I watched four days of the qualifying, and the "conditions" are quick.
By conditions I mean a potent mix of the surface playing fast, but also these new Dunlop balls coming off the deck like cricket balls.
The tournament is really geared to the servebots again.
Depending on how the event plays out, the Dunlop decision may end up being a serious talking point for up-highs during and after the tournament.
We can understand what the AO has been trying to do in terms of condition management the last few years but this really seems like overkill.
You forgot about the servebot who won the tournament.This is a ridiculous statement. In 2017 the only servebot even making Round 4 was Raonic, and he lost in straights in the QF. In 2018, we had 1,5 - Fucsovics (the 0,5) and Kyrgios, both losing the 4th round as well.
We had Isner, Anderson and Raonic losing 1st round, Querrey round 2, and Karlovic with a super easy draw round 3. The servebots sure had a ball since Melbourne sped up the surface...
I watched the Baghdatis qualifying match a couple of nights ago ...
This is a ridiculous statement. In 2017 the only servebot even making Round 4 was Raonic, and he lost in straights in the QF. In 2018, we had 1,5 - Fucsovics (the 0,5) and Kyrgios, both losing the 4th round as well.
We had Isner, Anderson and Raonic losing 1st round, Querrey round 2, and Karlovic with a super easy draw round 3. The servebots sure had a ball since Melbourne sped up the surface...
What you are saying is that many servebots have done poorly in recent years.
This could be for a multitude of reasons (big men struggling in the hot weather for example) and does not address the fact that the surface (in recent years) and the balls (this year) are geared for the servebots. The fact that they haven't capitalised is immaterial.
If you have been down at the tournament this week and have something more substantial to contribute based on actual observation of the conditions and the impact of the change to Dunlop balls, I welcome your remarks. But please avoid useless stats-pulling, particularly if you haven't been monitoring the conditions.
I watched four days of the qualifying, and the "conditions" are quick.
By conditions I mean a potent mix of the surface playing fast, but also these new Dunlop balls coming off the deck like cricket balls.
The tournament is really geared to the servebots again.
Depending on how the event plays out, the Dunlop decision may end up being a serious talking point for up-highs during and after the tournament.
We can understand what the AO has been trying to do in terms of condition management the last few years but this really seems like overkill.
I am in no way saying servebots haven’t done well recently - Raonic, Anderson, Isner and Querrey are having the time of their lives these past 3 years. Just not in Melbourne.
I am very sorry that my facts (not stats) are tearing apart your transparent agenda. Thanks for the free “friendly advice”, though
Couldn’t disagree more. Every Grand Slam allows players to play the exact same way - Wimbledon is slow and players don’t even need to come to net to win it. Rafa and Djokovic would never have won it if it was the fast grass unless they serve and volleyed like Borg did. The surfaces have been homogenized which keeps players from having to adapt to fast services and learn new skills. It also makes the game so much more physical and adds to all of the injuries we have been seeing. And, it’s boring watching similar points on all surfaces - it lacks variety.
I watched four days of the qualifying, and the "conditions" are quick.
By conditions I mean a potent mix of the surface playing fast, but also these new Dunlop balls coming off the deck like cricket balls.
The tournament is really geared to the servebots again.
Depending on how the event plays out, the Dunlop decision may end up being a serious talking point for up-highs during and after the tournament.
We can understand what the AO has been trying to do in terms of condition management the last few years but this really seems like overkill.
So do you think the conditions are about the same as last year or faster because of the new balls? I remember when RG first switched to Dunlop and the balls were lightning fast. Quite a few players were not happy.
So Dunlop balls are faster or slower than Wilson?The New Dunlop balls replacing the Wilson balls used last year will affect how fast the court plays ie whether they fluff up. From the wild card matches played in December it looked fairly quick.
OK... we have official word on the court speed from someone who should know: Federer. He said today:
"I know what Denis [Istomin] did to Novak... I've had some tough ones against him in the past. He can play well in fast courts , and that's what it's going to be a little bit here."
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIDesktop
Lighter and harder which equals faster. The surface will be the same surface that it was in 2017/2018, but the Dunlop balls will make it feel even quicker to the players and look quicker to the viewer. The player that wins this tournament will be the player willing to step in and play aggressive tennis. If you try to defend and get behind the baseline on this court with these ball than you are in trouble. I really believe it's going to be the two greatest players in AO history battling it out to be the sole record holder of seven titles in Melbourne.So Dunlop balls are faster or slower than Wilson?
but imagine if Federer doesn't win, then he'll probably go slamless this year because of how tough Djokovic is at WimbledonLighter and harder which equals faster. The surface will be the same surface that it was in 2017/2018, but the Dunlop balls will make it feel even quicker to the players and look quicker to the viewer. The player that wins this tournament will be the player willing to step in and play aggressive tennis. If you try to defend and get behind the baseline on this court with these ball than you are in trouble. I really believe it's going to be the two greatest players in AO history battling it out to be the sole record holder of seven titles in Melbourne.
Semifinals:
Djokovic defeats Zverev (5 sets)
Federer defeats Anderson (3 sets)
Final:
Federer defeats Djokovic (5 sets)
Federer wins three AO's in a row at ages 35, 36 and 37. In the process he will own the record for most titles down under at the AO, and he will also be the oldest slam champion in the open era.
You never know, but it's a definite possibility. At Roger's age there is definitely a higher probability that he won't win a slam as to him actually winning a slam. Now having said that I still believe he wins at least one slam this year.but imagine if Federer doesn't win, then he'll probably go slamless this year because of how tough Djokovic is at Wimbledon
i hope Federer wins another slam, because if he stays on 20 i think Rafael will cruise past that with RG alone, so to keep it interesting Federer would need 21 or 22You never know, but it's a definite possibility. At Roger's age there is definitely a higher probability that he won't win a slam as to him actually winning a slam. Now having said that I still believe he wins at least one slam this year.
We also need to take what Fed says with a grain of salt. Before the US Open he said “I like playing here. I think the court speed’s good for me." He's been very consistent over the years of always saying "everything's good" before a tournament, regardless of the situation. He finds a way to spin things and make them seem positive so it doesn't sound like he's making excuses.OK... we have official word on the court speed from someone who should know: Federer. He said today:
"I know what Denis [Istomin] did to Novak... I've had some tough ones against him in the past. He can play well in fast courts , and that's what it's going to be a little bit here."
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIDesktop
Lighter and harder which equals faster. The surface will be the same surface that it was in 2017/2018, but the Dunlop balls will make it feel even quicker to the players and look quicker to the viewer.
We also need to take what Fed says with a grain of salt. Before the US Open he said “I like playing here. I think the court speed’s good for me." He's been very consistent over the years of always saying "everything's good" before a tournament, regardless of the situation. He finds a way to spin things and make them seem positive so it doesn't sound like he's making excuses.
Lighter and harder which equals faster. The surface will be the same surface that it was in 2017/2018, but the Dunlop balls will make it feel even quicker to the players and look quicker to the viewer. The player that wins this tournament will be the player willing to step in and play aggressive tennis. If you try to defend and get behind the baseline on this court with these ball than you are in trouble. I really believe it's going to be the two greatest players in AO history battling it out to be the sole record holder of seven titles in Melbourne.
Semifinals:
Djokovic defeats Zverev (5 sets)
Federer defeats Anderson (3 sets)
Final:
Federer defeats Djokovic (5 sets)
Federer wins three AO's in a row at ages 35, 36 and 37. In the process he will own the record for most titles down under at the AO, and he will also be the oldest slam champion in the open era.
people really throw the word serve bot around like anything don't they, having a good serve does not equal servebot but okay.
It’s quite clear what that guy posting “the courts are once again geared towards servebots” actually meant. That’s why he got his panties in a twist once I established real servebots are actually doing extremely poor in Melbourne lately. Very sad indeed. And I also agree this servebot crap is way out of order - they see 1-2 in a couple of finals and all of a sudden they’re a problem. It seems players should only be allowes to hit under-serves and not develop the only shot your opponent has no influence on.
What you are saying is that many servebots have done poorly in recent years.
This could be for a multitude of reasons (big men struggling in the hot weather for example) and does not address the fact that the surface (in recent years) and the balls (this year) are geared for the servebots. The fact that they haven't capitalised is immaterial.
If you have been down at the tournament this week and have something more substantial to contribute based on actual observation of the conditions and the impact of the change to Dunlop balls, I welcome your remarks. But please avoid useless stats-pulling, particularly if you haven't been monitoring the conditions.
Last year the servers Federer and Cilic reached the final. The conditions help servers.This is a ridiculous statement. In 2017 the only servebot even making Round 4 was Raonic, and he lost in straights in the QF. In 2018, we had 1,5 - Fucsovics (the 0,5) and Kyrgios, both losing the 4th round as well.
We had Isner, Anderson and Raonic losing 1st round, Querrey round 2, and Karlovic with a super easy draw round 3. The servebots sure had a ball since Melbourne sped up the surface...
You forgot about the servebot who won the tournament.
Depends who wins the tournamentDoes anyone know how the courts are playing? This is the most important piece of info IMO that will determine the champion.
Yep, if Fed wins, the conditions will be quick. If Nadal or Djokovic win, theyre slow
Lol the days of Federer winning slams are over.
fast courts would favor Federer but so would it for novakIf Federer = fast; else slow.
Gilbert confirmed court speed as medium fast, Boris said on Eurosport that “court is playing like last year.”We also need to take what Fed says with a grain of salt. Before the US Open he said “I like playing here. I think the court speed’s good for me." He's been very consistent over the years of always saying "everything's good" before a tournament, regardless of the situation. He finds a way to spin things and make them seem positive so it doesn't sound like he's making excuses.
Just bookmarking this for now.
So Dunlop balls are faster or slower than Wilson?
Lol the days of Federer winning slams are over.
Well by all means let's wait till she's grabbed hold of them.Martina N reporting in the ST that some of the men are complaining that the new Dunlop ball feeling a bit dead and difficult to generate pace off of it, which could mean extended rallies. However, she caveats by saying she hasn’t played with them yet.
Dead balls also mean volleys and slices work better remember so it's not as if they only reward baseline play.Martina N reporting in the ST that some of the men are complaining that the new Dunlop ball feeling a bit dead and difficult to generate pace off of it, which could mean extended rallies