to Pat Rafter [sorry for all those non-Aussie who have no idea what I am talking about ]. However, I must say it has only taken a morning, but I am so over the "Hot Chile" "Speedy Gonzalez" descriptions of Gonzo I definitely think Andy will give Rog a run for his money, Gonzo will whack Tommy off the court and hopefully [nearly 30 years since the last Latin AO winner] win the tournament ;D ;D |
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Post by avalon on Jan 25, 2007 6:04:04 GMT 3
PS At 26, Gonzo gives me hope that Marat can get back to his best ;D
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Post by davis on Jan 25, 2007 11:02:55 GMT 3
The Women's Final has been determined:
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Maria beat Kim Clijsters surprisingly clear in 2 sets 64 62, Serena won against Vaidisova 76 64. Great comeback from Serena but I doubt she'll have a big chance against the Scream Queen.
The Men's Doubles final will be a classic:
Bob and Mike Bryan vs. Jonas Björkman/Max Mirnyi
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Post by Annie on Jan 25, 2007 11:43:58 GMT 3
OOOOOOOOOO Men's Doubles Classic, will get to watch that I think. ;D ;D ;D ;D Too bad for Kim but GO MARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go for your third GS girl!!! Maybe that will stop all the comparison to Kournikova Roger-Andy just started... |
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Post by sonya on Jan 25, 2007 11:52:00 GMT 3
The break in first game might be a very good sign  |
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Post by Annie on Jan 25, 2007 12:43:48 GMT 3
Uh huh and a bagel in the second set is an even better sign 6/4 6/0 so far. Andy won 6 points in the whole of the second set |
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