Breaking down the Round of 16
- Thread starter King No1e
- Start date
Druss
Hall of Fame
I actually found the Raonic-Wawrinka match quite entertaining, so you never know. I'd agree though if he had to play Isner or Karlovic, then yeah that would be boring.
TennisPinkBabe
Rookie
If Berdych doesn't fold, the match is on his racquet.
maratha_warrior
Hall of Fame
Murray retired..
I Am hoping Big 3 reaches semis..
Maybe this is the last time we will get to see them 3 in Slam Semis together..
I Am hoping Big 3 reaches semis..
Maybe this is the last time we will get to see them 3 in Slam Semis together..
maratha_warrior
Hall of Fame
On topic,
Most interesting matches will be Nadal berd and Zverev Vs raonic..
Most interesting matches will be Nadal berd and Zverev Vs raonic..
Day_Tripper
Rookie
16-1 last decade, hello there.
You need to narrow your focus. Nada has always struggled against Berdych in Australia. The surface suits Berdych well and is Nadal's worst (of the slams) I seem to recall that Berdych handed Nadal a bagel the last time they met here.
Phoenix1983
G.O.A.T.
Raonic shall defeat Zverev, methinks.
Subway Tennis
G.O.A.T.
The 2019 Australian Open has reached its midpoint, and from each of the 8 sections stand 2 players, ready to battle for a spot in the final rounds.
Here's my take:
Section 1: (1)Djokovic vs (15)Medvedev.
Medvedev is a young gun, hasn't been beaten into submission by Fedalovic that older players have gone through, so there won't be any mental blocks here. Djokovic will need to be aggressive and control rallies, but his results at Melbourne against the toughest opponents speak for themselves. The chase for a 7th piece of sporting immortality continues.
Djokovic in 4 sets.
Section 2: (23)Carreno Busta vs (8)Nishikori
Carreno Busta has been consistent over the last year and a half, and showed positive signs in his win over Fognini, but Nishikori has the added confidence, the better shotmaking, and more experience.
Nishikori in 4 sets
Section 3: (4)Zverev vs (16)Raonic
Without a doubt, the biggest blockbuster of the day. The 2018 World Champion is the favorite on paper, showing he belongs among the best in the game last year, while Raonic has struggled with his form since the beginning of 2018. However, Zverev has still not escaped his Grand Slam curse while Raonic has seen the championship match once before at Wimbledon. While Zverev's solid baseline game is designed to counter serve-volleyers like Raonic, he will have to be at his absolute best to hold off Raonic's aggression which proved too much for Kyrgios and Wawrinka. This is guaranteed to be an epic match, but the matchup and last year's results point to Sascha.
Zverev in 5 sets
Section 4: (11)Coric vs (28)Pouille
Coric has stayed solid and worked himself up quietly into the top 20 last year, taking down Federer twice to prove his prowess against the top players. He looks a comfortable favorite against Lucas Pouille.
Coric in 3 sets
Section 5: (6)Cilic vs (22)Bautista Agut
Another blockbuster looks on the cards as the 2018 finalist faces off against the red-hot Bautista Agut, who sent Andy Murray packing in the first round and defeated Djokovic, Berdych, and Wawrinka to take the Doha title. Cilic, in contrast, hasn't shown the same form of 2018, coming dangerously close to defeat against Verdasco in the 3R. The signs point to the dangerous underdog, whose flat hitting and relentless baseline attack look likely to overwhelm Cilic.
Bautista Agut in 4 sets.
Section 6: (14)Tsitsipas vs (3)Federer
In this ultimate battle of youth vs experience, the rising Greek star will face his toughest test yet against the ageless defending champ. Although 2018 saw Federer struggle in his race against time, the fact remains: he is #3 in the world and he is tennis's most iconic exponent. While Tsitsipas will surely get his day in the sun soon enough, Federer is going nowhere.
Federer in 4 sets
Section 7: Tiafoe vs (20)Dimitrov
Tiafoe has cut his way through a difficult draw, upsetting Anderson and outlasting Seppi, and is ready as ever to take another big name in 2017's World Champion Dimitrov. But Grigor has shown this tournament that he hasn't gone anywhere since ascent to #3 in the rankings, and the odds will be against the American underdog. While the outcome is not certain, one thing is: it will be a cracker of a match.
Dimitrov in 5 sets
Section 8: Berdych vs (2)Nadal
Two old rivals meet again for the 24th time. Berdych turns back the clock to beat Kyle Edmund and Diego Sebastian Schwartzman in a return to top form, but he will be faced with the near-impossible task few have achieved: defeating El Matador himself. The matchup, the rankings, and the history all point toward one outcome here.
Nadal in 3 sets
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What happens next?
Discuss
First of all, great write-up. Thanks for taking the time to write it and post.
My thoughts:
Section 1: (1)Djokovic vs (15)Medvedev.
Medvedev has hit his stride, and looks ready to enter the next phase of his career as a top 10 player. Djokovic has cruised through the early rounds but looked at times slightly unfocused against Shapovalov. Djokovic will be angered by his blip in the previous match, and will look to reassert his efficiency in brutal style on Monday. Beating the greatest hardcourt player of all time in his Rod Laver comfort zone will be a bridge too far for Medvedev, who has been on fire for nearly 6 months. But Medvedev will give it EVERYTHING.
Djokovic in 5 sets (match of the tournament contender).
Section 2: (23)Carreno Busta vs (8)Nishikori
The ever-steady, ever-ready PCB vs one of the most talented (and injury prone) ball strikers of the slow court era. PCB seems to have found his niche as a R16 player.
Nishikori in 3 sets
Section 3: (4)Zverev vs (16)Raonic
An injury-free Raonic is a force to be reckoned with, and he has done well to capitalise on the quickest AO conditions for a decade. Zverev too is ready for his big moment, but there is an injury concern, and the opponents he has played so far wither in contrast to the might of Raonic in career best form.
Raonic in 4 sets
Section 4: (11)Coric vs (28)Pouille
Coric, arguably THE form player of the tourney so far, has worked his way through the draw efficiently while also avoiding scrutiny. It's the ideal preparation to set up a big second week campaign in a major. And the low-key, low profile Pouille is the perfect opponent for Coric. This is completely uncharted territory for Coric, who before this year's event had NEVER won a match at The Australian Open
But Coric has exploded in the last 12 months, adding newly discovered power, variety, and all-court tactics to his previously effective but one-dimensional defensive game.Coric in 3 sets
Section 5: (6)Cilic vs (22)Bautista Agut
Bautista Agut, the form player before the tournament, must feel like he has been through the ringer after an emotional first week at the AO. Having gone through a lot of his own personal trauma in the last 24 months, Bautista Agut has found himself playing the unwelcome role of heel twice this tourney. Having survived a 5 set rollercoaster against murray, he then boxed for close to four hours with Australian home crowd favourite John Millman. In his third round match, Bautista Agut recalibrated, showing the form level he established at the start of the year with a commanding straight sets win over Kachanov. The conditions should suit both players perfectly, but the impression I get is that Marin Cilic simply has too much game for RBA and will overpower him.
Cilic in 3 sets.
Section 6: (14)Tsitsipas vs (3)Federer
Federer's first tough opponent of this year's tourney, and the first opponent capable of overpowering and hitting through him. Does Federer still believe in the biggest moments against these types of opponents? Recently history tells us that he does not. Since Indian Wells 2018, something has changed in Federer's confidence levels in important matches against these types of opponents. Power players with developed technique who can hit through Federer's junkballs and create their own pace force him out of his comfort zone. Recent exhibition match success against Zverev and Tsitsipas is a boon for Federer, but he knows the intensity of competition at the major level is a different story.
Tsitsipas in 4 sets
Section 7: Tiafoe vs (20)Dimitrov
The most fascinating match for me. While I am not a huge fan of the Tiafoe forehand, I have come to admire him for his incredible fitness level, defensive nouse, and excellent on-court demeanour, and he is a must-watch whenever I see him on a tournament schedule. Dimitrov is in serious form this tournament, and is doing what he has done so often before, making tennis fans believe in his talent again. Dimitrov's controlled aggression and shot-making is going to need to be at its best against Tiafoe, a player with world-class defence, energised by one of the best major performances of his young career.
Tiafoe in 5 sets (possible match of the tournament)
Section 8: Berdych vs (2)Nadal
Berdych beat Nadal in their last Australian Open match, but Nadal has righted the ship since his error-prone 2015. Both players started the season in dramatically different ways: Berdych looked imperious in making it to the Doha final, while Nadal has had to fight with form and injury issues. Berdych has had a far tougher draw than Nadal, and has looked good. But in Nadal, he faces his first opponent who can execute at a high enough level for a long enough time to expose Berdych's longtime weakness: His lack of defence and leg speed over 5 sets. Berdych will be aiming to blitz the ball and win in 3 sets before his defence and power is affected by his heavy legs. Nadal will do the opposite, applying classic point construction and shot making to spread the court against the hapless Berdych, breaking him down over 4-5 gruelling sets.
Nadal in 4 sets
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King No1e
G.O.A.T.
Wow, this is an even more thorough analysis. Thanks for taking the time to write it.First of all, great write-up. Thanks for taking the time to write it and post.
My thoughts:
Section 1: (1)Djokovic vs (15)Medvedev.
Medvedev has hit his stride, and looks ready to enter the next phase of his career as a top 10 player. Djokovic has cruised through the early rounds but looked at times slightly unfocused against Shapovalov. Djokovic will be angered by his blip in the previous match, and will look to reassert his efficiency in brutal style on Monday. Beating the greatest hardcourt player of all time in his Rod Laver comfort zone will be a bridge too far for Medvedev, who has been on fire for nearly 6 months. But Medvedev will give it EVERYTHING.
Djokovic in 5 sets (match of the tournament contender).
Section 2: (23)Carreno Busta vs (8)Nishikori
The ever-steady, ever-ready PCB vs one of the most talented (and injury prone) ball strikers of the slow court era. PCB seems to have found his niche as a R16 player.
Nishikori in 3 sets
Section 3: (4)Zverev vs (16)Raonic
An injury-free Raonic is a force to be reckoned with, and he has done well to capitalise on the quickest AO conditions for a decade. Zverev too is ready for his big moment, but there is an injury concern, and the opponents he has played so far wither in contrast to the might of Raonic in career best form.
Raonic in 4 sets
Section 4: (11)Coric vs (28)Pouille
Coric, arguably THE form player of the tourney so far, has worked his way through the draw efficiently while also avoiding scrutiny. It's the ideal preparation to set up a big second week campaign in a major. And the low-key, low profile Pouille is the perfect opponent for Coric. This is completely uncharted territory for Coric, who before this year's event had NEVER won a match at The Australian Open
Coric in 3 sets
Section 5: (6)Cilic vs (22)Bautista Agut
Bautista Agut, the form player before the tournament, must feel like he has been through the ringer after an emotional first week at the AO. Having gone through a lot of his own personal trauma in the last 24 months, Bautista Agut has found himself playing the unwelcome role of heel twice this tourney. Having survived a 5 set rollercoaster against murray, he then boxed for close to four hours with Australian home crowd favourite John Millman. In his third round match, Bautista Agut recalibrated, showing the form level he established at the start of the year with a commanding straight sets win over Kachanov. The conditions should suit both players perfectly, but the impression I get is that Marin Cilic simply has too much game for RBA and will overpower him.
Cilic in 3 sets.
Section 6: (14)Tsitsipas vs (3)Federer
Federer's first tough opponent of this year's tourney, and the first opponent capable of overpowering and hitting through him. Does Federer still believe in the biggest moments against these types of opponents? Recently history tells us that he does not. Since Indian Wells 2018, something has changed in Federer's confidence levels in important matches against these types of opponents. Power players with developed technique who can hit through Federer's junkballs and create their own pace force him out of his comfort zone. Recent exhibition match success against Zverev and Tsitsipas is a boon for Federer, but he knows the intensity of competition at the major level is a different story.
Tsitsipas in 4 sets
Section 7: Tiafoe vs (20)Dimitrov
The most fascinating match for me. While I am not a huge fan of the Tiafoe forehand, I have come to admire him for his incredible fitness level, defensive nouse, and excellent on-court demeanour, and he is a must-watch whenever I see him on a tournament schedule. Dimitrov is in serious form this tournament, and is doing what he has done so often before, making tennis fans believe in his talent again. Dimitrov's controlled aggression and shot-making is going to need to be at its best against Tiafoe, a player with world-class defence, energised by one of the best major performances of his young career.
Tiafoe in 5 sets (possible match of the tournament)
Section 8: Berdych vs (2)Nadal
Berdych beat Nadal in their last Australian Open match, but Nadal has righted the ship since his error-prone 2015. Both players started the season in dramatically different ways: Berdych looked imperious in making it to the Doha final, while Nadal has had to fight with form and injury issues. Berdych has had a far tougher draw than Nadal, and has looked good. But in Nadal, he faces his first opponent who can execute at a high enough level for a long enough time to expose Berdych's longtime weakness: His lack of defence and leg speed over 5 sets. Berdych's will be aiming to blitz the ball and win in 3 sets before his defence and power is affected by his heavy legs. Nadal will do the opposite, applying classic point construction and shot making to spread the court against the hapless Berdych, breaking him down over 4-5 gruelling sets.
Nadal in 4 sets
Interesting with Medvedev, I wouldn't be surprised if he raises his level and troubles Djokovic, who's gotta be ready to battle hard if he wants to get through.
Looks like for the first time ever, I am underestimating Raonic. The response from this thread is really reassuring, I hope the wins over Kyrgios and Wawrinka are a sign of a comeback to the top. I want to see him win a few Slams and maybe become #1 before he retires, he's got the mental strength and the old-school game backed by huge serves.
I'd love to see Tsitsipas beat Federer though. The new generation really needs to take it to the old guard, especially Federer at 37.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
I think you are better at this than the guys who get paid by the tennis magazines.
Druss
Hall of Fame
Probably Federer....but if Berdych winds back the clock and brings his A-game, then I’d say Nadal would have it a little tougher.
Krish872007
Talk Tennis Guru
I do think Djokovic-Medvedev could potentially go the distance; it doesn't look like Novak has played his best yet whereas Medvedev has really cruised through to this stage. If he holds his nerve I could see him taking 1 or 2 sets off the World #1. Can he take 3? Anyone's guess really, hopefully not! But this has the potential to be the blockbuster for Round 4.
I would hope Nishikori comes through against PCB, he's supposed to be the better player and is in better form coming into this AO. 3, 4, 5 sets - whatever is needed.
Is Zverev ready for the next big step? A 2nd QF beckons and he's had Raonic on the ropes in a Slam before. If he's learnt from his experiences in 2017-18, he can win this match. Zverev in 4.
Coric vs Pouille - toss up, Coric in 4 probably as he seems to be hitting the ball better.
RBA could beat Cilic on this occasion. Both players have the tendency to tighten up at times, maybe he gets it done and reaches a Slam QF at last? This has 5 sets written all over it
AO, first stretch of the season, motivated Federer. This combo has worked well over the last couple of years and in general he's been super consistent at the AO. Should be well aware of the danger that Tsitsipas poses and would back him to come through in 3, 4, 5 - whatever it takes.
Dimitrov in 4 over Tiafoe, just don't think he'll allow Tiafoe to step over him with another AO QF appearance at stake.
Nadal to take out Berdych in 3 or 4? Seems like a logical prediction. But will be a great test for both to see how they match up on this occasion.
I would hope Nishikori comes through against PCB, he's supposed to be the better player and is in better form coming into this AO. 3, 4, 5 sets - whatever is needed.
Is Zverev ready for the next big step? A 2nd QF beckons and he's had Raonic on the ropes in a Slam before. If he's learnt from his experiences in 2017-18, he can win this match. Zverev in 4.
Coric vs Pouille - toss up, Coric in 4 probably as he seems to be hitting the ball better.
RBA could beat Cilic on this occasion. Both players have the tendency to tighten up at times, maybe he gets it done and reaches a Slam QF at last? This has 5 sets written all over it
AO, first stretch of the season, motivated Federer. This combo has worked well over the last couple of years and in general he's been super consistent at the AO. Should be well aware of the danger that Tsitsipas poses and would back him to come through in 3, 4, 5 - whatever it takes.
Dimitrov in 4 over Tiafoe, just don't think he'll allow Tiafoe to step over him with another AO QF appearance at stake.
Nadal to take out Berdych in 3 or 4? Seems like a logical prediction. But will be a great test for both to see how they match up on this occasion.
MugOpponent
Hall of Fame
It's very possible that Federer will have problems and if the stars align lose. For Tsi's sake, you wish Federer would have had a much more taxing match the previous round. Fritz was a perfect opponent for Federer.
I like the matchup because it'll tell us a fair bit about Tsitsipas this season and how Fed looks in bo5 against a talented up and coming player.
MugOpponent
Hall of Fame
First of all, great write-up. Thanks for taking the time to write it and post.
My thoughts:
Section 1: (1)Djokovic vs (15)Medvedev.
Medvedev has hit his stride, and looks ready to enter the next phase of his career as a top 10 player. Djokovic has cruised through the early rounds but looked at times slightly unfocused against Shapovalov. Djokovic will be angered by his blip in the previous match, and will look to reassert his efficiency in brutal style on Monday. Beating the greatest hardcourt player of all time in his Rod Laver comfort zone will be a bridge too far for Medvedev, who has been on fire for nearly 6 months. But Medvedev will give it EVERYTHING.
Djokovic in 5 sets (match of the tournament contender).
Section 2: (23)Carreno Busta vs (8)Nishikori
The ever-steady, ever-ready PCB vs one of the most talented (and injury prone) ball strikers of the slow court era. PCB seems to have found his niche as a R16 player.
Nishikori in 3 sets
Section 3: (4)Zverev vs (16)Raonic
An injury-free Raonic is a force to be reckoned with, and he has done well to capitalise on the quickest AO conditions for a decade. Zverev too is ready for his big moment, but there is an injury concern, and the opponents he has played so far wither in contrast to the might of Raonic in career best form.
Raonic in 4 sets
Section 4: (11)Coric vs (28)Pouille
Coric, arguably THE form player of the tourney so far, has worked his way through the draw efficiently while also avoiding scrutiny. It's the ideal preparation to set up a big second week campaign in a major. And the low-key, low profile Pouille is the perfect opponent for Coric. This is completely uncharted territory for Coric, who before this year's event had NEVER won a match at The Australian Open
Coric in 3 sets
Section 5: (6)Cilic vs (22)Bautista Agut
Bautista Agut, the form player before the tournament, must feel like he has been through the ringer after an emotional first week at the AO. Having gone through a lot of his own personal trauma in the last 24 months, Bautista Agut has found himself playing the unwelcome role of heel twice this tourney. Having survived a 5 set rollercoaster against murray, he then boxed for close to four hours with Australian home crowd favourite John Millman. In his third round match, Bautista Agut recalibrated, showing the form level he established at the start of the year with a commanding straight sets win over Kachanov. The conditions should suit both players perfectly, but the impression I get is that Marin Cilic simply has too much game for RBA and will overpower him.
Cilic in 3 sets.
Section 6: (14)Tsitsipas vs (3)Federer
Federer's first tough opponent of this year's tourney, and the first opponent capable of overpowering and hitting through him. Does Federer still believe in the biggest moments against these types of opponents? Recently history tells us that he does not. Since Indian Wells 2018, something has changed in Federer's confidence levels in important matches against these types of opponents. Power players with developed technique who can hit through Federer's junkballs and create their own pace force him out of his comfort zone. Recent exhibition match success against Zverev and Tsitsipas is a boon for Federer, but he knows the intensity of competition at the major level is a different story.
Tsitsipas in 4 sets
Section 7: Tiafoe vs (20)Dimitrov
The most fascinating match for me. While I am not a huge fan of the Tiafoe forehand, I have come to admire him for his incredible fitness level, defensive nouse, and excellent on-court demeanour, and he is a must-watch whenever I see him on a tournament schedule. Dimitrov is in serious form this tournament, and is doing what he has done so often before, making tennis fans believe in his talent again. Dimitrov's controlled aggression and shot-making is going to need to be at its best against Tiafoe, a player with world-class defence, energised by one of the best major performances of his young career.
Tiafoe in 5 sets (possible match of the tournament)
Section 8: Berdych vs (2)Nadal
Berdych beat Nadal in their last Australian Open match, but Nadal has righted the ship since his error-prone 2015. Both players started the season in dramatically different ways: Berdych looked imperious in making it to the Doha final, while Nadal has had to fight with form and injury issues. Berdych has had a far tougher draw than Nadal, and has looked good. But in Nadal, he faces his first opponent who can execute at a high enough level for a long enough time to expose Berdych's longtime weakness: His lack of defence and leg speed over 5 sets. Berdych will be aiming to blitz the ball and win in 3 sets before his defence and power is affected by his heavy legs. Nadal will do the opposite, applying classic point construction and shot making to spread the court against the hapless Berdych, breaking him down over 4-5 gruelling sets.
Nadal in 4 sets
Interesting that you think Novak struggles with Medvedev. I can't really see Medvedev exchanging rallies with any degree of success. You might be right though as Djokovic occasionally really struggles with nextGen players.
King No1e
G.O.A.T.
Tsitsipas definitely has the belief to beat anyone in BO3, as evidenced by beating 4 top-20 opponents including Djokovic and Anderson in Toronto.
The question is whether he can do it on the big stage.
King No1e
G.O.A.T.
Oh come on...the tennis magazine writers aren't THAT bad!
tennisaddict
Bionic Poster
Djokovic vs Medvedev - DJokovic in 5
Raonic vs Zverev - Raonic in 5
Nishikori vs Busta- Nishi in 3
Coric vs Pouille - Coric in 3
Fed vs Tsitsipas - Fed in 3
Batista vs Cilic - Batista in 4
Nadal vs Berdych - Nadal in 3
Dmitrov vs Tiafoe - Dmitrov in 3
Raonic vs Zverev - Raonic in 5
Nishikori vs Busta- Nishi in 3
Coric vs Pouille - Coric in 3
Fed vs Tsitsipas - Fed in 3
Batista vs Cilic - Batista in 4
Nadal vs Berdych - Nadal in 3
Dmitrov vs Tiafoe - Dmitrov in 3
netlets
Professional
Most likely Fed beats Rafa in his current form, but if not Djokovic beats him and then wins RG, needing only Wimbledon or US Open to tie Rafa in Slams this year and then passes hm by next year.
BGod
G.O.A.T.
It actually seems to trend younger at the AO because the younglins aren't burnt out and have a lot of aspirations to start the year. Midway through they start to hate life though.
The Green Mile
Bionic Poster
I'd be extremely disappointed if Cilic doesn't raise his level. I expect him in four sets.
Yugram
Legend
Rofl
tennisfan2015
Hall of Fame
I Have Massive Regrets Tonight.
Druss
Hall of Fame
We’ll give you Nishikori and RBA too, albeit they won in 5 not 4.
Still decent effort 50%!
King No1e
G.O.A.T.
That effort from PCB! He really didn't get the memo that he's supposed to be a mug.
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
He lost a match from a commanding position, two sets to love up and held match points. Yet lost. Many would argue that’s the personification of mugdom.
King No1e
G.O.A.T.
True, but he played at a high level the whole time. It wasn't as much of a choke as Nishikori raising his level.
A good showing for Printed Circuit Board nonetheless.
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