Merry Christmas - 2022 Slam Predictions

[jimlosaltos]

Meanwhile, add Rublev to the list of players testing positive for Covid after Doha. {Doha is turning into the Adria Tour Redux}.

Most if not all of those players were vaccinated. Two report significant symptoms, Bencic is "ill", can't recall who the second one with bad symptoms is.

Shapo traveled to Australia before testing positive and now in isolation there.

Andrey Rublev in turn positive for Covid-19. After Raducanu, Bencic, Jabeur, Nadal and Shapovalov, the Russian is the 6th player who was present in Abu Dhabi to have contracted the virus.

With the contagion levels of Omicron approaching those of the measles the Australian events will be "interesting'.

[jimlosaltos]

A friend assessed Novak's behavior as "situational narcissism", where people that are experts in some subject believe that makes them always right on every subject. Like, ex Apple CEO Sculley who thought being CEO of a soft drink company made him a tech expert. So, when "Australia" stands up to Djokovic, he is offended and feels a need to take a stand against what's wrong.

I don't know. Don't have a better idea.

Here's what Rublev said in Eurosport RU

Rublev, who got vaccinated 'right after Davis Cup Finals,' on Djokovic/AO suspense: Judging by the news, we shouldn't expect him to go. But they seem to be playing a poker game — who blinks first. I think it will all end with him not going to Australia.

[stotty]

Merry Christmas back at you!

I find it hard to predict any event before the draws.

Sure, Novak's the favorite until someone proves otherwise, but with more questions than ever. I

honestly don't know what to make of the situation with Novak.

When Novak lost at the Olympics he complained of being in "so much pain, so many medications" -- although he had only played 7 events going into Tokyo. Was he really in physical distress or was it all about the pressure?

Overall, he only played 62 matches across 14 events in the entire year.

In Paris, he looked unbeatable in taking out Meddy in the finals. So, he had righted the ship and everything is fine!

Then in Turin, Novak was completely overwhelmed by Zverev.

He has withdrawn from the ATP Cup.

I don't know how to add all that up.

I don't think anyone knows what to make of Novak. He's a strange one. stroke and a few other posters think it's his way of dealing with pressure...they are probably right. At 34 he isn't in a position where he can pick and choose when to turn it on. He is dicing with his legacy in my view. He needs to play the Aussie Open and win it.

[jimlosaltos]

As for Roger, my best guess is that he makes a comeback at the Laver Cup to say goodbye to fans, and to promote his homage to Rod Laver (which is very important to Fed) and maybe signs off at his home event in Basel.

He's already called Wimbledon unlikely, so if Fed truly feels the knee is up to a major, the US Open might be the only chance next year.

[jimlosaltos]

Merry Christmas to all on the forum! It's gone deathly quiet the last week or so.

What will happen this year in the slams? Who will feature and who will win?

Novak has to be favourite for the Aussie Open if he is eligible and decides to play. Failing that, Meddy would be my bet. Novak and Meddy are about level at the moment but Novak always plays his best down under.

Rafa and Novak will be equal favourites for me at the FO but I honestly think Novak might just have his nose in front if they meet there again.

Novak must be favourite at SW19. He plays so well and grass and has gotten better each year.

I would put Meddy down for the US Open...or one of the other newcomers.

I think Roger is probably all done and would be surprised if he can put himself into any kind of contention.

Merry Christmas back at you!

I find it hard to predict any event before the draws.

Sure, Novak's the favorite until someone proves otherwise, but with more questions than ever. I

honestly don't know what to make of the situation with Novak.

When Novak lost at the Olympics he complained of being in "so much pain, so many medications" -- although he had only played 7 events going into Tokyo. Was he really in physical distress or was it all about the pressure?

Overall, he only played 62 matches across 14 events in the entire year.

In Paris, he looked unbeatable in taking out Meddy in the finals. So, he had righted the ship and everything is fine!

Then in Turin, Novak was completely overwhelmed by Zverev.

He has withdrawn from the ATP Cup.

I don't know how to add all that up.

[glacierguy]

OK, I will. Have been working on both groundstrokes, so might be interesting to see (I haven't videoed them at all yet).

Best wishes to forum.

[stotty]

hink I might post some stroke video in the New Year and wake up this forum!

Good idea!

[glacierguy]

Happy Christmas stotty! Not sure about the Slams, but already looking forward to the Aussie Open. Think I might post some stroke video in the New Year and wake up this forum!

[stotty]

Merry Christmas to all on the forum! It's gone deathly quiet the last week or so.

What will happen this year in the slams? Who will feature and who will win?

Novak has to be favourite for the Aussie Open if he is eligible and decides to play. Failing that, Meddy would be my bet. Novak and Meddy are about level at the moment but Novak always plays his best down under.

Rafa and Novak will be equal favourites for me at the FO but I honestly think Novak might just have his nose in front if they meet there again.

Novak must be favourite at SW19. He plays so well and grass and has gotten better each year.

I would put Meddy down for the US Open...or one of the other newcomers.

I think Roger is probably all done and would be surprised if he can put himself into any kind of contention.