Heineken - Auckland

[herios]

Here is the draw:

http://www.atpworldtour.com/share/event-draws.aspx?year=2014&eventid=301&draw=ms

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Curious to see where Haas' form is at right now.

 

[Front242]

Me too, especially at the AO.

 

[Moxie]

A couple of early battles:

The young Carreno Busta has split sets with the ever-tricky Kohlschreiber, and so have Guillermo-Lopez and Haase. Both going into deciders.

 

[Front242]

I actually forgot there was tennis on still. Tbh, I'm all tennis-ed out from the last few days with matches on so late. Sounds like some good matches though.

 

[Moxie]

Major value at this point is just to judge how a few more guys are playing. I'm trying to watch a little of Carreno Busta, as I haven't really seen much of his game. Save yourself for the AO, friend!

 

[Front242]

Liked what I saw of Carreno Busta last year but I hope he plays more ATP matches than challengers this year. I'm sure he will.

 

[Moxie]

On serve with C-B serving at 5-6.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Amazing rally but Busta blinks with an ill advised dropper.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Kohly breaks to win with a nice DTL backhand.
Busta is a good player but he is not going to win any artistic points from me. His shots may be effective but I do not like any of his shots, artistically. Just my opinion.

 

[Moxie]

He didn't win, but acquitted himself well. He's got a lot to learn, but he's calm, hits with depth, and is not unwilling to commit to the first serve, and move up on occasion.

 

[Front242]

Watched the end of that match and Kohlschreiber finished with his trademark shot, a lovely BH DTL. Would've been nice to get a final set TB as it was an enjoyable end from what I saw of the last few points.

 

[herios]

R1. Yesterday:
Giraldo - Montanes 6-1, 7-6
Zeballos - Volandri 6-0, 7-6
Sock - Mannarino 6-3, 6-4

 

[isabelle]

Monfils pulled out of Auckland for tireness..he's already tired after only 1 week ? Really strange

 

[Moxie]

Monfils pulled out of Auckland for tireness..he's already tired after only 1 week ? Really strange

That's not an uncommon strategy, I think. In case he didn't go deep in Doha, he figured to get some more match play in Auckland. Since he made the final, he figures smarter to have the rest before the Open. That's what I'm guessing, anyway.

 

[isabelle]

Monfils pulled out of Auckland for tireness..he's already tired after only 1 week ? Really strange

That's not an uncommon strategy, I think. In case he didn't go deep in Doha, he figured to get some more match play in Auckland. Since he made the final, he figures smarter to have the rest before the Open. That's what I'm guessing, anyway.

You could be right my dear, hope he's not tired in january !!

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Sock is playing pretty good tennis right now, up a break against Haas.

 

[Moxie]

I see a couple of US guys are through, knocking out Bagdahtis and Brands.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Sock pulls it off. Good for him. Not so good for Haas.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Bradly Klahn gets a good win over Brands as well. The lefty has some game.