Australian Open 2023 F: Novak Djokovic vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas

[nehmeth]

I guess the question wasn't so simple.

I think it’s my prerogative whether I engage with you or not. You bait, condescend , bait, snark and sarcasm. I have no desire to get into it with you and if this is the wide berth you said you would give?

 

[Moxie]

Moving on, I was actually surprised by Novak's level in the SF, despite the score line. He looks vulnerable. He's lucky that someone more seasoned and with more weapons couldn't exploit that last night. Problem is, they're all out already. Except, maybe, Tsitsipas.

 

[don_fabio]

I wouldn't count much Novak's performance in the SF. He knew he had no real resistance from the Paul, but just had to seal the deal and move to the final. Playing against the greek will be another story. He knows his opponent very well and knows what he needs to do from the beginning.

As Margaret pointed out, BH DDL is crucial for the greek, if he can't rip that backhand consistently throughout the match he has no chance.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I think Rafa fans would feel more comfortable if this was Alvarez playing tomorrow night. Besides Rafa ,Medvedev, Stan, Thiem and PCB, Stefano's game is the BEST to trouble Novak's FH. Stefano's return of service is his biggest weakness. The Greek crowd should help him .

 

[Moxie]

I wouldn't count much Novak's performance in the SF. He knew he had no real resistance from the Paul, but just had to seal the deal and move to the final. Playing against the greek will be another story. He knows his opponent very well and knows what he needs to do from the beginning.

As a fan, you're welcome to dismiss that performance, but I thought he was pretty wobbly. To me, it didn't look like just underrating his opponent. I know he'll bring everything he has to the final, which is a considerable amount, but it depends on what he has, too, and he looked like he had less than usual.

As Margaret pointed out, BH DDL is crucial for the greek, if he can't rip that backhand consistently throughout the match he has no chance.

If the BH goes off and he starts shanking it, that will be a problem. But he's also going to have to serve his best. Novak can still spot-serve great, even if his movement isn't the best.

 

[Moxie]

I think Rafa fans would feel more comfortable if this was Alvarez playing tomorrow night. Besides Rafa ,Medvedev, Stan, Thiem and PCB, Stefano's game is the BEST to trouble Novak's FH. Stefano's return of service is his biggest weakness. The Greek crowd should help him .

Speaking for myself, as a Rafa fan, I'd feel more comfortable if it was Rafa playing tomorrow night. Too bad, because I think Novak on this form is pickable, but only by the best. Gonna be a Davis Cup atmosphere out there? Melbourne has a huge Greek population, but lots of Serbs, too, right?

 

[the AntiPusher]

Speaking for myself, as a Rafa fan, I'd feel more comfortable if it was Rafa playing tomorrow night. Too bad, because I think Novak on this form is pickable, but only by the best. Gonna be a Davis Cup atmosphere out there? Melbourne has a huge Greek population, but lots of Serbs, too, right?

Well Sometimes you have to play with the cards that the tennis gods dealt Us .

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Ken Rosewall will carry the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to Rod Laver Arena in a special ceremony prior to the men's singles final.

 

[nehmeth]

Ken Rosewall will carry the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to Rod Laver Arena in a special ceremony prior to the men's singles final.

He deserves the honor. I didn’t get to see him play until near the end of his career. My father spoke very highly of him.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

He deserves the honor. I didn’t get to see him play until near the end of his career. My father spoke very highly of him.

Ken now lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, his nickname is 'muscles', in Sydney he has a stadium named after him, when any tournament is played, in Sydney, Ken always comes to watch the finals.I was reading recently Ken still plays tennis, at 88 years young

 

[Jelenafan]

I think Rafa fans would feel more comfortable if this was Alvarez playing tomorrow night. Besides Rafa ,Medvedev, Stan, Thiem and PCB, Stefano's game is the BEST to trouble Novak's FH. Stefano's return of service is his biggest weakness. The Greek crowd should help him .

Don’t forget The ATP’s sweet angel Holger Rune. His place in the finals would have happened if not for some Casper Ruud black magic net chords…

 

[nehmeth]

Ken now lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, his nickname is 'muscles', in Sydney he has a stadium named after him, when any tournament is played, in Sydney, Ken always comes to watch the finals.I was reading recently Ken still plays tennis, at 88 years young

Muscles… yes. Gold Coast is beautiful. My friends live in Noosa. And other friends further up the coast in Port Douglas and back in Mossman. My father played tennis until he was 92 years old.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Muscles… yes. Gold Coast is beautiful. My father played tennis until he was 92 years old.

Wow for your dad, he must have 'good genes' playing tennis at 92

 

[Moxie]

Well Sometimes you have to play with the cards that the tennis gods dealt Us .

Which means not Alcaraz, either. Tsitsipas is what we've got.

 

[tented]

An injured Novak Djokovic practicing walking to accept the trophy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Craig Tiley has revealed a decision on whether Novak Djokovic's father will attend the Aus Open final is yet to be made ( via CodeSports)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The Young Greek has arrived and is getting sun screen applied to his face before he takes to the court for a warm up practice session.

 

[don_fabio]

Anyone awake?

 

[AnonymousFan]

Yes last night of watching in this time zone HAHA

 

[Moxie]

Anyone awake?

I'm up, but not sure for how long.