Australian Open

[stroke]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NVQZ8dNJ4CH4cmmP6

Updated odds to win AO

[stroke]

Quite the 4 hour match Draper and Vukic. That is now three 5 set matches in this tournament for Jack.

[stotty]

I watched almost all of the NextGen matches and was impressed with Tien. When I saw the draw with Medvedev, I thought it would be a great match-up for Tien as they play similar counter-punching styles but with Tien having more firepower (except maybe on serve), and also because it seemed Tien got better with every match. So I'm really not surprised at the result.

Me neither. I only saw the third set which Meddy won slightly against the run of play. Tien looked far the more comfortable in rallies and seemed to have a lot of time on the ball, and he's deceptively quick. He served well from a tactical standpoint ,especially to the ad court. I was favourably impressed. Tien has improved a lot since I last watched him play.

[stotty]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NVQZ8dNJ4CH4cmmP6

Updated odds to win AO

Sinner will take some stopping from where I am standing. It's definitely a good surface for him and he's firm favourite, especially with Novak and Carlos in the other half slated for one to knock the other out.

[stroke]

I actually watched a bit of Iga vs Emma. That was brutal. Hard to believe that level of uncompetitiveness 3rd round of a Major. Fritz goes out to Monfils in four. I certainly did not see that coming. Monfils is certainly a likeable player, still quite the athlete. But his record vs the big 3, like so many other great players, pretty much tells the story.

[jimlosaltos]

I actually watched a bit of Iga vs Emma. That was brutal. Hard to believe that level of uncompetitiveness 3rd round of a Major. Fritz goes out to Monfils in four. I certainly did not see that coming. Monfils is certainly a likeable player, still quite the athlete. But his record vs the big 3, like so many other great players, pretty much tells the story.

What is La Monf up to at, what is it 38/39? First he outpaced Gio, now he's taken our Fritz?

Speaking of renaissances, Holger Rune-AH has won two, tough long matches in a row, now 5 sets from 1-2 over Kecmanovic. Finally getting his head screwed no right?

Madison Keys switched from platform serve to pinpoint to help her injuries. Hey, placebos can work ! I guess the Aussie fans had the last words, "Bye, Dan-YELL. Don't get lost again."

[stroke]

Novak wins is straight sets, very efficient vs Lacheka. He then joins Jim Courier on court for the obligatory post match interview. Before Jim can say anything, Novak takes the mike and curtly thanks everyone for watching and then walks off. I like Novak, but that kind of stuff is just so unnecessary. Maybe next he can unfollow someone on social media.

[stotty]

Novak wins is straight sets, very efficient vs Lacheka. He then joins Jim Courier on court for the obligatory post match interview. Before Jim can say anything, Novak takes the mike and curtly thanks everyone for watching and then walks off. I like Novak, but that kind of stuff is just so unnecessary. Maybe next he can unfollow someone on social media.

Novak sheds light on his refusal to be interviewed: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/a...s/crm7jemrd0no

[stroke]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZjwHwtQx5rU57YaC9

[jimlosaltos]

Jannik Sinner announced that Darren Cahill will coach him through the end of this year then quit.
The implication was that Darren would retire from coaching.
They've already accomplished so much. Let's see what both can add to their resumes.

Darren Cahill
After reaching number 22 in the world as a player, coached.

Lleyton Hewitt to 2nd youngest world number 1
Andre Agassi who becomes the then oldest player ever ranked number 1
Simona Halle to number 1
Jannik Sinner to number 1

Not to mention: Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic, Fernando Verdasco, Daniel Hantuchova, Soran Cirstea and Amanda Anisimova, on a brief trial coaching stint.

[jimlosaltos]

La Monf may have lost last night's fourth round match to Ben Shelton, but yet again he out-served a huge server.

First, Monfils out served Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, then he out-served Taylor Fritz, then last night, Monfils hit 12 aces to Ben's 7 and won 82% of his first serves, vs Ben's 81%.

OK, 1% difference is invisibly small but this was quite a resurgence by Gael, perhaps fed by his significant other's great run on the women's side.

[jimlosaltos]

The leading candidate for this year's AO "Cinderella" must be lucky loser Eva Lys.

After she was "eliminated" in the qualifying round her father flew home but luckily Eva decided to hang around, got in as a lucky loser, and got to the fourth round.

Lys didn't win only one game vs Iga, she won about $430,000. I'm guessing that's more she was anticipating for the year.

Happy New Year, Eva Lys.

[stotty]

The leading candidate for this year's AO "Cinderella" must be lucky loser Eva Lys.

After she was "eliminated" in the qualifying round her father flew home but luckily Eva decided to hang around, got in as a lucky loser, and got to the fourth round.

Lys didn't win only one game vs Iga, she won about $430,000. I'm guessing that's more she was anticipating for the year.

Happy New Year, Eva Lys.

Now that's the kind of story I just love to hear.