Australian Open 2014 Men's Final

by **JuliusHMarx** Sat 25 Jan 2014, 10:29 pm

First topic message reminder :

We seem to have overlooked this. It's tomorrow apparently. Or today in Australia. The bad news is it that rain is forecast - no, not for Oz, for my doubles match at midday Sad

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:23 am

Please don't mention the injury........

by Born Slippy Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:24 am

summerblues wrote:Other guys in the second tier should take a note of what Stan has done the last 12 months.

Hired Magnus Norman? Surely now the most sought after coach in world tennis.

by Born Slippy Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:24 am

Excellent speech from Rafa.

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:24 am

Come on BB, there are no classier losers than Nadal...you've forgotten his reaction to Federer at RG08 and AO09?

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:25 am

lydian wrote:Errr....helloooo...JJ, he was injured or do you suffer from hard of thinking having just watched the match? What are we going to say, Nadal played brilliantly but Stan was just too good? It was what it was. His fans are gracious in defeat so just stop with the predictable wumming.

It's bad lydian, it really is, but this is not happening in isolation. When Rafa fans try to denigrate Fed by suggesting what we've watched over the last 4 years was his peak it invites retaliation.

I am not doing it, Nadal was obviously injured but it's not unprovoked.

by Born Slippy Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:26 am

Great from Stan to immediately mention the injury.

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:26 am

lydian wrote:Come on BB, there are no classier losers than Nadal...you've forgotten his reaction to Federer at RG08 and AO09?

My comment wasn't critical, just hopeful.

By the way, he wasn't a classy loser those days. Wink

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:27 am

Well done Stan! Truly the man, at this moment Switzerlands best player by a mile. Commiserations for Nadal, bit of bad luck, but to his credit he didnt retire, and hung on if anything to make sure Stan won it and that it wasnt a retirement, something that will be very important when the history books are looked at.

Both of them took the post match stuff with total class, ets just hope we can do the same

by summerblues Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:28 am

If someone had told me after Stan's loss to Nole last year that in 12 months he would be holding the trophy, I would have laughed them out of town.

by Jahu Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:28 am

Stan gets the GS, crushes Djoko and then disables Nadal.

Simply amazing. Kiss baby

by naxroy Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:29 am

congratulations to wawrinka. he played awesome

I would have loved nadal to win, but its not always victories in life

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:30 am

Soo, boring era eh guys? Where does that leave the current game? Muzz on comeback, Djoko and Fed with something to prove, Stan the superman, Del po, Berdych. Hello! this might be alright

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:31 am

Let's see if Stan can kick on from this and add a Masters title to the collection.

by Johnyjeep Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:31 am

bogbrush wrote:
lydian wrote:Errr....helloooo...JJ, he was injured or do you suffer from hard of thinking having just watched the match? What are we going to say, Nadal played brilliantly but Stan was just too good? It was what it was. His fans are gracious in defeat so just stop with the predictable wumming.
It's bad lydian, it really is, but this is not happening in isolation. When Rafa fans try to denigrate Fed by suggesting what we've watched over the last 4 years was his peak it invites retaliation.

I am not doing it, Nadal was obviously injured but it's not unprovoked.

Stan was too good today. Both before and after Nadal's MTO. That is reflected in the result. Well done Stan. And commiserations to Nadal. I'm not a wum. Cus I am the worst loser imaginable at sport. It's a terrible feeling. I think YvonneT got my meaning.

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:32 am

falzy21 wrote:Soo, boring era eh guys? Where does that leave the current game? Muzz on comeback, Djoko and Fed with something to prove, Stan the superman, Del po, Berdych. Hello! this might be alright

Or put another way...

Djokovic sliding, Federer in steep decline, Murray with much to prove, Del Potro never to regain his peak, disastrously low competition from younger players. Rubbish.

by summerblues Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:32 am

LK: I do not think Stan will be too sad even if he cannot.

by The Special Juan Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:33 am

legendkillarV2 wrote:Let's see if Stan can kick on from this and add a Masters title to the collection.

lk makes a good point. DelPo hasn't managed it so far, can Stan?

by barrystar Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:34 am

Nadal was out of sorts, but as others have recognised beating Djoko in Melbourne is a huge achievement. I am so glad it was rewarded with the cup.

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:35 am

I hope he can SB. He has all the momentum with him now. I would be tad disappointed if he didn't kick on from this.

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:37 am

Stan, like murray in 2012, needs to prove nothing anymore the rest of his career, its all bonus pay now baby Cool

by Josiah Maiestas Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:37 am

Stan is so good that he made Nadal injure himself.

Against anybody else Nadal would not be injured.

Stan has won the same number of AO's than Rafa Sad

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:37 am

Is Sue Barker insane?

"You so rarely see Rafa display any signs of injury"

Does she not follow the sport?

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:39 am

BB, Fed has played peak tennis at times, e.g. Wimb 12, but clearly not always at his consistent level before. Look I'm not here to defend his fans but most on here are pretty gracious given the dislike directed to the player.

I haven't scurried off into a hole upon my charge losing like some do & not seen for months, nor an I seeking to denigrate Stan. I've played sport to a high national level and you learn that to be a good winner you must first learn how to cope with losing and then re-gather to push on.

Nadal is obviously going to be gutted right now, clear favourite to win and not even able to give it his all, must be soul destroying as chances to amass slams aren't guaranteed. But he continues to make his mark on tennis history, he has achieved things already that none us on here can ever speak of. All these top pros are unbelievable, I actually doff my cap to them all, my son is a national level player so I know the sheer effort it takes to get anywhere near a sniff of major achievement. Bon chance to them all...and Allez Stan Smile

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:40 am

bogbrush wrote:Is Sue Barker insane?

"You so rarely see Rafa display any signs of injury"

Does she not follow the sport?

by Josiah Maiestas Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:41 am

legendkillarV2 wrote:
bogbrush wrote:Is Sue Barker insane?

"You so rarely see Rafa display any signs of injury"

Does she not follow the sport?

She thinks this is the first time anybody has watched a tennis match Rolling Eyes

by YvonneT Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:51 am

legendkillarV2 wrote:Let's see if Stan can kick on from this and add a Masters title to the collection.

You'd think he could. I was looking at the Davis Cup draw yesterday and Switzerland have a massive opportunity there. They'll beat Serbia (without Djokovic, Tipsy & Troicki) next week and then should make the final especially if Stan can persuade Fed to turn up.

by Guest Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:52 am

Well lets hope the second string Swiss can provide decent back up for stan Smile

by Dave. Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:54 am

Yes Stan! Really has developed into a cult hero. He really kicked on after that heartbreaker last year! So happy for him. All he needed was self belief.

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:54 am

Is Fed playing DC this year?
Yep Dave...Norman must be the best coach in tennis right now, worked wonders with Stan.

by Johnyjeep Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:54 am

lydian wrote:BB, Fed has played peak tennis at times, e.g. Wimb 12, but clearly not always at his consistent level before. Look I'm not here to defend his fans but most on here are pretty gracious given the dislike directed to the player.

I haven't scurried off into a hole upon my charge losing like some do & not seen for months, nor an I seeking to denigrate Stan. I've played sport to a high national level and you learn that to be a good winner you must first learn how to cope with losing and then re-gather to push on.

Nadal is obviously going to be gutted right now, clear favourite to win and not even able to give it his all, must be soul destroying as chances to amass slams aren't guaranteed. But he continues to make his mark on tennis history, he has achieved things already that none us on here can ever speak of. All these top pros are unbelievable, I actually doff my cap to them all, my son is a national level player so I know the sheer effort it takes to get anywhere near a sniff of major achievement. Bon chance to them all...and Allez Stan

Couldn't agree more. Well said

by LuvSports! Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:56 am

I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't.

by banbrotam Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:58 am

bogbrush wrote:
falzy21 wrote:Soo, boring era eh guys? Where does that leave the current game? Muzz on comeback, Djoko and Fed with something to prove, Stan the superman, Del po, Berdych. Hello! this might be alright
Or put another way...

Djokovic sliding, Federer in steep decline, Murray with much to prove, Del Potro never to regain his peak, disastrously low competition from younger players. Rubbish.

Oh come on BB!! What is it with you. Some of the play from Stan was exactly what we've all dreamed for, which is why I've always backed him and wondered why he underachieved

If this isn't increasing the quality then what is

by summerblues Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:58 am

lydian wrote:Is Fed playing DC this year?

I believe not. Which is too bad, because they need a decent second player to back up Stan.

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 11:58 am

Cheers JJ

Indeed Norman did wonders with Soderling as well. That's some academy in Stockholm he runs...Good to Great...and Dimitrov is part of it too. Expecting good things from Stan & Grigor this year...both SHBH marvels, which despite being a Nadal fan I'm always very happy to see Smile

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:00 pm

I think he's great, but all the factors I listed are correct.

by banbrotam Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:01 pm

bogbrush wrote:Is Sue Barker insane?

"You so rarely see Rafa display any signs of injury"

Does she not follow the sport?

I watched the last half and hour on the Beeb, simply because I wanted entertaining during the changeovers, rather than the ads Wink

They didn't disappoint - one minute telling us that victory will have an asterix against it and then, next, telling us Stan won fair and square

I'd forgotten how bad the Beeb, because I was away during the O2!!

by Haddie-nuff Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:02 pm

Josiah Maiestas wrote:Haha lets see how many "injury" excuses from the camp now

Wooohooooooo

Have another piece JM

by YvonneT Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:03 pm

lydian wrote:Is Fed playing DC this year?

He's not playing in the first round, but if Switzerland beat Serbia then Belgium/Kazakhstan to get to the semis, you think he wouldn't play? I suppose it depends if he's fit. (Sorry rather off-topic from Stan winning here).

by Dave. Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:05 pm

Even before last year, he was great to watch. This is what sport is all about. A guy kicking on after disappointment. I mean last year v Nole was an all time classic. Lesser men would have folded. (On an aside - Nole gets in some epics.)

On Nadal, didn't think he looked right during warmup. Second set painful to watch. But there is no asterisk here. Stan would have beaten Rafa no matter what today. Some things are meant to happen. This was one. Bar the blip, Stan was lights out.

by **laverfan** Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:08 pm

summerblues wrote:
lydian wrote:Is Fed playing DC this year?
I believe not. Which is too bad, because they need a decent second player to back up Stan.

falzy1 wrote:Well lets hope the second string Swiss can provide decent back up for stan

There is a bloke named Federer, who is the current Swiss #2. I have heard he is getting on, but can be a decent player on his day (but he is no match for the GOAT). laughing

by YvonneT Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:08 pm

Lydian, I though Dimitrov had left "Good to Great".

EDIT: He did, in September, so be could be based in LA.

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:13 pm

Quite agree Banbrotam actually. Djokovic and Nadal are still superlative players...Djokovic only lost narrowly to the champ as it turns out. Delpo has never been a consistent force but his time will come again, as will Berdy's. Wawrinka has always been a major talent, suffocating under Federer's great wings...he's got chance to shine himself now. Murray will pick up through the year and Dimitrov is getting better too...so loads of guys in the mix moving forwards. I think BB is inwardly sad Federer is on the decline and in the final winter of his career. I get that. Had it following Sampras years ago...but you have to keep your love of tennis close to your heart, others will come along and write new chapters of tennis history. That's always the way it goes. There's a kid called Borna Coric from Croatia...who's only 16...but already ranked 300 and rising. Watch for him.

The point is new guys will come along and change the way the game is played, the game evolves. The key is that we evolve with it and not live in the past waiting for someone to replace the guy we followed on a like for like basis. Dimitrov is like Federer but has his own qualities too. But not every guy can come along and win 10+ slams, there is a blip in new blood at the moment but that won't stay the same forever. So, keep watching...keep writing...keep the faith Smile

by TopoftheChops Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:14 pm

It's strange that most people thought that berdy would be the next GS winner. No one mentioned Stan at all

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:15 pm

Good call Yvonne, you're quite right! Roger Rasheed now...but he did flourish under those guys.

by Danny_1982 Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:16 pm

So Stan is the first man to beat Rafa and Novak in a slam. People should remember that before putting an * next to this win. They should also remember that Stan was bullying Nadal before the MTO. And to my eyes, Nadal hurt himself in one moment. I'd didn't look to me like he was impeded before that grimace moment.

Also, those celebrating a Rafa defeat should treasure this moment because he is still clearly the best player on the tour right now and that 14th slam is coming very soon.

When did we last have such a strange landscape at the top? Stan at number 3, Roger and Andy outside the top 5 with much to prove. A new slam champion, a younger gen player getting to the last 8 and pushing the number 1. The end of the established top guard? Is "the big 4" dead?

by bogbrush Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:20 pm

lydian wrote:Quite agree Banbrotam actually. Djokovic and Nadal are still superlative players...Djokovic only lost narrowly to the champ as it turns out. Delpo has never been a consistent force but his time will come again, as will Berdy's. Wawrinka has always been a major talent, suffocating under Federer's great wings...he's got chance to shine himself now. Murray will pick up through the year and Dimitrov is getting better too...so loads of guys in the mix moving forwards. I think BB is inwardly sad Federer is on the decline and in the final winter of his career. I get that. Had it following Sampras years ago...but you have to keep your love of tennis close to your heart, others will come along and write new chapters of tennis history. That's always the way it goes. There's a kid called Borna Coric from Croatia...who's only 16...but already ranked 300 and rising. Watch for him.

The point is new guys will come along and change the way the game is played, the game evolves. The key is that we evolve with it and not live in the past waiting for someone to replace the guy we followed on a like for like basis. Dimitrov is like Federer but has his own qualities too. But not every guy can come along and win 10+ slams, there is a blip in new blood at the moment but that won't stay the same forever. So, keep watching...keep writing...keep the faith

I am, but that's not what's behind my observation.

On the facts I wrote its a fair assessment. I too hope for the future, but the present is very meh.

by banbrotam Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:21 pm

lydian wrote:Errr....helloooo...JJ, he was injured or do you suffer from hard of thinking having just watched the match? What are we going to say, Nadal played brilliantly but Stan was just too good? It was what it was. His fans are gracious in defeat so just stop with the predictable wumming.

Lydian the problem is that whenever Rafa has a slam defeat, it nearly always appears to come down to an injury. I can guarantee you that in a couple of years this defeat will 'asterixed' along with the Soderling one of 2009, the Murray won of 2010 and of course the last two Wimbedons

I genuinely like Rafa, but if this had been Murray or Federer we'd not have definitely known that there was a problem - simply because neither take injury timeouts (or very rarely do). I think they should - but they have this 'never complain never explain' when it comes to injuries and that included going off midway though a match. Of course this gives them difficulties, because it's obvious that at times that these injuries were factors in defeats. So, nobody ever mentions Murray's only defeats to Verdasco and Cilic but we of course know about all the Rafa ones

Personally, I think that Rafa's injuries are a result of how he plays and it's the price he pays, i.e. it's given him this extraordinary career and so he can't have it both ways - he puts his body through such stress for every match, niggles etc are inevitable. It's an equaliser and thank goodness it happens as it shows he's human

by sportslover Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:24 pm

"Is "the big 4" dead?"

lol - I don't think so, but it would be nice to see the likes of Stan or Del Po actually winning their first masters title.

by lydian Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:25 pm

Well yes because Fed will struggle to get into top4 now. Ferrer will start to fall back but Murray will climb again. So who will the new 4th player tend to be? Stan, Berdy...or another?

Quite agree Danny, Nadal lost today...to a guy playing lots out tennis early on (not convinced he was guaranteed to win though...tennis is a funny old game and a fully fit Nada, would have asked more questions as the match went on) but I don't begrudge him the match. He almost deserves the title for the 2 Djokovic performances alone. Yes I'd have liked Nadal to move 14 and I'm sure Fed's ardent fans if they're honest are breathing a sigh of relief, but Nadal's journey isn't finished yet. Like I said elsewhere, we get too wrapped up in slam counts though and forget to realise guys like Nadal and Federer only come around every 30-40 years. Enjoy loving/hating them because they're not around that long in the scheme of things...and it would be a boring tour without guys like them.

by Danny_1982 Sun 26 Jan 2014, 12:26 pm

sportslover wrote:"Is "the big 4" dead?"

lol - I don't think so, but it would be nice to see the likes of Stan or Del Po actually winning their first masters title.

Lol? You think it's a ridiculous question?

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