Flushing Meadows Corona Park Cafe : 2013 U.S. Open

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

here is my list of players who are capable of huge upsets on a good day:


1. jerzy
2. del potro
3. tommy haas
4. isner
5. ferru
6. berdych


this last one keeps disappointing but he is due for a big win sooner or later.

 

[Front242]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

here is my list of players who are capable of huge upsets on a good day:


1. jerzy
2. del potro
3. tommy haas
4. isner
5. ferru
6. berdych


this last one keeps disappointing but he is due for a big win sooner or later.

Depends who you're a fan of. It's disappointing for Federer fans anyway when he draws Berdych! Can't personally see Isner beating any of the top guys as I doubt he'll make it that far. Agreed about JJ, DP and Haas. If he wasn't so erratic and unpredictable you could throw Gulbis in there and even Kohlschreiber has had decent wins over the likes of Roddick here so you never know if he caught someone early and rusty. Don't think anyone would like to play any of the top 3 on your list anyway. Hewitt's in good form and another guy you'd rather not draw first few rounds. The draw will answer lots of questions as the potential spoilers may not match up well to the players they draw so they mightn't even make it far. Hopefully there won't be many players pulling out with injury.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

good point. we need to throw in Hewitt, kohli, and gulbis into the mix. they are more than capable.

isner has done well at the u.s. open before. this Atlanta title---should he snatch it---- will furnish him with some confidence anyway.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

I think the great dunblane warrior is taking this folks.


now my question is this:


is he on a path to all time greatness if he takes the u.s. open again?


what will it take? will 6-7 slams make him an all time great?

I have him as the favorite for the next wimbledon crown already.

I believe he will eventually take at least 6 slams and will
be considered one of the all time greats. However, without seeing
the draw, I am not ready to make him the favorite for USO 2013.

In Wimbledon, Del Potro softened Djokovic for an easy
kill by Murray. Djokovic openly told in the interviews that
he was going for quick ending of points without being
patient and he was deliberately doing so as he felt that
he did not have much in the tank after Delpo match.
With knowledge of full tank, his game would be much
different.

In Olympics also, I believe Djokovic had a long match
with Tsonga before playing Murray.

While these are not excuses, these are certainly factors in
the match.

Without seeing the draw, I will pick Djokovic for USO
and Murray for the indoor WTF, with Djokovic finishing
YE #1 again. I am assuming that Nada's Knees and
Federer's Back would continue to be a factor for the rest of
the year, at least if not more.

One particular thing I am impressed with Murray's
game is that he is so solid against big servers such
as Milos, Jerzy etc. I think in this particular area he
is no. 1 among the current crop of players.

 

[Kieran]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

I don't know how Djoker is claiming he was knackered in the Wimbledon final. Seriously, the guy was eating cake before the semi. He had a day off: we've seen him manage these recovery times before. Is he feeling the pace? Surely he can't be!

I agree it's too soon to make Andy favourite. Let's see how Rafa takes to hards, let's see the draw. And don't underestimate Roger, who maybe a sick plant in somebody's qf section of the draw...

 

[GameSetAndMath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

I don't know how Djoker is claiming he was knackered in the Wimbledon final. Seriously, the guy was eating cake before the semi. He had a day off: we've seen him manage these recovery times before. Is he feeling the pace? Surely he can't be!

May be the peddler who helps him recover was not available on that
day off

 

[Kieran]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

I don't know how Djoker is claiming he was knackered in the Wimbledon final. Seriously, the guy was eating cake before the semi. He had a day off: we've seen him manage these recovery times before. Is he feeling the pace? Surely he can't be!

May be the peddler who helps him recover was not available on that
day off

The hard-boiled eggs pusher? Could be!

 

[Didi]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

It's interesting that since 2008 the US Open have been the most competitive slam (at the very top at least) with 5 different champions from Roger to DelPo to Rafa to Nole and finally Murray. It's so obvious and hardly a surprise when one goes back through the finals year by year, yet it seems somehow I have not been paying attention to this fact for years. Would be great if the "trend" continues and we end up with one of Tsonga/Berdych/Jerzy/Ferrer being the 6th but that's rather clutching at straws.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

great discussion folks. keep it coming.

 

[Fiero425]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

It's interesting that since '08, the USO has been the most competitive Slam (at the very top at least) with 5 different champions from Roger to DelPo to Rafa to Nole and finally Murray. It's so obvious and hardly a surprise when one goes back through the finals year by year, yet it seems somehow I have not been paying attention to this fact for years. Would be great if the "trend" continues and we end up with one of Tsonga/Berdych/Jerzy/Ferrer being the 6th, but that's rather clutching at straws.

So Lendl making 8 finals, winning 3 in a row in the 80's and Federer taking 5 straight in the last decade really sets them apart from the rest of the pack! It's the last major, prople are wiped out from a long season and hot, sticky summer of Masters events! Very impressive for them! Nadal's had a couple finals, but normally nowhere to be seen this time of the year! How he could be thought of as "The GOAT" in any capacity is beyond me! Help me LAWD! :laydownlaughing :snigger :angel: :nono

 

[Kieran]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Using this logic, are you saying Lendl was a greater player than Rafa Nadal?

 

[Fiero425]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Using this logic, are you saying Lendl was a greater player than Rafa Nadal?

Why is that so far fetched? Lendl was the consummate professional who didn't take extended time off like Nadal, played thru injuries, and represented the men's game with dignity and class! He didn't have the technology of today with what I call illegal strings making the ball dance in the air! I have a lot more respect for Lendl and his numbers than I'll ever have for Nadal! Lendl had to deal with plenty of future HOF'rs like McEnroe, Connors, Sampras, Wilander, Kuerten, Cash, Edberg, Becker, and even Borg at the end of his career! Who has Nadal had but one true rival; Federer! Lendl didn't have the benefit of majors with seeded draws going to 32 from 16! The courts have also been homogenized! You bet I think Lendl is a greater player overall, even without a Wimbledon! He only lost to the eventual winner in a semi or final time and time again! We said the same about Federer for years at the FO! Why shouldn't Ivan get the same consideration? I lived and watched the true greats where at any given time there were 12 players in a draw who had won majors! Federer and Nadal had each other for the most part and nothing else thru their prime! I'd definitely not question Lendl's overall rank being in the top 10 all time just behind Borg! Even Borg didn't have to withstand as many top players; esp. on clay! :clap :shy:

 

[Riotbeard]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

I would like to see Nadal and murray duke it out on hards this season (not in final, because one spot must be reserved for novak). I think it will say more about where murray is as nadal has always been the toughest for him in the big 4. I am not counting out nadal. He must be glad Fed is having so much trouble, because it quickly ended discussion after his 1st round exit at wimbledon.

 

[Kieran]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Using this logic, are you saying Lendl was a greater player than Rafa Nadal?

Why is that so far fetched? Lendl was the consummate professional who didn't take extended time off like Nadal, played thru injuries, and represented the men's game with dignity and class! He didn't have the technology of today with what I call illegal strings making the ball dance in the air! I have a lot more respect for Lendl and his numbers than I'll ever have for Nadal! Lendl had to deal with plenty of future HOF'rs like McEnroe, Connors, Sampras, Wilander, Kuerten, Cash, Edberg, Becker, and even Borg at the end of his career! Who has Nadal had but one true rival; Federer! Lendl didn't have the benefit of majors with seeded draws going to 32 from 16! The courts have also been homogenized! You bet I think Lendl is a greater player overall, even without a Wimbledon! He only lost to the eventual winner in a semi or final time and time again! We said the same about Federer for years at the FO! Why shouldn't Ivan get the same consideration? I lived and watched the true greats where at any given time there were 12 players in a draw who had won majors! Federer and Nadal had each other for the most part and nothing else thru their prime! I'd definitely not question Lendl's overall rank being in the top 10 all time just behind Borg! Even Borg didn't have to withstand as many top players; esp. on clay! :clap :shy:

It's a good post, Fiero, but of course, a comparison on this basis is problematical. Nadal also had Novak to deal with, playing insane tennis in 2011-Oz 2012, and he's missed some time with injuries. Having Roger to chase at the start of his career was hard enough, but even still, he's had a great career.

I have sympathy with your thesis on the modern game, however, and on how hungry and diverse the players were back in Lendl's time. It was - point blank - rougher. And I think Lendl gets short shrift a lot of the time when it comes to compiling lists...

 

[Fiero425]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Using this logic, are you saying Lendl was a greater player than Rafa Nadal?

Why is that so far fetched? Lendl was the consummate professional who didn't take extended time off like Nadal, played thru injuries, and represented the men's game with dignity and class! He didn't have the technology of today with what I call illegal strings making the ball dance in the air! I have a lot more respect for Lendl and his numbers than I'll ever have for Nadal! Lendl had to deal with plenty of future HOF'rs like McEnroe, Connors, Sampras, Wilander, Kuerten, Cash, Edberg, Becker, and even Borg at the end of his career! Who has Nadal had but one true rival; Federer! Lendl didn't have the benefit of majors with seeded draws going to 32 from 16! The courts have also been homogenized! You bet I think Lendl is a greater player overall, even without a Wimbledon! He only lost to the eventual winner in a semi or final time and time again! We said the same about Federer for years at the FO! Why shouldn't Ivan get the same consideration? I lived and watched the true greats where at any given time there were 12 players in a draw who had won majors! Federer and Nadal had each other for the most part and nothing else thru their prime! I'd definitely not question Lendl's overall rank being in the top 10 all time just behind Borg! Even Borg didn't have to withstand as many top players; esp. on clay! :clap :shy:

It's a good post, Fiero, but of course, a comparison on this basis is problematical. Nadal also had Novak to deal with, playing insane tennis in 2011-Oz 2012, and he's missed some time with injuries. Having Roger to chase at the start of his career was hard enough, but even still, he's had a great career.

I have sympathy with your thesis on the modern game, however, and on how hungry and diverse the players were back in Lendl's time. It was - point blank - rougher. And I think Lendl gets short shrift a lot of the time when it comes to compiling lists...

Oh, I wasn't trying to overlook Nole! It's just that year in and year out, it was only Roger and Rafa for years with Nole lagging behind as #3 until 2011! Djokovic will wind up being in the top 10 overall as well with his great seasons of '11 and '12 alone; and he's not done! He's also been like Lendl in that respect, always there, played hard, and respected the men's game a lot more than someone that will remain nameless! :snigger :angel:

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Using this logic, are you saying Lendl was a greater player than Rafa Nadal?

Why is that so far fetched? Lendl was the consummate professional who didn't take extended time off like Nadal, played thru injuries, and represented the men's game with dignity and class! He didn't have the technology of today with what I call illegal strings making the ball dance in the air! I have a lot more respect for Lendl and his numbers than I'll ever have for Nadal! Lendl had to deal with plenty of future HOF'rs like McEnroe, Connors, Sampras, Wilander, Kuerten, Cash, Edberg, Becker, and even Borg at the end of his career! Who has Nadal had but one true rival; Federer! Lendl didn't have the benefit of majors with seeded draws going to 32 from 16! The courts have also been homogenized! You bet I think Lendl is a greater player overall, even without a Wimbledon! He only lost to the eventual winner in a semi or final time and time again! We said the same about Federer for years at the FO! Why shouldn't Ivan get the same consideration? I lived and watched the true greats where at any given time there were 12 players in a draw who had won majors! Federer and Nadal had each other for the most part and nothing else thru their prime! I'd definitely not question Lendl's overall rank being in the top 10 all time just behind Borg! Even Borg didn't have to withstand as many top players; esp. on clay! :clap :shy:

lendl lost 11 slam finals.


he is not anywhere near nadal in terms of accomplishments. nobody in history has dominated their surface like nadal has and he has done it for a decade.


lendl also did not have knee and foot issues that nadal has had to deal with for the last 6 years.

nadal wins with his injuries. he sits out when the knee gets too painful.


you are talking about a guy was the 2nd fastest in history to 11 slams behind only borg. and nadal did it on ALL surfaces.


also did borg or lendl have to deal with the greatest ever to play? if you have the greatest ever to play the sport to challenge then why would others matter?

you got the wrong guy mate. the sport today is where it is because of nadal and roger. it stands on their shoulders. they alone had the game and the courage to take it where it is today.


defense rests.

 

[Fiero425]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

Whatever! :nono :blush:

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

lendl is most definitely an all time great but he is not in the same league as nadal. that is more than clear enough to 100% of the insiders of the sport.

numbers do not lie. numbers are as cold as death itself.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

what the hell is wrong with Anderson? why cant he make the next step?

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: 2013 U.S. Open Sidewalk Cafe Chats

u.s. open update:

27 days, 15 hours, 20 minutes and 30 seconds.

---

folks montreal and cincy might furnish us the information we seek about roger and rafa.


at the current rate I don't think it is looking too good. one played and lost early at both events and other one just did not bother playing at all after losing in the very first round at Wimbledon.


I will be honest with you: I don't think they are set to shine in montreal and cincy. I just cant see it happening.


I expect early round losses from both at both events.