Tennis

[insidehoops]

The official tennis discussion thread!

The previous tennis thread was here:

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?460872-Tennis

[ArbitraryWater]

Olympics Final between Djokovic and Alcaraz about to kick off.....

could be Djokovics crowning moment.


I hope he does it.

[dankok8]

He did it! The one thing missing and now it's done. I wonder how much longer he's gonna play. This would be a perfect moment to ride off into the sunset.

[ArbitraryWater]

He did it! The one thing missing and now it's done. I wonder how much longer he's gonna play. This would be a perfect moment to ride off into the sunset.

It would indeed be perfect but he said he wants to play the 2028 Olympic Games too in the PC yesterday :haha

Anyway, in todays game, staying great to 40 is very manageable so I dont see why not.

[dankok8]

Nah. 40 is too old. Novak now looks like he's breaking down. Honestly it's 50:50 whether he wins one more slam or not.

I mean I really hope I'm wrong but I don't see him dominating for a few more years.

[SouBeachTalents]

Alcaraz out in straight sets in the 2nd round :biggums:

What :oldlol:

[ArbitraryWater]

Since the other thread was closed shortly upon a discussion of Sinner vs. Alcaraz...

here are the receipts:


https://i.gyazo.com/fb192f6d5172e7dc8d6bcaa1362b88d6.png



https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png



https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png



Absoutey hilarious takes.


This is what happens when you cannot deduct happenings/evaluate events beyond the surface result.


You dont see things. You dont notice patterns.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz out in straight sets in the 2nd round :biggums:

What :oldlol:


Alcaraz will be a more classical erratic ATG. GOAT-contender even. He will pile up slams and have quite a few early losses, mainly on HC.

Its becoming evident that hes best on natural surfaces. He seems quite vulnerable on HC. Hes lost a 1-6 set at 2023 USO to Med, 2024 AO to Zverev, now 2024 USO to Botic.

He will win several more HC slams, way too good not to, but the trend is apparent.


I think his first half to 2022 will be the best half of tennis of his career.

It was right at his breakout, he rode the perfect wave, but he hasnt come close to matching that since, really.

I dont think he will ever be the year-round tennis machine that Jannik Sinner is.

Sinner will probably eat up pretty much all Year End Number 1s.

2024 is the start.

[ArbitraryWater]

Its annoying btw that Alcaraz for his life cant seem to get the 2nd rank.

I dont want any Sinner-Alcaraz SFs anymore.

2025 should be the end of that, but at this point its looking very likely that Zverev with a deep run here will solidify the number 2 rank going into the Australian Open next year.

And you know how that has ended up literally every one of the last 3 slams...

they always put Djokovic alone in his half, and Sinner and Alcaraz together in their half.



Djokovic is going to end the year ranked 5th (look at the race, hes too far behind Medvedev, and Med will play more after the USO too). Which is also gonna be pretty annoying, because it means Sinner (or Alcaraz) could face him in the QF.

No one wants to see that in the QF.

[ArbitraryWater]

Zandschulp btw made the QF of this tournament 3 years ago.

Was the only player to take a set off Medvedev at the 2021 USO.

[SouBeachTalents]

Alcaraz will be a more classical erratic ATG. GOAT-contender even. He will pile up slams and have quite a few early losses, mainly on HC.

Its becoming evident that hes best on natural surfaces. He seems quite vulnerable on HC. Hes lost a 1-6 set at 2023 USO to Med, 2024 AO to Zverev, now 2024 USO to Botic.

He will win several more HC slams, way too good not to, but the trend is apparent.


I think his first half to 2022 will be the best half of tennis of his career.

It was right at his breakout, he rode the perfect wave, but he hasnt come close to matching that since, really.

I dont think he will ever be the year-round tennis machine that Jannik Sinner is.

Sinner will probably eat up pretty much all Year End Number 1s.

2024 is the start.
HC clearly seems to be his weakest surface so far, but I think you're rushing a bit too too much to judgement on this one. The dude is 21 years old, look at the Big 3 at that age, none of them were the player they'd become yet, no reason to think Alcaraz can't improve on that surface in the next couple of years. Let's not forget he's already won a major on that surface too :lol

[ArbitraryWater]

HC clearly seems to be his weakest surface so far, but I think you're rushing a bit too too much to judgement on this one. The dude is 21 years old, look at the Big 3 at that age, none of them were the player they'd become yet, no reason to think Alcaraz can't improve on that surface in the next couple of years. Let's not forget he's already won a major on that surface too :lol

Oh I know he has.

It was also a result of the tournament kind of falling apart though. Djokovic visa denied (which was insane given it was late 2022 and the covid stuff was pretty much over), Nadal going out in his half after having been 22-0 at slams in 2022 before R4, Sinner bricking from match point on serve. Medvedev made the F of the 3 previous HC slams and lost R4.

A lot of stuff went his way.

But as I said, he will win slams on HC.. and I think he coud have won the USO ast year.

Nadal did not look too good on HC early on, in fact worse than Alcaraz but surface difference still seemed to be much more of a thing in the mid/late 2000s. And then Nadal won 6 HC slams and it could have been like 10.

I think Alcaraz will be in that same range, probably.

But it will be his vulnerable surface.

[SouBeachTalents]

And Djokovic proceeds to lose the very next night :lol

[ArbitraryWater]

Its annoying.

They put Alcaraz and Medvedev in Sinners half when the other half needed it.


Sinner is the most bulletproof/lock player.

Its the other half thats far more likely to break down, steerheaded by Zverev and Djokovic. Thats the one which could have used backing.

We will have 2 newbie/unengaging SFists.


Zverev has 2 huge tests ahead of him with Nakashima and Fritz.

[Hey Yo]

Happy 72nd birthday to Jimmy Connors... dude was the master on most surfaces.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner wins US Open, 2nd slam of the year. Could well be the 3rd or 4th.




Its funny, Alcaraz - Sinner was another ultimate lithmus / IQ test on how strong your brain is and if you can think outside the box.


When Sinner was down 1-2 slams, it was clear to me he was better.

When Sinner was down 1-3 slams, it was clear to me he was better.

When Sinner was down 1-4 slams, it was clear to me more than ever, hes better.

For many people, its hard to think like that.


Its too ease for their feeble minds to take the simple option that requires no additional explanations.

Just "4 slams bro, he just won the last 2".

People are that simple. Dont have that critical think.

[dankok8]

Still think Alcaraz is better but Sinner might be the real deal. He's proving me wrong.

[ArbitraryWater]

Still think Alcaraz is better but Sinner might be the real deal. He's proving me wrong.

Youre so silly man.

[ArbitraryWater]

https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png



https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png




These might genuinely be the 2 dumbest posts ever uttered on here regarding tennis.


dankok is seriously lucky this place has no tennis community lmao.

[dankok8]

https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png



https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png




These might genuinely be the 2 dumbest posts ever uttered on here regarding tennis.


dankok is seriously lucky this place has no tennis community lmao.

It's not dumb at all. Alcaraz was much more proven with a 4-1 slam lead while being a year younger and with more big wins.

[ArbitraryWater]

It is dumb.

look at you now. Everything you said was wrong.


You just couldnt recognize shit.


To say Alcaraz was a tier ahead of Sinner and that Sinner is far from an all time great (while suggesting Alc needs 30 slams cause theres no competition while Sinner is level in the H2H) with everything weve seen of him screams peak stupidity.


like unheard of stupidity. Type of stupidity youd put someone down for.

[imdaman99]

Alcaraz is more dynamic and exciting to watch, sorry to tell ya mate. Carlitos is younger and has more slams and is better on clay and grass. He will get better on HC as well, but he does have a USO under his belt. So calm down arby.

I'm not calling Carlitos an all time great yet either though. Time will tell, but stop overrating sinner. Sinner had a great year, especially on HC. And who beat him on HC this year??? Yeah, it was Carlos... and throw rubes in there as well. So no, they are not level in h2h. It's 5-4 Carlitos, he also beat him RG.

[ArbitraryWater]

Thanks for saying a whole bunch of nothing.


And the 2 statements you made are just as dumb:


Alcaraz and Sinner are already ATGs.

Only question is if they will be GOATs.

[Manny98]

I don't watch tennis often but Sinner and Djokovic are having a fantastic match right now :applause:

[Manny98]

From what I believe Sinner & Alcaraz are the next Djokovic and Nadal....

[ArbitraryWater]

From what I believe Sinner & Alcaraz are the next Djokovic and Nadal....

Sure are the next / current Big 2.

[ArbitraryWater]

Fonseca is Sinner/Alcaraz level.

[ArbitraryWater]

Djok-Alcaraz QF...


Going into the tournament I thought Alcaraz would wipe the court with Djokovic if theyd meet at this stage.


Things have changed.

Alcaraz is looking okay but not outrageous, and Djokovic is seriously good...

I have my doubts about HC Alcaraz, Im not sure he will hold up against Djokovics utter stability and wall-ness.

[ArbitraryWater]

The official tennis discussion thread!

The previous tennis thread was here:

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?460872-Tennis



Anddd you deleted it. Nice job Jeff... **** you man.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner - Rune now on... big one.

[ArbitraryWater]

Djokovic mops the court with Alcaraz, who continues to look clueless on HC, with wild errors and no real strategy and bad decision making.


Alcaraz lost his gameplan and offense after the first set. He started really good and dictated manners, but eventually got away from it and got bogged down in the Djokovic baseline game. Regressing within a match is shameful.

He had a late awakening which was halted by Djokovics extreme ball bouncing which froze him and the ump allowing it.

[ArbitraryWater]

https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png



https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png




These might genuinely be the 2 dumbest posts ever uttered on here regarding tennis.


dankok is seriously lucky this place has no tennis community lmao.


Its funny how Alcaraz is looking more and more fraud-ish. Meanwhile Sinner is the real deal.

[SouBeachTalents]

Djokovic mops the court with Alcaraz, who continues to look clueless on HC, with wild errors and no real strategy and bad decision making.


Alcaraz lost his gameplan and offense after the first set. He started really good and dictated manners, but eventually got away from it and got bogged down in the Djokovic baseline game. Regressing within a match is shameful.

He had a late awakening which was halted by Djokovics extreme ball bouncing which froze him and the ump allowing it.
Hardcourt is clearly his weakest surface, but again, you're being too quick to judgement on a 21 year old. Nadal was even worse on that surface at the same age, you gotta give him a little bit more time.

If he's still having these results in 2 years, it's a legitimate concern.

[Hey Yo]

Joker retires in the middle of the match, asshole fans boo him.

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/43541740/alexander-zverev-australian-open-final-djokovic-retires

[ArbitraryWater]

Less than a year ago, dankok said that Sinner, by far the best player in the word and prob the most dominant athlete in the world right now, is less than a TIER below Acaraz and "far from all time great".


One of the most hilarious and dumb things ever said.


https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png
https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png


Ignorance knows no boundaries and we should never let these people forget their massive ignorance with which they go through their lifes.

[SouBeachTalents]

Sinner's been beating opponents like he's Nadal this tournament, I wonder how competitive Djokovic can keep it.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner-Alcaraz Final. No one was ever gonna stop it.


Shit is gonna go down.

[GOBB]

That Russian is super salty she lost to coco lol Poor sport or naw

[SouBeachTalents]

I'd need some time to digest the match, but this really might be the 2nd best match I've seen behind '08 Wimbledon, the quality of play they were able to maintain after 5 hours was unbelievable. I thought tennis would be in a rough patch after the Big 3 era, but it'll be in a great place with these two battling for the next decade.

Arby must be pretty deflated right now :lol

[ShawkFactory]

I'd need some time to digest the match, but this really might be the 2nd best match I've seen behind '08 Wimbledon, the quality of play they were able to maintain after 5 hours was unbelievable. I thought tennis would be in a rough patch after the Big 3 era, but it'll be in a great place with these two battling for the next decade.

Arby must be pretty deflated right now :lol

Correct! I was just thinking that about the pantheon of finals I’ve watched. Absolutely incredibly high level tennis from both guys. I thought it was going to be a little disappointing after the Fed/Djok/Nadal era but now I’m genuinely excited to see these two battle.

Really good stuff :cheers:

[Chick Stern]

Correct! I was just thinking that about the pantheon of finals I’ve watched. Absolutely incredibly high level tennis from both guys. I thought it was going to be a little disappointing after the Fed/Djok/Nadal era but now I’m genuinely excited to see these two battle.

Really good stuff :cheers:
I had plans, and had to hold off because it kept getting more and more epic. Awesome match!
And if it’s true that Skinner had foot blisters, that’s criminal.

[ArbitraryWater]

I'd need some time to digest the match, but this really might be the 2nd best match I've seen behind '08 Wimbledon, the quality of play they were able to maintain after 5 hours was unbelievable. I thought tennis would be in a rough patch after the Big 3 era, but it'll be in a great place with these two battling for the next decade.

Arby must be pretty deflated right now :lol

Devastated.

From a personal fan POV, and I had a win of about 9k on a Sinner win.

I dont know what it is, because Sinner is SUPER clutch against the rest of the tour. like immensely. His BP conversion and BP defense numbers and tiebreak numbers are elite elite elite. I think hes top 3 in all. But he cant cut it against Alcaraz.

He cant close.

Hes 4-8 in the H2H and in 5 of the 8 losses he led by a set and in 2 other he had set point in the 1st set... thats nuts. Hes controlled literally 5 of the 8 matches he lost to him, and had the upper hand in the 1st set for another 2. The 1 other loss was 6-7 5-7 (1st match Paris 2021), so a close shave there too.


And the weirdest thing is, the story used to be the other way around. Alcaraz was Nr. 1 and Sinner bothered him hard and led the H2H while he was like, 5-10 in the world.


But man...

as far as sports goes.


Pure cinema.


Best final since the 2022 WC Final.

1-2 SBs probably in there too with the Chiefs.

I hope Sinner avenges himself at Wimbledon. I think grass favors him more.

Alcaraz is weird in how hes a "natural surface specialist", his best tennis is played on clay and grass.


By the way, I think there are a few guys who will provide a challenge in the future. There are a lot of superstar players on the tour right now. Guys who can do it all.

Sinner in general is kind of a perfect tennis machine, I think only Alcaraz on clay and grass will challenge him.

But Fils, Fonseca on clay and maybe hard court, Rune on clay, Draper on grass and hard court, Mensik on hard court, will be challenges at slams. For Alcaraz anyway. All of these guys have genuine "Big 3" qualities.

Paul and Musetti are nice but dont quite have the firepower to one up them. Shelton could do something indoors against them in BO3. Lehecka and Machac could also threaten in BO3.


Sinner to take WB and USO, and the AO after that :rockon:

[ArbitraryWater]

That Russian is super salty she lost to coco lol Poor sport or naw

Expected. Shes been dominating the tour pretty much but has a mental problem in slam finals. 2nd time she lost to Gauff as favorite. Def sour but cant blame her. She played below her level.

[GOBB]

Expected. Shes been dominating the tour pretty much but has a mental problem in slam finals. 2nd time she lost to Gauff as favorite. Def sour but cant blame her. She played below her level.

Can’t blame a poor sport lol Ok

[ArbitraryWater]

Can’t blame a poor sport lol Ok

Thats just your derived conclusion. Mine is different. You also asked, btw.

[GOBB]

Thats just your derived conclusion. Mine is different. You also asked, btw.

Conclusion shared by those who watch and follow tennis (if not played it at a high level).

[ArbitraryWater]

Conclusion shared by those who watch and follow tennis (if not played it at a high level).


You? :lol

[GOBB]

You? :lol

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKheXq2IR7M/?igsh=Mmg5Z2l4cTR5amVj

Go give this poor sport a hug since you understand her whines

[ArbitraryWater]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKheXq2IR7M/?igsh=Mmg5Z2l4cTR5amVj

Go give this poor sport a hug since you understand her whines

Not you jumping all over the place with your takes again. Whats your point here gobbo? To show us a frustrated player? You are a genius man

[GOBB]

Watched the men’s match. Damn that was really good. Jesus Christ can Alcaraz be any more classy? His postgame speech was just as epic as the match. He made me a damn fan after that one. Wow. My bad if this is a well known thing about him. Salute to that young man. Whoever raised him fantastic f*cking job. Bravo



Not you jumping all over the place with your takes again. Whats your point here gobbo? To show us a frustrated player? You are a genius man

To show you a poor sport. But you relate to her. So not shocking at the least.

[ArbitraryWater]

Watched the men’s match. Damn that was really good. Jesus Christ can Alcaraz be any more classy? His postgame speech was just as epic as the match. He made me a damn fan after that one. Wow. My bad if this is a well known thing about him. Salute to that young man. Whoever raised him fantastic f*cking job. Bravo




To show you a poor sport. But you relate to her. So not shocking at the least.

No, thats you losing the shtick again.

A poor sport is someone who treats the opponent badly/unfair, not gets frustrated with your coach.

What happened to the claim that people who watch and follow the sport or play it at a high level conclude that shes a poor sport? Try to stay on point, gobbo.

[GOBB]

No, thats you losing the shtick again.

A poor sport is someone who treats the opponent badly/unfair, not gets frustrated with your coach.

What happened to the claim that people who watch and follow the sport or play it at a high level conclude that shes a poor sport? Try to stay on point, gobbo.

Do your own research. You want to be spoonfed all the time. You’ll never learn that way. Try it

[GOBB]

She apologized to Coco. Said how she acted was unprofessional and uncalled for. She was in her feelings.


She should ghpstwrote for posters here. Might make the place better or not

[Hey Yo]

Alcaraz being taken to a 5th set right now.

Hottest opening day in history.

[SouBeachTalents]

Damn, Sinner down 2 sets but Dimitrov retired

[ArbitraryWater]

Damn, Sinner down 2 sets but Dimitrov retired

Crazy stuff.

Dimitrov peaked but he played out of skin and paid the price for it. He consistently hit 140 MPH serves which he never does, until his pec gave out on a serve.

He wrote checks his body couldnt pay, and his body is already quite fragile. 5 straight retirements in slams now.

Of course Sinner hurt his elbow also in the beginning, is taking an MRI today and motioned to the team at one point that he couldnt hit his FH properly.

His odds for the title have dipped dramatically. At 2.4 before theyve dropped to 3.25 now and Alcaraz is now paying less than evens.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner has canceled his practice session today and his odds have jumped to 3.75, almost 4 to 1 now!

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner has canceled his practice session today and his odds have jumped to 3.75, almost 4 to 1 now!

Sinner now 4.33 after Alcaraz moved into the SF with that display.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner playing with an arm bondage/protection

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz into the final, Sinner and Djokovic will take court in 10 minutes.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner straight sets Djokovic in fairly routine fashion, who seemed less than 100% after that fall against Cobolli. Body language quite poor, very flat performance the first 2 sets.

Sinner sublime.

[ArbitraryWater]

Oh man, what a match. So much at stake for both.

Tennis is in a great spot right now.

Alcaraz is currently on 25 straight match wins, the best streak of his career and the 5th longest streak by a player (ironically just 1 below Sinners 26 which ended in Rome this year by Alcaraz), 20 straight Wimbedon wins, going for a Wimbledon hattrick, and is feeling like the best player in the world, in his channel slam groove where he already has 4 slams from to Sinners 0.

Sinner meanwhile is the clear Nr. 1 in the world, has won 2 of the last 3 slams and had match points for the 1 he lost, against Alcaraz of course, at Roland Garros a month ago.

And while Alcaraz is playing the best tennis of his career and will feel like he should cap it off with a title, more pressure has to be on Sinners shoulders, given that he has lost 5 straight matches against Alcaraz, one closer than the other; and will have to feel like he has to get the monkey off his back as far as winning a slam over Alcaraz goes. Maybe ideally in a 5-setter for ultimate demon burying, as he is 0-3 against Alcaraz in slam 5-setters, for the perfect tennis story.

Definitely rooting for my guy, Sinner.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner now 4.33 after Alcaraz moved into the SF with that display.


Aaaaand theyre evens

[SouBeachTalents]

Lmao, the women’s final ended 6-0 6-0.

[Hey Yo]

Lmao, the women’s final ended 6-0 6-0.

I stepped out for an hour.... came back and it was over with the American chick addressing the crowd. Not since 1911 has the Wimby women's final ended in a 6 love sweep.

[ArbitraryWater]

I feel bad for her.

That shit is on your name forever now. Not just are you associated with it, but youre in the record books for that.

You couldnt get a single game.

Youre almost becoming a loser even though youre WB runner up.

[ArbitraryWater]

Sinner now actually entering the match as the slight favorite.

[ArbitraryWater]

Spectacle about to start

[Im Still Ballin]

The Sinnerman is too good.

[SouBeachTalents]

He dominated Djokovic & Alcaraz, but the bail out against Dimitrov puts at least a little damper on this title

[ArbitraryWater]

He dominated Djokovic & Alcaraz, but the bail out against Dimitrov puts at least a little damper on this title

Cant forget though he injured his elbow in that match right away. And Dimitrov as I mentioned, played out of skin (not imaginatory but literally hitting serves bigger than ever) and paid the price for it. It wasnt a sustainable way of winning, what he did. He had to go overboard because he knew he wouldnt win any other way.

[ArbitraryWater]

I want the perfect conclusion at the USO with another Sincaraz final.

[ArbitraryWater]

Time to also bump these classics from a year ago:


https://i.gyazo.com/c08b0445c6b8971108becb6c57833824.png
https://i.gyazo.com/c3345e3f29079c7f8a790c2ade91ec02.png

[ShawkFactory]

He dominated Djokovic & Alcaraz, but the bail out against Dimitrov puts at least a little damper on this title

Wouldn’t say it’s a damper at all. Dimitrov has now retired from 5 majors. He has a tendency to overexert himself early in matches and the results from it are clear.

Even if he doesn’t retire there is no guarantee Sinner doesn’t dominate the rest of the way.

[ShawkFactory]

Sinner getting the monkey off his back is cool though. Gotta think when healthy these two will be playing in the finals every time for the foreseeable future.

[ArbitraryWater]

Cant forget either that even at down 2 sets against Dimitrov, the odds were, .. even :lol I mean mid 2nd set, down a set and a break, Sinner was still a huge favorite :lol

[SouBeachTalents]

What on earth happened to Medvedev. A 2nd then 3 straight 1st round losses :biggums:

This dude was the number 1 ranked player just a couple years ago, and was top 5 just last year.

[ArbitraryWater]

By far the biggest decline of any athlete ever. Without an injury to speak of.


Sad but also hilarious.

Epic meltdown last night.


I actually wanted to write before the match: Bonzi about to send Medvedev in the most epic ragefest and subsequent retirement of all time.


This actually pretty much happened. lol.

[Hey Yo]

A 6'11 Tennis Pro, huh... this should be good. Never seen this dude before. Let's see what Alcaraz can do against him.

[ArbitraryWater]

A 6'11 Tennis Pro, huh... this should be good. Never seen this dude before. Let's see what Alcaraz can do against him.


lol

[ArbitraryWater]

Opelka is known to everyone in the tennis world is what I wanted to say by that.

Hes like Isner only with an actual ground game.

Beat Djokovic in Brisbane.


Alcaraz was fantastic. Very sharp already.


Gonna be another Sinner-Alcaraz Final. Cant wait.

[Hey Yo]

It's all good. I consider myself somewhat a tennis fan, been watching for years. Just seems like Opelka would get more talk due to his size of course cause he easily has to be the tallest male pro ever (just saw that Ivo dude is the same height) Guess I'm further out of the loop than I thought.

My first impression after the first set last night was that Opelka looked oaf-ish on the court. Seemed slow with a really shitty "at-the-net" game. Dude had so many unforced errors that I tried to find the total this morning, but couldn't. He did play better from the 2nd set on which kinda surprised me.

Was going to mention Alcaraz's buzz cut hair in my post last night but didn't know how long he'd been sporting it.

[ArbitraryWater]

It's all good. I consider myself somewhat a tennis fan, been watching for years. Just seems like Opelka would get more talk due to his size of course cause he easily has to be the tallest male pro ever (just saw that Ivo dude is the same height) Guess I'm further out of the loop than I thought.

My first impression after the first set last night was that Opelka looked oaf-ish on the court. Seemed slow with a really shitty "at-the-net" game. Dude had so many unforced errors that I tried to find the total this morning, but couldn't. He did play better from the 2nd set on which kinda surprised me.

Was going to mention Alcaraz's buzz cut hair in my post last night but didn't know how long he'd been sporting it.

As good as his ground game is, hes not gonna like his chances in a sustained rally with Alcaraz... so he def had to take bigger risks than usual and go for huge shots.

New look for Alcaraz. Apparently his brother cut it, kinda messed up, and then they had to go all the way.

I love the look though. looks 2006 football/soccer ish.

[ArbitraryWater]

Once upon a time, in 2019, Tsitsipas was the next big thing in tennis.


He beat Federer at the AO, the defending champion; he beat Nadal on clay in Madrid, the 5x champion; and he beat Djokovic in Shanghai, also, the defending champion.

My oh my.

[ArbitraryWater]

Interesting how Svajda is playing Novak. Slowed the pace down, taking the role of retriever and counterpuncher, taking away Novaks strengths of re-direction, and making him work and attack for all his points.

He wont win, but Djokovic will have to grind for every point by the looks of it.

[ArbitraryWater]

What a shit day. Rune Ruud Mensik Fokina Nakashima all going out. And Draper via W.O. Draw/Tournament pretty much ruined again. Struff is such an unlikeable player. Constant underachieving choker his whole career, randomly peaks to beat big players and deny great match-ups. Honestly **** people like him. Horrific for the sport.

[GOBB]

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/american-taylor-townsend-says-she-told-she-has-no-class-no-education-opponent-after-us-open-win.amp


Another sore loser

[ArbitraryWater]

What happened to people make mistakes, being forgiving and shit, not making a big fuss out of things? :lol

[GOBB]

What happened to people make mistakes, being forgiving and shit, not making a big fuss out of things? :lol

Being a sore loser is not a mistake. It’s a decision. But you can relate to being a sore loser.

[ArbitraryWater]

Being a sore loser is not a mistake. It’s a decision. But you can relate to being a sore loser.

And lacking knowledge is also not a mistake, but both can be framed as one.

You just have racial bias. I dont. Ostapenko is a known bad loser. As are many women.

[GOBB]

And lacking knowledge is also not a mistake, but both can be framed as one.

You just have racial bias. I dont. Ostapenko is a known bad loser. As are many women.

“She’s a known loser” so she’s exempt from this being a “mistake”. Nice job hanging yourself.

Coming from a racist and feminist whose ancestors were probably apart of the Nazi military during the Holocaust. Go shine your Doc Martens b*tch.

[ArbitraryWater]

“She’s a known loser” so she’s exempt from this being a “mistake”. Nice job hanging yourself.

Coming from a racist and feminist whose ancestors were probably apart of the Nazi military during the Holocaust. Go shine your Doc Martens b*tch.


room temperature gobb at it again

Never said she was exempt from this nor that that was why. I merely held you a mirror for your logic.

And its "a part" not apart, which has completely different meaning.


****ing idiot.

[GOBB]

You make no sense per usual but here’s another scumbag you can relate too (from your backyard)…


https://nypost.com/2025/08/30/us-news/us-open-hat-snatcher-identified-as-polish-ceo-as-tennis-star-kamil-majchrzak-meets-with-boy/


Pathetic.

[ArbitraryWater]

Djokovic beats home favorite Fritz + crowd to make his 4th slam semi of the year. As with the previous 3, Sincaraz is waiting.

Well almost, at the AO he faced Alcaraz in the QF and then retired against Zverev after a first set tiebreak.

[ArbitraryWater]

Just like at the French Open, there are a lot of nice storylines on the Womens side going into the QF, which even have me looking with one eye open.

Sabaenka vs Vondrousova - Sabalenka the Word Nr. 3x slam winner, all 3 on HC, 5th straight USO SF ahead, eyeing her first slam of the year, to finally make a deep slam run pay off after 2 Finals and a Semi already. Vondrousova another slam champion Czech whos been injury riddled. Won 2023 WB, made the 2019 FO Final, on her 2nd USO QF.

Pegula vs Krejcikova - Consistent Pegula, QFs at every slam, USO Finaist/Runner Up last year, eyeing a SF. Krejcikova the former FO and WB champion, 2nd USO QF. Another talented Czech whos been physically frail.

Muchova vs Osaka - Muchova with b2b USO SFs eyeing a 3rd straight, to 2 WB QFs, an FO F and AO SF. Simpy, another superb Czech player. Osaka the 4x slam champion and 2x USO winner, on her comeback trail after years of mediocrity, hasnt made a R4 since 2021 AO.

Swiatek vs Anisimova: Rematch of the WB Final, which had the famous double bagel. Swiatek the most slam winning payer of this decade, just coming off WB and Cincinnati wins, 19-1 run, back at Nr. 2 in the word and looking to become Nr. 1 again with a USO victory. Anisimova is building her resume at the moment, coming off the mentioned WB Final, what an opportunity to avenge a double bagel at the next slam.

Possible Finals:

Sabalenka vs Swiatek - 2 best Women, great rivary, so much at stake. Nothing more to be said.
Sabalenka vs Osaka - Nr. 1 and 3x winner, always deep into slams, 3rd Final of the year and 4th SF, looking to finally reward hersef and her year vs 4x slam champion, 2x USO winner, first deep run since 2021 AO, whos finally found her range again.

Sabalenka Storylines are my favorite and imo the best for tennis:

Sabalenka to win USO, 4th slam and 4th HC slam, beating 3 Czech champions en route: Vondrousova, Krejcikova, Muchova.
Sabalenka beating Swiatek in a Battle of the 2 Top Women of the Decade and getting some Payback.
Sabalenka beating 2x USO champ Osaka to deny her Comeback Run.

I dont personally like Osaka much but it would be a crazy story if she won her 3rd USO here.

[ShawkFactory]

Watching Sabalenka. Admittedly I don’t watch the women much but damn she is POWERFUL. If she’s not making mistakes can anyone match that?

[ArbitraryWater]

Watching Sabalenka. Admittedly I don’t watch the women much but damn she is POWERFUL. If she’s not making mistakes can anyone match that?

Your assessment is spot on.

Sabalenka is the most powerful and generally best player on the womens but her mental make-up is atrocious.

Shes deeply scarred from all the late slam losses and were seeing the same unfold her. She just comes apart in the clutch on the big points.

Theres no mental clarity, shes going for bad shots, and just becomes afraid.

If Id have bet, Id have bet on her nerves getting the better of her. So far so true. Up 4-2 15-0 and then lost like 17 of the next 20 points.

[ShawkFactory]

Your assessment is spot on.

Sabalenka is the most powerful and generally best player on the womens but her mental make-up is atrocious.

Shes deeply scarred from all the late slam losses and were seeing the same unfold her. She just comes apart in the clutch on the big points.

Theres no mental clarity, shes going for bad shots, and just becomes afraid.

If Id have bet, Id have bet on her nerves getting the better of her. So far so true. Up 4-2 15-0 and then lost like 17 of the next 20 points.

Yea that makes sense. Complete unraveling at the end of the first.

Now seems to have turned it on again and just looks like the far superior player. Weird.

[ArbitraryWater]

Yea that makes sense. Complete unraveling at the end of the first.

Now seems to have turned it on again and just looks like the far superior player. Weird.


Yea she can take the racquet out of your hand but also be eratic and overplay.

Shes gonna win this set 6-1 probably but I have not that much trust in her in a 3rd set. Especially not serving second. Its very easy to see her throw in a stinker of a service game and complicate things immensely. I just cant see her defend a BP. If it gets that sticky, I dont see her holding it together.

Opposite feeling of Djokovic against Fritz 2 nights ago.

[ArbitraryWater]

Well she didnt break after all which I think is actually better for her. Also can still break for the set this way and serve first in the decider.

[ArbitraryWater]

Moment of truth for Sabalenka. Time to serve it out.

[ShawkFactory]

Moment of truth for Sabalenka. Time to serve it out.

Got it done. Barring a meltdown she should cruise to the title.

[ArbitraryWater]

Got it done. Barring a meltdown she should cruise to the title.

Well Anisimova can hit really hard as well. And she beat Sabalenka at Wimbledon.
Saba is better but not by much, this is exactly the kind of close final that could get sticky. Anisimova is „American“ also so the crowd will be behind her. I really do hope Saba finally comes away with a title.

[Hey Yo]

Like to see Joker win but unfortunately I think Alcaraz will have him running as much as possible. Just to much speed and power from Carlos for Joker to overcome.

Alcaraz in straight sets.

[Hey Yo]

Sergio Garcia lurking in the crowd.

[SouBeachTalents]

I thought for a minute Djokovic was gonna make this a match, now barring the miraculous we're getting what looks like the Final matchup of every slam for the foreseeable future.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz didnt even play that very smart. He could just control aggression Novak off the court. He doesnt play very smart against Nole in general but hes just too much for him now.

Yeah, onto a 3rd Sincaraz Final.


Lets ****ing go.


Were reaching peak heights with it.

If its like 6 straight it would be a little stale, but this is where a rivalry really reaches peak excitement especially with them splitting the last 2.

[Hey Yo]

I thought for a minute Djokovic was gonna make this a match, now barring the miraculous we're getting what looks like the Final matchup of every slam for the foreseeable future.

He blew the 2nd set and once Joker was down 1-3 in the 3rd he knew hr was toast. Looked like he was just going through the motions before the inevitable.

[Carbine]

Alcarez is the best tennis player I've ever seen skill for skill.

I don't need 25+ majors to acknowledge it. He's not the greatest player ever, but he is the best.

[ShawkFactory]

Alcarez is the best tennis player I've ever seen skill for skill.

I don't need 25+ majors to acknowledge it. He's not the greatest player ever, but he is the best.

He's an underdog in the final, albeit very slight.

Both guys are playing really well and I think their strengths from a grass/clay standpoint are a little thinner than Nadal and Federer's were. Which means a hard court final while both guys are playing their best should be truly epic.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcarez is the best tennis player I've ever seen skill for skill.

I don't need 25+ majors to acknowledge it. He's not the greatest player ever, but he is the best.

I agree with the principle.

I just think the same applies to Sinner.

They‘re probably the 2 best I‘ve ever seen.

[ArbitraryWater]

And shotout to FAA who was huge last night. Just absolutely crushing it.

A level above his already-great tournament level.

Went toe to toe with Sinner on hard court.

Who can say they did that? Over the last 2 years? Especially at slams?

Had me sweating for 3.5 hours he was so dangerous.

Crazy thing is not just the FH and serve were booming but all parts of his game were maxed out. Even the intricate stuff like at-net digs, passing shots, spontaenous reactionary stuff…

Absurd to see his BH hold up in exchanges with Sinner and not make any errors.

Safe to say he was just feeling the ball perfectly.

Very physical match, hope it didn‘t take too much out of Jannik.

It was the evening match and the Final will be a day match.

I hope it rains which it might. Indoors favors Sinner.

[Hey Yo]

Trump attending today's Finals :rockon:

[ArbitraryWater]

Tied a set-all. Level has been immensely high, its probably the best Alcaraz I have ever seen. Hes also serving incredible, just sending down rockets. Did not necessarily expect to be tied a set all after that first set of his.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz is botting pretty hard its crazy.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz genuinely getting 2-3 free points a service game. Or an easy shot off the serve.

[ArbitraryWater]

Alcaraz is hammering down several 130+ aces a game. Its absurd. Dude is on roids or something.


Sinner has blinked few too many times when facing BP, very makeable misses. Just tensed up on those shots.

[Carbine]

It's no surprise, he's just better. His best beats anyone ever.

10-5 record against Sinner now

[ArbitraryWater]

It's no surprise, he's just better. His best beats anyone ever.

10-5 record against Sinner now

Its a bit of a surprise. Hes won 1 HC slam so far and that was kind of fluky. Sinner is/was widely recognized as much superior HCer and the stats arent even close between them. Even in this tournament where he lost more sets he lost less games than Carlos. And of course he was the marginal favorite going into the match.

Alcaraz said after the SF this is the best he felt all year and it definitely showed. Absolute rocket tonight.

The H2H is a bit flawed with the recent Cincy final. Sinner was in much better form at that time.

[ShawkFactory]

Alcaraz was a different human during this tournament. He is a very bad man.

Rocking a pink tank at the final and dominating is quite a flex.

[ArbitraryWater]

Honestly best level I‘ve ever seen prob. Just unconscious stuff. Generally they were pretty tied off the baseline, Sinner won more of the longer points, but Alcaraz‘s serving was inhuman. Isner-ish. If you look at all his service points, he was absolutely unbreakable.

[ArbitraryWater]

Medvedevs return to form since 2 weeks ago has been remarkable.

Cant believe we will most likely get another Djokovic - Medvedev Final here. Thought those days were done.

But man it also shows just how slim together everyone is.

Med dropped his level by 5-10% and started losing to everyone, a top 20 spot was no longer safe.

[ArbitraryWater]

Medvedev is hilarious. Caught fire and is on a huge run of form again.

Had his worst season since 2017 which was his 2nd year, sat on a measly 27-19 record even though he entered the year as number 5 in the world, and has come ablaze since the Asian swing, on an 12-2 run(won his opening Vienna match), with a title last week. In fact he was injured in the Beijing SF which he comfortably led, so it could be 13-2.

Now hes somehow 12th in the race, with a chance to end the year top 10 again.

Its just a shame he couldnt keep it together in the Shanghai semifinal, and prevent a Vacherot-Rinderknech Final.

Another Zverev match is on the horizon, in the SF.