US OPEN August 31 - September 13 2015 (SEE MOD NOTE POST #8)

MisterAnarchy

Vinci is like a frail old woman compared to Serena in this pic.

Arytonblue

Jaysus some hold there from Fed 0-40 down, always love when these two play together, shot making is always top notch, emphasis on winners instead of that grinding style that tries to maximize unforced errorS. Hope to feck it's a better spectacle than that previous semi final.

walshb

If Stan can control the BH he can win.

walshb

UE count killing Stan.

John.Icy

walshb wrote: »

UE count killing Stan.

It's 13-10 UE wise, not exactly killing him.

Stans first serve percentage on the other hand....though with only one break it's not proving too bad yet.

walshb

Fed's been made look better than he is because Stan's not really playing well.

smurfs5

Still can't quite believe the result from earlier. Incredible performance from Vinci. Serena clearly not at her best and seemed to be feeling the pressure (despite saying that she "doesn't feel pressure" in the presser afterwards). Had more than double the unforced errors of Vinci in the 2nd and 3rd sets and her groundstrokes just didn't have the power or effectiveness that they usually do.

Vinci played a fantastic game, though. She had consistently good groundstrokes, utilised the slice backhand well, mixed up her shots extremely well, kept the points short so Serena couldn't get a rhythm and even though there were a few nervy points towards the end (especially when she was 15-40 on her serve but managed to hold for 5-3) and had the resilience to close out the match. Her post-match interview was the best ever as well! Very funny and likeable player.

It really is one of the biggest upsets in tennis history. Most shock results don't have so much riding on them. She would've been the first woman to win the calendar year Grand Slam since Graf in 1988. To come so close and then lose it at what was probably the last main hurdle (Serena's record in GS finals and her ability to do what's required and experience of them would've been too much for either Halep or Pennetta IMO regardless of pressure).

Apparently, tickets for the Women's Final were going for over $1,500 with the prospect of Serena making history. They can now be found for $62. Really hope there's a big crowd tomorrow anyway.

Arytonblue

walshb wrote: »

Fed's been made look better than he is because Stan's not really playing well.

Think you're being a bit harsh on Federer there tbh, he's been clinical as he usually is, Stan for me hasn't been really worth some of the hype he'd been getting in the lead up to this match but he's still a very solid opponent. Nobody has really shined for me in the tournament, but like Djoko, Fed's been handily beating what's in front of him so far. Can't really fault him so far.

smurfs5

Martina Hingis and Leander Paes almost won a calendar year Grand Slam as well, only missing out on the Roland Garros mixed title. What a partnership that's proved to be.

Didn't have much faith in Cilic considering his record against Novak but what a pathetic performance for a Slam semi-final. He's played some good tennis during the tournament and did better than I expected to reach the SFs but to go out like that is below a player of his ability.

Stan being outclassed by Roger here. Very disappointing performance but Roger is playing sensational tennis and looks unbeatable in this form. I'll make a prediction and say that Roger will beat Novak on Sunday. I've seen more of Roger's matches than I have Novak's during the tournament but the performances against Darcis and Kohlschreiber were masterclasses- I usually turn off one-sided matches like that because of their predictability but it was exhibition tennis and brilliant to watch. It would be a travesty if Federer finished the year without a Slam based on his displays.

vienne86

Well after that fabulous women's semi earlier, the men's were right damp squibs - I didn't stay up for the Swiss affair, but what a disappointment. Looking forward to today's final - it'll be interesting to see what the crowds are like.

Pighead

Those calling the Cilic performance embarrassing must have missed Novak's post match interview. He said he knew before the match that Cilic was suffering badly with an ankle injury and he was brave to even come on to the court and complete the match.

Shame for Cilic but even at his best I don't think he'd have got past Novak. Intriguing final in store. Fed's renaissance has really surprised me. I really thought he was done last year. Now I think he can win a sixth US Open.

pconn062

Pighead wrote: »

Those calling the Cilic performance embarrassing must have missed Novak's post match interview. He said he knew before the match that Cilic was suffering badly with an ankle injury and he was brave to even come on to the court and complete the match.

Shame for Cilic but even at his best I don't think he'd have got past Novak. Intriguing final in store. Fed's renaissance has really surprised me. I really thought he was done last year. Now I think he can win a sixth US Open.

I agree that Federer is looking fantastic at the minute, however I just can't see him beating Novak. I thought Federer looked awesome against Murray at Wimbledon this year and then just crumbled in the final and I see something similar happening in this final (unfortunately!). Over a best of 5 sets match I think Novak has the physical edge of Federer, so I'm picking Novak in 4 sets.

walshb

Arytonblue wrote: »

Think you're being a bit harsh on Federer there tbh, he's been clinical as he usually is, Stan for me hasn't been really worth some of the hype he'd been getting in the lead up to this match but he's still a very solid opponent. Nobody has really shined for me in the tournament, but like Djoko, Fed's been handily beating what's in front of him so far. Can't really fault him so far.

I think you may have taken me up wrong. Roger played very well, and his form did cause Stan to suffer. I just felt Stan looked flat even when Roger wasn't doing all that much. Not sure of the stats, but they seemed very weak for 1st serve percentage and UE count for Stan.

walshb

I think Nole's court coverage is the deciding factor tomorrow.

Pighead

pconn062 wrote: »

I agree that Federer is looking fantastic at the minute, however I just can't see him beating Novak. I thought Federer looked awesome against Murray at Wimbledon this year and then just crumbled in the final and I see something similar happening in this final (unfortunately!). Over a best of 5 sets match I think Novak has the physical edge of Federer, so I'm picking Novak in 4 sets.

Not sure if I agree that Novak has the physical edge either. Fed never seems to get tired! Novak generally goes awol for a period of a tough five setter but to his credit he generally comes again. Interestingly they have played ten times against each other since the beginning of 2014 and it's 5 apiece (Granted Novak has won the two best of five setters they've played). Anyway, should be a close game. Can't wait.

walshb

It's Nole's intense rallying ability. Relentless. He is also a little better on the scramble and retrieval. Fed just gets beaten down; forced to play the extra shot. This creates tension and tightness, and then the UE count creeps in. Expect Roger to match, and even exceed Nole's winners total, but losing on crucial points, and having a higher UE count.

yerwanthere123

Yeah, Cilic must have been injured to some extent yesteday. I mean, there's rolling over for your opponent and there's winning three games in a slam semi-final. The Federer-Wawrinka match was utter tripe as well, so disappointed.

Weirdly looking forward to the women's final today, hoping that Vinci can take the title after her heroics yesterday. Although if Vinci wins the title will we be able to say that she only won cause Bouchard was injured....? :pac:

Tonorr

walshb wrote: »

It's Nole's intense rallying ability. Relentless. He is also a little better on the scramble and retrieval. Fed just gets beaten down; forced to play the extra shot. This creates tension and tightness, and then the UE count creeps in. Expect Roger to match, and even exceed Nole's winners total, but losing on crucial points, and having a higher UE count.

What happened in the Cincinatti Final then? Federer has the game to beat Djokovic, Federer at his best even at 34 is better on fast hard courts than Djokovic at 28 on fast hard courts.

cowboyBuilder

walshb wrote: »

Fook off, Federer with your SABR.

sabr ?

walshb

Tonorr wrote: »

What happened in the Cincinatti Final then? Federer has the game to beat Djokovic, Federer at his best even at 34 is better on fast hard courts than Djokovic at 28 on fast hard courts.

I think Fed has a good chance. I will still go with Nole in 4 competitive sets. I think the recent 3 setter was an in form Fed vs an ininterested Nole. Nole will be too strong tomorrow. I am 65 percent confident.

walshb

cowboyBuilder wrote: »

sabr ?

Sneak Attack By Roger!

StillIntact

walshb wrote: »

I think Fed has a good chance. I will still go with Nole in 4 competitive sets. I think the. Recent 3 setter was an in form Fed vs an ininterested Nole. Nole will be too strong tomorrow. I am 65 percent confident.

Tend to agree with a Djokovic win given it's 5 rather than 3 sets. If Federer can get a good start and win the first set he has a very good chance. If he goes a set down I doubt he can win 3 of the next 4. Although after Vinci's win yesterday you never know.

No idea how Vinci Pennetta will go.

JTMan

Which TV channel is screening the US Open men's final live? Thanks, I can't find the information.

cowboyBuilder

JTMan wrote: »

Which TV channel is screening the US Open men's final live? Thanks, I can't find the information.

Sky sports 3 afaik

Wicklow Brave

See Boris Becker said that he thinks SABR is disrespectful and Djokovic also had a slight dig at it. Pathetic. Hope Federer triple bagels him.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Wicklow Brave wrote: »

See Boris Becker said that he thinks SABR is disrespectful and Djokovic also had a slight dig at it. Pathetic. Hope Federer triple bagels him.

It's just a bloody tactic. It's smart is what it is. Stop whinging about it and find a new tactic yourself to nullify it.

yerwanthere123

Wicklow Brave wrote: »

See Boris Becker said that he thinks SABR is disrespectful and Djokovic also had a slight dig at it. Pathetic. Hope Federer triple bagels him.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

It's just a bloody tactic. It's smart is what it is. Stop whinging about it and find a new tactic yourself to nullify it.

What's all this? I've obviously missed something.


Actually really excited for this women's final. Hoping for a close match with Vinci winning, but I think it's gonna go Pennetta's way.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

What's all this? I've obviously missed something.

It's basically where Federer has been stepping right in when returning (2nd) serve and kind of half volleying the return and usually gaining control of the point. Becker and a few others have decided it's disrespectful and all sorts of other stupid things. It's not like he's underhand serving or something.

http://espn.go.com/tennis/usopen15/story/_/id/13634493/tennis-said-roger-federer-justifies-sneak-attack

Wicklow Brave

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

It's basically where Federer has been stepping right in when returning (2nd) serve and kind of half volleying the return and usually gaining control of the point. Becker and a few others have decided it's disrespectful and all sorts of other stupid things. It's not like he's underhand serving or something.

http://espn.go.com/tennis/usopen15/story/_/id/13634493/tennis-said-roger-federer-justifies-sneak-attack

Yeah, agree with the article, why don't we stop Nadal using so much topspin or Karlovic serving so fast? Nonsense. Smart, innovative tactic. Really hope Federer can get it done, I've really enjoyed his tennis these last two weeks.

yerwanthere123

https://twitter.com/jon_wertheim/status/642735952696360960

:pac:

walshb

Does Vinci hit a topspin one handed BH at all? Or is she like Graf?

yerwanthere123

This final needs more slice.

JTMan

cowboyBuilder wrote: »

Sky sports 3 afaik

All the TV guides say Sky Sports 3 is showing NFL.

Sky Sports 4 is showing the US open but it is not the men's final. They are showing the women's doubles final.

What channel is showing the mens singles final? Thanks.

CassieManson

JTMan wrote: »

All the TV guides say Sky Sports 3 is showing NFL.

Sky Sports 4 is showing the US open but it is not the men's final. They are showing the women's doubles final.

What channel is showing the mens singles final? Thanks.

Ladies final is on now. Mens final tomorrow evening

Henry9

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

It's basically where Federer has been stepping right in when returning (2nd) serve and kind of half volleying the return and usually gaining control of the point. Becker and a few others have decided it's disrespectful and all sorts of other stupid things. It's not like he's underhand serving or something.

Becker has turned into a right clown. The things he used to do on a court, and someone standing a few feet in is 'disrespectful'?

McEnroe has been moaning about it as well. He's got some neck, again considering his antics, and the fact he's been defending Kyrios all year.

It's common sense if you have the reflexes and the volleys to do it, he knows he can't win a baseline slugathon.

They still wax lyrical about Agassi standing inside the baseline, taking the ball early. If someone can do it to your second serve more power to them.

Some tennis players are just babies.

John.Icy

These are fantastic scenes

Even with the disappointment of losing, imagine getting to share this with such a good friend. They both look chuffed. Fantasitc!

RosyLily

Mic drop moment from Flavia!! But what a time to retire!!

yerwanthere123

Apparently she later clarified on Eurosport that she's gonna play out the rest of the season?

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Yeah. She's finishing up this year but isn't doing a Bartoli. I think she just meant it was a great way to end her career as a Grand Slam champion but not literally end it there and then. She'll probably qualify for Singapore too with a few more decent results.

StillIntact

Yesterday's match never got going but a fantastic achievement for Pennetta and a nice change to see someone other than Serena Williams win a major. It was clear that the match was between two lower ranked players given their inconsistency - it felt more like a fourth round match or similar.

Looking forward to today's final and seeing the best players in action. Hoping Federer can make it number 18 - to get back to the top at his age is a credit to his longevity.

Gwynplaine

Come on Fed, you can do it.

mickmackey1

Suggestions floating around that Fed might have picked up an injury

walshb

Relating to Becker's SABR criticisms; Roger isn't adverse to bizarre/begrudging criticisms:

After his 2011 loss, Federer scoffed at the return winner Djokovic hit to erase a match point, comparing him to a kid who swings away with his eyes closed because, well, he's got nothing to lose.

''I never played that way,'' Federer said that day. ''I believe in the hard-work's-going-to-pay-off kind of thing, because early on, maybe I didn't always work at my hardest. So for me, this is very hard to understand how can you play a shot like that on match point. But, look, maybe he's been doing it for 20 years, so for him it was very normal. You've got to ask him.''

walshb

Gwynplaine wrote: »

Come on Fed, you can do it.

I kind of want Nole to win, but would also love to see Roger get 18. Watching old matches of Roger from 10 years ago he seems better today and recently than back then. The issue today is that the comp today is superior. As great as he is I would not put him number 1 in a one off match against other greats when all at peak. On grass, yes, but hard and clay he rates behind peak Nole and Nadal.

John.Icy

Rain delay, fantastic.

Way to play into Novaks hands, later start = cooler temps and even slower conditions.

cowboyBuilder

mickmackey1 wrote: »

Suggestions floating around that Fed might have picked up an injury

really ?

from where ?

seems its raining in NY...

Sicrateb

walshb wrote: »

I kind of want Nole to win, but would also love to see Roger get 18. Watching old matches of Roger from 10 years ago he seems better today and recently than back then. The issue today is that the comp today is superior. As great as he is I would not put him number 1 in a one off match against other greats when all at peak. On grass, yes, but hard and clay he rates behind peak Nole and Nadal.

Federer in 2006 (his peak) was a much better player than 2015 Federer, his forehand was stunning, he could hit winners from anywhere, he can't do that now. Peak Federer is better than Peak Nadal on every surface except clay, Peak Federer is better than Peak Djokovic on probably every surface, slow hard court is close though. 34 year old Federer two weeks ago beat Djokovic comfortably in the final of the cinicinatti open. Dont tell me 34 year old Federer is better than 24 year old Federer, it's absolute nonsense. I really don't think the field is better in 2015 than it was in 2007 when he was still the clear number 1.

Are you actually mental, how does Federer rate behind Nadal on hard courts compared to Nadal. Federer has 9 hard court slams and 6 WTFs. Nadal has 3 hard court slams and 0 WTFS.

lostcat

Sicrateb wrote: »

Federer in 2006 (his peak) was a much better player than 2015 Federer, his forehand was stunning, he could hit winners from anywhere, he can't do that now. Peak Federer is better than Peak Nadal on every surface except clay, Peak Federer is better than Peak Djokovic on probably every surface, slow hard court is close though. 34 year old Federer two weeks ago beat Djokovic comfortably in the final of the cinicinatti open. Dont tell me 34 year old Federer is better than 24 year old Federer, it's absolute nonsense. I really don't think the field is better in 2015 than it was in 2007 when he was still the clear number 1.

Are you actually mental, how does Federer rate behind Nadal on hard courts compared to Nadal. Federer has 9 hard court slams and 6 WTFs. Nadal has 3 hard court slams and 0 WTFS.

Well, this is going to go nowhere, but sure Federer himself claimed earlier this week that he was playing 'better than ever'. I don't really believe it, but I don't think he is that far off, granted playing a different game...

In terms of tonight, I think it will run along the lines of Wimbledon, Federer will have to win one of the first two sets, and probably both, to win the match.
If Djokovic comes out with the right intensity after two sets he will have ran the legs off Federer no matter who wins them. If Fed is 2 sets up, he still has a good chance of taking one of the next two.

The whole SABR thing is a good idea from Federer, but again if Djokovic serves as well as he did in Wimbledon, Federer wont be doing much of it.
if he does, I trust that Djokovic will try to hit him between the eyes, as boris has suggested. Nothing wrong with that either imo.

walshb

Sicrateb wrote: »

Federer in 2006 (his peak) was a much better player than 2015 Federer, his forehand was stunning, he could hit winners from anywhere, he can't do that now. Peak Federer is better than Peak Nadal on every surface except clay, Peak Federer is better than Peak Djokovic on probably every surface, slow hard court is close though. 34 year old Federer two weeks ago beat Djokovic comfortably in the final of the cinicinatti open. Dont tell me 34 year old Federer is better than 24 year old Federer, it's absolute nonsense. I really don't think the field is better in 2015 than it was in 2007 when he was still the clear number 1.

Are you actually mental, how does Federer rate behind Nadal on hard courts compared to Nadal. Federer has 9 hard court slams and 6 WTFs. Nadal has 3 hard court slams and 0 WTFS.

Nadal leads Federer on hard courts head to head. He beats him on all courts bar grass, and that is only 2-1 to Roger. It is also from 2005 till very recently.

I am not rating them on titles. Peak to peak I will go with Nadal 8/10 times vs Federer on clay and hard. On grass it's very close. 2006 Federer did not have to meet peak Nole. Peak Nole from 2011 and today for me pips any version of Roger. Roger of recent years beats the 2005 and 2006 version of himself. Watch him. He is a more complete player from recent years. If I was to pick his peak I woul go with 2009.

walshb

Btw, Federer can still hit winners from anwhere. Today and recently he has been meeting better players, like Nole. So looking invincible against an old Agassi or against Hewitt or Roddick etc, is not the same as looking invincible against players like peak Nadal and Nole.