Tennis (in general)

[Looren]

Congrats to Ostapenko for winning Adelaide, not a fan of her at all but she played amazing tennis (biggest surprise of tournament was seeing her make two dropshots in the final today )

Congrats to Navarro too (I think it's her first WTA title ?) really an interesting player that has been improving a lot since last year, kinda sad for Mertens tho

And congrats to Lehecka and Tabilo for winning their first ATP titles ! Really great performances from them this week !

I'm gonna try some predictions before tournament for this Aussie Open, of course I'll probably change everything after the first two days but anyway let's go

Women :

QF :

Swiatek b Azarenka : Azarenka always plays well in AO and Ostapenko has some kind of mental bareer against her so I see Azarenka going to QF but losing against Iga

Rybakina b Zheng : Zheng will have eliminated Jessie Pegula after a three sets thriller, but Rybakina will just be too powerful for her

Sakkari b Garcia : Garcia either loses first round against Osaka or eliminates Gauff in R16, I see no in between xD as for Maria she has been playing amazing tennis recentlu, so I see her going far here

Sabalenka b Alexandrova : No real need to explain here I think

SF :

Rybakina b Swiatek : I feel like Rybakina without injuries is the strongest player on hard courts (in my 2024 prediction I predicted her to end the season N°1 if she doesn't get injured) while Iga still has to improve on hard courts, so yeah I see a victory for Elena

Sabalenka b Sakkari : Because she can't lose against her

F :

Rybakina b Sabalenka : A three sets thriller like the last AO final, both players just always play amazingly in Australia, I see Elena getting her revenge

My ideal winner would be Iga of course but yeah I would be extremely happy to see either of Swiatek/Sabalenka/Rybakina win, really love these three players

Men :

QF :

Djokovic b Tsitsipas : I don't see any really strong opponent in Tsitsipas's side so yeah puting him there by default

Sinner b De Minaur : I see Sinner beat Khachanov after a very tough game that will give us big indications about his 5 sets level, De Minaur is in great shape and I feel like he will beat Rublev, but yeah he can't beat Sinner

Medvedev b Hurkacz : Hurkacz will beat Safiullin (who'll beat Rune) after a 5 sets game and 4 tie-breaks, but yeah won't be able to beat Daniil

Zverev b Alcaraz : Yeah I have no justifications, I just want to believe in Sacha, only justification would be that Alcaraz doesn't have a lot of experience in Australia but yeah he didn't have a lot of experience in Wimbledon and we saw last year so yeah Alcaraz can very well go to the final

SF :

Djokovic b Sinner : Jannik is still not ready for a big 5 sets battle against Novak, and well Novak in Australia is similar to Rafa in RG

Medvedev b Zverev : 'Cause Sacha kind of has a mental bareer against Daniil and yeah well Daniil is just very strong on hard courts

F :

Djokovic b Medvedev : 'Cause yeah have to respect the emperor, him losing in Australia is very rare, however my big risk is that this will be the only GS that he'll win this season

Can't wait to see half of all these players I predicted (male and female) get eliminated during the first week

 

[JSSArcos]

Well, more surprises in the WTA than in the ATP. But everything is within the predictable.

However, Rublev had serious difficulties in defeating Seyboth Wild (a lot of merit to him), but this might be a bad sign for the rest of the competition.

In the 1st game, Sinner seemed too confident, I think I can see him in the final.

Shevchenko seems like the biggest surprise in Men's, 3-0 against Munar, it's something I didn't expect.

For today, we have the only Portuguese in the competition (Nuno Borges), although playing against a player below his ranking, I see Marterer winning. He had an incredible end to the season last year, I think it could be a year of affirmation and breaking into the top 70/60. Borges is secure, but I feel that he won't have the serving power in comparison to the German.

Curious to know to what extent the age of Monfils could condition him. Andy Murray himself will have difficulties at this Australian Open, but he is capable of anything (expectant too)

Mannarino A. vs Wawrinka S.

 

[Looren]

I'm mostly shocked by Anisimova beating Samsonova, the latter is really having an awful start of season

Also great game from young Prizmic against Novak, I predicted that there would be a tie-break in that game, didn't see Prizmic winning it tho, he proved that he's a huge talent

A lot of very interesting games tomorrow, the oldies games yeah, there's my boys Thiem and Goffin playing against Auger-Aliassime and Humbert, Thiem can maybe pull off a win since Felix is really playing awful since a while, Goffin is not good lately but Humbert couldn't prepare for this AO because of an intoxication so who knows, Ugo is stronger on paper but fingers crossed for David

I'm scared for Caro Garcia too, she should destroy Osaka but knowing her she might flop because of that, as I said earlier she either loses against Osaka or goes on to beat Gauff, there's no inbetween with that girl

Fruhvirtova/Haddad Maia and Pavlyuchenkova/Vekic might be great games

 

[Looren]

Pretty surprising day today

Cobolli beating Jarry after a thriller, kudos to him ! Also comfirming that he's a pretty big talent

In WTA there were some weird games, Vondrousova was on the court but didn't play at all lmao, Potapova/Alexandrova/Kudermetova all flopped hard

Garcia/Osaka was a great game, very happy with Caro's performance ! Happy to see Ons and Elise making it, even though I'm sad that Sherif got injured in her game against Elise

Haddad Maia/Fruhvirtova was great too, bit sad for Linda but solid game from Beatriz ! She'll face another promising youngster in next round : Korneeva

In ATP well David lost against Humbert after a really awful game, Domi is playing against Felix rn, pretty bad game too, Felix was leading two sets to zero but Thiem got the 3rd set tie-break and since I'm an idiot I have hope now

Kudos to Bergs for taking a set against Tsitsipas, great game between Mannarino and Wawrinka !

@JSSArcos congrats to Borges on his pretty surprising win imo, next round will be very hard tho against Fokina

 

[Looren]

No real big upsets today except maybe Cirstea losing

Also there goes my "Safiullin beats Rune in R32" prediction xD man totally fucked up, but kudos to Griekspoor !

Bublik losing is an upset but well I mean it's Bublik, whatever he does it's never surprising xD

Solid first rounds for Iga and Lena ! They both had opponents who played good tennis and challenged them, it's great for the rythm !

Tomljanovic

 

[Looren]

God today was really not good for me xD

- Caro being Caro, nothing else to say than congrats Frech, frustrating thing is that it's not even because Magda pulled off a great performance that Caro lost, but because she's so damn fragile mentally...

- Sakkari out against Avanesyan, I was closely following that young player after her great Roland Garros last year and she played amazingly today, very sad for Maria

- Gauff should reach semis easily now, there's no one able to beat her until the semis in that draw, even though today's game was not easy

- Elise losing annoyed me too even though the game was great to watch

- And Ons taking a beating from Mirra... I expected Mirra to win but Jesus, 6/2 6/0 is not what I expected

- Well at least you can always count on Sabalenka to put a smile on your face

- Oh and huge kudos to Badosa, stunning game from her !

ATP :

- Happy to see Machac finally confirming his potential ! His game against Tiafoe was amazing

- Musetti... no comment, kudos to Luca for winning a second 5 set game in a row despite being 19 yo

- Cobolli impresses me, the Djokovic/Popyrin game was very entertaining

As always hoping for Iga and Lena to win tomorrow

Very interested by Fils/Griekspoor, Paul/Draper, Mensik/Hurkacz, Stephens/Kasatkina, Ostapenko/Tomljanovic and Tauson/Azarenka tomorrow

 

[Looren]

Didn't post here after Elena's game 'cause I was too devastated, and right when I was gonna post again Iga lost so I was like : "okay bye"

So yeah very surprising Australian Open so far, I'm not gonna make any prediction since the people I predict always lose, so let's just actually predict Kostyuk winning it lmao

For the men : Sinner is incredible, and I was sooo happy for Borges @JSSArcos what a performance ! Yeah okay Dimitrov choked again when he was considered as an outsider but still had to beat him !

Huge kudos to Cazaux and Mannarino (even if the latter is out now) for their amazing tournament !

 

[JSSArcos]

@Looren

I'm at a loss for words to describe Borges' campaign. As a Portuguese tennis lover, it's thrilling to see what Nuno has done:

1. As I mentioned here, I didn't think Nuno would get past the first round. Although he's a secure and 'stable' player (if we can say this in tennis), he needed to further develop his game, have a more assertive serve, and commit fewer unforced errors. And he really elevated his game in this tournament, playing against Fokina and Dimitrov in an absolutely incredible manner. He found himself in clearly unfavorable situations, having to recover breaks and save game points.
2. Following from point 1, watching this player compete against Medvedev is thrilling. Even more so, knowing that he challenged the game, won a SET, and caused serious difficulties for the Russian (especially with his drop shots), it was a tactically very well-executed game. I think he managed the most difficult points and missed some that were quite easy, too many unforced errors. Otherwise, we easily could have had a match decided in the 5th SET. A matter of pride!
3. We are not a country with a great tennis culture (we love football, and this sport 'sucks in' all the attention of the Portuguese, the media, newspapers, etc.). Seeing Nuno being talked about on the news, on the covers of sports newspapers, and in Instagram stories (as trivial as it might be) is spontaneous recognition that's good to see!
4. I think even the world of tennis gained recognition and 'respect' for Nuno, and now it remains to be seen: Was this his tournament, or was it the tournament that will make him rise even higher, elevate his game, and compete for awards, etc...? He's 26, I believe, and has plenty of time. If he maintains this level, I think he can stabilize in the top 50 (which would be very important in the short term).
5. Lastly, seeing Portuguese flags on such an iconic tennis court is indescribable.

Anyway, this is my testimony and a thank you to Nuno for the joy he has given me these days!

As for the tournament, I'm totally supporting Sabalenka at the moment and very curious about what the young Noskova can do (I believe one of them can reach the final or at least the semi-finals).

In the men's, I think Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz are crushing everyone. I believe it will be a final between these names. Alcaraz has had the most favorable draw so far.

I really like Hurkacz, happy to see him doing well, and I believe he might defeat the Russian (I think he could be the surprise of the next phase).

Rublev had to play very well to eliminate the Australian (who was having a great competition). I think he can 'scare' Sinner, but he would need to have the perfect game. Alcaraz will have his first big challenge now, but I don't believe the German can stop Alcaraz; I didn't find him strong enough against Norrie.

I don't know if there are more tennis fans here, but anyway, here's to a good second week of the Australian Open.

 

[JSSArcos]

Didn't post here after Elena's game 'cause I was too devastated, and right when I was gonna post again Iga lost so I was like : "okay bye"

So yeah very surprising Australian Open so far, I'm not gonna make any prediction since the people I predict always lose, so let's just actually predict Kostyuk winning it lmao

For the men : Sinner is incredible, and I was sooo happy for Borges @JSSArcos what a performance ! Yeah okay Dimitrov choked again when he was considered as an outsider but still had to beat him !

Huge kudos to Cazaux and Mannarino (even if the latter is out now) for their amazing tournament !

In the women's side, things have been quite surprising. Swiatek, Elena, and Pegula eliminated so early? I didn't watch any of these matches. I saw Swiatek play against Daniela Collins and got the impression that Noskova could eliminate her, so that was a lesser surprise for me. But Blinkova eliminating Elena? And Burel taking out Pegula? These are some of the biggest surprises I've seen in this 'world'.

About Svitolina yesterday, it was very sad, it could have been her year too.

I'm not a fan of Gauff, so I'm rooting for Kostyuk at the moment, but it's a weak match, both are not playing well... Kostyuk had the first set totally under control and 'almost' won it but then lost in the tie break, inexplicable. Anyway, Gauff is far from her best

 

[Looren]

Yes Borges played amazing this tournament (I think he's the 2nd Portuguese in history to reach 2nd week of a GS after Sousa ?) he surprised me with his initiative, always so offensive and very ballsy ! Huge kudos to him

For the women's bracket yes I'm obviously rooting for Sabalenka, she's the only one of my faves remaining, but I'm scared of the eternal semi final choke incoming, I'm really scared about that

I don't mind Coco and don't like Kostyuk at all so I'm happy of the result of that game

In the other part of the bracket I really like Zheng et Noskova so I hope they go to semis

Elena losing was the biggest shock to me, I really thought she could win the whole thing... haven't watched Jess, and Iga was so damn messy and impatient...

In the men's bracket I like all of the players remaining so I'm fine with whoever wins, I think I want Zverev tho since imo he's the best player to never win a GS (maybe Nalbandian is, that would actually be a hot debate) so I think he really deserves it

Also : looks like Fritz finally found his balls back, haven't seen him take so much risk since his game against Novak in Australian Open 2021, I thought this would be easy for Novak but Fritz is playing superb

PS : right when I'm saying that he's about to lose his break advantage in the 2nd set

 

[Looren]

So the rest of these QF :

Sinner is impressive, I can't wait for the Novak/Jannik game, will be epic !

Sacha what a game ! I was really scared of a choke when Alcaraz won 3rd set but Sacha managed to win, his game against Medvedev will be interesting, the latter had a very tough game against Hubi, amazing 5 sets thriller !

I'm happy Aryna won but now is the moment the tournament really starts for her, congrats to Zheng who I also really like for making it to semis !

And congrats to Yastremska

 

[JSSArcos]

So the rest of these QF :

Sinner is impressive, I can't wait for the Novak/Jannik game, will be epic !

Sacha what a game ! I was really scared of a choke when Alcaraz won 3rd set but Sacha managed to win, his game against Medvedev will be interesting, the latter had a very tough game against Hubi, amazing 5 sets thriller !

I'm happy Aryna won but now is the moment the tournament really starts for her, congrats to Zheng who I also really like for making it to semis !

And congrats to Yastremska

I think Alcaraz didn't start well, he recovered incredibly, but unfortunately couldn't maintain that level and take the match to a 5th SET. It's sad, but congratulations to Zverev. Alcaraz needs to gain consistency. I think he could have done much more because he has the quality for it.

As I predicted, Hubi made it very difficult for the Russian, but again, even when he seems down and out, he finds the energy and manages to win. At times when everything seems to point to the Russian losing, he turns things around and in important moments (the important points) he manages to pull through!

If Zverev can take a match to a 5th SET, I think the Russian might physically give in (but he has already surpassed himself several times, so it's risky to say that).

I don't think Med is having an incredible competition, but the truth is he's in the semifinals, defeating a top 10 player, and I believe he will win again and be in the final.

On the other side, it's hard to imagine Djokovic losing, but if someone can do it, it's Sinner, who is in absolutely incredible form. However, my bet is on Djokovic vs Medvedev in the final.

In the women's, I disagree a bit. I think Sabalenka had a difficult game against Krejcikova (much merit to Saba who knew how to facilitate the game). Saba is calm, not desperate to 'rush' through games too early, she's balanced, and it will be difficult for someone to defeat her in this tournament. On the other side, Yastremska makes history! Congratulations to her. Noskova felt the pressure, she was never comfortable yesterday with her game. But now I think it's the end for Yastremska, Zheng will win.

Gauff vs Sabalenka is a complicated match. Gauff hasn't been playing well, but she knows how to defend. If somehow Sabalenka loses concentration and starts making unforced errors, the game could become difficult

 

[Looren]

In the women's, I disagree a bit. I think Sabalenka had a difficult game against Krejcikova (much merit to Saba who knew how to facilitate the game). Saba is calm, not desperate to 'rush' through games too early, she's balanced, and it will be difficult for someone to defeat her in this tournament. On the other side, Yastremska makes history! Congratulations to her. Noskova felt the pressure, she was never comfortable yesterday with her game. But now I think it's the end for Yastremska, Zheng will win.

Gauff vs Sabalenka is a complicated match. Gauff hasn't been playing well, but she knows how to defend. If somehow Sabalenka loses concentration and starts making unforced errors, the game could become difficult

Yes the game on paper was not easy but she made it easy !

And that last point is what I'm very scared off, 'cause let's be honest, last US Open final she was dominating the game but then became impatient, lost focus and gave the game to Gauff

Same in Roland Garros and Wimbledon semis, she's not very stable mentally and I think that's her only weakness

PS : Her coach is also a weakness, that guy is useless imo, she needs to find someone to help her reach her full potential, 'cause even though she seems amazing right now I feel and I know that she can go even higher

 

[Looren]

YAS ARYNA

SHE DID NOT CHOKE

Still one last game, come on !

 

[Looren]

Congrats to Qinwen for making it to the final, very happy to see her cracking her way to the top 10

The emperor fell ! Congrats to Sinner, what a performance

Sacha... that was a big chance for you to win your first GS, but you fucked up again, huge congrats to Daniil

I'll be very happy with any winner in the men's tournament

For the women even though I really like Qinwen but sorry I'll be 200% for Aryna

 

[Looren]

Congrats Aryna

Winning a slam without losing a single set, that's ridiculous

 

[Looren]

Astonishing Sinner ! What a mental strength this kid has

I feel like Medvedev was stronger but too tired (man had already played three 5 sets games)

Congrats carot man, you have some beautiful years ahead of you

 

[Looren]

Iga winning Doha in a final against Rybakina, what a tournament from her !

The level of the 1st set was astonishing, then Lena just was too tired (she won Abu Dhabi just before playing here and played every day since like 12 days so it's understandable)

I was happy no matter what in that game, so huge congrats to both of them, what a game

 

[Looren]

Fuuuuck Aryna got injured to the back against Vekic

 

[Looren]

Huge congrats to Paolini ! No one talks about her but she's improving a lot since last year and is a very consistent player (way more than some top 20 players), this WTA 1000 win and N°13 spot are fully deserved

Big congrats to Kalinskaya for her amazing run, when this girl is not injured she's a real danger, she kinda choked tho during the final but it's kinda understandable

The men tournaments were also fascinating, can't wait for Indian Wells/Miami !