Australian Open 2024 SF: Djokovic vs. Sinner
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^ Note that the event breakdown doesn’t show the other Sinner win, during the ATP Finals RR, although the head-to-head count is correct.
Moxie
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Obviously, it's always hard to vote against Novak anywhere, especially in Oz. If it weren't for the slight concern about Sinner's ab, though, this year would look very different. Novak hasn't been especially convincing but in one match. Sinner knows how to beat him. It looks like his year.
MargaretMcAleer
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I am abstaining from voting due to my 'senior years' thanks for understanding 
( Jannik Forza)
( Jannik Forza)
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This has the feeling of 2008 AO Novak vs. Roger. This time, the role is reversed for Novak. My gut tells me the young guy is going to break through, possibly even in dominant fashion.
Sundaymorningguy
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MargaretMcAleer
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BTW regarding Sinner's abdominal scare, ( QF match against Rublev) he said he felt air in his stomach, maybe something he ate before the match that disagreed with him, it went away with a bit of time, in the 3rd set, he didnt feel anything anymore.BTW his serve was not broken in his 3 set win.
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I’m the only one thus far who has voted for Novak? Surprising. One day he will lose here, but I don’t think it will be this year.
Novak in 4 (dropping the second set, of course).
Novak in 4 (dropping the second set, of course).
Moxie
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But, based on the way he's playing, or on history? He's had one match were he looked sturdy. Sinner hasn't dropped a set. And Sinner has the hot hand, of the two, and of the tournament, frankly.
There is absolutely every reason to think that Novak will pull himself up to his past great height and win the next two matches. Just because he has. But there was even more reason to believe that he would win the Wimbledon final over Alcaraz, and he didn't. Sinner getting him in the semis is more than a pipe-dream. It's a real possibility. People are picking what they think might well-happen. It's not far-fetched. But you go ahead and pick him...you're as close to a curse as he gets these day.
(You know I'm kidding.)For those that think this won't be the year that Novak loses, remember these 'changing of the guard' matches:
Based on the way Novak wins here again and again. Based on the way he wins big matches. Based on the way he beat Sinner in the WTF final — the match which was most important. Based on this being best-of-five.But, based on the way he's playing, or on history? He's had one match were he looked sturdy. Sinner hasn't dropped a set. And Sinner has the hot hand, of the two, and of the tournament, frankly.
There is absolutely every reason to think that Novak will pull himself up to his past great height and win the next two matches. Just because he has. But there was even more reason to believe that he would win the Wimbledon final over Alcaraz, and he didn't. Sinner getting him in the semis is more than a pipe-dream. It's a real possibility. People are picking what they think might well-happen. It's not far-fetched. But you go ahead and pick him...you're as close to a curse as he gets these day.
nehmeth
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I picked Novak in 4, but it could be Sinner in 3. He’s been a wall this whole tournament. KK pushed it back a little, but didn’t find any holes. Novak being Novak knows how to find holes in anyone’s game. And Cahill being Cahill has done everything in his sphere to shore them up.
Novak has to come out super aggressive and let Sinner know he’ll be out there for 5 hours if need be. Carlos won’t be waiting in the final. That’s some pressure off the Serb. Hopefully he will relax and play his game and not get passive.
nehmeth
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I tend to agree with you. And until Zverev (who’d up til the quarterfinal had some sketchy play), beat Carlos (who was pretty much sailing through his matches), I would have picked Jannik in 4. Maybe Djokovic took some encouragement from that win and will step it up today.
don_fabio
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It's been a while since Novak lost a Semifinal of a Slam. It was against Thiem in 2019 RG, in those very windy conditions if you remember, they played it over 2 days.
Having said that, Novak loses Semis more rare than finals, that's how it looks to me, at least in recent years.
There is something about Sinner's game that suits Novak I think. He doesn't look too worried when they meet. Maybe I have wrong impression. It might all change tomorrow, who knows. Sinner is playing mighty good, that's what everyone says, but I have to count on Novak. This is his backyard and he will defend it with all he's got. It is up to Sinner to play flawless tennis, probably similar to what Zverev did yesterday.
Expecting close battle so I'll take Novak in 5.
Having said that, Novak loses Semis more rare than finals, that's how it looks to me, at least in recent years.
There is something about Sinner's game that suits Novak I think. He doesn't look too worried when they meet. Maybe I have wrong impression. It might all change tomorrow, who knows. Sinner is playing mighty good, that's what everyone says, but I have to count on Novak. This is his backyard and he will defend it with all he's got. It is up to Sinner to play flawless tennis, probably similar to what Zverev did yesterday.
Expecting close battle so I'll take Novak in 5.
Moxie
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I just looked at the Melbourne weather, for fun, and there are strong wind warnings for the afternoon. Temps should be pleasant, though, with some cloud cover. Not sure what kind of a wind player Jannik is, but we know it can irritate Novak. Still, I don't think anything like that crazy day at RG.
nehmeth
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Very passive play from Novak. Jannik just needs to get the ball in play and watch his opponent self-destruct.
