I just find this funny. Out of all "ordinary" guys that go through qualies, it was Thiem who turned out to be his opponent in R1. I think Rafa wins in 2 sets.
We shall see I want to watch his doubles match which hasnt started as yet, starting shortly I hope, I am glad Rafa is playing in both singles and doubles matches in Brisbane, he will need the match play, being out for most of the 2023 season
Thiem came back from a mp and a huge deficit I heard to win his qualifying match. That's gonna be a great test for Rafa.
Also he had a 'brown snake' crawl on his court and his match had to be stopped lol! they had to get a proper snake handler on court to get rid of the snake
I heard about that very venomous brown snake ...u Aussies are just too dangerous including the vermins.. Again don't count out Thiem...he is young and it's just confidence but i doubt if you like him as a tennis player
We are used to snakes, though not on a tennis court, Dom is 30 years old,, not a youngster anymore, no it is more than confidence, he is no where near the level before his wrist injury more than 2 years ago, point being he still hasnt been able to win a tournament, even when he entered the challenger tournaments.It has nothing to do if I like him as a tennis player, just stating the facts, at his current level of play.which has not improved, if it did, his ranking would have improved, maybe won a tournament and not have to reply on WCs into tournament, not have to play qualifer to get into main draws at tournaments. Quite frankly it is hard to come back after having a serious wrist injury, and try to have the same power you once had.
Was all that necessary..Jeez. I don't understand. You blasted me about wacky AZZ Nick...but you get upset with me when I say you seem like you don't like Thiem..
AP, I'm with Margaret here, and I don't think she doesn't like Thiem, she's just stating the facts. (I'm also with @don_fabio, in that it's kind of funny that of all the qualifiers, Rafa draws the other Major winner.) I actually think he's perhaps better off with a known opponent, even though Thiem knows he can beat Rafa on HCs. He's been struggling to close since his wrist injury. Anyway, could be an interesting match.
There's no stopping Father Time, babe! We'll be there in 1 hour, 36 min. We already went out. Now celebrating quietly at home.
I don't think so...you're saying that Thiem is a dangerous first opponent. No argument, per se...we're all just gaming ups and downs. As one who has been hoping for Thiem to find his game again, I will, frankly, be pissed off if he finally manages v. Rafa, if you take my point. LOL!
If he defeats Rafa which could happen that's on Nadal and his team for not playing some challengers matches instead of a win or go home tournament like the current.
If Rafa gets defeated he can always play in the Kooyong Classic a round robin competition before the AO to get some extra match practice
