Australian Open Day 8: Monday, Jan 20 - Order of Play

[tented]

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Click here for the Day 8 Order of Play

(All matches, on all courts, are listed in order to give you a feel for when everything will begin and end.)

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Please use this thread to discuss Day 8 action.

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I've added TV schedules for live coverage in the US, Canada, the UK, continental Europe, and Australia.

 

[Goldenboy]

Vamos Rafa!! Please do it in 3 if possible.

 

[shawnbm]

Nadal will cruise through this in three routine sets and then get Grigor, which might go four sets if that. Rafa is a shooin for the semifinals.

 

[Denis]

Not that he has a chance, but I'll be rooting for Nishikori, he is one of my favorites. And no, not because he's playing Nadal.

Also, allez Jo!

 

[El Dude]

I feel like this will be the big test for Roger. I know he beat Del Potro late last year, but facing Tsonga at a Slam will give us a sense of what level Roger is playing at. He hasn't been challenged yet and as far as I can tell hasn't played any players in top 40 even.

I'm not saying he's "done" if he loses to Tsonga, but not only will it be his third Slam in a row going out before the QF (!), but it will tell us that he's not back to being anywhere close to Big Four status - and chances of him ever getting there would be diminishing rapidly.

Also, if he can beat Tsonga then he has a chance against Murray. If he manages to beat both, after that...well, we know that story already.

 

[DarthFed]

A loss to either Tsonga OR Murray proves he is no different than last year. Even with how awful he was at the end of last year he was never going to be a large underdog vs. Tsonga. Tsonga, DP, Berd, etc. are 2nd tier guys, at this point Roger is right there with them. Not where he is expected to be. There is a world of difference between them and the top three. Basically he doesn't prove much by winning tonight, but he does prove something in a bad way if he loses.

The possible match with Murray is a different story. The Roger of last year after AO would be an easy out for Andy and the rest of the big three. That's where Roger would prove something if he wins.

 

[Denis]

This might be Fed's very last match at the AO tonight. Although more likely that he'll play one more year after this one.

 

[DarthFed]

It won't be, he will take care of Tsonga at least. But whenever his last match is at this tournament I will be interested to see what he says.

 

[Denis]

I am surprised so many people think Federer will win. His h2h is not great against Tsonga, this is Tsonga's best slam and certainly not Federer's best. Federer is old, Tsonga does not feel the age yet. Federer only barely beat him last year here, and let's be honest, it all went downhill after that.

It's going to be tight, but I'd give Tsonga the edge at the moment.

 

[DarthFed]

Roger is 9-4 against Tsonga and you're right, that is not great as he should pretty much never lose to him. Tsonga is more dangerous on grass. If Roger plays adequately he should win, but you never know which Roger shows up.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

 

[Denis]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

A very cold shower can help. :snigger (seriously though, that does help, it's just very unpleasant)

Green tea maybe?

 

[DarthFed]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

Porn on the phone bro, always does the trick, just keep the sound off :snigger

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

A very cold shower can help. :snigger (seriously though, that does help, it's just very unpleasant)

Green tea maybe?

Man, it will be -15c outside...I am not taking a cold shower

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

Porn on the phone bro, always does the trick, just keep the sound off :snigger

I knew I could count on you brother

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Nadal will cruise through this in three routine sets and then get Grigor, which might go four sets if that. Rafa is a shooin for the semifinals.

I would replace the last word by finals.

Fed is not going to bear Rafa at this time. Murray with his lay off and
his record does not seem to have a chance. I think a Tsonga on fire
(which is a rare event) might give more trouble to Rafa than either
Fed or Murray.

 

[britbox]

A loss to either Tsonga OR Murray proves he is no different than last year.

Disagree on Murray, who has generally been a tough out for Federer.

 

[DarthFed]

A loss to either Tsonga OR Murray proves he is no different than last year.

Disagree on Murray, who has generally been a tough out for Federer.

You're right but this figures to be a different Murray than normal. I should change it to say it wouldn't prove he is different than last year, not that it'd prove he is the SAME. Splitting hairs I guess.

I think a win over Tsonga is just a quality win at this point, I'd read a lot more into a loss than a win. A win over Murray would be huge.

 

[nehmeth]

I am not looking forward to getting up at 3.00 am though. I have a busy Monday coming up. Anyone has any tips regarding staying awake at work the next day? Keeping in mind I don't drink coffee and I refuse to drink stuff like Red Bull and such?

I would DVR the match, say a little prayer before bed for "favor on the old guy" and get a good night sleep. If Fed wins, you can enjoy watching it without any anxiety.

And if he loses? You have several options one being "delete".

 

[Denis]

Nadal will cruise through this in three routine sets and then get Grigor, which might go four sets if that. Rafa is a shooin for the semifinals.

I think Nadal will face Agut. Dimitrov is overrated and Agut has grit and a big heart. I was impressed with how he handled Del Potro.