2015 Australian Open Draw
- Thread starter Vince Evert
- Start date
brokenshoelace
Grand Slam Champion
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 9,380
- Reactions
- 1,334
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Also, unless Nadal has a terrible performance against Youzhny, and right now, who knows if it's THAT unlikely, I actually like his draw.
Also, unless Nadal has a terrible performance against Youzhny, and right now, who knows if it's THAT unlikely, I actually like his draw.
GameSetAndMath
The GOAT
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2013
- Messages
- 21,141
- Reactions
- 3,398
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
The draw is out.
Projected quarterfinals are as follows:
Novak vs. Raonic
Stan vs. Kei
Berdych vs. Rafa
Murray vs. Federer
Rafa is in trouble right in the opening round. Youzhny is his opening opponent. He has carved
out a few victories over Rafa on hard courts. Also, Rafa's first seeded opponent is Lukas Rosol.
He gave trouble to Rafa in last Wimbledon (not to mention that he took our Rafa in Wimbledon
once before).
But, if he escapes these two guys, he has a clear path to SF.
The draw is out.
Projected quarterfinals are as follows:
Novak vs. Raonic
Stan vs. Kei
Berdych vs. Rafa
Murray vs. Federer
Rafa is in trouble right in the opening round. Youzhny is his opening opponent. He has carved
out a few victories over Rafa on hard courts. Also, Rafa's first seeded opponent is Lukas Rosol.
He gave trouble to Rafa in last Wimbledon (not to mention that he took our Rafa in Wimbledon
once before).
But, if he escapes these two guys, he has a clear path to SF.
GameSetAndMath
The GOAT
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2013
- Messages
- 21,141
- Reactions
- 3,398
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Fed has no known early threats.
His projected opponents are
R16: Tommy Robredo
QF: Andy Murray
SF: Rafa Nadal
F: Novak Djokovic.
Fed has no known early threats.
His projected opponents are
R16: Tommy Robredo
QF: Andy Murray
SF: Rafa Nadal
F: Novak Djokovic.
Kieran
The GOAT
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 17,164
- Reactions
- 7,447
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Looking at the draw, Federer has a potentially interesting match with Nick in the 4th round, if they both make it there. I expect Roger to be there, but Nick?
My main concern for Federer - apart from Rafa and Nole - is that he hasn't taken time off since before the FO. He had no close season this year, filling it up with exos. He's played an exhausting and generally successful tour since Paris on clay, but it may catch up with him. I felt these exo tourneys were detrimental to both Rafa and Nole last year, and I think that could be the case this year for Federer. He said himself in 2012 that he felt he shouldn't have played exhibitions after the WTF in 2012.
I don't think Rafa has got enough time to play himself in. It's one thing to goof around miked up in an exo, and another to face bombing serves in the heat of battle, needing to break back. He maybe able to cover himself for the early rounds - but a player of quality will expose this lack of match practice. I hope I'm wrong and he plays himself into it, but it's very short notice.
Murray is a guy who will do well in Oz, I reckon, making the final, but losing to Novak. He's still not Big 3 material, and I think Amelie is going to leave the barracks this season, but Andy hasn't suddenly become a permanent scrub either. He'll be highly motivated after his ridiculously poor showing in London, and last season generally.
Novak is favourite in my eyes, and the pity is that maybe we won't get a repeat of the epic final of 2012. But Nole isn't so solid anymore, and he loses matches he didn't used to, and I get the impression he'll feel the heat a little this year after last years loss. Plus, the exos. Bad, me reckons, but he should be able to overcome it.
Stan and Kei and the others will make a showing but will they have the next stage in them? Lightning doesn't strike twice, so Stan will perish, but Kei and Milos and Grigor have to man up. Don't give me this later-peak crap: these boys are immature and have to smarten up. Kei is the best pick of the trio, I like his attitude the most...
Looking at the draw, Federer has a potentially interesting match with Nick in the 4th round, if they both make it there. I expect Roger to be there, but Nick?
My main concern for Federer - apart from Rafa and Nole - is that he hasn't taken time off since before the FO. He had no close season this year, filling it up with exos. He's played an exhausting and generally successful tour since Paris on clay, but it may catch up with him. I felt these exo tourneys were detrimental to both Rafa and Nole last year, and I think that could be the case this year for Federer. He said himself in 2012 that he felt he shouldn't have played exhibitions after the WTF in 2012.
I don't think Rafa has got enough time to play himself in. It's one thing to goof around miked up in an exo, and another to face bombing serves in the heat of battle, needing to break back. He maybe able to cover himself for the early rounds - but a player of quality will expose this lack of match practice. I hope I'm wrong and he plays himself into it, but it's very short notice.
Murray is a guy who will do well in Oz, I reckon, making the final, but losing to Novak. He's still not Big 3 material, and I think Amelie is going to leave the barracks this season, but Andy hasn't suddenly become a permanent scrub either. He'll be highly motivated after his ridiculously poor showing in London, and last season generally.
Novak is favourite in my eyes, and the pity is that maybe we won't get a repeat of the epic final of 2012. But Nole isn't so solid anymore, and he loses matches he didn't used to, and I get the impression he'll feel the heat a little this year after last years loss. Plus, the exos. Bad, me reckons, but he should be able to overcome it.
Stan and Kei and the others will make a showing but will they have the next stage in them? Lightning doesn't strike twice, so Stan will perish, but Kei and Milos and Grigor have to man up. Don't give me this later-peak crap: these boys are immature and have to smarten up. Kei is the best pick of the trio, I like his attitude the most...
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2014
- Messages
- 4,113
- Reactions
- 1,930
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Game, Set, Match & CHAMPIONSHIP, Roger Federer. A record 18th GS. It'll be 'History at Stake' alright.
GOOOO ROGER !!!
Game, Set, Match & CHAMPIONSHIP, Roger Federer. A record 18th GS. It'll be 'History at Stake' alright.
GOOOO ROGER !!!
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2014
- Messages
- 4,113
- Reactions
- 1,930
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Roger Federer, The epitome of how the game SHOULD BE PLAYED ! A true ambassador for our sport PAST, PRESENT and the FUTURE. Betcha neither Nadal or Djokovic will be notching up 1000 career wins let alone be ranked Number 2 when they're 33 years old.
Roger Federer, The epitome of how the game SHOULD BE PLAYED ! A true ambassador for our sport PAST, PRESENT and the FUTURE. Betcha neither Nadal or Djokovic will be notching up 1000 career wins let alone be ranked Number 2 when they're 33 years old.
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
I think Roger's draw is pretty hellacious actually. He has Monaco or Bolelli in the second round (okay neither is great, but they are both solid pros), a possible live opponent in either Coric or Chardy in the third, Hip Hop Nick, Ivo, or Robredo in the Fourth round, before getting to Andy in the Quarters and Rafa in the Semis. I really don't see an easy match after the first round.
GameSetAndMath said:
I think Roger's draw is pretty hellacious actually. He has Monaco or Bolelli in the second round (okay neither is great, but they are both solid pros), a possible live opponent in either Coric or Chardy in the third, Hip Hop Nick, Ivo, or Robredo in the Fourth round, before getting to Andy in the Quarters and Rafa in the Semis. I really don't see an easy match after the first round.
herios
Grand Slam Champion
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 8,984
- Reactions
- 1,659
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
I would be shocked to see Kyrgios making any buzz here. I know, suddenly there are tons of bandwagoners after Wimbledon, but he went into that event with a lot of mojo, just after winning a challenger on grass, therefore a lot of practice on grass unlike Nadal who lost his opener in Halle to Brown.
Now Nick comes with almost no preparation and nursing injuries. He could be eliminated in a hurry IMO.
I would be shocked to see Kyrgios making any buzz here. I know, suddenly there are tons of bandwagoners after Wimbledon, but he went into that event with a lot of mojo, just after winning a challenger on grass, therefore a lot of practice on grass unlike Nadal who lost his opener in Halle to Brown.
Now Nick comes with almost no preparation and nursing injuries. He could be eliminated in a hurry IMO.
mrzz
Hater
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 6,333
- Reactions
- 3,255
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
I am optimistic about Federer. Apart from last year Wimbledon, I guess he has his best shot at a slam in years, including the possible semi with Nadal.
About Kyrgios, completely agree with herios. I doubt he will be able to get to Fed, and if he does, he'll learn a lot from the match.
Anyway, I guess that everyone is waiting for a tournament full of surprises.
I am optimistic about Federer. Apart from last year Wimbledon, I guess he has his best shot at a slam in years, including the possible semi with Nadal.
About Kyrgios, completely agree with herios. I doubt he will be able to get to Fed, and if he does, he'll learn a lot from the match.
Anyway, I guess that everyone is waiting for a tournament full of surprises.
herios
Grand Slam Champion
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 8,984
- Reactions
- 1,659
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
I don't know what to think of Roger. He looked good in Brisbane, but he looked very good in Cincy as well, then he lasted only 5 rounds at the USO and his level dropped.
I think he could again get gassed if gets into some grueling matches.
So I lean towards Kieran's opinion that he is streching himself to much, he should play less.
I don't know what to think of Roger. He looked good in Brisbane, but he looked very good in Cincy as well, then he lasted only 5 rounds at the USO and his level dropped.
I think he could again get gassed if gets into some grueling matches.
So I lean towards Kieran's opinion that he is streching himself to much, he should play less.
Kieran
The GOAT
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 17,164
- Reactions
- 7,447
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Exactly. He's two years older than 2013, and he recently had back issues again. We'll see how he goes but as you said above, he had a cupcake at the USO, but the first trying match ruined him...
herios said:
Exactly. He's two years older than 2013, and he recently had back issues again. We'll see how he goes but as you said above, he had a cupcake at the USO, but the first trying match ruined him...
Kieran
The GOAT
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 17,164
- Reactions
- 7,447
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Well, Steve Tignor's blessing has been bestowed on Novak Djokovic, and a huge hex placed on Rafa...
Well, Steve Tignor's blessing has been bestowed on Novak Djokovic, and a huge hex placed on Rafa...
mrzz
Hater
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Messages
- 6,333
- Reactions
- 3,255
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
He played less on purpose, that was known at the time.
At USO, maybe it is the other way around. He had a tiring (is that what you meant?) match against Monfils, a player he should handle easily when playing well. But he didn't, and then met a player having the tournament of his life. He lost there because he did not play well enough, not because of physical issues.
And, yes, I agree that age is a factor, but smaller than we people may think it is. The point is, I am pretty sure he and his team now what they are doing. I always have a tough time when I read posters saying "player X does not know how to handle his schedule", specially when you are talking about multi-slam winners.
He played less on purpose, that was known at the time.
At USO, maybe it is the other way around. He had a tiring (is that what you meant?) match against Monfils, a player he should handle easily when playing well. But he didn't, and then met a player having the tournament of his life. He lost there because he did not play well enough, not because of physical issues.
And, yes, I agree that age is a factor, but smaller than we people may think it is. The point is, I am pretty sure he and his team now what they are doing. I always have a tough time when I read posters saying "player X does not know how to handle his schedule", specially when you are talking about multi-slam winners.
herios
Grand Slam Champion
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 8,984
- Reactions
- 1,659
- Points
- 113
RE: 2015 Australian Open (Jan 19-Feb 1) History at stake!
Buddy, when you are tired, your reactions are slower. Roger was just not sharp enough in that match with Cilic, the aces were flying by his ears.mrzz said:
