What would be your dream Wimbledon Final?

Bonjour tous mes amis,
Hope you've all been keeping well

With the French Open final sealed as Nadal vs Ferrer, I've been hearing there have been widespread celebrations all across the UK and France. Apparently the French in particular were really disappointed that Jo limped out, but when they realised they would get to see Nadal vs Ferrer in the final they were so excited they didn't mind anymore.
That's what I'm hearing anyway.

Anyway on a more serious note, and back to the title, what would be your dream Wimbledon Final? The only caveat is that it can't include your favourite player, or we would just make picks to suit that.
Murray hopefully should be back from injury, Federer I think is more comfortable on grass- so it should be an exciting event.

For me, my preferential non-Nadal final would be Federer vs Berdych.
The H2H lies 11-6 in Fed's favour I believe, but Berdych has won their two previous meetings, including USO and Dubai. He has also won their last 2 slam meetings. Both players I think are fantastic to watch, and Berdych gets under Federer's skin a bit- so that would be interesting.

What would be your pick?

Connors vs Federer, of course

I've got three preferences

Nadal vs Murray
Murray vs Djokovic
Djokovic vs Nadal

I'm a huge Federer fan, but he's slipped a bit in recent times and IMO would lose to the 3 above names at Wimbledon this year.

Tsonga and Raonic or any 2 good attacking players like those 2. Please please no Nadal, Djokovic or murray.

Murray v Bogdanovic.

Or, from a less biased perspective, as its the big clash we've not seen since 2011... Murray v Nadal.

JuliusHMarx wrote:Connors vs Federer, of course

Wnat am I saying?! Connors vs Henman, of course. C'mon Tim!!

JuliusHMarx wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:Connors vs Federer, of course

Wnat am I saying?! Connors vs Henman, of course. C'mon Tim!!

Firstly, if you read the article I did say you shouldn't be allowed to include your favourite players.

Secondly, this is Wimbledon 2013 I'm talking about, not some pensioners Champion Tour match

My thought was Federer vs Nadal, boring but honest, until I saw your caveat. In that case I would choose 2 players who have never won a slam, and perhaps had never been in a final.

Someone from the list of players like Warwinka, Gasquet, Gulbis etc.

I'll say Nishikori v Dolgopolov or Dimitrov v Fognini.

I'll go Dolgopolov vs Fognini. Final answer.

Ana Ivanovic v Maria Kirilenko

Rafter vs Agassi
Agassi vs Djokovic
Nadal vs Borg
McEnroe vs Sampras

Edited after realising it was for 2013! oops

Del Potro vs Tsonga
Gasquet vs Wawrinka
Nadal vs Murray
Del Potro vs Nadal

Red wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:Connors vs Federer, of course

Wnat am I saying?! Connors vs Henman, of course. C'mon Tim!!

Firstly, if you read the article I did say you shouldn't be allowed to include your favourite players.

Secondly, this is Wimbledon 2013 I'm talking about, not some pensioners Champion Tour match

Spoilsport

HM Murdoch wrote:Ana Ivanovic v Maria Kirilenko

Seconded.

Mmmmm....

Just read the full article and realised I can't include Murray.

In which case I'll go for Federer v Djokovic.

I lije watching both and they are really aggressive when they play each other .... And on grass I think Roger would have a shout.

Federer-Djokovic these days I think Djokovic will have the edge... I watched Fed against Tsonga and his level was not as high as I expected.

The reason I chose Federer- Berdych, is because I think in a slam these days it's a genuine 5050.

Would you give Djokovic the edge over Federer even on grass?

At the moment I would go with

clay Djokovic 75/Federer 25
slow outdoor hard Djokovic 60/Federer 40
fast indoor Djokovic 50/ Federer 50
Wimbledon Djokovic 50/Federer 50

What do you think?

Probably Tsonga v someone. I love watching Jo on grass when he plays well as he's old school with his serve and volley which is nice to see. I don't think I could handle another baseline slugfest on grass between Nadal and Djokovic so I'll plump for Tsonga v Federer; two super grass court players.

It's tough to call HB.

I think for the past few months, Federer has actually been severely restricted by back injury. I've watched him play quite a bit, and I think on some days he does look hindered by that.

If he is a fully fit, I would still put Djokovic as favourite on any surface, just because I think Djokovic is a touch quicker these days.
I'd say 55-45 Djokovic at Wimbledon.

The Special Juan wrote:Probably Tsonga v someone. I love watching Jo on grass when he plays well as he's old school with his serve and volley which is nice to see. I don't think I could handle another baseline slugfest on grass between Nadal and Djokovic so I'll plump for Tsonga v Federer; two super grass court players.

Juan, did you watch the SF today? It's was a slugfest at all, quite different from AO 2012 etc.
Nadal hit 61 winners, that must be some sort of record for him Djokovic hit 54 too, not shoddy at all.

Red wrote:

The Special Juan wrote:Probably Tsonga v someone. I love watching Jo on grass when he plays well as he's old school with his serve and volley which is nice to see. I don't think I could handle another baseline slugfest on grass between Nadal and Djokovic so I'll plump for Tsonga v Federer; two super grass court players.

Juan, did you watch the SF today? It's was a slugfest at all, quite different from AO 2012 etc.
Nadal hit 61 winners, that must be some sort of record for him Djokovic hit 54 too, not shoddy at all.

I did. It's not quite Stan's 92 though, is it? They are normally baseline dominated matches which I don't mind on the other two surfaces but I like to see a bit of variety on grass.

Henman Bill wrote:

I'll go Dolgopolov vs Fognini. Final answer.

That would be fun I admit.

Danny_1982 wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:Ana Ivanovic v Maria Kirilenko

Seconded.

Mmmmm....

Petra Uberalova vs Maria Kirilenko

Ignoring the rules, the slam match I really want to see is Murray v Nadal.

Murray's game on paper matches up fairly well, not overly concerned by the loopy forehand and likes unloading on high balls which Rafa does give up.

But I've always thought Murray gave Rafa too much respect. He almost used to appear in awe of him. He's a bit nastier since Lendl came on board and I'd love to see the improved Murray - more aggressive on the forehand, a metre further up the court - face Rafa.

I think it would be a belter.

Oh the irony of having a name perilously close to "Uberlova"

Danny_1982 wrote:Ignoring the rules, the slam match I really want to see is Murray v Nadal.

Murray's game on paper matches up fairly well, not overly concerned by the loopy forehand and likes unloading on high balls which Rafa does give up.

But I've always thought Murray gave Rafa too much respect. He almost used to appear in awe of him. He's a bit nastier since Lendl came on board and I'd love to see the improved Murray - more aggressive on the forehand, a metre further up the court - face Rafa.

I think it would be a belter.

Have to agree on that, with the British crowd on Murray's side as well... what a hyped final that would be. As Murray has won a slam before, I think he'd have extra belief compared to normal.

The Special Juan wrote:Oh the irony of having a name perilously close to "Uberlova"

What a name.

Red wrote:It's tough to call HB.

I think for the past few months, Federer has actually been severely restricted by back injury. I've watched him play quite a bit, and I think on some days he does look hindered by that.

If he is a fully fit, I would still put Djokovic as favourite on any surface, just because I think Djokovic is a touch quicker these days.
I'd say 55-45 Djokovic at Wimbledon.

Hurray Red is back!!! Finally my lobbying and a Nadal win over Djoko brings you back.

Djokovic and Federer for me. I just love watching that rivlarly and I have a feeling it would be a big challenge for Novak as the surface suits fed's game. I don't know if on grass Novak would win or not, I think it would be very close.

socal1976 wrote:

Red wrote:It's tough to call HB.

I think for the past few months, Federer has actually been severely restricted by back injury. I've watched him play quite a bit, and I think on some days he does look hindered by that.

If he is a fully fit, I would still put Djokovic as favourite on any surface, just because I think Djokovic is a touch quicker these days.
I'd say 55-45 Djokovic at Wimbledon.

Hurray Red is back!!! Finally my lobbying and a Nadal win over Djoko brings you back.

Djokovic and Federer for me. I just love watching that rivlarly and I have a feeling it would be a big challenge for Novak as the surface suits fed's game. I don't know if on grass Novak would win or not, I think it would be very close.

Hi Socal

It was the lobbying that did it

Yes, Djokovic-Fed would be a great game, as long as Fed can get rid of his back problems.
Against Tsonga he was really struggling on serve.

Tut, socal, you're not allowed to pick your favourite player. Red seems to have overlooked that in your case. I got a right telling off!

Now that I think of it, my dream Wimbledon final would be me vs my mate Steve. He is useless, and I wouldn't mind the trophy, the prize money and my name in the record books.

Is it not a little too early for this article. Technically, RG is not finished yet.

But I like the idea of having to choose someone other than your favorite player.

I gave it some thought, and for me it would probably be Dimitrov vs Nole, or maybe Dimitrov vs Rafa. I enjoy the matches best when it is someone I like against someone I do not like so much, and these two fit the bill.

Now, I am cheating a bit, because I just effectively replaced Roger with Dimitrov in there. Also, not sure whether it is really fair to pick someone as unrealistic as Grisha. If I am forced to pick two players neither of whom I am a fan of, and who have a decent chance to get there, then I think it would be Nole vs Rafa again.

JuliusHMarx wrote:Tut, socal, you're not allowed to pick your favourite player. Red seems to have overlooked that in your case. I got a right telling off!

Good point.

Naughty Socal, pick again

Henman Bill wrote:Now that I think of it, my dream Wimbledon final would be me vs my mate Steve. He is useless, and I wouldn't mind the trophy, the prize money and my name in the record books.

Yeah but you may support yourself*, and if you read the caveat that's not technically allowed.

*The exception being if you manage to play without supporting yourself.

summerblues wrote:Is it not a little too early for this article. Technically, RG is not finished yet.

But I like the idea of having to choose someone other than your favorite player.

I gave it some thought, and for me it would probably be Dimitrov vs Nole, or maybe Dimitrov vs Rafa. I enjoy the matches best when it is someone I like against someone I do not like so much, and these two fit the bill.

Now, I am cheating a bit, because I just effectively replaced Roger with Dimitrov in there. Also, not sure whether it is really fair to pick someone as unrealistic as Grisha. If I am forced to pick two players neither of whom I am a fan of, and who have a decent chance to get there, then I think it would be Nole vs Rafa again.

kl kl
I thought the quality of Nole and Rafa today was probably the best they have played, 61-54 winners in Nadal's favour.

Red wrote:I thought the quality of Nole and Rafa today was probably the best they have played, 61-54 winners in Nadal's favour.

I actually thought the match was somewhat patchy though obviously great drama in the end. I did like that they both played quite a bit more aggressively than usual. For the most part, this match was quite unlike their typical matches - and more entertaining (for me at least) even though not necessarily better quality.

I am puzzled why they played so much more aggressively - and they both did. Especially in Novak's case, I would have thought he would have preferred to play patient tennis and change to aggressive only if that did not work. But he came out blasting right from the first game. Rafa was also far more aggressive than usual, but I can kind of see why - he needed to change the patterns to get a different result.

Gasquet vs Haas would be my choice. Could be some quality shotmaking on display!

Ignoring the favourite player caveat, it'd be Federer vs Djokovic.

(Welcome back!)

I think the US Open stands as their best (slam) match, but this one was a good one, at least better than last year's final at the FO.

Silver wrote:Gasquet vs Haas would be my choice. Could be some quality shotmaking on display!

Ignoring the favourite player caveat, it'd be Federer vs Djokovic.

Who do you think would win Gasquet vs Haas?

btw you have a PM from moii

Henman Bill wrote:I think the US Open stands as their best (slam) match, but this one was a good one, at least better than last year's final at the FO.

In terms of defensive play- nothing beats the USO match in 2011.

In terms of attacking tennis, this was the best meeting so far.

Red wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:Tut, socal, you're not allowed to pick your favourite player. Red seems to have overlooked that in your case. I got a right telling off!

Good point.

Naughty Socal, pick again

Ok I will go for Gasquet (2nd favorite) against Jerzy Janowicz

socal1976 wrote:

Red wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:Tut, socal, you're not allowed to pick your favourite player. Red seems to have overlooked that in your case. I got a right telling off!

Good point.

Naughty Socal, pick again

Ok I will go for Gasquet (2nd favorite) against Jerzy Janowicz

They played in Rome I think, it was a really great match and Jerzy won in 3.

Yep, bitter sweet for me, my second favorite player and my favorite young player battling it out.

Danny_1982 wrote:Ignoring the rules, the slam match I really want to see is Murray v Nadal.

Murray's game on paper matches up fairly well, not overly concerned by the loopy forehand and likes unloading on high balls which Rafa does give up.

But I've always thought Murray gave Rafa too much respect. He almost used to appear in awe of him. He's a bit nastier since Lendl came on board and I'd love to see the improved Murray - more aggressive on the forehand, a metre further up the court - face Rafa.

I think it would be a belter.

Murray is basically a poor mans Djokovic. Murray's ground strokes cause Nadal considerably less issues than Djokovic.

Murray's forehand, for all the claims of being vastly improved, is no way near the standard of Djokovic's, Nadal's or Federer's.

The only think in Murray's favour in a Wimbledon final with Nadal would be the crowd.

Joao Sousa v Joao Souza (for comedy value)
Andy Murray v JWT

Nightmare

Gilles Simon v Anybody (unless Simon from Sunday turns up)

ryan86 wrote:Joao Sousa v Joao Souza (for comedy value)
Andy Murray v JWT

Nightmare

Gilles Simon v Anybody (unless Simon from Sunday turns up)

Simon vs Robredo

Gerry SA wrote:

Danny_1982 wrote:Ignoring the rules, the slam match I really want to see is Murray v Nadal.

Murray's game on paper matches up fairly well, not overly concerned by the loopy forehand and likes unloading on high balls which Rafa does give up.

But I've always thought Murray gave Rafa too much respect. He almost used to appear in awe of him. He's a bit nastier since Lendl came on board and I'd love to see the improved Murray - more aggressive on the forehand, a metre further up the court - face Rafa.

I think it would be a belter.

Murray is basically a poor mans Djokovic. Murray's ground strokes cause Nadal considerably less issues than Djokovic.

Murray's forehand, for all the claims of being vastly improved, is no way near the standard of Djokovic's, Nadal's or Federer's.

The only think in Murray's favour in a Wimbledon final with Nadal would be the crowd.

Despite all of that, did Murray not beat Djokovic in straight sets in their only match on grass so far??

Red wrote:

Gerry SA wrote:

Danny_1982 wrote:Ignoring the rules, the slam match I really want to see is Murray v Nadal.

Murray's game on paper matches up fairly well, not overly concerned by the loopy forehand and likes unloading on high balls which Rafa does give up.

But I've always thought Murray gave Rafa too much respect. He almost used to appear in awe of him. He's a bit nastier since Lendl came on board and I'd love to see the improved Murray - more aggressive on the forehand, a metre further up the court - face Rafa.

I think it would be a belter.

Murray is basically a poor mans Djokovic. Murray's ground strokes cause Nadal considerably less issues than Djokovic.

Murray's forehand, for all the claims of being vastly improved, is no way near the standard of Djokovic's, Nadal's or Federer's.

The only think in Murray's favour in a Wimbledon final with Nadal would be the crowd.

Despite all of that, did Murray not beat Djokovic in straight sets in their only match on grass so far??

What's Murray vs Djokovic got to do with a potential Nadal vs Murray Wimbledon final?

Unless I'm wrong Nadal's 3-0 vs Murray at Wimbledon ?

Gerry SA wrote:
Murray is basically a poor mans Djokovic. Murray's ground strokes cause Nadal considerably less issues than Djokovic.

Murray's forehand, for all the claims of being vastly improved, is no way near the standard of Djokovic's, Nadal's or Federer's.

The only think in Murray's favour in a Wimbledon final with Nadal would be the crowd.

Despite all of that, did Murray not beat Djokovic in straight sets in their only match on grass so far??[/quote]
What's Murray vs Djokovic got to do with a potential Nadal vs Murray Wimbledon final?

Unless I'm wrong Nadal's 3-0 vs Murray at Wimbledon ?[/quote]
Apologies I was responding to your 'Murray is basically a poor mans Djokovic' quote.
Against Nadal, I agree that Djokovic has a much better record.

the out funnying contest is in full flow i see!

LuvSports! wrote:the out funnying contest is in full flow i see!

Pick a final

ahh and now that contest is well and truly over.
Thanks a lot buzz killington.