2019 Australian Open semifinals: Djokovic vs Pouille

[rafanoy1992]

He is playing really good. I saw his match against Raonic. He seems to be stronger mentally than before. He was returning those missiles nicely. His movement was amazing. Of course Raonic routinely botching the volleys helped also.

I would not say he has no changes if he loses the first. If he loses the first and the second, surely we can write him off (as even if Novak does a walkabout for a set, he will come back and clinch like he did against Shapo).

Totally agree with your assessment, GSM. There's something calm about Pouille that I have not seen from him before the tournament. Now, I do not think he will beat Djokovic, but I think he can make him work especially if Djokovic has a mental walkabout.

 

[rafanoy1992]

This semifinal could either be a straight set victory for Djokovic or a Nadal-Dimitrov type of match (long fought match). I would not be surprised one bit if either of the scenarios happened tonight.

Also, a couple of things that Pouille does well is he can defend and his movement is actually great especially from side to side. Now, I do not know if he has the firepower to out rally Djokovic from the baseline but he sure as heck will defend like crazy against Djokovic.

One more thing: Pouille looks physically fresh so I do not expect fatigue to be a factor (ala Nishikori)

 

[Bob Smith]

Frenchman beats Djoko 15:13 in the 5th set tiebreak, a lob winner initially called out but corrected by hawkeye.

 

[Andy22]

Well yeah of course that can happen and you're 100% right there but I was referring to matches without injuries.

Its rare but it can also happen without injuries, like then L.poullie had match points against nadal at china open, then lost the match.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

The bookies opinion is given below.

Novak 1/14 (works out to about 93%)

Lucas 12 (works out to about 7%)

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Here is the ESPN TV coverage of AO including encore presentations. I am going to skip watching this SF live and catch encore presentation.


Friday, January 25
3:30a 6:00a ESPN Men’s semifinal
2:00p 5:00p ESPN2 Encore
8:15p 12:00a Tennis Boys & girls finals
9:00p tbd ESPN+ Boys & girls finals
Saturday, January 26
3:30a 5:30a ESPN Women’s final
5:30a 7:30a Tennis Men’s doubles final
5:30a tbd ESPN+ Men’s doubles final
9:00a Noon ESPN2 Women’s final encore
11:00p 12:30a Tennis Mixed doubles final
12:00a tbd ESPN+ Mixed doubles final
Sunday, January 27
3:30a 6:30a ESPN Men’s final
10:00a 2:00p ESPN2 Men’s final encore
11:00p 1:30a ESPN2 Men’s final encore

 

[AnonymousFan]

2-0 1st set, Pouille broken after a DF

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This is going to be a absolute rout Novak already up 5-0 1st set,sending a strong message to Rafa

 

[Mile]

This is going to be a absolute rout Novak already up 5-0 1st set,sending a strong message to Rafa

Novak is in "Shock & Awe" tactique. Gear up.

 

[AnonymousFan]

First set bagel. Pouille imploding, disappointing

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well Frenchmen do eat bagels dont they

 

[britbox]

Novak definitely looking to make a statement here.

 

[britbox]

First set bagel. Pouille imploding, disappointing

Not for me... I would have been more disappointed if Pouille had stormed the keep... Only Novak can keep the final honest. Pouille would be a lamb to the slaughter.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Gosh I might turn on the cricket Australia v Sri Lanka I dont know which match is worse watching

 

[AnonymousFan]

Another DF, Djokovic breaks.

 

[tented]

Gosh I might turn on the cricket Australia v Sri Lanka I dont know which match is worse watching

Imagine how the fans in the stadium feel who spent huge amounts of money to see this.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Imagine how the fans in the stadium feel who spent huge amounts of money to see this.

Ripped off quite frankly,though you can only play who is on the opposite side of the net

 

[tented]

Pouille has nothing to challenge Novak.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Hurry up Novak and put Pouille and myself out of total misery

 

[AnonymousFan]

6-0 6-2 now