Australian Open - Djokovic or Nadal ?

[gwilli1]

What do you think ?

I say Nadal in 5 sets.

 

[deka2]

For me Nadal if he wins the first set, otherwise Djokovic.
Whoever wins it will be brutal.

 

[kpc]

Nadal....I hope....serving for 1st set; good start 15-0

 

[Timba-Jet]

Coming into the match the Djoker all the way - but Novak is not playing at his best so far. It might be a battle royale after all.

 

[nlagalle]

I'm working here and having watched all the games to date, my feeling is Nadal will win it, especially if it goes to 5 sets.

Djokovic had a really hard game on Friday night and don't know if he has the full tank for tonight, plus Nadal had an extra day off.

p.s. am here again tonight working and watching - seeing Jimmy Barnes perform outside was great, and seeing all the Aussie legends relay the trophy around Rod Laver Arena was pretty special.

 

[Austman]

I do wish these tennis playing people would be more quiet. All that grunting when serving - I can hear it at my place! I've now sent an email to the local government authorities, so I do expect the event will be cancelled immediately.

(haha)

‎(seriously, it's really quite hot here tonight! So hard for the players too)

 

[kpc]

Nadal wins 1st set 7-5...

 

[nlagalle]

I do wish these tennis playing people would be more quiet. All that grunting when serving - I can hear it at my place! I've now sent an email to the local government authorities, so I do expect the event will be cancelled immediately.

(haha)

‎(seriously, it's really quite hot here tonight! So hard for the players too)

It is really warm here, thankfully we have aircon in our portable!

 

[Austman]

Do they close the roof and turn the air-conditioning on at Rod Laver?

(Edit) Oh I see - the roof is open for sure...

 

[nlagalle]

Do they close the roof and turn the air-conditioning on at Rod Laver?

as it is the Australian "Open" means it is an outdoor event. They do have provisions to close the roof though.

First is rain. Second is the temperature which is not just based on the ambient temp, but also humidity and wet bulb temperature. It is rare for them to close it for heat, but has happened in the past. there was a time a few years back where we had some 40+ days and the roofs were shut and outside play suspended.

Note once the roof closes it stayes shut for the remainder of the match.

Also during the day they will shift the roof to maximise shade for the crowd. and at the moment it is probably half open (it's very rarely fully open too).

 

[tuapekastar]

Too close to call, but Nadal obviously has his nose in front. They are great players, as are a lot of others like Federer, Murray etc. but just watching all this banging it around from the back of the court match after match after match has me bemoaning the lack of some genuine serve/volley players like Cash, Edberg, Rafter et al.

They were classic matches, the s/v player versus the baseliner!

I'd be surprised if we ever saw another one in the game now, and that's a pity.

 

[Alanslegal]

Looks like the Joker will take the 2nd set and make it 1 set a piece. This match is of very good quality.

Aside whinge; I am a person believing in equality but why the hell do the womens player get the same amount of prize money as the mens, for less work!. If they get equal pay, at least play equal sets!!

 

[kpc]

Djokovic looks like he will win set 2 to make it 1 set all...it is going to be a long night! Interesting that Nadal challemged his own "in" call. Djokovic is playing the more powerful tennis ATM...

 

[nlagalle]

Aside whinge; I am a person believing in equality but why the hell do the womens player get the same amount of prize money as the mens, for less work!. If they get equal pay, at least play equal sets!!

most people agree on this.. Same prizemoney = same amount of sets, best of 5

 

[nlagalle]

Djokovic looks like he will win set 2 to make it 1 set all...it is going to be a long night!

I'm calling 5 sets... and we have to pack up all our gear straight away. It will be a very late night tonight!

 

[kpc]

I'm calling 5 sets... and we have to pack up all our gear straight away. It will be a very late night tonight!

Whereabouts are you in the Arena, nlagalle?

 

[kpc]

Djokovic looks like he will win set 2 to make it 1 set all...it is going to be a long night! Interesting that Nadal challemged his own "in" call. Djokovic is playing the more powerful tennis ATM...

Maybe not...Nadal breaks back!! now back on serve in 2nd set

 

[Timba-Jet]

as it is the Australian "Open" means it is an outdoor event. They do have provisions to close the roof though.

First is rain. Second is the temperature which is not just based on the ambient temp, but also humidity and wet bulb temperature. It is rare for them to close it for heat, but has happened in the past. there was a time a few years back where we had some 40+ days and the roofs were shut and outside play suspended.

Not sure if the outdoor open explanation was in jest or not..

The 'Open' is a reference to when tennis moved from an Amateur to Professional sport in the 60s. Tournaments became open in 1968 when Professionals were allowed to compete. For about 5 years players who chose to turn professional to make a living were barred from the grand slams, including the great Rocket Rod Laver.

With the roof policy, I would prefer if it remained open despite heat, survival of the fittest I say. 2002 Womens final Martina Hingis v Jennifer Capriati is a classic, partly due to the hot conditions adding to the drama.

Djokovic has found his groove in the 2nd set, but has squandered 2 set points. Oh dear.....

 

[Alanslegal]

most people agree on this.. Same prizemoney = same amount of sets, best of 5

Its about 2h 25m and we're not even close to the end of the men's game. Last night the women's final took 1h 20m in total, so based on my calculation* it works out Azarenka got $5,111 per grunt!

* assuming 30 grunts per service game and 15 games in total

 

[kpc]

Maybe not...Nadal breaks back!! now back on serve in 2nd set

But a double fault by Nadal hands Djokovic the 2nd set so 1 set all....I think my bed time will beckon before this match is over...