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Sports: Tennis Thread
Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Barbarella
Clijsters never made the finals at Wimbledon, she's been to a couple of semis and I think maybe a couple of quarters, she's lost early a bunch of times or she just didn't play. You would think that would be a good surface for her considering her amazing athleticism, I think she and Novak are the best movers ever.
And yeah if Serena draws Razzano at the championships or the Olympics you know it's
going to be lights out for her, Serena's defeats are usually short lived. She's destroyed Stosur and Azarenka since they beat her, I don't think they've even won a set off her.
****I pray to the tennis Gods that Maria & Serena are on different sides of the draw so they can both make the dream final!
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Oh. Well it sucks for Clijsters because I also don't see her doing too well on the grass this year, her last year in professional tennis. And it sucks even more because the Olympics is on grass, her worst surface.
I just hope Razzano doesn't keep living in the FO dream. It's great she beat such a good champion (on an off kinda day) but I don't want her to build an ego and keep talking about the win, she she has done continuously so far. I doubt they would play each other, but if they do then she's toast. Well she's toast anyway, she's not really a good player.
And yes @ another Sharapova v Williams Final. That'll be a dream final  . I'm actually interested in seeing either Williams sister in the final. This is Venus' best surface so I don't expect to see a 2nd round exit, even with her condition. I can definitely see another Quarterfinal or better in the works. And with Serena, she'll try to get revenge over Maria for 2004, both at Wimbledon and the Championships that year. It'll be an epic final
Quote:
Originally posted by @michael.
I guess it's not too shocking that Radwanska & Kvitova lost. Pironkova's made a SF and QF at the last two Wimbledons, while Makarova won Eastbourne a couple years ago. All four have major grass-court achievements. As for Wozniacki, well she sucks so it's not a big deal.
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It is surprising, at least for Kvitova. Makarova has one a grass title and is a grass specialist, but that shouldn't matter. She's outside the top 30 (?) and she stunned the REIGNING WIMBLEDON CHAMP (on grass nonetheless) in STRAIGHT sets. That's a shock, on paper and in context. It's not as big as Razzano shocking Serena because Kvitova has been getting mixed results lately, but it's certainly up there.
Radwanska losing is also a surprise. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't she STILL the winning match leader of 2012 with 30-something wins? Although its nowhere near as big as Kvitova because with a game like Radwanska, she plays a mix of a clay court/hard court game so grass will be her worst surface. Still shocking, this is like the 3rd player in 2012 to beat her not named Azarenka.
As for Wozniacki, it's still surprising but by far the least of the 3. She's completely fallen off the radar from being number 1 in January to being as low as number 9 last month (currently number 7). I never liked her so I hope she just falls off like Jankovic tbh. Or better yet, Jankovic needs better results because I still kinda like her.
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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I can't wait to see Kim proving y'all wrong.
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
I can't wait to see Kim proving y'all wrong. |
Sis, we're both tennis connoisseurs. You and I both know grass Kim's worst surface, and she hasn't had much tennis in the past two years. Why do you expect her to do well in either Wimbledon or the Olympics? 
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
Sis, we're both tennis connoisseurs. You and I both know grass Kim's worst surface, and she hasn't had much tennis in the past two years. Why do you expect her to do well in either Wimbledon or the Olympics? |
She's getting a nice warm-up for the Olympics from Wimbledon and Hertogenbosch. And even if grass was her worst surface, it doesn't mean she plays more poorly than other top players on it. I definitely think she has great chances, especially considering the mixed results of the current top10 players, but I need to see her form first.
BTW, did you manage to choose a new racquet for yourself? 
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
She's getting a nice warm-up for the Olympics from Wimbledon and Hertogenbosch. And even if grass was her worst surface, it doesn't mean she plays more poorly than other top players on it. I definitely think she has great chances, especially considering the mixed results of the current top10 players, but I need to see her form first.
BTW, did you manage to choose a new racquet for yourself? |
I guess that's true. But with grass court specialists/veterans like Serena, Venus, Kvitova, Sharapova, Makarova*, Pironkova*, Azarenka, Bartoli, Li*...do you think she has a chance to even get a Bronze at the Olympics/Quarters or better at Wimbledon? If you do, then you are a trooper 
*have had great grass court results but inconsistent play puts them in limbo
And I have! I got the Wilson BLX Steam 100, the same racquet as my idol Kvitova
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
I guess that's true. But with grass court specialists/veterans like Serena, Venus, Kvitova, Sharapova, Makarova*, Pironkova*, Azarenka, Bartoli, Li*...do you think she has a chance to even get a Bronze at the Olympics/Quarters or better at Wimbledon? If you do, then you are a trooper
*have had great grass court results but inconsistent play puts them in limbo
And I have! I got the Wilson BLX Steam 100, the same racquet as my idol Kvitova |
Only players I consider better grass court players than her out of those you mentioned are Serena, Venus and Sharapova, and perhaps Kvitova on her best day. It's hard to make any in-depth assessments as I haven't see her playing since the beginning of the year, but knowing her game and weapons she's a contender.
Kvitova here, Kvitova there...  I suppose it isn't light weighted tho, am I right? And I've been thinking about getting a new racquets as well, especially now that I've been struggling to get the grommets changed (the racquets are 5 years old so quite a few grommets have got broken along the way + I could use heavier ones). I don't really like the idea of replacing the broken ones individually.  And BTW, I hate the designs of these newest Wilson racquets. They look too old-fashioned IMO.
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
Only players I consider better grass court players than her out of those you mentioned are Serena, Venus and Sharapova, and perhaps Kvitova on her best day. It's hard to make any in-depth assessments as I haven't see her playing since the beginning of the year, but knowing her game and weapons she's a contender.
Kvitova here, Kvitova there... I suppose it isn't light weighted tho, am I right? And I've been thinking about getting a new racquets as well, especially now that I've been struggling to get the grommets changed (the racquets are 5 years old so quite a few grommets have got broken along the way + I could use heavier ones). I don't really like the idea of replacing the broken ones individually. And BTW, I hate the designs of these newest Wilson racquets. They look too old-fashioned IMO. |
Not all of the players I listed are better grass court players (most of them are though), but they all can take out Clijsters a la Zvonareva in 2010. It is hard to make a judgement without seeing Clijsters, and also since she only had one match in on grass so far this year, but it's not out of the question that she'll leave early. She has a history of doing that on grass. It's kinda weird since she has big weapons and the clay NOR the grass are her best surfaces. Usually players who owned the weapons excelled on one of those two surfaces (and a few exceptions on both).
I'm sorry, I'm infatuated with her . And is 4pts HL light to you? It's a bit heavy compared to other racquets I had, but it's not really heavy overall. And yeah I would just get a brand new one tbh because all of the work the old one could use, you might as well invest in something newer and with better technology. And I hate the designs too, but I demoed it because Kvitova had it, and now I know why she uses it. I'd rather win ugly than not win at all 
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
Not all of the players I listed are better grass court players (most of them are though), but they all can take out Clijsters a la Zvonareva in 2010. It is hard to make a judgement without seeing Clijsters, and also since she only had one match in on grass so far this year, but it's not out of the question that she'll leave early. She has a history of doing that on grass. It's kinda weird since she has big weapons and the clay NOR the grass are her best surfaces. Usually players who owned the weapons excelled on one of those two surfaces (and a few exceptions on both).
I'm sorry, I'm infatuated with her . And is 4pts HL light to you? It's a bit heavy compared to other racquets I had, but it's not really heavy overall. And yeah I would just get a brand new one tbh because all of the work the old one could use, you might as well invest in something newer and with better technology. And I hate the designs too, but I demoed it because Kvitova had it, and now I know why she uses it. I'd rather win ugly than not win at all |
I guess we have to just let the time tell. 
Since it weights 11 ounces, I guess it's just fine (depending on your age + body type and playing style, obviously). And yeah, if I knew which racquet I wanted/is a good fit for me, that might be the best option. But I don't know and testing racquets takes some time and effort, so it just feels like keeping the old ones is much safer and easier.  And you never know about those technologies. For all we know, the new versions might be the same racquets with a new paint.  So it's really a good racquet? That's true.
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Member Since: 11/21/2010
Posts: 3,809
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Also, Andy Roddick says that this may be his last Wimbledon.
Sucks that his greatness came to a screeching halt by Roger Federers dominance.
They were the top 2 players for a few years. If Roger hadn't come along Andy could have won about 6-7 majors. Roger completely deflated Andy's big serve and powerful forehand.
I like Andy and was so happy when he won his slam. I really think this is his & Venus last year on the courts. At least they're places in the hall of fame are already secured.
Now it's time for the new Americans to come through! 
Like the times when the Russians & Serbs were making noise, the young Americans are doing the same now, I'll give it another year and a half. Our throne shall be reclaimed.
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Shucks...well Andy and Venus both had fruitful careers so I'm not too mad. And I hope that Venus doesn't actually retire completely, she could still play some doubles/mixed doubles from time to time. I know she's 32 and a bit old, but that shouldn't stop her in doubles. Some of those players are in their later 30s/early 40s. As for Roddick, it seems his career is sun-setting. It's been a marvelous journey, but all great ones come to an end. He and Serena should still play some mixed doubles together tho because Serena needs the Aussie Open and French Open to complete the career boxed slam. She would join a select group of 3 women to do so 
I can't wait for the new Americans to take charge. McHale (defeating former number 1 Wozniacki) is doing work! So is Stephens. I see the most potential in those two, especially Stephens turning up and possibly getting a Venus-like career, which would be astounding
Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
I guess we have to just let the time tell.
Since it weights 11 ounces, I guess it's just fine (depending on your age + body type and playing style, obviously). And yeah, if I knew which racquet I wanted/is a good fit for me, that might be the best option. But I don't know and testing racquets takes some time and effort, so it just feels like keeping the old ones is much safer and easier. And you never know about those technologies. For all we know, the new versions might be the same racquets with a new paint. So it's really a good racquet? That's true. |
I guess. But it's better to try something new than to not try at all imho. I would have never thought that Kvitova's frame would allow me to hit through the court with the pace and power that it possesses. And it's magnificent. I usually play a Wozniacki-type game (I despise her) but with this racquet I could actually hit winners from any part of the court. It plays so well, I'm surprised that not every racquet company is trying this technology out
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
I guess. But it's better to try something new than to not try at all imho. I would have never thought that Kvitova's frame would allow me to hit through the court with the pace and power that it possesses. And it's magnificent. I usually play a Wozniacki-type game (I despise her) but with this racquet I could actually hit winners from any part of the court. It plays so well, I'm surprised that not every racquet company is trying this technology out |
Yeah, I'll be getting new racquets sometime. I've used Wilson exclusively so far, but I've been thinking about getting Head's Prestige. It just seems like a great solid racquet. Surely, I'll still check what Wilson has to offer as well.
And what kind of marketing speech was that.  Sounds good. I suppose you play mainly/solely on hard courts, since you live in the States. Am I right?
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
Yeah, I'll be getting new racquets sometime. I've used Wilson exclusively so far, but I've been thinking about getting Head's Prestige. It just seems like a great solid racquet. Surely, I'll still check what Wilson has to offer as well.
And what kind of marketing speech was that. Sounds good. I suppose you play mainly/solely on hard courts, since you live in the States. Am I right? |
Try a whole slew of racquets. I tried Yonex, Prince, and Wilson and although all are great, I prefer the Head racquet I had by a smidgen. The only reason I got a new one was because I lost my Head Youtek Instinct at a tennis match... 
And I know how to market the best  . And yes, I usually play on hardcourts, although I tried out clay and grass courts. I never tried the parisian clay so I can't comment too much on it, but clay courts >>>. Are you not from the States? Cuz if you were, then you wouldn't say "the States" since nobody here says that 
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Member Since: 11/21/2010
Posts: 3,809
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
Shucks...well Andy and Venus both had fruitful careers so I'm not too mad. And I hope that Venus doesn't actually retire completely, she could still play some doubles/mixed doubles from time to time. I know she's 32 and a bit old, but that shouldn't stop her in doubles. Some of those players are in their later 30s/early 40s. As for Roddick, it seems his career is sun-setting. It's been a marvelous journey, but all great ones come to an end. He and Serena should still play some mixed doubles together tho because Serena needs the Aussie Open and French Open to complete the career boxed slam. She would join a select group of 3 women to do so
I can't wait for the new Americans to take charge. McHale (defeating former number 1 Wozniacki) is doing work! So is Stephens. I see the most potential in those two, especially Stephens turning up and possibly getting a Venus-like career, which would be astounding
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I still have hopes for Coco Vandeweghe, Jack Sock & especially Ryan Harrison. 
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
Try a whole slew of racquets. I tried Yonex, Prince, and Wilson and although all are great, I prefer the Head racquet I had by a smidgen. The only reason I got a new one was because I lost my Head Youtek Instinct at a tennis match...
And I know how to market the best . And yes, I usually play on hardcourts, although I tried out clay and grass courts. I never tried the parisian clay so I can't comment too much on it, but clay courts >>>. Are you not from the States? Cuz if you were, then you wouldn't say "the States" since nobody here says that |
I'm pretty sure I'll end up choosing either Wilson or Head.  Do you often play competitive tennis? 
I've never played on grass, tho I'd really love to try it. It found fit perfectly for my playing style.
And yeah, I'm not from the US. I'm from Finland (my daily rhythm is currently a mess, I know...) and here the "parisian" (if that's what it's called... ) is the most common surface during the summertime. And I like clay too, but it usually takes some time for me to fully adjust to the higher bounce and moving out there after the indoor season. Haven't managed to do that yet.  But I'm playing mainly on hardcourts ATM.
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
I'm pretty sure I'll end up choosing either Wilson or Head. Do you often play competitive tennis?
I've never played on grass, tho I'd really love to try it. It found fit perfectly for my playing style.
And yeah, I'm not from the US. I'm from Finland and here the "parisian" (if that's what it's called... ) is the most common surface during the summertime. And I like clay too, but it usually takes some time for me to fully adjust to the higher bounce and moving out there after the indoor season. Haven't managed to do that yet. But I'm currently playing mainly on hardcourts. |
I don't play too often, but I play High School tennis and I will be playing tennis in University. That's about it though, I probably won't have much time to do any more since I wanna study premed
Grass would seem like a good fit for you. It's easily adaptable if you transfer over from hardcourts, and if it take you time for a high bounce, grass would do the trick for you. It keeps it a low bounce (which is easy for me since I'm not too tall). And yeah parisian clay, the type at the French, is the type I never played on. I've only played on Green Clay and Gray ones, like the ones at Charleston and...dammit I forgot which tournament uses green clay  . But in America EVERYTHING is hardcourts, so for the first 5 years of playing, all I did was hard courts
Quote:
Originally posted by Barbarella
I still have hopes for Coco Vandeweghe, Jack Sock & especially Ryan Harrison.
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I can definitely see Ryan Harrison. He's been getting so much better, next in line after Roddick and Isner . Jack Sock will do well too with a bit more practice. And after Coco beat Jankovic sometime a few years ago I haven't heard too much from her, I don't know what happened 
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Member Since: 11/21/2010
Posts: 3,809
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Venus & Clijsters are unseeded!
I can understand the Clijsters shade.........but the 5 time champion and 7 times finalist Venus!
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Member Since: 9/20/2011
Posts: 14,852
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Quote:
Originally posted by RatedG²
I don't play too often, but I play High School tennis and I will be playing tennis in University. That's about it though, I probably won't have much time to do any more since I wanna study premed
Grass would seem like a good fit for you. It's easily adaptable if you transfer over from hardcourts, and if it take you time for a high bounce, grass would do the trick for you. It keeps it a low bounce (which is easy for me since I'm not too tall). And yeah parisian clay, the type at the French, is the type I never played on. I've only played on Green Clay and Gray ones, like the ones at Charleston and...dammit I forgot which tournament uses green clay . But in America EVERYTHING is hardcourts, so for the first 5 years of playing, all I did was hard courts |
I see. I envy how you have such good sport activities in the school (different teams and physical education in general). I wish it was the same here. It must be nice to play against other schools etc.
I guess. And the clay isn't problem either, but usually it takes me longer than some others to adjust new surfaces. Especially as I'm playing quite aggressive tennis, and like to take the initiative and go for my shots as soon as possible, my timing needs to be on point. Yeah, it sucks there isn't really variation in the US. Here we have pretty much all the possible surfaces sans the grass. I've played on both clay types.
Quote:
Originally posted by Barbarella
Venus & Clijsters are unseeded!
I can understand the Clijsters shade.........but the 5 time champion and 7 times finalist Venus!
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That just means there's a chance for interesting match-ups in the early rounds. 
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Member Since: 11/15/2009
Posts: 16,903
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Can we get into the fact that some stan actually took the time to make a fake draw on the Wikipedia page? Mess.
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Member Since: 8/3/2010
Posts: 71,871
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Member Since: 7/23/2010
Posts: 6,744
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masha gonna be a winner again!!!!!!!!! 
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