Australian Open - Djokovic or Nadal ?

[gwilli1]

2 1/2 Hours for 2 sets and still no closer to a winner . this could be a very long night

 

[Alanslegal]

Djoker's girlfiend Jelena has to be one of the best WAGs out there, giving her 100% support and enthusiasm. The amount of energy, passion and emotion she shows especially during important points is unbelievable!

 

[nlagalle]

Whereabouts are you in the Arena, nlagalle?

haven't been on court tonight - we are underneath the main steps which is where the photographic areas is. Like backstage.

 

[nlagalle]

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.....

Yes you are correct, I had forgotten about that, however a few years ago it was also mentioned that Opens are outdoor as well. It was mentioned by an official here.

i agree about the roof, but on the old rebound ace the court used to get incredibly hot - to the point where people were collapsing with heat exhaustion (not players - but think of all the other people on court and not in the shade too). the running joke yearly was frying an egg on court. Also players and courtside officials had to wear special insoles to stop their feet burning.

I've sat out there in the sun and it energy sapping after a while.

 

[Timba-Jet]

Yes you are correct, I had forgotten about that, however a few years ago it was also mentioned that Opens are outdoor as well. It was mentioned by an official here.

i agree about the roof, but on the old rebound ace the court used to get incredibly hot - to the point where people were collapsing with heat exhaustion (not players - but think of all the other people on court and not in the shade too). the running joke yearly was frying an egg on court. Also players and courtside officials had to wear special insoles to stop their feet burning.

I've sat out there in the sun and it energy sapping after a while.

Yes, all the grand slams are officially outdoor events.

Good point about safety of officials and spectators in the heat. Fried egg and a cold beer combo!

Enjoy the rest of the night there.

 

[nlagalle]

Yes, all the grand slams are officially outdoor events.

Good point about safety of officials and spectators in the heat. Fried egg and a cold beer combo!

Enjoy the rest of the night there.

I was always disappointed they never tried to fry some bacon with it!

Its going to be a long one, apparently these two have always had long clashes.. 2 of their 3 set games in the past went for over 4 hours!

 

[straitman]

I was always disappointed they never tried to fry some bacon with it!

Its going to be a long one, apparently these two have always had long clashes.. 2 of their 3 set games in the past went for over 4 hours!

The third set went a bit quicker.

 

[kpc]

Hard to see Nadal getting back from here....he is being outhit & outpowered by Djokovic....almost my bedtime.

 

[straitman]

Hard to see Nadal getting back from here....he is being outhit & outpowered by Djokovic....almost my bedtime.

I agree.

....and likewise.

Good night all.

 

[nlagalle]

I agree.

....and likewise.

Good night all.

I disagree, I think Nadal is coming back..

still a 5 set game i think!

And just went on court before, it is extremely unpleasant! glad i am not sitting out there!

 

[gwilli1]

What a great 8th Game to lock it up at 4-4 in the 4th set by Nadal . And now a rain stoppage !!!

 

[kpc]

Drama...Nadal saves 3 break pts to level at 4 games all in 4 th set...starts to rain and play is halted as the roof is being closed.

 

[hummel]

Obviously the talk of the roof in this thread caused it to rain

Been in bed since 10pm trying to get an early night! Sometimes I shouldn't have the tv in the bedroom!

 

[nlagalle]

Obviously the talk of the roof in this thread caused it to rain

Been in bed since 10pm trying to get an early night! Sometimes I shouldn't have the tv in the bedroom!

Madly drying the court with towels.. well oiled machine are those guys and girls! The roof on Rod Laver Arena take around 20 mins to close from fully open.. luckily it was already half closed!

 

[Alanslegal]

OMFG! What a game?!?!?!?!

 

[kpc]

Still awake....umbelievable!! Nadal wins tie break in 4th set- 2 sets all. Now for 5th set....

 

[gwilli1]

OMFG! What a game?!?!?!?!

Unfrickinbelievable !

 

[Timba-Jet]

Nadal is such a fighter! Who knows this could go on on on maybe 10-8 5th set???

 

[hummel]

Think I'm just going to stay up at watch this one! 6am start... end of month deadlines..:shock::mrgreen:

 

[Alanslegal]

Nadal definitely has the momentum now, you can see it in his bouncing step! The Djoker looks pretty disheartened but we'll see, knowing that he still has a few tricks which he could pull out of his bag.