Tennis 2021

[amolbhatia50k]

It's alright. Glad to have Rodger back anyhow!

 

[Mrs Smoker]

He didn't seemed too bummed about the loss.

A month and a few weeks to get in proper form.

 

[MattofManchester]

Few thousands errors later and it's game, set, match, Andujar.

Did quite well for a 40 year old who played around 3 matches in over a year.

I was surprised he took Andujar to 3.

 

[saivet]

I didn't watch it but Thiem just lost 6-3, 6-2 to Cam Norrie in Lyon. At this point I'm not sure he's in the top 3 favorites for Roland Garros, which he has been for the past few years. He can certainly play his way into form but if he draws Zverev or Tsitsipas in the QFs, I'd fancy them.

 

[MattofManchester]

Did I just read correctly?

Saw an article now. Nadal, Djokovic and Fed all in the same draw??

 

[Raoul]

Did I just read correctly?

Saw an article now. Nadal, Djokovic and Fed all in the same draw??

True apparently. Medvedev is now #2 in the world and Federer has dropped to #8. So a perfect storm of circumstances that apparently have all three in the same side of the draw.

 

[saivet]

Thiem out to Andujar in round 1 of RG (he also beat Federer a couple weeks ago). This must be a tough defeat to take for Thiem, from 2 sets up too

Given his form, its not a huge shock, but a massive story.

 

[Jazz]

Can't believe Theim lost..... but congrats to this Andular? First I heard about him was when he beat Rogie earlier in Geneva.

Wonder if this F.O. might throw up some more surprises?

 

[Jazz]

Thiem out to Andujar in round 1 of RG (he also beat Federer a couple weeks ago). This must be a tough defeat to take for Thiem, from 2 sets up too

Given his form, its not a huge shock, but a massive story.

Yeah I'm sure Thiem will be massively disappointed.

Andujar was so damn happy it was nice to see.

 

[MattofManchester]

The other half of the draw looking more and more like an opportunity for Zverev or Tsitsipas to steamroll into the final.

 

[wr8_utd]

Can't believe Theim lost..... but congrats to this Andular? First I heard about him was when he beat Rogie earlier in Geneva.

Wonder if this F.O. might throw up some more surprises?

This is not really a massive surprise tbh. Thiem has had a horrendous year (even on clay) and has said he's struggled to find motivation after his Slam win. Andujar is bang average but he still is a clay specialist with all his titles coming on that surface so I can't say I'm hugely surprised. Even if he'd not won today, I wasn't exepcting him to go any deeper than R4.

A surprise though would be if Zverev lost to Otte today. He's 1 set down right now. He's been in very good form on clay so it would be quite the shocker.

 

[Desert Eagle]

Zverev will come back. The other guy is barely holding on right now.

 

[Jazz]

Zverev lost the 2nd set. Surely he won't go out as well?

 

[SilentWitness]

Osaka facing possible expulsion is bullshit.

 

[Desert Eagle]

I take back what I said. Not the part about Zverev coming back but this Otte guy is having the match of his life.

 

[saivet]

The other half of the draw looking more and more like an opportunity for Zverev or Tsitsipas to steamroller into the final.

I think there is a lot of pressure on both of them, particularly Tsitsipas. I put a post draw bet on a Ruud vs Tsistispas semi final which has some legs all of a sudden.

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

Osaka facing possible expulsion is bullshit.

That would be not okay.

But not to talk to the press is ridiculous too...she earns so much money because of the press/media....she is a terrible diva.

 

[SilentWitness]

That would be not okay.

But not to talk to the press is ridiculous too...she earns so much money because of the press/media....she is a terrible diva.

I don’t think it’s being a diva at all. The sporting world puts out all these bullshit messages about mental health etc and when an athlete says that they would prefer not to do something because it damages their mental health they punish them for it.

 

[KirkDuyt]

I don’t think it’s being a diva at all. The sporting world puts out all these bullshit messages about mental health etc and when an athlete says that they would prefer not to do something because it damages their mental health they punish them for it.

Why exactly isnt she talking to the press? Are the press conferences after matches really that horrible for players? I never watch them honestly. And to be honest, it is kind of part of the job of being a high profile athlete..

 

[Inigo Montoya]

That would be not okay.

But not to talk to the press is ridiculous too...she earns so much money because of the press/media....she is a terrible diva.

She really isn’t. She’s very intelligent, articulate and wants to be viewed as someone who is more than just a great sportsperson.

I’ve no idea why we are springing to the media’s defence,most of the time we view them as cnuts but as soon as someone says they aren’t doing interviews we are labelling them as divas.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Why exactly isnt she talking to the press? Are the press conferences after matches really that horrible for players? I never watch them honestly. And to be honest, it is kind of part of the job of being a high profile athlete..

It is if they are concentrating on the game. Just listen to the third question here. Imagine asking that of Klopp, Pep. They just think it’s easier to target women

 

[SilentWitness]

Why exactly isnt she talking to the press? Are the press conferences after matches really that horrible for players? I never watch them honestly. And to be honest, it is kind of part of the job of being a high profile athlete..

“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes mental health and this rings very true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one.”

The 23-year-old explained that athletes are “asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.

“I’ve watched many clips of athletes breaking down after a loss in the press room and I know you have as well,” she continued. “I believe that whole situation is kicking a person when they’re down and I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.”

I don’t think talking to the press should be a requirement for athletes. I’m sure some are happy enough to do so but for others it’s clear that it damages them when they’re asked dumbass questions.

 

[njred]

She really isn’t. She’s very intelligent, articulate and wants to be viewed as someone who is more than just a great sportsperson.

I’ve no idea why we are springing to the media’s defence,most of the time we view them as cnuts but as soon as someone says they aren’t doing interviews we are labelling them as divas.

It’s just a game. A game where athletes get highly paid and have obligations to the media. If it’s politically motivated or something to that effect I would understand. Stand in front of the media listen to the dumbass questions, don’t answer and say next question. It’s just a game.

 

[Raoul]

Why exactly isnt she talking to the press? Are the press conferences after matches really that horrible for players? I never watch them honestly. And to be honest, it is kind of part of the job of being a high profile athlete..

Pressers are generally dumb and useless, mainly because the journos tend to ask terrible questions, so its not exactly a bad thing if a player doesn't participate or does participate and tells the journos off when they ask stupid questions.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

It’s just a game. A game where athletes get highly paid and have obligations to the media. If it’s politically motivated or something to that effect I would understand. Stand in front of the media listen to the dumbass questions, don’t answer and say next question. It’s just a game.

It only it were that simple in this world.

 

[Suedesi]

Osaka should just Marshawn Lynch it

 

[KirkDuyt]

It is if they are concentrating on the game. Just listen to the third question here. Imagine asking that of Klopp, Pep. They just think it’s easier to target women

Yeah fair enough, that's just a cnutish line of questioning.

 

[Stack]

It’s just a game. A game where athletes get highly paid and have obligations to the media. If it’s politically motivated or something to that effect I would understand. Stand in front of the media listen to the dumbass questions, don’t answer and say next question. It’s just a game.

Are you aware of her reasoning and argument regarding the media obligations?

 

[KirkDuyt]

I think they should improve the journalistic standards of the reporters. If you ask goading questions or are just out to provoke someone you should feck off and not be allowed back. Personally I think the media is an important part of sports, but fighting for higher standards seems a good thing and after reading more bout it, that seems what she's trying to do.

 

[RobinLFC]

I think they should improve the journalistic standards of the reporters. If you ask goading questions or are just out to provoke someone you should feck off and not be allowed back. Personally I think the media is an important part of sports, but fighting for higher standards seems a good thing and after reading more bout it, that seems what she's trying to do.

Will never happen and especially not in pre- or post-game pressers because of the limited time and questions available. All those journos rather have a "Osaka SLAMS Williams after latest comments" title than a "Click here for Osaka's in-depth tennis review".

I think it's good that she's doing it. Feck the journos and their boring, provocative questions.

 

[Jazz]

Roger back! Hope he wins this match.

He needs matches. If he can win today and get at least another round or 2, that should help.

 

[berbatrick]

Chose a nice moment to catch the match. Smashes, drop shots, fake drop shots, forehand winners, and failed volleys. 3 dropped break points, and then a conversion.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Roger back! Hope he wins this match.

He needs matches. If he can win today and get at least another round or 2, that should help.

He wins, he wins on merit, not sentimental reasons. He’s still the GOAT

 

[Mrs Smoker]

Goodness gracious, he's French!

 

[Raoul]

I think they should improve the journalistic standards of the reporters. If you ask goading questions or are just out to provoke someone you should feck off and not be allowed back. Personally I think the media is an important part of sports, but fighting for higher standards seems a good thing and after reading more bout it, that seems what she's trying to do.

I think they should get rid of pressers all together. Players can still interact with media in one on one interviews with pundits just as they do in the US.

 

[Swiss_Red89]

Surprised how good Fedi played today. Didn't expect that. Looked fit, agil, powerful and sharp. But i reckon his fitness will decrease with every match, especially if he has to play longer matches.

Would still be surprised if he makes week 2, but then again it's Roger Federer, anything possible:-)

 

[saivet]

Osaka has withdrawn.

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[Superunknown]

It is if they are concentrating on the game. Just listen to the third question here. Imagine asking that of Klopp, Pep. They just think it’s easier to target women

That interview is just very uncomfortable to watch and I feel for her. Just so unnecessary and I don't see what the value is of that. It's just a way of kicking a player when they're already down.

 

[Ajr]

Surprised how good Fedi played today. Didn't expect that. Looked fit, agil, powerful and sharp. But i reckon his fitness will decrease with every match, especially if he has to play longer matches.

Would still be surprised if he makes week 2, but then again it's Roger Federer, anything possible:-)

He will win another match I think but his goal is just practice before Wimbledon surely

 

[NieThePiet]

Osaka has withdrawn.

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That's so sad to read and hopefully she gets all the help and support she needs in the next weeks.

Can't believe that mental health is still such a small topic in the society..