Australian Open 2014 : MOTD : Day 11 Semi Final day1

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:06 pm

1. Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) [33]
vs.
Na Li (CHN) [7]

2. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) [33]
vs.
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) [18]

3. Tomas Berdych (CZE) [32]
vs.
Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) [33]

My picks:

1. Li Na
2. Radwanska
3. Stan, I like Berdych too, but this is Stan's time.

by Daniel Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:06 pm

Stan.

by Tenez Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:34 pm

Li Rad and Stan.

Interesting stat: Stan beat Berdych in 6 of their last 7 encounters. Hopefully he'll make it 7th time of the last 8!

by laverfan Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:26 pm

Bouchard, Cibu, Stan (he has played beautifully so far).

by Polly 81 Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:11 pm

Bouchard
Radwanska
Stan

by paulcz Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:15 pm

I heard an interview with Berd's parents after his match with Feru. Berd had high body temperature after his match with Anderson and took some pills. They had worries whether Tom can withstand longer match with Feru. In the end Berd had a luck not to go in five setter and played well.
I would be happy for Stan to win it and expect 4 setter as a minimum. Their match should be a real fight.

by summerblues Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:49 pm

Bouchard, Radwanska, Wawrinka

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:13 am

ANother upset.. Cibulkova into her first Major final... and very easily.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:44 am

Just started watching Berd Stan, and what do I see?
Two big tall strong players rallying from the baseline, scared of the net...what's tennis come to these days...

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:59 am

And as the match progresses, it's Stan that's much quicker to pull the trigger off, Berd happy to rally.
Will be interesting if it comes to a TB, as neither are that good at returning, and both well known as chokers.
Looks like Stan has more belief in this match-up, so it will probably be Bird who will blink first.
Having said that, he certainly won't go rolling down, he knows he's got a good chance, too.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:19 am

Stan with the first set.. come on stan.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:20 am

noleisthebest wrote:Two big tall strong players rallying from the baseline, scared of the net...what's tennis come to these days...

Is it Tomic vs Raonic you are watching?

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:22 am

I want Stan to win...he would become the first SHBH slam finalist in 7 years!!!! since Gonzo reaching that same AO in 2007! ...apart from Fed of course!!!

Yet I think Berdych would hold better against Nadal!

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:36 am

I like Berd's flat FH, it's a beautiful shot, but it's not firing today and it's his only weapon, really.
Stan's BH is superior and his FH as good if not better in this match than Berd's, so a pretty drama-free match so far.
I expected a bit of a battle, but this looks like an easy 3 setter for Stan provided he keeps his focus.
Despite his terrible H2H against both Fed and Nadal (I think he hasn't ever even won a set against Nadal), he'll play a better final than Berd.
Berd's game is looking obsolete now and he'll need to work on it asap if he wants to keep his ranking.
The game seems to be moving in the right, attacking direction right now, and that's a great sign!
Top ten is going to look really interesting come Wimbledon.

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:43 am

The thing is those big guys are very often exposed by SHBHers cause they simply do not move as well as the 3 top runners. And Berdych is simply too robotic, plus his FH is overhyped. Delpo's is much better.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:58 am

Yes, Delpo's FH is a real bomb esp DTL and also on the run. He is a more complete player.
But I do like Berd's FH nonetheless, it's such a high risk low net clearance shot, skidding beautifully off any surface.

Both Stan and Berd are poor movers and both are stuffed against Fedal in the final.

I give preference to Stan only because he seems to be very confident right now, but we know how fragile and volatile he is in that department...

My main thing really is to see Fed beat Nadal tomorrow, I am not too worried about Stan or Berd although I am happy it's going to be a new finalist and favour Stan more as he is gutsier and he is due a slam final after all the close losses he's had in many 5 setters against Nole and Murray.

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:04 am

Looks like Berdych wants it desperately!

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:08 am

Finally we've got a match!
Let's see who wants it more desperately Winking

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:14 am

Even if I'd prefer Stan to win I know that v Nadal Berdych would do better so it won't be a big disappointment if Stan loses that one. Berdyh has experience being in a final and then he has the shots to scare Nadal.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:16 am

So, you've written Fed off for tomorrow?

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:21 am

Berdych has upped his pace on shots and good depth.. Stan missing some bits.. just needs to tighten up screws.. come on Stan...

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:21 am

After seeing the close-up of two cans of new balls being emptied, I wonder what the balls would have looked like after that 6 hour AO 12 final had they not changed them the entire match.

by N2D2L Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:21 am

If stan wins this, we get an all Swiss final, imagine that Winking

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:22 am

interesting stat!!!!

FH winners: Berdych 4 Stan 15!!!

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:23 am

Julia Santamaria wrote:If stan wins this, we get an all Swiss final, imagine that

Of course! Did not think of it...and we know you are always right! Serious!

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:25 am

Julia Santamaria wrote:If stan wins this, we get an all Swiss final, imagine that

Well, that's understandable.
I am surprised you have chosen not to share that hot piece of news your sources must have told you: that Nadal will be announcing a w/o later this evening.
Due to his horrific injury, of course.

by N2D2L Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:25 am

Tenez wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:If stan wins this, we get an all Swiss final, imagine that
Of course! Did not think of it...and we know you are always right! Serious!

All SHBHs as well, you'll love that.

by N2D2L Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:26 am

noleisthebest wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:If stan wins this, we get an all Swiss final, imagine that

Well, that's understandable.
I am surprised you have chosen not to share that hot piece of news your sources must have told you: that Nadal will be announcing a w/o later this evening.
Due to his horrific injury, of course.

No I don't think he'll hand Fed a walkover, he'll go on court to atleast try and get something, but in reality it's like going into a war with all your weapons already destroyed.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:30 am

Julia Santamaria wrote:

All SHBHs as well, you'll love that.

I wish Nadal could play with a SBH, but we know he can't even take a basic FH early, let alone even dare to contemplate a SBH.
No wonder he has to bite his trophies, he must be doing it just to check he is not dreaming!

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:38 am

Mats is so right when he says players like Berdych and Stan go on ocurt hoping that they will be on form that day as lots depends on their talent and their execution. While for Nadal he is not hopinganything cause his tennis is all about being prepared physically. This is why Nadal is very emotional when a physical possible impediment occurs but much less challenged mentally on the court when fit as his shots are safer and as long as he can run down balls and inject his spin there is nothing much worry about. Whereas his opposition has to find the thin margins!

What I have said all along....again!

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:40 am

noleisthebest wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:

All SHBHs as well, you'll love that.

I wish Nadal could play with a SBH, but we know he can't even take a basic FH early, let alone even dare to contemplate a SBH.
No wonder he has to bite his trophies, he must be doing it just to check he is not dreaming!

I could beat Nadal if he had a SHBH.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:43 am

Tenez wrote:
noleisthebest wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:

All SHBHs as well, you'll love that.

I wish Nadal could play with a SBH, but we know he can't even take a basic FH early, let alone even dare to contemplate a SBH.
No wonder he has to bite his trophies, he must be doing it just to check he is not dreaming!

I could beat Nadal if he had a SHBH.

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:45 am

noleisthebest wrote:
Tenez wrote:
noleisthebest wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:

All SHBHs as well, you'll love that.

I wish Nadal could play with a SBH, but we know he can't even take a basic FH early, let alone even dare to contemplate a SBH.
No wonder he has to bite his trophies, he must be doing it just to check he is not dreaming!

I could beat Nadal if he had a SHBH.

So could you I am sure! Not sure about Amri though...!

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:52 am

Berdych mighty solid on serve right now. But so is Stan... another TB.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:53 am

Just imagine....a SBH Nadal vs a SBH Amri on CC!
Amri would be wearing the same kit as Nadal, just not sure if he'd play as a lefty, as well.

It would have to be on the Red Nose day, of course.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:01 am

Stan wins the 3rd set.... awesome ... Come on stan. Nervous play from Berdych with 2 DF in the TB.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:02 am

Am I the only one who cares about the ongoing match?

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:02 am

It's funny tennis. You watch the first TB you say Berdych is a better player and more solid mentally....you watch the second TB and it's the opposite.

There is so little to choose from!

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:03 am

Yes, the choking...amazing!
They work hard all set and then blow it all with a DF.

by Tenez Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:03 am

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Am I the only one who cares about the ongoing match?

Not sure but I admit I don't care that much! Tempeted to have Berdych in final as he would make a more interesting final be it v Nadal or Fed.

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:04 am

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Am I the only one who cares about the ongoing match?

Which one, Stan - Berd or Amri - Nadal? Winking

Who'd you support?

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:05 am

noleisthebest wrote:
raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Am I the only one who cares about the ongoing match?

Which one, Stan - Berd or Amri - Nadal?

Who'd you support?

Today I'll watch Stan -Berdych... Amri -Nadal during off season.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:07 am

Tenez wrote:
raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Am I the only one who cares about the ongoing match?

Not sure but I admit I don't care that much! Tempeted to have Berdych in final as he would make a more interesting final be it v Nadal or Fed.

he he..

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:08 am

The good thing is the winner of today's match will have an extra day pf rest.
The bad thing not even that will be enough against the horrifically injured Nadal.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:09 am

Break point for Stan.. come on Stan...

by N2D2L Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:09 am

noleisthebest wrote:Just imagine....a SBH Nadal vs a SBH Amri on CC!
Amri would be wearing the same kit as Nadal, just not sure if he'd play as a lefty, as well.

It would have to be on the Red Nose day, of course.

Look, if Rafito converts to SHBH, I'll have to convert to SHBH the next day.
Bit annoying to throw away years of backhand technique, but there you go.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:10 am

another DF, another BP for Stan...

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:11 am

Amri, you're providing more entertainment than Stan and Berd Laugh

by noleisthebest Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:41 am

I must admit, despite the close score, this is such a flat match.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:46 am

noleisthebest wrote:I must admit, despite the close score, this is such a flat match.

Great serving, excellent FH winners, Excellent BH winners, many good volleys and still...

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