Australian Open Predictions

[batz]

Very likely. Del Potro doesn't seem like a head case who will just go out in the early rounds. Consequently, he has shown that he can now beat the top 2 players in the world regularly. Not many other pro's can boast about that.

Just think about that for a minute will you. You are implying that Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Nadal etc.were all headcases because they didn't win the following slam after winning their first one.

The reason they didn't do so is because it is such a hard thing to do. That is as true today as it was back then. That makes your assertion that Delpo is 'very likley' to win back to back slams look a bit weak. If he does it them maximum kudos to him.

 

[FlamEnemY]

Ok...

*being original*

Federer, Delpo, Nadal(Murray), Djokovic.

I don't think Nadal will win it, it's a tossup between the other three(four) for me.

 

[batz]

Ok...

*being original*

Federer, Delpo, Nadal(Murray), Djokovic.

I don't think Nadal will win it, it's a tossup between the other three(four) for me.

It's hard to see beyond any of those guys, but I still think Rafa will be a major factor.

 

[FlamEnemY]

Well... that's true with the player he is. That's why I believe he'll reach the semis, he'll do good. But I just can't see him winning it.
And about Murray, I think he'll tweak his game a bit in the off season, so he'll stand a better chance than previous years. He's still a huge unknown to me though.

 

[batz]

Well... that's true with the player he is. That's why I believe he'll reach the semis, he'll do good. But I just can't see him winning it.
And about Murray, I think he'll tweak his game a bit in the off season, so he'll stand a better chance than previous years. He's still a huge unknown to me though.[/QUOTE]

I can. Last year was no fluke.

Murray is an unknown to everyone. Let's see if he can make it to the quarters for the first time then take it from there.

 

[chanee]

Just think about that for a minute will you. You are implying that Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Nadal etc.were all headcases because they didn't win the following slam after winning their first one.

The reason they didn't do so is because it is such a hard thing to do. That is as true today as it was back then. That makes your assertion that Delpo is 'very likley' to win back to back slams look a bit weak. If he does it them maximum kudos to him.

I wasn't very clear, my apologies...

I was far from implying that Borg, Sampras, Lendl, Agassi, etc.. were headcases. Multiple slam winners are not headcases. That's just absurd to even think that. I do realise that it's very difficult to win back to back slams but i see Del Potro possibly accomplishing this. Reason being, the AO is played on a hard court and we all know how strong Del Potro proven to be on it. OK, the US Open was a fast HC while the AO is fairly slow. However, we saw Del Potro made the final of the WTF which is a medium to slow HC. And on the way, beating Federer of course. Secondly, Del Potro has managed to beat the top 2 guys regularly. And more importantly Federer who is the biggest threat at the slams. Sure, if he encounters Murray (as they could meet in the QF..) then it will be a tough ask for Del Potro since Murray has proven to still beat an on-fire Del Potro. It's just that Del Potro has shown to be mentally strong at the young age he is. Imagine what he's be like a few years from now? I see a multiple slam winner right there.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

I can. Last year was no fluke.

Murray is an unknown to everyone. Let's see if he can make it to the quarters for the first time then take it from there.

Nadal to win again? Last year was no fluke of course, but I think Del Potro, Djokovic, Murray and Davydenko are more dangerous for Rafa than Fed, Verdasco and Gonzo.

 

[clayman2000]

Nadal to win again? Last year was no fluke of course, but I think Del Potro, Djokovic, Murray and Davydenko are more dangerous for Rafa than Fed, Verdasco and Gonzo.

You have to remember that Nadal at the AO will probably be in much better form than he was at the end of 09. During these 4 weeks off, Rafa is probably working his butt off trying to recover his old forhand.

Add on that the draw will always prevent Nadal from having to play 4 top 10 players. Also because Fed will always be on the other half, Fed will almost always be in the final. Thus Nadal has to only worry about 2 of the group you listed. And of course there is always upsets. I mean Djokovic, Murray made a combined 2 slam SF last year.

Nadal won the AO last year because he was able to outlast the draw. If he can become more agressive there is no reason why he can win.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

You have to remember that Nadal at the AO will probably be in much better form than he was at the end of 09. During these 4 weeks off, Rafa is probably working his butt off trying to recover his old forhand.

Add on that the draw will always prevent Nadal from having to play 4 top 10 players. Also because Fed will always be on the other half, Fed will almost always be in the final. Thus Nadal has to only worry about 2 of the group you listed. And of course there is always upsets. I mean Djokovic, Murray made a combined 2 slam SF last year.

Nadal won the AO last year because he was able to outlast the draw. If he can become more agressive there is no reason why he can win.

Nadal can meet Davy/Murray in QF, Djoker in SF, and DelPotro in F.

That's much more difficult than Gonzo, Nando and Fed (difficult for Rafa, of course).

I was just saying that in 2009 he got it easy with Gonzo (whose backhand he easily abuses), Nando (who played great, but ...), and Fed (well, everyone knows about Fed's problem with Rafa).

PS I forgot Soderling...

 

[batz]

I wasn't very clear, my apologies...

I was far from implying that Borg, Sampras, Lendl, Agassi, etc.. were headcases. Multiple slam winners are not headcases. That's just absurd to even think that. I do realise that it's very difficult to win back to back slams but i see Del Potro possibly accomplishing this. Reason being, the AO is played on a hard court and we all know how strong Del Potro proven to be on it. OK, the US Open was a fast HC while the AO is fairly slow. However, we saw Del Potro made the final of the WTF which is a medium to slow HC. And on the way, beating Federer of course. Secondly, Del Potro has managed to beat the top 2 guys regularly. And more importantly Federer who is the biggest threat at the slams. Sure, if he encounters Murray (as they could meet in the QF..) then it will be a tough ask for Del Potro since Murray has proven to still beat an on-fire Del Potro. It's just that Del Potro has shown to be mentally strong at the young age he is. Imagine what he's be like a few years from now? I see a multiple slam winner right there.

No worries mate. Delpo has a decent chance at the AO for sure - it's just that there's a lot of history in his way if he is to do it.

 

[batz]

Nadal to win again? Last year was no fluke of course, but I think Del Potro, Djokovic, Murray and Davydenko are more dangerous for Rafa than Fed, Verdasco and Gonzo.

I don't make him favourite (Roger), but I don't write him off like a lot of people seem to have done.

I see him, Novak Delpo and Murray as all having a decent shout after Roger.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

I don't make him favourite (Roger), but I don't write him off like a lot of people seem to have done.

I see him, Novak Delpo and Murray as all having a decent shout after Roger.

Rafa definitely has a chance, but I can imagine a much much tougher draw for Rafa at AO than the one he had this year. All I'm saying.

 

[clayman2000]

Nadal can meet Davy/Murray in QF, Djoker in SF, and DelPotro in F.

That's much more difficult than Gonzo, Nando and Fed (difficult for Rafa, of course).

I was just saying that in 2009 he got it easy with Gonzo (whose backhand he easily abuses), Nando (who played great, but ...), and Fed (well, everyone knows about Fed's problem with Rafa).

PS I forgot Soderling...

Davydenko has made 1 slam QF in the past 2 years and it was on clay.
While Nadal has been bad in the last 2 months, Murray has done nothing to brag about, and is not a top 5 player in slams

Djoker has never beat Nadal in a slam.

Not saying Nadal beats them all, but if I had to pick one of those 4 to make the finals I would pick Nadal even now

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

Davydenko has made 1 slam QF in the past 2 years and it was on clay.

Davydenko can certainly make the QF in AO.

While Nadal has been bad in the last 2 months, Murray has done nothing to brag about, and is not a top 5 player in slams

He beat Nadal in a harcourt slam. In 2008, I know, but still he can beat him in a slam on hard.

Djoker has never beat Nadal in a slam.

Because they never played in AO or USO.

Not saying Nadal beats them all, but if I had to pick one of those 4 to make the finals I would pick Nadal even now

It's not about making the finals. It's about what happens if Nadal meets then in quarters or semis of AO.

 

[clayman2000]

Davydenko can certainly make the QF in AO.



He beat Nadal in a harcourt slam. In 2008, I know, but still he can beat him in a slam on hard.



Because they never played in AO or USO.



It's not about making the finals. It's about what happens if Nadal meets then in quarters or semis of AO.

Anyone can make a slam QF. With Davydenko right now, its about 50 - 50

Murray beat Nadal when he was just peaking, against the man who had just won the FO, Queens, Wimbledon, Toronto, Olympics and semis in Cincy. All in a period of 3 months. Not making excuses but the circumstances are different.

Nadal and Djoker not playing in HC slams have mainly been because they have both been in the opposite half of the draw since 08.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

Anyone can make a slam QF. With Davydenko right now, its about 50 - 50

Murray beat Nadal when he was just peaking, against the man who had just won the FO, Queens, Wimbledon, Toronto, Olympics and semis in Cincy. All in a period of 3 months. Not making excuses but the circumstances are different.

Nadal and Djoker not playing in HC slams have mainly been because they have both been in the opposite half of the draw since 08.

All I'm saying is that for Rafa in AO:

DelPo is tougher than Fed in F

Djoker is tougher than Nando in semis

Murray, Davy and Sod are tougher than Simon in quarters

 

[clayman2000]

All I'm saying is that for Rafa in AO:

DelPo is tougher than Fed in F

Djoker is tougher than Nando in semis

Murray, Davy and Sod are tougher than Simon in quarters

Ok, ya that is true.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

Ok, ya that is true.

Mwahahaha, of course.

Why are you called Clayman and have Roddick in avatar?

 

[clayman2000]

Mwahahaha, of course.

Why are you called Clayman and have Roddick in avatar?

My best surface personally is clay, but my favourite player is Roddick.

 

[chanee]

My best surface personally is clay, but my favourite player is Roddick.

Roddick and clay certainly don't match!

 

[JoshDragon]

I think Murray's going to win the Australian Open this year. I know it's a long shot but I just get the feeling that he'll do it.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

My best surface personally is clay, but my favourite player is Roddick.

You mean you play on clay or like watching clay tennis?

 

[T1000]

I say it every year but Hewitt is going to win it

 

[Fedace]

Which of the top 10 players are training like a Madman to win the Aussie open right now ?? Any insider information out there ???????

 

[clayman2000]

You mean you play on clay or like watching clay tennis?

Play on clay. I live playing on clay, sliding and running all over the court

Ironically I find 90% of clay tennis boring.

 

[BigServer1]

I'll say it again. You cannot bracket Delpo and Roger together as 'those who Murray has no chance against if he plays'. I don't even think it's nuts to say Murray would have a chance to beat Roger at the AO (although Roger would be clear favourite of course). To say that "Anyone who thinks Murray can beat Roger or Delpo in a slam is just nuts' is, well, just nuts.

For clarity - I'm not saying Murray will win the AO, I'm not saying he would be favourite in a match v Roger. What I am saying is that Delp is nothing like the lock to beat Murray that you make him out to be, and if they meet - the odds for either winning will be roughly the same - neither will be a clear favourite.

As for Murray being a 'huge disappointment in slams' - he had his best ever RG and Wimbledon. AO and USO were relatively poor - but he was one of only 3 men to make the second week at every slam. Stellar? Nowhere near. Hugely disappointing? Also nowhere near.

'nuts' and 'hugely disappointing'? Don't let hyperbole get in the way of the facts.

OK, so maybe "nuts" isn't completely correct, but I would still say that Murray was very disappointing at every slam except the French Open. He was one of if not the favorite at the AO and lost much earlier than expected. He was a big favorite at Wimbledon and was favored against Roddick, yet lost in the Semis. I'm not saying it's a bad result, a slam Semi is great, but when you're expected to win, it can be disappointing. The US Open was the worst for me, as again, he was favored to make it to the final again, and got absolutely crushed by Cilic.

Maybe Murray comes out in Australia and plays very well and very aggressive...But maybe he continues to play passively, and if he does, he'll lose more often than not to a guy like DelPo or Federer. It's not that I'm trying to hate on Murray, I would just be really, REALLY nervous if I put money on him to win a match like that in a slam.

 

[batz]

OK, so maybe "nuts" isn't completely correct, but I would still say that Murray was very disappointing at every slam except the French Open. He was one of if not the favorite at the AO and lost much earlier than expected. He was a big favorite at Wimbledon and was favored against Roddick, yet lost in the Semis. I'm not saying it's a bad result, a slam Semi is great, but when you're expected to win, it can be disappointing. The US Open was the worst for me, as again, he was favored to make it to the final again, and got absolutely crushed by Cilic.

Maybe Murray comes out in Australia and plays very well and very aggressive...But maybe he continues to play passively, and if he does, he'll lose more often than not to a guy like DelPo or Federer. It's not that I'm trying to hate on Murray, I would just be really, REALLY nervous if I put money on him to win a match like that in a slam.

No worries mate. Not looking to continue arguing but Murray was never the favourite to win Wimbledon - although I accept he was expected to win that match (as an aside, I re-watched the highlights of that the other day - really good match - worth watching again).

Agree that Murray needs top tweak his approach.

 

[P_Agony]

I'll say it again. You cannot bracket Delpo and Roger together as 'those who Murray has no chance against if he plays'. I don't even think it's nuts to say Murray would have a chance to beat Roger at the AO (although Roger would be clear favourite of course). To say that "Anyone who thinks Murray can beat Roger or Delpo in a slam is just nuts' is, well, just nuts.

For clarity - I'm not saying Murray will win the AO, I'm not saying he would be favourite in a match v Roger. What I am saying is that Delp is nothing like the lock to beat Murray that you make him out to be, and if they meet - the odds for either winning will be roughly the same - neither will be a clear favourite.

As for Murray being a 'huge disappointment in slams' - he had his best ever RG and Wimbledon. AO and USO were relatively poor - but he was one of only 3 men to make the second week at every slam. Stellar? Nowhere near. Hugely disappointing? Also nowhere near.

'nuts' and 'hugely disappointing'? Don't let hyperbole get in the way of the facts.

Actually I think you understimate Mr. Murray. He's got positive records against both Fed and Delpo (especially Delpo), and Murray can beat anyone on hard courts at any given day. What I'm worried about with Murray is his ability to stay mentally tough during two weeks of long matches. He was onnly able to do so in one slam (USO 08 ) and since then he didn't have much success at the slams (though W 09 semi is not a bad result by any means). If Murray finds his focus, his mental strength and a working gameplan, he should be able to win any hard court slam. He's too talented not too.

 

[clayman2000]

OK, so maybe "nuts" isn't completely correct, but I would still say that Murray was very disappointing at every slam except the French Open. He was one of if not the favorite at the AO and lost much earlier than expected. He was a big favorite at Wimbledon and was favored against Roddick, yet lost in the Semis. I'm not saying it's a bad result, a slam Semi is great, but when you're expected to win, it can be disappointing. The US Open was the worst for me, as again, he was favored to make it to the final again, and got absolutely crushed by Cilic.

Maybe Murray comes out in Australia and plays very well and very aggressive...But maybe he continues to play passively, and if he does, he'll lose more often than not to a guy like DelPo or Federer. It's not that I'm trying to hate on Murray, I would just be really, REALLY nervous if I put money on him to win a match like that in a slam.

The thing about the HC slams was that he came in in great form. Going into the AO he had made F of the last slam, won Madrid, semis in WTF, and winning Abu Dhabi and Doha which featured Roddick, Federer and Nadal.

Going into the USO he had won Canada and made semis of Cincy

 

[djokovicgonzalez2010]

I hope Hewitt. But I would bet anything at least one of Fed, Djo, and delPo are in final, maybe 2

 

[TheMusicLover]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if neither Federer nor Nadal would make it to the finals this time, for obvious reasons - neither being in their best form, and streaks are bound to end sooner or later.
(of course I hope to be totally wrong about this)

Awaiting a DelPotro - Davydenko final here!

 

[P_Agony]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if neither Federer nor Nadal would make it to the finals this time, for obvious reasons - neither being in their best form, and streaks are bound to end sooner or later.
(of course I hope to be totally wrong about this)

Awaiting a DelPotro - Davydenko final here!

Your avater scares me everytime I see it.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if neither Federer nor Nadal would make it to the finals this time, for obvious reasons - neither being in their best form, and streaks are bound to end sooner or later.
(of course I hope to be totally wrong about this)

Nadal doesn't have much of a streak at AO.

Awaiting a DelPotro - Davydenko final here!

But I have no problem with your preferred final.

 

[TheMusicLover]

Your avater scares me everytime I see it.

:razz:

Nadal doesn't have much of a streak at AO.

But I have no problem with your preferred final.

Well that particular part of my sentence was directed at those who would probably post 'but Federer has made 11 finals in a row!' in reply.

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

Play on clay. I live playing on clay, sliding and running all over the court

Ironically I find 90% of clay tennis boring.

You in US?

I think clay is my fav as well, although I am not a Rafa fan ( I have to respect his game though)

 

[Davy_for _GOAT]

Well that particular part of my sentence was directed at those who would probably post 'but Federer has made 11 finals in a row!' in reply.

We are used to mentioning Fed and Rafa in the same breath, although in some cases Rafa doesn't really deserve it.

 

[clayman2000]

You in US?

I think clay is my fav as well, although I am not a Rafa fan ( I have to respect his game though)

No, Im up in the Great White North

I played once summer on green clay, and I loved it. I dont play tennis any more though.

 

[jazzyfunkybluesy]

Your avater scares me everytime I see it.

Yes it looks like Nadal and Federers face is touching. The poster must be day I mean.:shock:

 

[Emelia21]

I hope Hewitt. But I would bet anything at least one of Fed, Djo, and delPo are in final, maybe 2

Keep hoping then

 

[TheMusicLover]

Yes it looks like Nadal and Federers face is touching. The poster must be day I mean.:shock:

Can't help it. It's a screencap from the Hamburg final in 2008. So if anything, blame them, not me. :twisted:

And this poster isn't exactly gay... I'm a lady, hahah. Just like to see nice gestures and friendliness among players, even the more when those players' fans so often fail to give the deserved respect to the 'other' guy most of the time.

 

[fleabitten]

I'm feeling Davy will have a breakthrough here. It's interesting to see how few people have picked Davy to the semis - but he has a reputation of running out of steam at majors.

I agree that there will be a darkhorse, like Tsonga or Verdasco from the past - a Johanson-like darkhorse winner maybe???

 

[djokovicgonzalez2010]

Keep hoping then

I can't tell if you're on my side or not (I have an IQ of 58)

 

[Azzurri]

I can't tell if you're on my side or not (I have an IQ of 58)

pretty sure he means "keep dreaming"

I say Delpo..or at least hoping. But if nadal is healthy I could see another Fed/nadal final unless Delpo sees Fed prior to the final. Let's go Delpo!!!!

 

[dlk]

Official Prediction (not knowing draw)= Mens: JMDP over Nadal (Djokovic)
Womens: Clisters over S. Williams (Jankovic)

 

[TheMusicLover]

I'm feeling Davy will have a breakthrough here. It's interesting to see how few people have picked Davy to the semis - but he has a reputation of running out of steam at majors.

If there's ANYONE around in the current crop of players who I think truly 'deserves' (disclaimer: of course any winner 'deserves' that title! ) a GS title by now, it's Davydenko. So underrated, not a 'poster boy', no big 'star', always getting shtick for acclaimed 'Russian Maffia'-connections... go Davydenko!

I agree that there will be a darkhorse, like Tsonga or Verdasco from the past - a Johanson-like darkhorse winner maybe???

Wouldn't surprise me at all, no.

 

[P_Agony]

If there's ANYONE around in the current crop of players who I think truly 'deserves' (disclaimer: of course any winner 'deserves' that title! ) a GS title by now, it's Davydenko. So underrated, not a 'poster boy', no big 'star', always getting shtick for acclaimed 'Russian Maffia'-connections... go Davydenko!



Wouldn't surprise me at all, no.

I'd be happy if Davy wins, or Hass wins it, or Roddick wins it. These are all guys that IMO deserve slams (or more slams in ROddick's case).

 

[aphex]

in the semis:

Federer
Djokovic
Davydenko
Soderling


winner: Djokovic

 

[PSNELKE]

my black horse is marin cilic he could make the semis at the AO but i think djoko is gonna win this

 

[TheMusicLover]

I'd be happy if Davy wins, or Hass wins it, or Roddick wins it. These are all guys that IMO deserve slams (or more slams in ROddick's case).

Hey mate, the guy's name is HAAS, not 'Hass'.
Please don't mind me here, but it always sorts of bugs me to see that typo, as 'Hass' means 'hate' in German.

Wouldn't at all mind to see him take a Big Title, regarding how much of bad luck he's had to enjure throughout his career. Not counting on that at all, but it would be a pleasant surprise indeed.

 

[tudwell]

Nalbandian will win.

SF:
Nalbandian def. Federer
Djokovic def. Nadal

F:
Nalbandian def. Djokovic