Australian Open 2013: Matches of the day : Day 2 15-Jan-2013

The schedule of play for the 2nd day is out. Lots of 5 setters already in this AO. Can we expect some more tomorrow? Federer plays Paire tomorrow afternoon.

1. Robin Haase (NED) [33]
v
Andy Murray (GBR) [3]

I think this is going to be interesting at least for a while. A year back and I might have given a better chance to Hasse to win, but he still hasn't gained enough fitness to play full season. Murray on the other than is looking faster/stronger. Hasse will do best to pull a set, but No more.

My pick: Let me go for a miracle and hope even in cape-of-no-hope. Hasse in 4.

2. Gael Monfils (FRA) [33]
v
Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) [18]

This is going to be entertaining for sure and my very possible 5 setter for tomorrow. Monfils returns from a long injury break, and Dolgo is set back from low confidence. Had to pick.

My pick: I'm in for the .

3. Tommy Haas (GER) [19]
v
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) [33]

Haas has played some good matches coming into this AO. But did he play a little too many matches before the AO? Nieminen I'm not sure is fully fit.

My pick: Haas

4. Dudi Sela (ISR) [33]
v
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) [33]

Davy showed some form in Doha. But along came some injury. Sela has some upsets in his resume. A match of very high stakes for us prediction-games.

My pick: Sela.

5. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [7]
v
Michael Llodra (FRA) [33]

The battle of the French. I'm sure Llodra must haven't liked the draw this year. Nonetheless its his 'karma' to play whoever is on the opposite side.

My pick: Tsonga in 3 sets none of which may be a TB.

6. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) [10]
v
Sabine Lisicki (GER) [33]

Let me be fair and put a ladies match as well. This has potential to be a block-buster.

My take: I want Lisicki to win.

-------------------

The results and points table and standings will be published for each day by the End of that Day.

Everyone

rotla, it's ok to throw a few "cheapies" in you know, we've got to dig ourselves out of today's hole, Tenez has thrashed us all, and you're not making life easy

Ah well, here comes the gambler....

Haase
Dolgopolov
Nieminen
Davydenko
Tsonga
Lisicki

I already know only Tsonga and Davy are going to win their matches...

I'll definitely be watching Federer Paire match, although it's going to be played in the same stupid hour as Nole's match last night/morning. Strangely, I'm not tired at all

Murray in 3

Dolgo in 4

Haas in 4

Davydenko in 3

Tsonga in 3

Wozza in 3

Andy Murray (GBR) [3]

Hasse will do best to pull a set, but No more.

Agree.


Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) [18]

3. Tommy Haas (GER) [19]
v
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) [33]
Tough. match of the oldies, I'll go with Nieminen...but only just.

Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) [33]

Michael Llodra (FRA) [33]

I fancy an upset here. Llodra could pull it up if he plays well.

6. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) [10] - I also want Lisiki to win but don;t think it will happen.

Much more interesting draw than the top one.

Here's what Murray thinks about his match (midnight UK time btw)

"Q. What do you think about the match against Robin Haase?
ANDY MURRAY:
Well, tough match. I mean, he's a very good player. He's
very talented. I had a tough match with him at the US Open a few years
ago. He likes playing on big courts. You know, he tends to come out
firing and going for big shots, playing extremely aggressive. So, you
know, I'll need to be prepared for that.
Yeah, like I say, when I
did play him at the US Open a few years ago, it was a very, very tough
match. I expect the same thing here.

Q. Do you remember the other time you played against him?
ANDY MURRAY:
Yeah. I played him in Rotterdam, I mean, I don't know what
year it was, but it was five, six years ago probably. Yeah, like I say,
it's a tough match for me. I'll need to be ready."


rest of the interview (about his relationship/rivalry with Novak, Lendl etc):
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-12/201301121357974941194.html

I think Devvarman is a player to watch. Not new on the circuit at all but was injured most of his career...that's why we do not know much pf him.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=H756

This confirms what some of us have been saying and shows best about how "hard work" can overcome talent. When they were both young, on fast surfaces, the better player was most likely Haase...a few years later and a bulk up Murray will most likely crush Haase this evening who plays a 1990 fitness level.

Tenez wrote:I think Devvarman is a player to watch. Not new on the circuit at all but was injured most of his career...that's why we do not know much pf him.

I saw a few of his matches, last time in Davis Cup against Serbia, and he can play very well. I think he learnt his tennis in a US college, a bit like Nishikori.
Some players manage to injure themselves easily, esp the joints & tendons that puts them out of the game for longer than they need it; that's where the "team" comes in and is priceless if you can afford them.
Some probably push themselves silly in the gym when they are younger and cause damage that can't be fixed later.

Some, on the other hand are smart or simply have healthier, more robust disposition, and/or know how to look after themselves.

noleisthebest wrote: that's where the "team" comes in and is priceless if you can afford them.
Some probably push themselves silly in the gym when they are younger and cause damage that can't be fixed later.

Some, on the other hand are smart or simply have healthier, more robust disposition, and/or know how to look after themselves.

Well the fact is there is nothing better than big muscles to protect joins and ligament. They act as bumpers....so once again, the way to go is up and bigger.

Tenez wrote:Well the fact is there is nothing better than big muscles to protect joins and ligament. They act as bumpers....so once again, the way to go is up and bigger.

Fed and Nole don't have big muscles, and I'm glad JJ doesn't either!

judy murray
woof woof!..... bark
Schnell schnell cartopflcopf
match fixing
ca plane pour moi, muhammed ali
rory mcilroy

luvsports! wrote:judy murray
woof woof!..... bark
Schnell schnell cartopflcopf
match fixing
ca plane pour moi, muhammed ali
rory mcilroy

What????? What have you been smoking?

I think there is a prediction in there

oh,...i get it.... i am a bit slow...obviuosly.

hehe sorry i wanted to try things a bit differently, do ya get the gist?

luvsports! wrote:hehe sorry i wanted to try things a bit differently, do ya get the gist?

The gist is that donkey cheese is going to cream it all !

Really strange learning that Paire is 6'5" (1m96) as he moves and is agile like a chimp.

Tenez wrote:Really strange learning that Paire is 6'5" (1m96) as he moves and is agile like a chimp.

Poor Paire...I never thought of him as a chimp.....but now that you've mentioned it...he moves very smoothly and freely.

Even when Murray serves he ends up being on the back foot and chases the ball down.

Ouahh..the HD slo-mo showed Murray big legs in action. Impressive!

Berankis....another youngster to watch!

Where are Nalby and Gulbis this year?

C'mon Ben!!!!!!

He is such an elegant player. Paire, that is

Fed looking good so far. Paire probably not the type of player who can really challenge him though.

Benoit elegant? Not the description that comes to my mind.

Yes, Federer is his classic self tonight, very good at the net.

Still, Paire offers more playful tennis, there is a spark i the way he plays and I it

Yes, Paire plays quite entertaining tennis, but a bit too quirky for my taste. I like having players like that around but more as an appetizer rather than the main course.

To me Paire is so much better than Tomic in every way, yet because there are s many good players coming from France he gets no hype and attention.
He is a great material for the right coach, I just hope he is in the right hands.

summerblues wrote:Yes, Paire plays quite entertaining tennis, but a bit too quirky for my taste. I like having players like that around but more as an appetizer rather than the main course.

I wouldn't call it quirky, more instinctive and playful, one of the rare players on the tour that dare enjoy themselves on the court.

Don't know if he is better than Tomic, but certainly more fun to watch. I am not a fan of Tomic's game at all. Quite overrated too I think (and hope).

The nerves got the better of him in this match affecting his first serve, which is more than enough for Federer to get out of blocks his usual style.

Although there is no battle and grit going on it's so lovely to see both players showing off their best and being loose.

noleisthebest wrote:I wouldn't call it quirky, more instinctive and playful, one of the rare players on the tour that dare enjoy themselves on the court.

Quirky is the word that comes to my mind every time I see him, cannot help it. Also, "playful" rubs me a little bit the wrong way, I have no need for it. Instinctive is all right, as long as it is part of an overall plan. Playful reminds me of "amateurish".

In any event, whether it is playful, quirky or amateurish, I do not think this man will give Roger hard time tonight. Time for me to go to bed. See you here over the next couple of weeks.

Playful is the opposite of a predictable basher in every way for me. Game comes naturally to him and he is very creative.

Having to endure some really mundane Australian commentators

We fans need to form a committee and sign up a petition to have the option of no commentators when watching matches.

And it was a straight set affair win from Fed, as expected.
I really enjoy Courier's on-court interviews. Fed looks very fresh and relaxed.

Back to sofa to catch a few more hours of sleep now

summerblues wrote:Don't know if he is better than Tomic, but certainly more fun to watch. I am not a fan of Tomic's game at all. Quite overrated too I think (and hope).

Agree with the first part....but not with the second one. He is rated about right....unfortuantely. Those players find a way to win cause they simply want to more than the rest.

I am torn between Haas and Nieminen. Much prefer Haas but gave wrongly Nieminen a better chance to win in our game. Haas had MP but but Niem is now serving for the match in the 5th.

Wow, Dolgopolov Monfils killing each other, two tie break sets, toe to toe i the third, time to tune in

Rosol The Great, Istomin, Laura Robson, Simon through

very topsy turvey match with dolgo and monfils, another break!
4-2 monfils 3rd set

Very entertaining match going on.. Dolgo-Monfils. Haas becomes the highest seed to fall till now in men's singles.

Women's its Sera Errani. Looks like there was no Dr. Del Moral for her help.

monaco lost before him and was seeded 11th raiders

Dolgopov is barking mad stanindg 1m inside the baseline on Monf's 2nd serve!!!!!!

Atmosphere in Margaret Court arena looks fantastic!
What a shot from Dolgo!

Monf being a lot more proactive than his usual scrapping self, not bad!

Dolgo looks spent

Tennis rockin&rolling in MC arena at the moment, don't know who's loving it more: crowd or the players...or birds flying above the court ...or me watching it all transfixed, half asleep with the second double espresso in front of me failing to do the wakey-wakey trick

I m watching bits....lots of UEs....which is not bad in itself...