The Big W

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Mon Jul 01, 2024 2:25 am

Wimbledon kicks off tomorrow (Monday).

The gentlemen's singles draw is here -----> https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/ ... S_draw.pdf

As a #1 seed, J. Sinner was dealt a draw that is not real friendly.
He could face unseeded M. Berrettini, a finalist at WImbledon in 2021, in the 2nd round.

Sinner is also looking at a quarterfinal match with #5 seed A. Medvedev if they both get there.
Medvedev is a tough cookie on a fast court.

But perhaps worst of all for Sinner is that Carlitos Alcaraz is in his half of the draw.
Alcaraz and Sinner would face off in the semis if they both get there.
Would be an interesting rematch of their semifinal battle at the French Open last month.

NoVax Djokovic, seeded #2, but arguably just the 3rd or 4th best player (or maybe even lower) in the world right now, was gifted with what appears to be an easier draw than Sinner.
Djoker will go up against S. Zverev in the semifinals, if they both get there.

Please *chime* IN if you have any early thoughts on the draw.

Peace.
Out...

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Mon Jul 01, 2024 5:25 am

Good serve up the t, Bat.

I think Sinner’s game could really be set up well for the grass. Carlitos will be the big test in the top half. Medvedev I see as a pure hard court player, I still don’t think he is comfortable at Wimby but you never know.

As for Americans, both Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz had nice grass court tuneups in June. Chris Eubanks— the star American from last year has a somewhat favorable draw but hard to see him duplicating that effort from ‘23.

Would put my money on the Djoker but no idea how healthy he is, given his w/d from Roland Garros. Rafa not playing this year, revving up for the Olympics (back on the red dirt at RG).

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 02, 2024 2:35 am

SM jerk fodder is gone from the event.

A. Sabalenka (screeching animal) withdraws with a bum shoulder.

https://sports.yahoo.com/aryna-sabalenk ... 23253.html

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 02, 2024 4:45 pm

6th seed A. Rublev goes home in the fist round.

Beaten by F. Comesana, ranked just 122 in the world.

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Tue Jul 02, 2024 5:15 pm

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2024 4:45 pm 6th seed A. Rublev goes home in the fist round.

Beaten by F. Comesana, ranked just 122 in the world.

I didn’t see the highlights Bat but I’d say it’s a toss up whether Rublev kept his head or not.

Also good news for American tennis, Ben Shelton came back from 2-1 sets down to survive in five against Mattia Bellucci.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 02, 2024 6:17 pm

LOL

That video is funny.

Rublev might be the biggest spaz in men's tennis.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Jul 03, 2024 5:00 pm

I find it fascinating that Carlos Alcaraz has been such a slow starter in his first two matches against lowly opponents, only to wake up and blow them out. 7-6(7-5), 6-2, 6-2 today and 7-6(7-3), 7-5 and 6-2 on Monday. Like what is he doing?

And, for the ladies, incredible to see the defending champ Markéta Vondroušová get destroyed in the first round. Kind of sucks because Marketa likes to wear short skirts. But you know what I love? When lowly ranked opponents score huge upsets and are grinning from ear to ear, flying high because of their huge win and declaring that this is the greatest moment of their careers. Love that kind of stuff.

Oh well. At least Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, is cute. Rules

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Jul 03, 2024 5:00 pm

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2024 2:35 am SM jerk fodder

You are terrible. I found new jerk fodder, anyway.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Wed Jul 03, 2024 8:48 pm

L45B wrote:I didn’t see the highlights Bat but I’d say it’s a toss up whether Rublev kept his head or not.

He lost it here...

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Wed Jul 03, 2024 10:02 pm

poptart wrote:As a #1 seed, J. Sinner was dealt a draw that is not real friendly.
He could face unseeded M. Berrettini, a finalist at WImbledon in 2021, in the 2nd round.

Sinner passes that test.
A four set victory, with three of the sets going 7-6.

Nice work!

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Thu Jul 04, 2024 12:19 am

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Wed Jul 03, 2024 8:48 pm
L45B wrote:I didn’t see the highlights Bat but I’d say it’s a toss up whether Rublev kept his head or not.
He lost it here...

Wow! Rublev has rhythm— that dance he does when he smacks his leg is epic!

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 3:34 pm

American men faring pretty well on the London grass thus far.

Tiafoe showing some of his best stuff and has defending champion Alcaraz on the ropes!

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 4:30 pm

L45B wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2024 3:34 pm American men faring pretty well on the London grass thus far.

Tiafoe showing some of his best stuff and has defending champion Alcaraz on the ropes!

Frances fell apart after the fourth set tiebreaker. Bummer. He might have aggravated a knee injury, but in all reality, it's more like Alcaraz woke up. I don't know how he keeps getting away with sleepwalking early in matches.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 4:37 pm

New SM jerk fodder! I love Jasmine Paolini. Don't let her 5-4 frame fool you. She is outstanding. Will punch you in the mouth with her fantastic serve and then put you away with a sick drop shot. She covers the court extremely well and and has a variety of weapons.

Most importantly, she's cute and likes wearing short skirts. And she plays with passion. Love that.

Rules

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 5:26 pm

SM wrote:Frances fell apart after the fourth set tiebreaker. Bummer.

Yeah, I was pulling for Tiafoe.

Alcaraz has been nails in 5th sets, or in deciding sets.

Dr_Phibes · Post by **Dr_Phibes** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:23 pm

Screw_Michigan wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2024 4:37 pm
Rules

RACK comrade Wang Xinyu, of the heroic Peoples Republic!

This Marxist cutie delivered a steam-hammer blow to imperialism by smashing the big fat American lesbian, Jessica Pegula. Maybe Jessica's oligarch family will think twice before stepping on the throats of the working class and Bills and Sabres fans as this new era of democratic centralist tennis gains momentum!

Good luck, Wang!

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:50 pm

Chinese BLM

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Fri Jul 05, 2024 10:00 pm

Dr_Phibes wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:23 pm
Screw_Michigan wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2024 4:37 pm
Rules

RACK comrade Wang Xinyu, of the heroic Peoples Republic!

This Marxist cutie delivered a steam-hammer blow to imperialism by smashing the big fat American lesbian, Jessica Pegula. Maybe Jessica's oligarch family will think twice before stepping on the throats of the working class and Bills and Sabres fans as this new era of democratic centralist tennis gains momentum!

Good luck, Wang!

Haha. I watched this match and she kicked Pegula's ass. I'm not a big Pegula fan so I wasn't unhappy to see it.

Dr_Phibes · Post by **Dr_Phibes** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 5:55 am

L45B wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:50 pm Chinese BLM

Production quotas, comrade. Not racial quotas. You will lose this race.

Anyway, I don't like tennis but I saw this story in the Peoples Daily and thought it should be repeated. No cheesecake but.

Wang says she likes construction cranes, tracked vehicles towing ICBM's in public squares and coal fired steel plants.
I've got yellow fever

Carson · Post by **Carson** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:43 am

Any relation to Betty Wang?

Dr_Phibes · Post by **Dr_Phibes** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:50 am

There's loads of them, probably Wangs all over the place.

HighPlainsGrifter · Post by **HighPlainsGrifter** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 4:22 pm

Carson wrote: ↑Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:43 am Any relation to Betty Wang?

RIP Fixer

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 5:29 pm

L45B wrote:American men faring pretty well on the London grass thus far.

B. Shelton wins his 3rd straight 5 setter to reach the 4th round.
Will face top seed J. Sinner.

Shelton has a puncher's chance, but I think Sinner is too polished for Shelton at this point.
Sinner is also more rested.

Sinner's draw is rugged.
If he gets past Sheldon, which he should, I anticipate him facing G. Dimitrov in the quarters.
That would be very interesting.

American T. Paul is also through to the 4th round.
He is on a collision course for C. Alcaraz in the quarters.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:07 pm

Dr_Phibes wrote: ↑Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:50 am Wangs all over the place.

Swoon

~Carson

Biggie · Post by **Biggie** » Sun Jul 07, 2024 1:48 am

Dr_Phibes wrote: ↑Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:50 am Wangs all over the place.

Fuckin’ Charlie Chan.

-Mr. White

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Sun Jul 07, 2024 2:36 am

American T. Fritz is into the 4th round to face A. Zverev.

Three Americans remain alive.

H. Rune survived a five set match and will face NoVax in the 4th round.
Interesting match.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 5:34 pm

Damn, Fritz is rolling after being down 2-0 in a very tight match. How exciting. Almost as exciting as ladies tennis.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 5:43 pm

If Fritz wins, it will be one of the biggest wins of his career.
It will move him into the quarterfinals to face an opponent (L. Musetti) whom Fritz will be favored over.
He'll have a realistic shot at reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon.

FiatLux · Post by **FiatLux** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 5:47 pm

Nice win.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 8:43 pm

The quarterfinals are set.

Sinner (1)
Medvedev (5)

Alcaraz (3)
Paul (12)

Musetti (25)
Fritz (13)

De Minaur (9)
Djokovic (2)

Sinner over Medvedev. Medvedev is rested (walkover last round), but Sinner is better on this surface, and Sinner is looking sharp.
Alcaraz over Paul. I'll pull for the American, but don't see him having the firepower to win this one.
Fritz over Musetti. Fritz has a bit more force in his game. Could be another 5 setter though, imo.
Djokovic over De Minaur. This one could be more competitive than people might imagine. De Minaur is relatively fresh. 5 sets? Maybe.

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:29 pm

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 5:43 pm If Fritz wins, it will be one of the biggest wins of his career.
It will move him into the quarterfinals to face an opponent (L. Musetti) whom Fritz will be favored over.
He'll have a realistic shot at reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon.

Rack you Bat on the foreshadowing.

That was Fritz’s best match of his career, he stayed composed despite getting down two sets and his shotmaking was as good as ever.

Not sure he can keep up that same level of play but if he does, it’s good enough to win the tournament. Just not sure he believes it yet. Musetti could be a huge letdown match if he’s not careful.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:50 pm

L45B wrote:Musetti could be a huge letdown match if he’s not careful.

Exactly.
Musetti won't go down easily.

But I think the Yank will make it to the semis.

L45B · Post by **L45B** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 12:31 am

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:50 pm
L45B wrote:Musetti could be a huge letdown match if he’s not careful.
Exactly.
Musetti won't go down easily.

But I think the Yank will make it to the semis.

He should. But it could take another 5-setter to beat Musetti. I see Djoker getting past Demon in straights.

In the top half, agree that Sinner is playing like a #1 seed. Don’t sleep on Tommy Paul, he’s 2-2 h2h against Carlitos and has a grass court title as of a month ago. Tiafoe took Alcaraz the distance, you just never know. Nonetheless I’ll take Alcaraz in four.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 3:30 am

L45B wrote:I see Djoker getting past Demon in straights.

I didn't know that Demon pulled up a bit lame at the end of his 4th round win.

We'll have to keep an eye on that.

Biggie · Post by **Biggie** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 4:24 am

What was Djoker crying about??

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 1:27 pm

I guess he thought the crowd was booing, and that irritated him.

But the crowd was not booing.
They were chanting "Ruuune, Ruuune, Ruuune..."

JPGettysburg · Post by **JPGettysburg** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 1:33 pm

I was completely heartbroken after Iga lost.
Make no mistake though, if she can improve her "grass court" playing, she will be the most dominant player since the immortal Steffi Graf.

The Seer · Post by **The Seer** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 2:42 pm

Softball Bat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 09, 2024 1:27 pm I guess he thought the crowd was booing, and that irritated him.

But the crowd was not booing.
They were chanting "Ruuune, Ruuune, Ruuune..."

Since America no longer sports the top ranked players, I enjoy seeing NoVax Joker win.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 2:58 pm

The Seer wrote: ↑Tue Jul 09, 2024 2:42 pm Since America no longer sports the top ranked players, I enjoy seeing NoVax Joker win.

What are you talking about? 25% of the quarterfinalists are American. Just shut the fuck up already, you America hating jerkoff.

Softball Bat · Post by **Softball Bat** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:31 pm

poptart wrote:Sinner (1)
Medvedev (5)

Alcaraz (3)
Paul (12)

Alcaraz wins as expected. Four sets.

But Medvedev pulls off the *UPSET*.

Medvedev and Sinner have such an interesting history.
Medvedev beat Sinner the first 6 times they played -- all on hard courts.
Sinner beat Medvedev the next 5 times they played -- all on hard courts.
Then at Wimbldon, in their 12th meeting, and their first meeting on a surface other than a hard court, Medvedev prevails in 5 sets.

Props to "The Octopus."

He'll have an interesting semifinal battle with Alcaraz.