Australian Open

There are 2 Chinese women in the round of 16. Looks to me like Chinese women's tennis is on the rise. The Russian women don't seem that dominant (despite having 5 representatives). Sharapova seems to have hit hard times, and the Williams sisters remain a force to reckon with (despite their ages, 30 & 28). I'm still hoping BOTH will be caught on an OFF-DAY.

I'm not too worried on the men's side. Federer, Nadal, and new sensation Del Potro are the favorites to win it all. Roddick, Murray, and Hewitt are also strong contenders. Edited by: j41181
 
According to the draw, it appears that the Williams sisters are on course to meet in the semis, which will spare us a nightmarish all-Williams final, so there's some comfort in that.

I'm hoping Henin can keep it together for a couple more matches. With Clijsters out, she's the only one I trust who can beat Serena Williams. The Russians and others have absolutely no shot.
 
Yes, let us all pray that someone, anyone other thanone of the Williamses wins. Looking at them again--you have to wonder about the steroid thing and whether it contributed to serena's atrocious conduct (not that she needs roids). let's pray that the white women keep their composure and concentrate on the game--sooner or later the williamses will self-destruct.
 
Venus has never won the Australian Open. She seems to be a major factor only at Wimbledon these days. But Serena looks in top form, like she did last year when she got better with each match.

And it is interesting that the steroids question has never been asked about the Williams sisters when it's such an obvious one. But the media never dared to ask it about Tiger Woods either.

BTW, when I was looking up Venus's record in majors, I noticed on Wikipedia that she received the 2009 "Americanism Award" from the ADL. Maybe it was for having a White boyfriend, pro golfer Hank Kuehne.
 
Blue Devils said:
Roddick defeated Gonzalez in five sets.

6-3 3-6 4-6 7-5 6-2
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Got up way early to watch that one before church. Nice victory for Andy, I just hope that left knee holds up for the rest of the tournament. It's amazing how often Andy can get himself out of trouble with that awesome serve of his.
 
Venus comes back and wins it. She advances to the quarters where she'll play either Caroline Wozniacki or some Chinese girl I've never heard of.

Edited by: Matra1
 
Tsonga, the "Frenchman," has made it to the final eight. The media into full drool mode when he made it to the finals two years ago, with endless references to his "athleticism," "charisma," room brightening smile, andhis supposed resemblance to Muhammad Ali. Hopefully Djokovic (who beat Tsonga in the final in '08), will take care of business against him next round.
 
Tsonga in Aussie Open is very much like Venus Williams in Wimbledon, in that they only play well in those two tournaments, and do not present much of a threat in any others. So, even if Tsonga moves a little deeper here (where he'll likely be beaten by Federer, Nadal, Murray, or whomever is waiting in the semis/finals) we most likely won't hear much from him as the year goes on.

But yes, I'm looking for Djokovic to beat him on Wed.
 
There's some good posts on the second page of this thread from two years ago about Tsonga and his "athleticism" and "charisma" and on Djokovic's lack of same.
 
The athleticism on display during the first two sets of the Murray Nadal matchup was astounding.
 
That's bad news about Nadal retiring because of his knee. I'm beginning to wonder if it is going to be something that plaques him for the rest of his career. For some months leading up to his defeat at the French Open, I was concern that the "King of Clay"Â￾ was becoming the king of anti-inflammatories. The grind that he had each year was massive. Hope he can get back on track for this year's French.

Justine Henin might be in for a tough match against Jie Zheng in the semis. Jie was phenomenal against Maria Kirilenko. One of those days when everything was working. Kirilenko hit some mighty good shots, but each return from Jie was just as solid with tremendous placement. She also did her best Michael Chang imitation, running down everything. Justine will have to use her all court play and variety to trip up Jie Zheng.
Edited by: Quiet Speed
 
Quiet Speed said:
That's bad news about Nadal retiring because of his knee. I'm beginning to wonder if it is going to be something that plaques him for the rest of his career. For some months leading up to his defeat at the French Open, I was concern that the "King of Clay"Â￾ was becoming the king of anti-inflammatories. The grind that he had each year was massive.  Hope he can get back on track for this year's French.Justine Henin might be in for a tough match against Jie Zheng in the semis. Jie was phenomenal against Maria Kirilenko. One of those days when everything was working. Kirilenko hit some mighty good shots, but each return from Jie was just as solid with tremendous placement. She also did her best Michael Chang imitation, running down everything. Justine will have to use her all court play and variety to trip up Jie Zheng. 
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Nice mention and comparison to Michael Chang. Chang has always been one of my favorite tennis players because of his outspoken Christian faith and his speed and all out 100% effort on the tennis court. Chang is one of those guys who got the most out of his athletic ability and short stature. Chang, Hewitt, Patrick Rafter and sorry to say Monfils may be the quickest players I have ever seen on the tennis court.Edited by: guest301
 
irokez said:
The athleticism on display during the first two sets of the Murray Nadal matchup was astounding.
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I watched the first set before I couldn't stay awake any longer. The level of play was phenomenal. Too bad about Nadal, would be a real shame if his peak years are cut short by knee problems.

At one point Patrick McEnroe said that Nadal, Murray and Federer are the top three players at covering the court. I thought it was the sport's very few non-white players, who are over and over again called athletic and speedy. I guess when whites are faster than blacks, it is because of some non-athletic quality, like headiness or overachieving.
 
I just watched the Murray-Nadal match. I'm starting to wonder if Nadal, like hockey great Bobby Orr, will have a shortened career due to his knee problems.
 
Nadal will sadly retire before he is thirty is my prediction. He plays too physical a game and puts his body through too much of a grinding type style of play.
 
What a glorious day for tennis it both Williams sisters are ousted on the same day! Come on Azarenka!
 
I'm watching the game right now, and it's obvious Serena is playing hurt. It's a sure win for Azarenka. My hopes have come true, both Williams sisters are having an OFF-DAY.

It will be a very interesting semi-finals, EUROPE vs. CHINA!!!

A Chinese win will send SHOCKWAVES throughout the tennis and sporting world!!!
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A European win is just as pleasing!
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I'm watching the game right now, and it's obvious Serena is playing hurt.

That's certainly the way it's being spun by ESPN.

It's a sure win for Azarenka.

It's not over yet.
 
Azarenka needed to close it out in two, will take a great effort for her to pull it out now.
 
I'll be dammed if Azarenka loses here!

She's a playing a limping, but very game Serena.
 
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