2024 ATP General News

[MargaretMcAleer]

In the ASB Classic in Auckland, SF's
T.Daniel who on his day can be a dangerous player as defeated Ben Shelton in SS 75 76(9) to reach a 2nd career ATP final
In the other SF A.Tabilo defeated the 6th seed A.Fils 62 75
Final tomorrow Saturday 13th January,
T.Daniel vs A.Tabilo

 

[Fiero425]

I see Aukland / ASB Classic started tonight w/ Ben Shelton the top seed! Anyone taking bets if he'll get out of the 2nd or 3rd round? He's been on my bad side acting out and disrespecting Djokovic at the USO last year! Be confident all you like, but you can't be an a-#ole when it comes to the Big 3 of the past gen.! Shap got a WC so it'll be good to see him after all this time! Wolf already upset in the 1st round thanks to Van Assche!

Well, I was off by a round or 2, but right about Ben Shelton! He coudn't get past unseeded Taro Daniel in the SF! He had a great chance to win Aukland w/ Qualifyer Tabilo making the final over Fils who played well, but had a couple sloppy games costing him in the end! There was a good field, but most of the top players were upset & not ready to win at the beginning of the season! The 1st round draw of the Aussie Open is quite tough, so the upsets will continue more than likely!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

In the first SF in Adelaide 22yo Jiri Lehecka wins the battle of AO quarter finalist, beats 2023 R/U Seb Korder to reach the final in Adelaide.
Jiri won 62 61 he was very impressive, Seb's timing and rhythm on the ball were just non existent in his game
Jiri awaits the winner of the 2nd SF between Jack Draper v Alexander Bublik (8)

In the 2nd SF Jack Draper d Bublik (8) 76(2) 64, Jack has been playing very solid tennis so far in this tournament

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Well, I was off by a round or 2, but right about Ben Shelton! He coudn't get past unseeded Taro Daniel in the SF! He had a great chance to win Aukland w/ Qualifyer Tabilo making the final over Fils who played well, but had a couple sloppy games costing him in the end! There was a good field, but most of the top players were upset & not ready to win at the beginning of the season! The 1st round draw of the Aussie Open is quite tough, so the upsets will continue more than likely!

I'm not going to make excuses. It was just Taro Daniel's day. He just didn't miss anything, while Shelton was a little off. That happens, it's tennis. Even Carlos Alcaraz lost some matches to players he shouldn't have. What I can almost guarantee is that Daniel will never play that well again. I wouldn't be surprised if Daniel lost to Tabilo in the final.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Adelaide International Mens Final.
Satruday 13th January,

Jack Draper vs J. Lehecka (7)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Results of the final day at the Kooyong Classic, Friday 12th January,
Milos Raonic d Frances Tiafoe 76(3) 63, played in a good spirit, Milos and his serve were 'on song' in this match
Thiem finally got a win he defeated Cerundolo who was called up at the last moment, due to the withdrawal of Berrettini, 63 63
Young 16 year old Mira Andreeva defeated Danielle Collins in straight sets, she continues to impress, 76(5) 61,
French Veteran Richard Gasquet d Aussie Marc Polmans 75 76(2)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm not going to make excuses. It was just Taro Daniel's day. He just didn't miss anything, while Shelton was a little off. That happens, it's tennis. Even Carlos Alcaraz lost some matches to players he shouldn't have. What I can almost guarantee is that Daniel will never play that well again. I wouldn't be surprised if Daniel lost to Tabilo in the final.

Apparently you are not aware that Daniel (Q) d Novak in 3 sets at IW? (2018) as I posted on his day he can be dangerous !

 

[Moxie]

Apparently you are not aware that Daniel (Q) d Novak in 3 sets at IW? (2018) as I posted on his day he can be dangerous !

I agree with you that Daniel is a good player, and tricky, and I'm never completely surprised to see him take someone out. I like his game. Likewise, Lehecka, who you say took out Korda? Too bad Korda wasn't playing better, but Lehecka seems to be trending. He gave Novak some trouble last week, along with the wrist.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I agree with you that Daniel is a good player, and tricky, and I'm never completely surprised to see him take someone out. I like his game. Likewise, Lehecka, who you say took out Korda? Too bad Korda wasn't playing better, but Lehecka seems to be trending. He gave Novak some trouble last week, along with the wrist.

After that win by Daniel, he became the first Japanese player to ever reach the final in the Open Era in Auckland.,also he earned his 5th Top 20 win and advances to his 2nd ATP singles final
Korda was all over the place, committed too many ufe, kudos to Lehecka he was impressive
Both Korda and Lehecka have QF points to defend at the AO

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Great 1st set of tennis from Alejandro Tabilo, hitting 19 winners, who is seeking his maiden title at ASB Classic Auckland 62 over Taro Daniel

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tabilo d Daniel 62 75 in the final of the ASB Auckland Classic
From qualifier to champion ( his 1st ATP Title) he will crack the Top 50 for the 1st time when the new rankings come out
Tabilo can take a lot of confidence going into the AO!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am enjoying this match between the 22 year olds Jack Draper and Jiri Lehecka, quality ball striking from both playes
Tight 1st set with some great points, though Jack a lefy and who has a great fhand like most lefties have broke Jira and went on to win the 1st set 64
Jack has had some good wins in this tournament so far dismantling the Top seed Tommy Paul.
Great bhand returns from Jiri and a great drop shot, which Jack could not reach and he wins the 2nd set 64
We are going the distance in the mens final, a tight contest so far.
Back to back service breaks for Jiri , I think Jack is struggling physically and what a brain fail with an attempted drop shot from the baseline
Jiri leads 2-0 final set
Dream start from Jiri in the final set he leads 3-0
Huge hold from Jiri saving 3 BPs and leads 4-1

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It must be the 'Day for Maiden titles' as Jiri Lehecka wins his first ATP title at the Adelaide International defeating Jack Draper in a hard fought battle, great ball striking from both players and kudos to Jack who had some great wins in Adelaide, and hopefully he can remain healthy in 2024

Lehecka d Draper 46 64 63 congratulations Jiri, this win you give you great confidence going into the AO!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

ATP250 Montpellier main draw wild cards,
Holger Rune
Lucas Pouille
Arthur Cazaux

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The Miami Open has announced Wheelchair Tennis and Major League Pickleball will be held on site alongside the regular combined Masters 1000 tournament

 

[Moxie]

The Miami Open has announced Wheelchair Tennis and Major League Pickleball will be held on site alongside the regular combined Masters 1000 tournament

And so it begins, with the Pickleball.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

And so it begins, with the Pickleball.

We have Pickle Ball here as well, interested to see if it will continue or just be a passing fade

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Paris Masters tournament moving to new location

The Paris Masters indoor tennis tournament will move to a new location starting next year.

www.espn.com

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Dominic Thiem news via @ Olly Tennis,

Thiem says 2024 is his 'last chance".
"I've been back for 2 years since the injury, and I finished at 100 or so in 2022 and last year at 98.If I end the year again at 100, you have to consider whether the whole thing is still worth it"
Thiem won't play in the Sunshine Double, instead playing 3 challengers.Goal is Top 50 by the end of the year.Thiem has also split with his coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh. ( new coach lined up, who isnt Austrian).

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Dominic Thiem news via @ Olly Tennis,

Thiem says 2024 is his 'last chance".
"I've been back for 2 years since the injury, and I finished at 100 or so in 2022 and last year at 98.If I end the year again at 100, you have to consider whether the whole thing is still worth it"
Thiem won't play in the Sunshine Double, instead playing 3 challengers.Goal is Top 50 by the end of the year.Thiem has also split with his coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh. ( new coach lined up, who isnt Austrian).

If he is serious, he needs to hire a top notch coach to get him where he hopes to go. The writing seems to be on the wall though, and I say that as a Thiem fan. I would love to see him find his former form because before his injury he really was my favorite. His work ethic and improvement into a contender was great to see. It sucks that he will probably be a 1 slam guy. He should be a RG champion.