Australian Open Round 4 (Days 7 and 8)

First topic message reminder :

So the tournament proper starts and the round of 16 in the men's singles looks to have more or less all that could be hoped. All the main challengers bar Potro are still there, Dimitrov may finally be justifying the hype and a couple of surprise packages in fine form in Bautista-Agut and Mayer.

Bottom Half

Djokovic v. Fognini (H2H 6-0) [RLA - not before 2.30pm]

The first meeting between them at slam level, after the match that never was at RG. Fognini is playing well and was impressive beating Querrey in straights in R3. However, for all his mercurial skills, he has 9 games in his last 6 sets versus the Djoker. Straight sets to Novak.

Wawrinka v. Robredo (H2H 1-6) [RLA - second night match]

Stan's only win over Tommy was in 2007 and he was beaten twice in 2013. Will Stan's walkover in r3 hurt him? Robredo was very impressive in beating Gasquet. However, I think Stan probably has the form to overcome the head to head but it won't be easy. Stan in 5.

Ferrer v. Mayer (H2H 4-3) [Hisense - after legends doubles and ladies singles]

Mayer has been in terrific form so far this year and comfortably beat Ferrer in Shanghai in their last match. His big serving and variety of shots can cause the more consistent Ferrer problems. I haven't seen much of Ferrer this tournament but I just get the feeling he isn't quite at his best. Going for the upset here - Mayer in 4.

Berdych v. Anderson (H2H 9-0) [Margaret Court - not before 5pm]

Big Kev must be fed up of the sight of Berdych. All 9 meetings have been in the last 2 years and this will be the 5th at slam level. Berdych looks ominously good and Anderson doesn't have the skills to change his game up to overcome the H2H. Big Berd in 3 sets.

Top Half

Nadal v. Nishikori (H2H 5-0) [RLA afternoon match - after two ladies singles]

Nishikori looked very smooth in crushing Donald Young after trailing in the first set but that was against Donald Young. Serve remains a weakness and he doesn't have the reach or power to bother Rafa. Rafa in 3.

Federer v. Tsonga (H2H 9-4) [RLA evening session first match]

The match of the round by a distance. Neither player has yet dropped a set and both have looked impressive. Will Fed's new racquet hold up to the pressure of facing a top guy. I'm not sure. Fed won in 5 in Australia last year but Tsonga recovered to win in straights on the clay of Roland Garros. This is very tough to call but I think there are more questions about Fed. I'm going for Tsonga in 4 tough sets.

Murray v. Robert (H2H 0-0) [Hisense - not before 4 30pm]

Unlikely to be much to see here. Robert as a lucky loser has done exceptionally well to reach this point and he does have a reputation for beating British players (but at a rather lower level). He is solid but has no real weapons. Murray in 3.

Dimitrov v. Bautista Agut (H2H 0-1) [Grandstand - not before 1pm]

The only match without at least one of the players seeded to make R4 but it could be a classic. Both have looked very impressive with B-A backing up his stunning win over Del-po with a crushing win over Paire. Dimitrov outclassed Raonic in 4 sets with only Raonic's serve keeping it close. Interesting their one match at the end of last year was won easily by Bautista-Agut. I just wonder whether Dimitrov's nerve might fail him on the brink of a slam QF. Going with the underdog in 5.

Ladies

Williams v. Ivanovic : Serena in 2
Li Na v. Makarova : Li Na in 3
Kerber v. Pennetta : Pennetta in 3
Bouchard v, Dellacqua : Bouchard in 2

Azarenka v. Stephens : Azarenka in 3
Sharapova v. Cibulkova : Sharapova in 3
Radwanska v. Muguruza : Radwanska in 2
Jankovic v. Halep : Halep in 2

Not seen much of Bouchard, so just googled her. She's hot, but she's not Ivanovic hot.

But she looks like the girl next door, while Ana looks like a fake Shop doll. Anyway a combo of them would compliment each others missing qualities

Well Jahu, if we're ever in a bar and the two if them come up to us... Sounds like we won't have any issues over who's going for who!

6 games in and this is a bit underwhelming. Come on guys, give us the fireworks of 12 months ago.

Jahu wrote:But she looks like the girl next door, while Ana looks like a fake Shop doll. Anyway a combo of them would compliment each others missing qualities

So, Bouchard looks "like the girl next door......"

Where exactly do you live   

Hahaha

Come on Stan wake up, 6:2 first set to the ugly ears guy.

Oh man what a point to break Djoko. Stan is 4;3 up on second set.

Stan takes second set 6:4. Much better play.

Stan hit 15 winners in that set. Impressive stuff.

Stan breaks again 2:1 in third.

Hmmm. I know we've been here twice before in this match up but I'm getting the sensation that the game might be up for Novak.

There's only so many times you can come back from the brink.

Will Stan maintain this level? It's on his racquet at the moment.

Djoko screaming like a spoiled brat. Hhaahahahah so cute. Go home!!!

Break again from Stan 4:1, go Stan gooooooooooooo

The key will be the next set when wawrinka nears the finish line, will he falter when the big pressure comes on. He is such a great player and I knew he would cause problems.

If Stan can beat Djoko, then I am happy-ish at the thought of Rafa losing to Dimi (unlikely) as long as the AO winner is someone brand new

Novak has not even got to a break point on Stan's serve in the last two sets.

It's going to take a very significant change in momentum to get out of this one.

As it was underwhelming I left for work after the first set. Sod's law, it now sounds like a belter. I hope ur all thankful I went to work! I did it for you all.

Djokovic missing a ridiculous amount of second serve returns, really unusual

Can Wawrinka hold his nerve if he can see the red tape...at least the match 12months ago tells him he can get near the line....crossing it is another matter! I hope for his career he can do...but this match has a LOOOOONG way to go.

Groundhog day?

If Stan wins this who is going to stop Nadal?

barrystar wrote:Groundhog day?

If Stan wins this who is going to stop Nadal?

Fed? baby Fed? Murray, even?

The umpire according to HE.

But hopefully nobody

5 deuces but still Stan keeps Novak getting to a break point.

HMM .... I was surprised by your earlier comment that "the game might be up for Novak"

He revels in these rollercoaster rides, and just when you think he is on his way out .... that's when he suddenly wakes up and sees it through.

My money is still on Novak, but Stan has been tremendous (again) here tonight.

Dont give up Stan. You can do itttttt

barrystar wrote:Groundhog day?

If Stan wins this who is going to stop Nadal?

er ...... nobody !

Djokovic, like Nadal, never ever gives up so you know Stan will have to prize that trophy from his gritted teeth. Stan knows that too. This will not be easy...it'll be the making of him if he can do it though.

Stan needed to this in four.

All the momentum back with Djokovic now, and I would be very, very surprised if he doesn't pull it out the fire. It will be so painful for Stan, but fingers crossed for him.

For the record, I hate having a favourite player!

My life would be so much more pleasant if I could just watch tennis impartially.

Couldn't agree more HM!! Never easy to watch

more random thought, did anyone take my advice and put money on the 16/1 Berdych Nadal final?

What the hell just happened?

ChequeredJersey wrote:What the hell just happened?

Novak brain fart?  A common occurence.

Come on Stan 3:3, 40:40, dont give up mannnnn

I've got to say, to give up the break immediately with such a poor game... he doesn't deserve to win here.

Oh baby, 219kph rockets from Stan 4:3 now.

HM, you know he will

Stan to promptly break,

the world #1 slot looks a ways away if Djokovic loses here. even if Nadal loses to dimitrov, quarter defeats for both result in a 2000 uptake for Nadal

4:4, nerve wracking on same level as last years match.

We're getting to the stage where Novak is serving to stay in the match.

Experience tells me this often doesn't end well. He's not good at serving second in the crucial sets.

I wish I was watching this...   

Keep going with the updates guys.

Serving from Stan is superb in these tense moments.

Come on Stan, 1 game away!! 5:4 Djoko to serve.

Sheesh - that was a good time for Stan to put in a love service game.

It gets me wondering about their other great 5-setter, and in particular who had the advantage of serving first in the final set.

barrystar wrote:Sheesh - that was a good time for Stan to put in a love service game.

It gets me wondering about their other great 5-setter, and in particular who had the advantage of serving first in the final set.

Novak served first in the 5th last year.

First serve % so far: Stan 70%, Djoko 71%

Djoko finds his serve 5:5

Squeaky bum time now.

Whoever loses serve next will almost certainly lose.

Oh man, millimeter tennis being played all over the lines.

Rain ....

Could we possibly have any more drama ...?

rain!!!!