2021 Australian Open...ATP 2000...Melbourne, Australia

[stotty]

This is a great tournament. Since about 2005, it has unbelievably been about the 3 pretty much. Obviously, 2 of them are still right in the mix here, but it certainly feels like to me things are finally changing after 15 years or so. That being said to me, we cannot stick a fork in it until a couple of FO's pass that Rafael does not win.

Exactly. First the first time in years you feel like someone else has a good chance to winning a slam.

[stroke]

Tennis Australia certainly did no favor for Thiem scheduling his match vs Douche' in the small John Cain court instead of one of the 2 larger stadium courts. Certainly trying to maximize the crowd support impact on the outcome.

[stroke]

Nick routines Thiem 1st set 6-4 with one break and lights out serving. The Davis Cup like crowd support in this small court atmosphere definitely a factor it would not have been nearly as much on one of the larger stadium courts.

[stotty]

Not an easy game for Thiem, for sure. Nick has the crowd behind and is getting to showboat his rather exemplary skills at times. I am going to back Thiem to pull through and win this but he will need to do more against Nick's serve and get better momentum in the rallies. Nick enjoys being the underdog against a top player and loves to humiliate illustrious opponents...the more illustrious the better.

3-3 second set. Nick serving like a demon. Getting critical for Thiem now.

[stroke]

Not an easy game for Thiem, for sure. Nick has the crowd behind and is getting to showboat his rather exemplary skills at times. I am going to back Thiem to pull through and win this but he will need to do more against Nick's serve and get better momentum in the rallies. Nick enjoys being the underdog against a top player and loves to humiliate illustrious opponents...the more illustrious the better.

3-3 second set. Nick serving like a demon. Getting critical for Thiem now.

That is pretty much it in a nutshell. It is critical time now. Thiem obviously cannot afford to go down 2 sets to Nick in this atmosphere. The odds have in match changed dramatically. Thiem has gone from strong favorite to pick 'em. That appears to be way optimistic for Thiem to me.

[stotty]

Thiem 2 sets down and need to find a way to get Nick's serve back. Nick must be getting under Thiem's skin by now. He certainly gets under mine. I haven't disliked a player so much since Jimmy Connors stuck two fingers up at the Queen.

Thiem looks disconsolate and in danger of letting this match go...seems stuck for ideas.

[stroke]

Certainly agree. Nick is the most obnoxious douchebag that I have ever seen. Connors like he was vs Krickstein is close.

[stotty]

Certainly agree. Nick is the most obnoxious douchebag that I have ever seen. Connors like he was vs Krickstein is close.

ditto

[stotty]

We might have a game on our hands here. Thiem up in the 3rd with a break.

[stroke]

I am pulling for Thiem at my highest level of pulling for someone.

[stroke]

I have not seen it obviously watching this match, but FAA is up 2 sets to love vs Denis. And we still have Novak to come.

[stotty]

Thiem levels things at 2 sets all. Fully deserved. Who's your money on now?

[stroke]

Thiem levels things at 2 sets all. Fully deserved. Who's your money on now?

Pick 'em to me

[stroke]

One of the most impressive wins I have ever seen. If Douche' wants to know what cool looks like, he was looking at it for about 3.5 hours. The odds on Douche' seeing or getting that, well let's just say that bet if off the books.

[stroke]

The stands have been cleared as Melbourne now on lockdown. Fritz serving at 5-4 to even match at 2 sets all vs Novak.