This was the first time they'd played. Medvedev is a very good player. He's probably been playing at top 10 level since Winston-Salem. Really steady from the back of the court, and doesn't miss a lot. I think in the final of Tokyo last year where he straight-setted Nishikori he only made seven unforced errors all match (that could also have been the semi-final against Shapovalov).Just finished watching and thank you for posting the highlights. The first set was very competitive and I found that to be a very good sign. A few uncharacteristic shots by Andy in the first few games that felt a bit rusty. Andy was right in his presser - Medvedev did serve bombs. Though a typical Andy would not have any problems with a big server, it doesn't seem like his return game is quite there and also, wasn't able to guess it properly. How many times have they played in the past? I was under the impression he's somewhat familiar with Med's game.
Movement felt a tad slow but the ground game looked okay though Medvedev played really well and out ran Andy in few instances. Served great, his ground game was superb, even defended himself really well. Still a shadow of Andy but he is also notorious for losing early in many tournaments; however I don't think that was the intention here.
Loved Andy's outfit btw! Very AO.
Never did I notice that.I have no idea what they are, so the punishment will not be so severe.
The first is 'do not talk about Muzziah Club'. Then comes number two, 'always talk about Muzziah Club'.
Fishing for likes! Muahahahaha
This was the first time they'd played. Medvedev is a very good player. He's probably been playing at top 10 level since Winston-Salem. Really steady from the back of the court, and doesn't miss a lot. I think in the final of Tokyo last year where he straight-setted Nishikori he only made seven unforced errors all match (that could also have been the semi-final against Shapovalov).
The ground game wasn't too bad off his backhand side but it's the forehand that's the main worry. He can't move like he did at his best anymore; he needs his forehand to be a weapon so that he can dictate points and finish them off more quickly. More net play would also be a good idea, I think - his hands have always been good, and that isn't going to go away with any injuries he has.
I had guessed it right then. Andy must have figured him out by now though a bit late but next time, I am sure things would be different. He must have caught Andy off guard.
Physically he looked good and fit. I'd be more concerned with his serves than forehand. Which is more reliable? At least one of them should be working but I think both were off in this match. Though did see him serve well a few times and perhaps, there were a few good forehands too but not enough to save the match. The second set was too quick especially with the way Med was serving. Had Andy served well and held on his own, we could have headed to a TB where anything was possible. Ah well...
One of the commandments should be spanking Red and Richie every time they misbehave and not show enough trust in our Muzziah.
I should do the honour, really.
I’ve been in a bad dream since 2011 or so when I first read a sermon from srshs.I thought he might have requested a wildcard for Sydney to try and get some more matches in ahead of the AO but apparently not which doesn't bode well in my opinion. Frankly I'm beginning to suspect he won't show up in Melbourne as there doesn't seem to be much point!
I can't tell you how much it is killing me to be discussing him like this. I feel like I've been trapped in a bad dream ever since 2017 and I can't wake up!!!
I thought he might have requested a wildcard for Sydney to try and get some more matches in ahead of the AO but apparently not which doesn't bode well in my opinion. Frankly I'm beginning to suspect he won't show up in Melbourne as there doesn't seem to be much point!
I can't tell you how much it is killing me to be discussing him like this. I feel like I've been trapped in a bad dream ever since 2017 and I can't wake up!!!
WC for Sydney would've been a bad idea. Might play like 3 matches there, not recover fully for Australia, and having drop out or overexert there.I thought he might have requested a wildcard for Sydney to try and get some more matches in ahead of the AO but apparently not which doesn't bode well in my opinion. Frankly I'm beginning to suspect he won't show up in Melbourne as there doesn't seem to be much point!
I can't tell you how much it is killing me to be discussing him like this. I feel like I've been trapped in a bad dream ever since 2017 and I can't wake up!!!
WC for Sydney would've been a bad idea. Might play like 3 matches there, not recover fully for Australia, and having drop out or overexert there.
More cautious is more better. The Australian Open is just one step on the road, not a place where he needs to do well or bust.
Yup.I agree with Red here, Mainad. I don't feel he wants to risk it just before the AO. Remember what happened at the City Open? You don't want to see an exhausted Andy entering AO. He might as well exhaust himself at AO (in a positive away where he feels good about his game but not feel physically exhausted to continue after the Open) but not before. We will just have to hope for the best and keep our fingers crossed.
I still can't believe AO is so close! Ridiculous.
Yup.
At this point, 2nd round if decent draw would be an okay result. Needs those kinds of result to get back to the top 100 at some point.
He'll troll the world and win a 3rd Olympic gold and crown himself the GOLD "Greatest Olympic Lolstomping Djokovic"You never know with Andy but of course, expecting more than a 2nd or 3rd round at AO seems a bit much. I hope he surprises all though. And he can totally play himself into the right shape by Wimbledon or so I hope. I wonder what his goals are at this point. That's something to motivate self.
He'll troll the world and win a 3rd Olympic gold and crown himself the GOLD "Greatest Olympic Lolstomping Djokovic"
Totally agree. Although I see him pushing himself at the AO because there are big ranking points on offer and he knows that he can rest up with his exemptions in his pocket until, perhaps, late February to recover before going to Miami/IW or perhaps playing a smaller tournament before those.WC for Sydney would've been a bad idea. Might play like 3 matches there, not recover fully for Australia, and having drop out or overexert there.
More cautious is more better. The Australian Open is just one step on the road, not a place where he needs to do well or bust.
His website has both indoor HC tournaments in southern France in February on his schedule. I doubt he cancels both if he leaves Melbourne healthy.Totally agree. Although I see him pushing himself at the AO because there are big ranking points on offer and he knows that he can rest up with his exemptions in his pocket until, perhaps, late February to recover before going to Miami/IW or perhaps playing a smaller tournament before those.
I would say his current focus is, without playing too many tournaments, getting back inside the top 50 so that he can enter tournaments at will.
Throwback Sunday.
Happy memories of some irrevocable proof that Murray is the people's champion:
He'll troll the world and win a 3rd Olympic gold and crown himself the GOLD "Greatest Olympic Lolstomping Djokovic"
I always appreciate his humour but I wish he wouldn't talk himself down like this as if he is preparing us all for the worst.
How handsome does Andy look in this picture? From one of my collections.
I always appreciate his humour but I wish he wouldn't talk himself down like this as if he is preparing us all for the worst.
I know. If he doesn't believe in it or if he feels it's something out of reach, then how can we hope? I personally feel Andy should not be posting and talking in this manner and should be more careful with his choice of words, because with this type of humour (mostly sarcastic) he might be just setting up something negative on the sub-conscious level. Wise people do say to be cautious of what we say.
I know. If he doesn't believe in it or if he feels it's something out of reach, then how can we hope? I personally feel Andy should not be posting and talking in this manner and should be more careful with his choice of words, because with this type of humour (mostly sarcastic) he might be just setting up something negative on the sub-conscious level. Wise people do say to be cautious of what we say.
Would be nice if he dodges Djokovic in the first round.
Hoping Andy has a pain-free and successful AO!
Would be nice if he dodges Djokovic in the first round.
Would be nice if he dodges Djokovic in the first round.
I got like 3/18 lmaoI have a good rate here out of the 18. Not gonna brag and give away the final score. Quite convinced now that I am MENTALLY Strong. Roar hahaha.
I always appreciate his humour but I wish he wouldn't talk himself down like this as if he is preparing us all for the worst.