2022 Terra Wortmann Open, Halle (ATP 500)

[Aabye5]

Will the best grass court tournament still be the best without Rog?

Top Players:
1. Daniil Medvedev
2. Stefanos Tsitsipas
3. Andrey Rublev
4. Felix Auger-Aliassime
5. Hubert Hurkacz
6. Pablo Carreno Busta
7. Roberto Bautista Agut
8. Karen Khachanov

Sebastian Marton Fucsovics, Nikoloz Basilashvili, Oscar Otte, and Ugo Humbert all have decent draws and can make some nosie.

Special appearances from wild cards Nick Kyrgios, Holger Rune, Jan-Lennard Struff, and Henri Squire.


Draw
Dates: 2022.06.13 - 2022.06.19

 

[Aabye5]

Who is that in the doubles qualifying? Is that the retired player Andrei Medvedev? I thought he was fighting in Ukraine?

 

[TheNachoMan]

Halle without Fraud isn’t Halle

 

[stringertom]

New sponsor is the German technology manufacturer Wortmann, who have been making PCs/notebooks/laptops since the mid-80s. Terra is their trademarked brand.

 

[Aabye5]

Halle without Fraud isn’t Halle

True, but will it be interesting?

- Can Goffin beat Med, as he did a couple years ago at Wimbledon?
- Will Cressy or Griekspoor or Stricker make the main draw?
- Can Marton Fucsovics reach a SF or will he go down to RBA?
- Will Squire or Otte put on a performance for the home crowd?
- Do Nick and Stef take to fistcuffs...if they both make it that far?
- Will hot-tempered Holger play cool as cucumber Sebi Korda?
- Can humble Humbert find form and defend his 2021 title?

Stay tuned.

 

[Aabye5]

...but then, I guess I'm one of the very few who find joy in tennis, and not just the big 3.

 

[fundrazer]

...but then, I guess I'm one of the very few who find joy in tennis, and not just the big 3.

There are a lot of us who enjoy tennis but think the continued dominance of big 3 has made it boring.

 

[Aabye5]

There are a lot of us who enjoy tennis but think the continued dominance of big 3 has made it boring.

Then, why are there rarely posts on non-big-three players?

 

[stringertom]

Then, why are there rarely posts on non-big-three players?

I’ve tried my best to diversify posts and threads to include the other guys, going back as far as my threads about Gulbis and teenage Kyrgios. That effort has been made despite being smeared by various hate-fueled trolls for focusing too early or often on rising players or focusing on, in Gulbis’ case, has-beens. Well, guess what? The Ernest made it back to top 10 and so have a few of the teens I highlighted while they were busting their butts on the Challenger circuit. Now, I just don’t care to take the flak anymore.

 

[Aabye5]

I’ve tried my best to diversify posts and threads to include the other guys, going back as far as my threads about Gulbis and teenage Kyrgios. That effort has been made despite being smeared by various hate-fueled trolls for focusing too early or often on rising players or focusing on, in Gulbis’ case, has-beens. Well, guess what? The Ernest made it back to top 10 and so have a few of the teens I highlighted while they were busting their butts on the Challenger circuit. Now, I just don’t care to take the flak anymore.

I would have given you flak for those two choices as well

Safin antics were similar enough to Gulbis antics, but for some reason Ernests just seemed like a tool to me.

 

[stringertom]

I would have given you flak for those two choices as well

Safin antics were similar enough to Gulbis antics, but for some reason Ernests just seemed like a tool to me.

See, a perfect example of preferring everything sugar coated and in your preferred lane. Even if a player is a total villain we still need to know about him. Ernests certainly was a complicated guy but, warts and all, he was newsworthy. For your one dislike, there might be two other members that appreciate him for his game and his great effort to harness his energy and climb back up.

Are we all supposed to be sheep or lemmings that can’t handle ALL the truths about the entire spectrum of the players on the tour? It’s an easy choice for me just to scan over thread titles and pick the ones that interest me for their informative value, even if it’s centered on a player I may not favor. If I do go into the thread to find news about that player. I certainly don’t give the OP flak for originating the thread.

[Chalks another mark in the “Reasons For Developing TTW Ennui” column]

 

[Aabye5]

See, a perfect example of preferring everything sugar coated and in your preferred lane. Even if a player is a total villain we still need to know about him. Ernests certainly was a complicated guy but, warts and all, he was newsworthy. For your one dislike, there might be two other members that appreciate him for his game and his great effort to harness his energy and climb back up.

Are we all supposed to be sheep or lemmings that can’t handle ALL the truths about the entire spectrum of the players on the tour? It’s an easy choice for me just to scan over thread titles and pick the ones that interest me for their informative value, even if it’s centered on a player I may not favor. If I do go into the thread to find news about that player. I certainly don’t give the OP flak for originating the thread.

[Chalks another mark in the “Reasons For Developing TTW Ennui” column]

Look, don't blame me, stringer. Gulbis deserves every bit of razzing he gets, but I still would have posted something.

I post in the Alcaraz, Ruud, and Brooksby threads, although no fan. Tennis is tennis. Ok?

 

[stringertom]

Look, don't blame me, stringer. Gulbis deserves every bit of razzing he gets, but I still would have posted something.

I post in the Alcaraz, Ruud, and Brooksby threads, although no fan. Tennis is tennis. Ok?

Yeah, and that attitude is part of the sport’s popularity problem, stating you would rag on another forum member just for starting a thread about a player you personally don’t prefer.

Maybe if you read about Gulbis a little bit more you might have found reasons to tamp down the “tool” level of dislike. You mention Safin and, yes, Gulbis broke a lot of sticks in his early days like Safin and later Djokovic. However, Head executives arranged a tour of their Austrian pro stock factory in 2009 for Gulbis and Ernests learned a little more appreciation of the effort put into creating what he was so cavalierly destroying. The racquet smash frequency dropped considerably and the tournament title count went from 0 to 6 in the next 5 seasons. I don’t think that’s a total coincidence.

People don’t have to be “tools” their whole lives…thankfully. I’m always striving to improve. I hope you are too.

Ernests got his act together a bit later in his learning curve than others but that’s true about both LIFE and TENNIS for many a person. There’s stuff I’m not proud from my 30s but I grew from it. Gulbis got into hot water from things he said or did in his early-to-mid 20s. He’s learned from it. I’m sure having a wife and child has helped tame a lot of off-court wild oats. He’s also probably gained an appreciation of trying to balance a pro sports career on the road with establishing meaningful personal relationships so his 2014 comments about WTA player priorities are words he now wouldn’t endorse. Probably his most “toolish” moment. Definitely a “cringe” episode.

I will say it was one fun ride seeing Gulbis go from his low days outside the top 100 to top 10 in the early part of the 2010s. Nothing “toolish” about that climb. It was sad to see Bresnik shunt him to the side for Thiem, who then returned the favor and fired the guy who got him into top 5. Who was the real tool there?

Now, it’s time for Ernests to ride into the sunset after a decent career but he has a happy family to ease the transition and, knowing the strength of his roots and family, Latvia is going to benefit from the next phases in his life. They need a lot of strong men in these very dangerous times in that corner of the world. I’m betting he will pitch in and it won’t be in a minor role.

 

[Aabye5]

Yeah, and that attitude is part of the sport’s popularity problem, stating you would rag on another forum member just for starting a thread about a player you personally don’t prefer.

Maybe if you read about Gulbis a little bit more you might have found reasons to tamp down the “tool” level of dislike. You mention Safin and, yes, Gulbis broke a lot of sticks in his early days like Safin and later Djokovic. However, Head executives arranged a tour of their Austrian pro stock factory in 2009 for Gulbis and Ernests learned a little more appreciation of the effort put into creating what he was so cavalierly destroying. The racquet smash frequency dropped considerably and the tournament title count went from 0 to 6 in the next 5 seasons. I don’t think that’s a total coincidence.

People don’t have to be “tools” their whole lives…thankfully. I’m always striving to improve. I hope you are too.

Ernests got his act together a bit later in his learning curve than others but that’s true about both LIFE and TENNIS for many a person. There’s stuff I’m not proud from my 30s but I grew from it. Gulbis got into hot water from things he said or did in his early-to-mid 20s. He’s learned from it. I’m sure having a wife and child has helped tame a lot of off-court wild oats. He’s also probably gained an appreciation of trying to balance a pro sports career on the road with establishing meaningful personal relationships so his 2014 comments about WTA player priorities are words he now wouldn’t endorse. Probably his most “toolish” moment. Definitely a “cringe” episode.

I will say it was one fun ride seeing Gulbis go from his low days outside the top 100 to top 10 in the early part of the 2010s. Nothing “toolish” about that climb. It was sad to see Bresnik shunt him to the side for Thiem, who then returned the favor and fired the guy who got him into top 5. Who was the real tool there?

Now, it’s time for Ernests to ride into the sunset after a decent career but he has a happy family to ease the transition and, knowing the strength of his roots and family, Latvia is going to benefit from the next phases in his life. They need a lot of strong men in these very dangerous times in that corner of the world. I’m betting he will pitch in and it won’t be in a minor role.

Gulbis behaved badly on a number of occasions. I don't care for his behavior or his personality. No sympathy for a rich kid who had talent but no dedication. Ernie has done little since 2015, and I'm not sorry to see him floating around the top 300. It was his choice as far as I know.

Now, I never liked what Domi did to Bresnik, but it was Ernests choice to abandon the co-coaching arrangement Gunter. If you don't like co-coaching, and you think you have the best coach, pay him more. Supply and demand is as simple as that. Nothing sad about that.

As far as his growing up and not breaking racquets, somebody should have taught him the importance of that sooner. I don't mind people making mistakes when they are young, but razzing is a less serious consequence of that behavior.

You can certainly stop being a tool, but that doesn't mean you weren't a tool.

 

[nounforcederrors]

Gulby's family was wealthy. He didn't need to play for the $ (neither does Jessie Pegula!). I just bagged up all the incidental stories I heard about him into a small bundle of a generalization: Spoiled Brat Rich Kid who will eventually mature, whether he wants to or not, through experience. And shrugged it off, just enjoying tennis.

 

[Aabye5]

Gulby's family was wealthy. He didn't need to play for the $ (neither does Jessie Pegula!). I just bagged up all the incidental stories I heard about him into a small bundle of a generalization: Spoiled Brat Rich Kid who will eventually mature, whether he wants to or not, through experience. And shrugged it off, just enjoying tennis.

Did he go to jail? Did he insult his colleagues on the WTA tour? He's a brat because of what he did, not because of some generalization.

 

[nounforcederrors]

Did he go to jail? Did he insult his colleagues on the WTA tour? He's a brat because of what he did, not because of some generalization.

Sure, he was a problem. The "generalization" was the one I made, setting his personal life aside, and focusing on whether he made any contribution on the sport as a tennis player. I don't like the double K Aussie bad boys either, but Kyrgios can drum up some excellent shotmaking that's fun to see, in and of itself, without putting him in a setting of all his personal problems.

 

[Aabye5]

Sure, he was a problem. The "generalization" was the one I made, setting his personal life aside, and focusing on whether he made any contribution on the sport as a tennis player. I don't like the double K Aussie bad boys either, but Kyrgios can drum up some excellent shotmaking that's fun to see, in and of itself, without putting him in a setting of all his personal problems.

I prefer to look at the person and the player. There are certainly players who are far worse than Gulbis, but I don't have to know about it. Gulbis was out there for all the world to see, the good and the bad.

His two stints in the top 10 are very impressive if you look at every player who has every made it to the professional tour. But his level of talent and his attitude were in stark contrast, and his contributions to the game are minimal when you look at the best players.

If you choose to ignore parts that aren't pretty, go ahead, but don't call it a generalization. Because he did go to jail. I'm not making **** up.

 

[nounforcederrors]

I prefer to look at the person and the player. There are certainly players who are far worse than Gulbis, but I don't have to know about it. Gulbis was out there for all the world to see, the good and the bad.

His two stints in the top 10 are very impressive if you look at every player who has every made it to the professional tour. But his level of talent and his attitude were in stark contrast, and his contributions to the game are minimal when you look at the best players.

If you choose to ignore parts that aren't pretty, go ahead, but don't call it a generalization. Because he did go to jail. I'm not making **** up.

I think we've got a misunderstanding here. I'm a tennis fan. I never suggested you're making anything up, or that you should change your opinion. I just said I basically separate a player's personal life from his time on the court. Peace.

 

[Aabye5]

I think we've got a misunderstanding here. I'm a tennis fan. I never suggested you're making anything up, or that you should change your opinion. I just said I basically separate a player's personal life from his time on the court. Peace.

You are allowed to think that way and to some extent I agree, but why talk about generalizations, when you supposedly don't think about their personal lives at all? I'm not talking about all rich kids playing tennis, just Gulbis. And not based on generalizations, but his own actions.

 

[nounforcederrors]

O.K., so that's the heart of our talking past each other? The generalization was mine: I happened to know Gulby's family was very well-to-do, and I happened to hear of some of Gulby's bad behavior, and saw some of his tantrums on the court myself. I put that excess information, which I didn't seek out, into my own generalization of him as a spoiled brat rich kid (that was my impression, so my generalization) and then dismissed it. Why? Because I wanted to see him and other players play tennis, without the distractions of sensationalism.
Is Zverev likeable? Are the domestic abuse allegations against him true? Should we believe 100% what we read, hate him, and stop watching his matches?
There's a lot of tragedy in people's lives, who knows what percentage of what we hear is exaggeration and uncertainty?
Maybe there are players whose political views don't appeal to us. So we stop watching them? Let's forget this extraneous drama.
I just like to watch tennis, excellent performance in a great sport, played by people who are more or less imperfect, like us all?

 

[Aabye5]

O.K., so that's the heart of our talking past each other? The generalization was mine: I happened to know Gulby's family was very well-to-do, and I happened to hear of some of Gulby's bad behavior, and saw some of his tantrums on the court myself. I put that excess information, which I didn't seek out, into my own generalization of him as a spoiled brat rich kid (that was my impression, so my generalization) and then dismissed it. Why? Because I wanted to see him and other players play tennis, without the distractions of sensationalism.
Is Zverev likeable? Are the domestic abuse allegations against him true? Should we believe 100% what we read, hate him, and stop watching his matches?
There's a lot of tragedy in people's lives, who knows what percentage of what we hear is exaggeration and uncertainty?
Maybe there are players whose political views don't appeal to us. So we stop watching them? Let's forget this extraneous drama.
I just like to watch tennis, excellent performance in a great sport, played by people who are more or less imperfect, like us all?

So the generalization was yours. Ok, fine. My mistake.

Holding differing political views is different from hitting an umpire's chair or going to jail. If you don't understand the difference, I hope you're not old to vote. One is a question of values, two are about not being tools.

 

[Aabye5]

Schedule - Halle
Carreno-Busta v Rune
Rublev v Basilashvili
Albot v Humbert
Ivashka v Struff

Djere v Squire
McDonald v Huesler

 

[Aabye5]

Hubi and Sebi are teaming up for the doubles

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

Not the Gerry Weber Open. Sad!

 

[guanzishou]

C'mon Pablo!!!!

 

[guanzishou]

I love those Slazenger Wimbledon tennis balls. Best tennis balls in the world! I always play with them.

 

[guanzishou]

C'mon Pablo!!!! Finish him!

 

[guanzishou]

Well done Pablo!!!!

Can't stand that Rune. And the mother looks so annoying.

 

[guanzishou]

Let's Go Bweeeehhhh

 

[guanzishou]

Awesome rally to get a break back by RubBweeeh

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

Basil no smiles defeated Rublev and Carreno defeated Rune! Off to a great start!!!!!

 

[stringertom]

fedr breathes a sigh of relief after Rune loses his first pro match on grass. Those 10 Halle titles won’t be matched very easily. Nor the 8 at SW19.

Can Busta now take this winning form and carry that level to Wimby for his first ever career win there???

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

Can someone provide me with a link for the Queen's Club thread? I am guessing I have the OP on ignore??? Can't find it!

I feel that Carlos is ready tow in a Grand Slam and believe if the draw doesn't go against him he can win it.

 

[Aabye5]

Can someone provide me with a link for the Queen's Club thread? I am guessing I have the OP on ignore??? Can't find it!

I feel that Carlos is ready tow in a Grand Slam and believe if the draw doesn't go against him he can win it.

Here's the link:

2022 Queen's Club Championships (ATP 500)

Draw is out, and looks about as unbalanced as Dan Evans after a night on the town. Who will get through the loaded bottom half? And will an unlikely contender - perhaps a young Brit? - emerge from the barren top half, or will the almighty Casper find his grass greatness at last...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Why do you TTWers ban so much? Are these people really rude or you just don't like what they are saying?

 

[Aabye5]

Schedule - Halle
Giron v Auger-Aliassime
Kyrgios v Altmaier
Boni v Tsitsipas
Otte v Kecmanovic

Korda v Garin
Hurkacz v Cressy
Karatsev v Khachanov
Fucsovics v Bautista-Agut

 

[Aabye5]

Looking forward to Hurkacz vs Cressy. It should be interesting, as both like to approach the net. Also, Altmaier may not be able to win that match, but I think he can give Nick a slight headache.

 

[Aabye5]

The number 3 seed, Rublev, is already out in Halle. He falls in straights to Fucsovics.

 

[fundrazer]

The number 3 seed, Rublev, is already out in Halle. He falls in straights to Fucsovics.

Niko B you mean

 

[norcal]

Bless the German cameraman focusing on Hugo's hot girlfriend between every point. Could never get away with that in the USA lol.

 

[Aabye5]

Niko B you mean

Yes, Basilashvili.

 

[guanzishou]

C'mon Sebastian!

 

[guanzishou]

Tough hold by Korda.

 

[stringertom]

Korda wins convincingly in the end, 2&3.

The Incredible Hurk is getting resistance from The Amazing Cressy. Can the French emigré to sunny CA maintain his high mentalist strength and win a third set?

 

[Aabye5]

Hurkacz wins with a symmetrical scoreline, 64 46 64

And Kyrgios comes through as well over Altmaier, 63 75.

 

[Arak]

Bless the German cameraman focusing on Hugo's hot girlfriend between every point. Could never get away with that in the USA lol.

Fortunately he’s not an Italian cameraman. He would be taking low angle shots to try to show as much of her legs as possible.

 

[Arak]

It’s amazing that Tsitsipas is still struggling with his hybrid set up. He should return to poly full bed in my opinion. The gut isn’t working for him.

 

[Adv. Edberg]

Lol, Tsitsipas asking to be coached.

 

[Aretium]

Tsitsipas' return......

 

[Nostradamus]

Tsitsipas' return......

why is stepanoe having so much trouble with Bonzi ? is he low on confidence ??