Random Tennis Observations from 2012

[McEnroeisanartist]

In Bjorn Borg's last nine grand slams before retiring (1981), he won 5 grand slams, reached 3 grand slam finals, and lost in a quarterfinal. In Nadal's last nine grand slams before Wimbledon, he won 5 grand slams, reached 3 grand slam finals, and lost in a quarterfinal.

If you believe Federer's post-prime started in 2008, then in the last 5 years, he has gone 109-15 at grand slams, 4 times he did he not reach a Grand Slam semifinal. During Sampras' 5 prime years (1993-1997), he went 101-11, and 8 times he did not reach a Grand Slam semifinal.

Federer had a better record in Masters Series tournaments in 2012 (23-3) than he did in 2004 (20-3). He played just six tournments each year.

From 1996-2004 (9 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam quarterfinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 17 times.

From 1970-2004 (35 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam semifinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 9 times.

With his U.S. Open win, Andy Murray won his 24th singles title and passed Jim Courier (23).

With his ATP World Tour Finals win, Novak Djokovic won his 34th singles title and passed Mats Wilander (33).

[roundiesee]

Originally Posted by McEnroeisanartist

In Bjorn Borg's last nine grand slams before retiring (1981), he won 5 grand slams, reached 3 grand slam finals, and lost in a quarterfinal. In Nadal's last nine grand slams before Wimbledon, he won 5 grand slams, reached 3 grand slam finals, and lost in a quarterfinal.

If you believe Federer's post-prime started in 2008, then in the last 5 years, he has gone 109-15 at grand slams, 4 times he did he not reach a Grand Slam semifinal. During Sampras' 5 prime years (1993-1997), he went 101-11, and 8 times he did not reach a Grand Slam semifinal.

Federer had a better record in Masters Series tournaments in 2012 (23-3) than he did in 2004 (20-3). He played just six tournments each year.

From 1996-2004 (9 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam quarterfinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 17 times.

From 1970-2004 (35 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam semifinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 9 times.

With his U.S. Open win, Andy Murray won his 24th singles title and passed Jim Courier (23).

With his ATP World Tour Finals win, Novak Djokovic won his 34th singles title and passed Mats Wilander (33).

I don't think Nadal is going to retire any time soon, but will probably come back stronger than ever.

To me, the best "random" fact of 2012 was that in each Grand Slam Tournament in chronological sequence, the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 (ranked at the time) player of the year won that title. I don't think this has been done before if I'm not mistaken,

[sbengte]

Originally Posted by McEnroeisanartist

From 1996-2004 (9 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam quarterfinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 17 times.

From 1970-2004 (35 years), only once did a player reach all four grand slam semifinals in the same year. From 2005-2012 (8 years), it has been done 9 times.

Two words : Surface homogenization.