Australian Open- Page 5

[gettinhep]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 12:55am

Yep, but Henin said it after the Quarters.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 1:29am

Henin was prescient.
Just saying I can't argue against it now.

[DG]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 1:55am

All I really want out of the men's final is a good match - but I'm kind of hoping Tsonga seals this new deal and takes the whole thing.

[javero]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 1:04pm

The other ladies on the women's tour have their guns trained on Sharapova now for the remainder of the season. In the past, she hasn't fared well when she entered a major as a favorite. Though the Oz Open was a breakthrough of sorts for Maria, I'm looking forward to seeing how she progresses in the months ahead.

Justine will be keen to reclaim the Roland Garros title for as long as possible; a Williams sister can still not be counted out for the Wimbledon title; and Justine stands to lose major points if she doesn't repeat as US Open champ. Still ranked #5, Maria has raised the stakes and I love it. However, not to discount her victory in Melbourne, Maria did not have to take on a Williams or a single compatriot in Melbourne. She could use this victory as a springboard to other major titles this year like Serena in the past. Well done Sharapova!

Updated On: 1/26/08 at 01:04 PM

[DG]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:29pm

Decent enough men's final. I think it showed that each was vying for their first major. Tsongas came out strong, but was overall more cautious than he had been through the tournament. Each showed incrdible capability, however, which bodes well for the year ahead.

Djokovic gave a very nice speech, which went a ways toward regaining my support. He was showing a bit of attitude (I couldn't get the vision of him glaring at the referee after his warning about game delay out of my head.) I've liked him a lot since he really came to the fore last year, and hope that he gains a little composure in the long run. On a side note, his mother drives me nuts!

All-in-all, a good Open, which should lead into a more varied and exciting season. And I can't wait to see more of Tsongas.

[TheHumanTorch]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:51pm

I'm so happy that Tsonga made such a great showing in the final, but any respect I had for Djokovic in the US Open (up to the final with the water bottle incident and everything else) I lost in this match. His family was absolutely ridiculous with the seating situation alongside all the game delay and the chest pounding and the screaming and falling all over the court. His speech was nice, but hopefully he will learn to not be such a showboat... I think it is incredibly off putting.

[DG]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 1:04pm

Torch - I agree, but he is young. I remember when Andre burst on the scene out of Vegas (which was already a strike against him, in my book ) He was so brash and cocky - which then got the support of the tennis media, which was actively trying NOT to support Pete, who had the temerity to be a gentleman!

But then we watched him grow up through the years, eventually becoming possibly the best spokesperson and role-model the sport has ever seen. I think Novac shows the potential, and could possibly settle into a smoother presentation and demeanor - depending on how much his family continues to influence things. I'm all for support (familial, and otherwise,) but this little group really turned me off

[cturtle]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 9:34pm

NOLE UPSETS TSONGA THE SOUTH

[gettinhep]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 9:37pm

I guess that he never found the briar patch.

[cturtle]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 9:48pm

cocky players usually turn me totally off ... but i LOVE novak ... maybe the fact that i think he's hot as crap has something to do with it

[DG]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 10:05pm

c - I actually DO like him, otherwise I'd be totally turned off.

Maybe I just think he needs a little discipline.

Cause I also think he's hot as crap!

But I digress . . .

[Kaz2]

Posted: 1/28/08 at 3:48am

I thought it was an enjoyable final. Tsongas put on a credible show, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the future. Congrats to Novak, but I can't say I'm a fan of his manner, and I definitely don't find him hot.

[javero]

Posted: 1/28/08 at 9:47am

I don't mind the cockiness a bit if the guy or gal can back it up with titles. It remains to be seen if Djokovic will mellow and ease his way into Ambassador Agassi space or crash and burn after a lone major ala Roddick. Roddick's US Open victory went straight to his head. He hasn't dealt with the weight of expectation as well as I envisioned.

Djokovic's mobility is outstanding to be such a lanky fellow by tennis standards. Reminds of a young people Sampras in that regard. Both Tsonga and he have the game and "it factor" to take titles and media attention away from Federer and Nadal. This should be one of the most interesting years on the men's tour in quiet some time.

If Safin could get his mojo back, we'd have real horse race on our hands.

[Q]

Posted: 1/31/09 at 11:37pm

Good luck, Roger!

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 10:22am

¡Viva Rafa!

[Q]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 11:07am

Looks like it was a great match. I'm looking forward to watching it - but am glad to know the outcome, so I won't get too disappointed

But I AM happy for Rafa - he's become quite the champ!

[shira467]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 11:41am

I watched the first set this morning live. I had to go to sleep, unfortunately. But it was just great tennis.