Australian Open 2012

[Nearco]

I'm not acting like anything - it's only Murray's fanboy's who completely disagree with me. I'm stating an opinion popular with most people who watched that game - why should I cater to the needs of those who can't handle their idol messing things up (yet again)?

I'm not a fan boy, your comment was out of line. People tend to try and bracket Murray in with Henman but he is a vastly superior player.

 

[Urbanned]

table tennis

I'm not getting into that debate again

 

[KM]

Well he's beaten them all before, sometimes comprehensively (albeit in 3 set matches most of the time). There's not much stopping him from beating them in a slam - apart from his tendancy to choke.

Or maybe the other players just up their games a little bit?

 

[FranklyVulgar]

It was a great match, the best i've seen Murray play against a player in the form of Djokovic.

I look at it from a perspective of what i expected to happen and what actually happend. At 2-0 down in the 2nd it's game over for Murray in this situation last year. He faught and never gave up, he didnt get too down on himself and managed at times to out play the best in the world.

Another point would be that at his very best, when everything is working he has all the tools but what he doesnt have that the others have is the consistency at the top top level. Djoko can lose his game for a brief period but he gets it back quickly and often when he drops his level he's still good enough to hold his serves and beat lesser players.

Murray on the other hand when he loses it becomes very erratic. He has plenty to work on but it's positive signs. To spout the usual "he bottled it" stuff is childish. Yes he had his chances and so did Djoko but that's what makes for such a fantastic match and thats what it was. A great match, good luck to Djokovic in the final, he's a great player.

 

[Wibble]

Murray will never win a Slam.

He's good enough to, but won't.

What makes it worse is that I always get drawn in by this, and get so angry when he doesn't close it out. It's a shame the other 3 are so likeable. I really want to hate them. Bah.

EDIT: Yes, I am a touch frustrated. I'd done so well in trying not to watch this...

He will. He was close today, a massive improvement in 12 months, and with Lendl helping him I think you will see him win a few in the next few years.

 

[Urbanned]

It was a great match, the best i've seen Murray play against a player in the form of Djokovic.

I look at it from a perspective of what i expected to happen and what actually happend. At 2-0 down in the 2nd it's game over for Murray in this situation last year. He faught and never gave up, he didnt get too down on himself and managed at times to out play the best in the world.

Another point would be that at his very best, when everything is working he has all the tools but what he doesnt have that the others have is the consistency at the top top level. Djoko can lose his game for a brief period but he gets it back quickly and often when he drops his level he's still good enough to hold his serves and beat lesser players.

Murray on the other hand when he loses it becomes very erratic. He has plenty to work on but it's positive signs. To spout the usual "he bottled it" stuff is childish. Yes he had his chances and so did Djoko but that's what makes for such a fantastic match and thats what it was. A great match, good luck to Djokovic in the final, he's a great player.

Childish, but correct. Fans of Murray may find it harsh or hard to accept, but it's true.

It's also not much of an insult. Every player bottles it from time to time, even professionals - it was just a shame that it happened to Murray after playing such a great match. Like I said, next time I want him to prove me wrong and make me look like a real idiot for ever criticising him.

 

[FranklyVulgar]

I'm not getting into that debate again

it's that you use this fact, that you play table tennis to belittle another athelete or someone with an opinion on it.

Alan Shearer was a great footballer, he's a fecking rotten pundit with hardly a clue about football.

Andrew Castle is another example, a pro tennis player who talks like he's never watched the sport...

 

[Nearco]

He will. He was close today, a massive improvement in 12 months, and with Lendl helping him I think you will see him win a few in the next few years.

I think Federer's level will continue to drop as the season progresses so with luck Andy might get to a Final without having to play one of the big three.

 

[FranklyVulgar]

Childish, but correct. Fans of Murray may find it harsh or hard to accept, but it's true.

It's also not much of an insult. Every player bottles it from time to time, even professionals - it was just a shame that it happened to Murray after playing such a great match. Like I said, next time I want him to prove me wrong and make me look like a real idiot for ever criticising him.

the point i was making is that compared to this time last year he looks to have matured somewhat. Yes he's not there yet but if he keeps improving he'll get there.

Djokovic hasnt been pushed this hard since his wimbledon semi final against Federer.

 

[StuCol]

He will. He was close today, a massive improvement in 12 months, and with Lendl helping him I think you will see him win a few in the next few years.

2011 - final
2012 - semi-final

Not the sort of improvement I'd be looking for.

 

[lynchie]

They bottled that Grand Slam semi-final. I know this because I've played table tennis.

In other news, Real Madrid bottled that match the other night against Barca. I know this because I've played Subbuteo at quite a high level.

 

[Urbanned]

it's that you use this fact, that you play table tennis to belittle another athelete or someone with an opinion on it.

Alan Shearer was a great footballer, he's a fecking rotten pundit with hardly a clue about football.

Andrew Castle is another example, a pro tennis player who talks like he's never watched the sport...

I'm not using it to belittle anyone. But when I get called clueless, and a prick for having an opinion, I've got to explain why I feel I'm justified to think that way. It's also a pretty decent reason to understand, seeing as the 2 sports are very similar. It's widely accepted that table tennis is one of the most mentally-demanding sports going (at the top level, of course). Anyway, I'm not going into that anymore.

I made an opinion, he said I was clueless, I then backed it up. That's not belittling him.

 

[Carl]

Everyone said the same after Djokovic's 5 set marathon vs Federer in New York. Look what happened then.

True. But Nadal looked wonderful yesterday. He'll win.

 

[Urbanned]

They bottled that Grand Slam semi-final. I know this because I've played table tennis.

In other news, Real Madrid bottled that match the other night against Barca. I know this because I've played Subbuteo at quite a high level.

You're saying table tennis is to tennis what subbuteo is to football? You're very misguided - go and watch some professional level matches on Youtube. You'll see how wrong I am.

Alternatively, watch some at the Olympics, and then get back to me when you see I'm right.

 

[Urbanned]

He will. He was close today, a massive improvement in 12 months, and with Lendl helping him I think you will see him win a few in the next few years.

I agree. I really wanted him to win today - I thought he was there when he won that tie-break to lead 2-1, I really did. He must be so gutted.

 

[Frosty]

The problem for him is that it's almost guaranteed that he has to go past two of them to win a slam.

Absolutely, and the bit in bold is what is key. If Djokovic (for example) is on the same side of the draw as Murray, then in order for Murray to win a Slam he will need Djokovic (or one of the other two) to be defeated in the QF's or earlier, and then play the game of his life in the Final.

 

[Carl]

You're saying table tennis is to tennis what subbuteo is to football? You're very misguided - go and watch some professional level matches on Youtube. You'll see how wrong I am.

Alternatively, watch some at the Olympics, and then get back to me when you see I'm right.

They have Subbuteo at the Olympics now? The feck maaaan?

 

[StuCol]

Think it Won't be as mentally damaging to lose in that manner in the semi rather than the final.

 

[FranklyVulgar]

Think it Won't be as mentally damaging to lose in that manner in the semi rather than the final.

he'll be down but he has to take the positives from that performance. Taking the best in the world to the wire, having chances but coming up just a little short but knowing you can do it. That's what his attitude has to be. If anything he played a lot of the big points better than i've ever seen him play. He usually takes a lot of break points before breaking, the level in the first 3 sets and final set was incredible.

 

[Nearco]

It's the best I've seen him play and with Lendl in his corner I fully expect a GS this year. There are signs that Djoko isn't quite as the same level as last year.

 

[Drifter]

Typical Murray.Just does not have the mental toughness when he needs it.

 

[Varun]

The problem is that the other 3 are actually better players than him at the moment and he needs to beat 2 of them to win a slam. That said, the potential is obviously there. He was very good tonight. I do agree with ned that he lost it at the end due to the pressure but its pretty childish to say that you playing table tennis makes you better place to make a comment. All footballers would make great pundits then.

Anyways, back to the point. Very quality tennis and he's undoubtedly much better than Henman. With age on his side, i'd be very surprised if he doesnt pick a slam soon. He just needs to keep his head down and keep working. The tools are all there, he'l ger better with time and experience.

 

[peterstorey]

... but its pretty childish to say that you playing table tennis makes you better place to make a comment.

He's just taking the piss out of the bottle merchants.

 

[lynchie]

You're saying table tennis is to tennis what subbuteo is to football? You're very misguided - go and watch some professional level matches on Youtube. You'll see how wrong I am.

Alternatively, watch some at the Olympics, and then get back to me when you see I'm right.

So how did you get on at the last Olympics?

 

[King_Eric]

Table tennis is one of the most intense sports you can find. I never understand how people can place it in the same category as darts, snooker, etc.
Talking about professional ping pong of course.

 

[Sojiro]

Didn't see the match but just watched the 5th set on replay and even after 5 hours it was a fantastic set of tennis. Nole just had a bit more quality but full credit to Murray, he made some great shots. Nadal vs Djokovic is going to be a cracker

and finally, both WAGS there today were

.......

 

[Urbanned]

I do agree with ned that he lost it at the end due to the pressure but its pretty childish to say that you playing table tennis makes you better place to make a comment. All footballers would make great pundits then.

Sorry to bring this up again but it's not childish - I didn't mean it in an arrogant, know-it-all manner, but I was simply saying that because I've played a sport for years (and to a decent level) that is very similar in its mental requirements to tennis that I can recognise the signs of when a player has bottled it. For someone to come out and say 'he didn't bottle it' is a massive statement to make - he quite clearly lost when he was in 2 very advantageous positions, one of which was when Djoko was looking very unsure of himself too. That's bottling it. It's not childish.

So how did you get on at the last Olympics?

Why be sarcastic? There's no need for it.

Table tennis is one of the most intense sports you can find. I never understand how people can place it in the same category as darts, snooker, etc.
Talking about professional ping pong of course.

Thanks, it's nice to see someone who doesn't have a misguided opinion. Anyone who's watched a few games at professional level (and there's the ideal chance to at the coming Olympics) will know that it's a very, very intense sport. People get this opinion of it because it seems easy when you're at school, hitting a ball back with £1 bats in your lunch break, but it's very, very different when you get to pro level.

 

[surf]

Got your ear muffs ready for Izawanka-Shutupova?

 

[Varun]

Sorry to bring this up again but it's not childish - I didn't mean it in an arrogant, know-it-all manner, but I was simply saying that because I've played a sport for years (and to a decent level) that is very similar in its mental requirements to tennis that I can recognise the signs of when a player has bottled it. For someone to come out and say 'he didn't bottle it' is a massive statement to make - he quite clearly lost when he was in 2 very advantageous positions, one of which was when Djoko was looking very unsure of himself too. That's bottling it. It's not childish.

The way you said, it, you shouldnt really have expected people to say "Oh, you've played TT to a good level, you must be right.". Thats not how it works anywhere. As i said, playing a sport to a good level makes you no better to comment on a sport or its mental challenges than anyone out here. Had that been the case, we wouldnt see so many poor pundits out there. They've all played the sport to a much higher level than anyone here.

I do agree that murray tapered off towards the end. It had as much to do with him not being used to being in such situations than anything imo. His errors were typical of someone feeling the pressure of being in such a crunch situation. The whole physicality of the sport and what it takes out of you after 5 gruelling sets and 5hrs mentally is a huge factor too. It'd be the same for djokovic too but he's been there before, murray hasnt.

 

[Urbanned]

The way you said, it, you shouldnt really have expected people to say "Oh, you've played TT to a good level, you must be right.". Thats not how it works anywhere. As i said, playing a sport to a good level makes you no better to comment on a sport or its mental challenges than anyone out here. Had that been the case, we wouldnt see so many poor pundits out there. They've all played the sport to a much higher level than anyone here.

I do agree that murray tapered off towards the end. It had as much to do with him not being used to being in such situations than anything imo. His errors were typical of someone feeling the pressure of being in such a crunch situation. The whole physicality of the sport and what it takes out of you after 5 gruelling sets and 5hrs mentally is a huge factor too. It'd be the same for djokovic too but he's been there before, murray hasnt.

I disagree. Me playing a sport makes me understand what's going on mentally more since I would have experience the same as they have (on a smaller level, of course) and so I can relate to it. I don't know what makes a poor pundit but what's different is that they're commenting on a wide spectrum of things do with the game, whereas all I did is say he bottled it, and explain how I knew. Anyway.

I'm so disappointed for Murray, that's the closest he's ever gotten to Djoko in a Grand Slam for such a long time, and on the balance of play he might've deserved the win too. He showed that he does indeed have the guts to hang on in there, time after time. But it's not all that bad - he seems to have an excellent coach in Lendl at his side, who will work with him. The results of the partnership will take time to filter through properly, but I reckon once 2012 Aussie Open comes around he'll be a completely different player. Mentally different anyway.

Who's your pick for the final? I'm going to have to say Nadal, purely because of the mammoth effort Djoko put in against Murray, but then you never know. Djoko plays with his heart too, and has shown he can push through tiredness before. Either way, it'll be a great match.

 

[Varun]

Lets put that to rest. No point discussing it. I do agree that he buckled mentally to an extent anyways.

Regarding the final, nadal has to be the favorite after the marathon djokovic just played through. specially considering his breathing problems of late during matches. If there's one thing you cannot lack against nadal, its the ability to chase down balls and put in a 100% physical shift. If djokovic shows any sign of fatigue or his medical issues, you can be sure nadal will exploit it to the hilt.

 

[RDCR07]

They are competing on who is grunting harder!

 

[crappycraperson]

All this grunting is way too annoying

 

[RDCR07]

Yeah I just turned the TV off. I can't take it anymore. Im going to sleep so I can wake up early for the United game.

 

[Peasplease]

Azarenka looks like an overgrown baby

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Regarding yesterdays match, Murray didn't bottle it. It was simply one of those games where both players were getting broken easily. These kind of games do come along once in awhile, especially when two baseliners with not the greatest of serves but very good running power and returns meet. Djokovic lost his serve when he was up a break in the final set as well.

However, I do have to say that I was hugely impressed by how Murray played. I didn't think he could play with such authority against someone of Djokovic's quality in a major. At the same time, I'm not sure Djokovic is a 100%. He seems to be breathing extremely heavily far too often and I think any lack of fitness will be exposed against Nadal.

 

[Ixion]

That women's final was shit and loud. Can't understand how the women get the same prize money as the men, the crowd couldn't care less about the match.

 

[Seveneric]

Sharapova winning would have probably been better for the WTA. I'll be surprised if Azarenka ends the year as #1.

 

[wr8_utd]

I'll be surprised if anyone but Wozzy ends the year #1. She's pretty good at taking part in and winning everything that doesn't matter and picking up points.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Regarding federer's exit, its the kind of performance I've gotten used to now. He can't keep his level up for prolonged periods in the big grandslama matches anymore. He'll have a set here and there of utter brilliance and then follow it up with some horrible tennis. He has these spells where he loses his touch completely. It happened against Tsonga as well where after a point there was very little tennis left in him on the day. Same against djokovic at the us open. And against the top players or indeed players good enough to make the semis, you simply can't do that.

I really hope he can break this pattern soon but its hard to see it happening. Seems to have become part of his game now. It's really very strange to see such a low bottom level from such a great player and that too fairly consistently.