SMB Tennis thread

[The Bridge Lad]

Wow, day one and already loads of stories.

Superb win for Bencic, while she had some excellent wins at Hopman Cup, they are officially exhibitions so this is technically her first main tour level win since her return despite the $125k series wins and the ITF events. With Makarova going out as well, her little section has opened up. Kumkhum will be dangerous in the next round, but she will be clear favourite to reach the last 16 now where a potential good match up with Goerges awaits. Hopefully well and truly back and can get back to top 10 rankings and significant title wins. Said a few times these past few months, the WTA tour is so much better with BB involved.

Awful day for the American women (and men) as has been mentioned. 10 women involved on day one and only Nicole Gibbs going through. Venus, Stephens, Coco and Bellis amongst the highest profile casualties.

15 year old Marta Kostyuk through as well. Peng was clearly injured, but a massive win nevertheless. Marta actually had the trainer out herself in the first set with ankle issues but apparently is fine and she will have a great chance of beating WC Rogowska in the 2nd round to set up a potential 3rd round with compatriot Svitolina.

Highly ranked seeds Ostapenko, Svitolina, Goerges and Wozniacki all safely through in straight sets, but perhaps the performance of the day came from Kanepi who destroyed Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2. I tipped her for the QFs on the previous page and with Coco going out it has certainly opened up for her. Such a dangerous player with that power although I really hope Ostapenko can come through that section.

Just saw bit and pieces of the men's, but great comeback win for Edmund and with Sock, Pouille and obviously Anderson out, he has a great chance of making the quarter finals now, although one game at a time and Istomin is obviously capable of big wins. Big names Nadal, Dimitrov and Kyrgios look like they came through no problem at all.

Roll on tonight

 

[chopsfc007]

Wow, day one and already loads of stories.

Superb win for Bencic, while she had some excellent wins at Hopman Cup, they are officially exhibitions so this is technically her first main tour level win since her return despite the $125k series wins and the ITF events. With Makarova going out as well, her little section has opened up. Kumkhum will be dangerous in the next round, but she will be clear favourite to reach the last 16 now where a potential good match up with Goerges awaits. Hopefully well and truly back and can get back to top 10 rankings and significant title wins. Said a few times these past few months, the WTA tour is so much better with BB involved.

Awful day for the American women (and men) as has been mentioned. 10 women involved on day one and only Nicole Gibbs going through. Venus, Stephens, Coco and Bellis amongst the highest profile casualties.

15 year old Marta Kostyuk through as well. Peng was clearly injured, but a massive win nevertheless. Marta actually had the trainer out herself in the first set with ankle issues but apparently is fine and she will have a great chance of beating WC Rogowska in the 2nd round to set up a potential 3rd round with compatriot Svitolina.

Highly ranked seeds Ostapenko, Svitolina, Goerges and Wozniacki all safely through in straight sets, but perhaps the performance of the day came from Kanepi who destroyed Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2. I tipped her for the QFs on the previous page and with Coco going out it has certainly opened up for her. Such a dangerous player with that power although I really hope Ostapenko can come through that section.

Just saw bit and pieces of the men's, but great comeback win for Edmund and with Sock, Pouille and obviously Anderson out, he has a great chance of making the quarter finals now, although one game at a time and Istomin is obviously capable of big wins. Big names Nadal, Dimitrov and Kyrgios look like they came through no problem at all.

Roll on tonight

Wasn't the best night for betting

 

[The Bridge Lad]

Wasn't the best night for betting

Definitely not, ha. I thought I was going to win when that Kanepi result came in as I knew Makarova was 5-2 up in the final set so assumed she would have it in the bag. About 30 mins later they were going on about Begu winning 8-6 and I was stunned, ha. Mind, Coco was also on my coupon so was only 3/5 in the end, but yeah, a lot of upsets in that first round. 6 of 16 seeds already out, although a couple of those weren't necessarily upsets.

 

[Session]

Wow, day one and already loads of stories.

Superb win for Bencic, while she had some excellent wins at Hopman Cup, they are officially exhibitions so this is technically her first main tour level win since her return despite the $125k series wins and the ITF events. With Makarova going out as well, her little section has opened up. Kumkhum will be dangerous in the next round, but she will be clear favourite to reach the last 16 now where a potential good match up with Goerges awaits. Hopefully well and truly back and can get back to top 10 rankings and significant title wins. Said a few times these past few months, the WTA tour is so much better with BB involved.

Awful day for the American women (and men) as has been mentioned. 10 women involved on day one and only Nicole Gibbs going through. Venus, Stephens, Coco and Bellis amongst the highest profile casualties.

15 year old Marta Kostyuk through as well. Peng was clearly injured, but a massive win nevertheless. Marta actually had the trainer out herself in the first set with ankle issues but apparently is fine and she will have a great chance of beating WC Rogowska in the 2nd round to set up a potential 3rd round with compatriot Svitolina.

Highly ranked seeds Ostapenko, Svitolina, Goerges and Wozniacki all safely through in straight sets, but perhaps the performance of the day came from Kanepi who destroyed Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2. I tipped her for the QFs on the previous page and with Coco going out it has certainly opened up for her. Such a dangerous player with that power although I really hope Ostapenko can come through that section.

Just saw bit and pieces of the men's, but great comeback win for Edmund and with Sock, Pouille and obviously Anderson out, he has a great chance of making the quarter finals now, although one game at a time and Istomin is obviously capable of big wins. Big names Nadal, Dimitrov and Kyrgios look like they came through no problem at all.

Roll on tonight

Massive difference to the US Open where all 4 women's semi finals were American.

Konta should be on tonight? I assume Eurosport will show her match?

 

[The Bridge Lad]

Massive difference to the US Open where all 4 women's semi finals were American.

Konta should be on tonight? I assume Eurosport will show her match?

Can't find any confirmation but I'd say it was an absolute given regardless, but even more so looking at the other 12am matches. I reckon Konta will be on Eurosport 1 at 12am and they'll either go with Karolina Pliskova (as it is the main court) or Raonic (M/W balance) on Eurosport 2, probably the latter:


Rod Laver
Cepede Royg v Ka Pliskova
Fabbiano v A Zverev
Halep v Aiava
From 8am
Bedene v Federer
Barty v Sabalenka

Margaret Court
Witthoeft v Garcia
Maria v Sharapova
Djokovic v Young
From 8am
Muguruza v Ponchet
Tiafoe v Del Potro

Hisense
Konta v Brengle
Kerber v Friedsam
Berankis v Wawrinka
Berdych v De Minaur

Court 2
Lacko v Raonic
Bouchard v Dodin
Petkovic v Kvitova
Thiem v Pella

Court 3
Safarova v Tomljanovic
Goffin v Bachinger
Kokkinakis v Medvedev
Mladenovic v Bogdan

Court 5
Stebe v Marterer
Jabeur v Vesnina
Donskoy v Mayer
Vikhlyantseva v Tsurenko

Court 7
Bautista Agut v Verdasco
Cabrera v Haddad Maia
Zeballos v Fognini
Giorgi v Kalinskaya

Court 8
Kicker v Thompson
Wang v Keys
Monfils v Munar
Kr Pliskova v Radwanska

Court 10
Albot v Fucsovics
Lucic-Baroni v Rogers
Osaka v Kucova
Khachanov v Polansky

Court 12
Nara v Vondrousova
Hibino v Vekic
Chardy v Sandgren
Garcia-Lopez v Paire

Court 13
Benneteau v Daniel
Lepchenko v Sevastova
Gasquet v Kavcic
Putintseva v Watson

Court 14
Ahn v Strycova
Kukushkin v Gojowczyk
Smyczek v Popyrin
Davis v Cepelova

Court 15
Blinkova v Gasparyan
Querrey v Lopez
Johnson v Kudla
Hsieh v Zhu

Court 19
Berrettini v Mannarino
Cirstea v Diyas
Hercog v Alexandrova
M Zverev v Chung

Court 20
Safranek v Vesely
McHale v Sasnovic
Donaldson v Ramos-Vinolas

Court 22
Arruabarrena v Hogenkamp
Sonego v Haase
Kwon v Struff

 

[Arkle]

Can't find any confirmation but I'd say it was an absolute given regardless, but even more so looking at the other 12am matches. I reckon Konta will be on Eurosport 1 at 12am and they'll either go with Karolina Pliskova (as it is the main court) or Raonic (M/W balance) on Eurosport 2, probably the latter:

Looking at the full schedule, I'd imagine that's right (especially as Watson is last on court 13).

On the men's side tomorrow, the interest may largely be in how Djokovic and Wawrinka do. Stan has the easier draw early on but if Djokovic can come through two tough matches early on (assuming Monfils wins tomorrow) then he'll be reasonably set.

Loads of interest in the women's top half, with the two Brits playing, Sharapova, Halep opening against a 17 year old Aussie, alongside the prospect of her meeting Kvitova in round 3. Muguruza is in no sort of form but has, probably, two straightforward matches to get going...

 

[The Bridge Lad]

Looking at the full schedule, I'd imagine that's right (especially as Watson is last on court 13).

On the men's side tomorrow, the interest may largely be in how Djokovic and Wawrinka do. Stan has the easier draw early on but if Djokovic can come through two tough matches early on (assuming Monfils wins tomorrow) then he'll be reasonably set.

Loads of interest in the women's top half, with the two Brits playing, Sharapova, Halep opening against a 17 year old Aussie, alongside the prospect of her meeting Kvitova in round 3. Muguruza is in no sort of form but has, probably, two straightforward matches to get going...

In terms of actual match ups, which men's matches are you most interested in tonight? Kokk vs Medvedev could be decent, two young'uns with one having the crowd and the other in a bit of decent form.

Yeah, I'm hoping Mugu comes through OK after those 2 recent withdrawals. Playing at night away from the heat will be a massive help and like you say, should be 2 reasonably straight forward games to ease her way into it, something Venus didn't get last night. If you could handpick an opponent, tonight's would be right up there - a wildcard who's not or has never even been in the top 300 and unlike Halep's, not a home favourite as it was part of that silly reciprocal thing they have going with the French federation. Pretty much guaranteed to get a tough L16 match whoever she plays (should she get there), but that shouldn't be until next Monday so plenty of time for more recovery if needed, preparation and form.

I'm probably most looking forward to Barty vs Sabalenka tonight (or tomorrow morning).

 

[Arkle]

In terms of actual match ups, which men's matches are you most interested in tonight? Kokk vs Medvedev could be decent, two young'uns with one having the crowd and the other in a bit of decent form.

Yeah, I'm hoping Mugu comes through OK after those 2 recent withdrawals. Playing at night away from the heat will be a massive help and like you say, should be 2 reasonably straight forward games to ease her way into it, something Venus didn't get last night. If you could handpick an opponent, tonight's would be right up there - a wildcard who's not or has never even been in the top 300 and unlike Halep's, not a home favourite as it was part of that silly reciprocal thing they have going with the French federation. Pretty much guaranteed to get a tough L16 match whoever she plays (should she get there), but that shouldn't be until next Monday so plenty of time for more recovery if needed, preparation and form.

I'm probably most looking forward to Barty vs Sabalenka tonight (or tomorrow morning).

TBH, the men's draw seems a little dull tonight. As a single match, Bautista-Agut vs Verdasco looks the closest on paper...

 

[chopsfc007]

In terms of actual match ups, which men's matches are you most interested in tonight? Kokk vs Medvedev could be decent, two young'uns with one having the crowd and the other in a bit of decent form.

Yeah, I'm hoping Mugu comes through OK after those 2 recent withdrawals. Playing at night away from the heat will be a massive help and like you say, should be 2 reasonably straight forward games to ease her way into it, something Venus didn't get last night. If you could handpick an opponent, tonight's would be right up there - a wildcard who's not or has never even been in the top 300 and unlike Halep's, not a home favourite as it was part of that silly reciprocal thing they have going with the French federation. Pretty much guaranteed to get a tough L16 match whoever she plays (should she get there), but that shouldn't be until next Monday so plenty of time for more recovery if needed, preparation and form.

I'm probably most looking forward to Barty vs Sabalenka tonight (or tomorrow morning).

Bencic 22/1 now it's hard to find value unless betting higher stakes

 

[The Bridge Lad]

Bencic 22/1 now it's hard to find value unless betting higher stakes

Yeah, ranges from 18-25/1, about right. She should come through the next 2 matches as she is better than all 3 involved, but then it will (or should, never tell with the WTA) get much tougher. I'd imagine a last 16 with Goerges would probably be 8/11 v 11/10 in the German's favour and then it could be Svitolina-Wozniacki and then anyone in the top half. Tough path but she has the game to live with most.

I see there is contrast in Kanepi's odds, mostly 33s but one, I think it was 888 or 188 Bet still have her at 80s and it's not just because they haven't changed the odds. Would be grim if Kanepi won mind (IMO).

I'll still have an acca on tonight but there'll no doubt be other big surprises. Might actually be better to look for a couple of 7/4 outsiders and put them on in a double - you'd have got very good odds for a Babos (9/4), Begu (9/4) and Kostyuk (3/1) treble yesterday (41/1).

 

[chopsfc007]

Yeah, ranges from 18-25/1, about right. She should come through the next 2 matches as she is better than all 3 involved, but then it will (or should, never tell with the WTA) get much tougher. I'd imagine a last 16 with Goerges would probably be 8/11 v 11/10 in the German's favour and then it could be Svitolina-Wozniacki and then anyone in the top half. Tough path but she has the game to live with most.

I see there is contrast in Kanepi's odds, mostly 33s but one, I think it was 888 or 188 Bet still have her at 80s and it's not just because they haven't changed the odds. Would be grim if Kanepi won mind (IMO).

I'll still have an acca on tonight but there'll no doubt be other big surprises. Might actually be better to look for a couple of 7/4 outsiders and put them on in a double - you'd have got very good odds for a Babos (9/4), Begu (9/4) and Kostyuk (3/1) treble yesterday (41/1).

I chase the money to much do a small treble then increase the stakes tomorrow I just try to stretch my weekly funds as much as possible

 

[The Bridge Lad]

I chase the money to much do a small treble then increase the stakes tomorrow I just try to stretch my weekly funds as much as possible

One thing that annoys me with tennis betting is that most void that part of your bet if someone retires. Obviously it works both ways and if you back someone who retires your bet is still alive, but if they start the match and don't and the opponent progresses then to me, they have lost the match.

Another problem I have is that I like a lot of the current WTA crop so often don't want to back the opponent even though I think they will win and represent good value so my field of choice is more restricted.

 

[Session]

Novak looked good, could be on for the Federer semi final.

 

[The Bridge Lad]

So, Raonic and Kvitova out as well as Mladenovic, although the latter was pretty much expected. Watson out in 2 narrow straight sets and misses out on a great chance of reaching the 3rd round. This half is loaded with big female names and Muguruza, Kerber, Konta, Ka Pliskova, Halep and Sharapova all through in straight sets as well as Garcia and Barty, so still on course for those big 3rd round and last 16 matches. Halep survived a big scare from a 17 year old WC but also went over on her ankle and had to have heavy strapping and there is talk of her potentially withdrawing. Hopefully not.

Federer, Djokovic, A Zverev, Del Potro and Thiem all through in straight sets, plus Stan in 4, so most of the big names advancing.

Kyle Edmund back on tonight and is 2nd on to a doubles match so should be on around 2am.

 

[chopsfc007]

So, Raonic and Kvitova out as well as Mladenovic, although the latter was pretty much expected. Watson out in 2 narrow straight sets and misses out on a great chance of reaching the 3rd round. This half is loaded with big female names and Muguruza, Kerber, Konta, Ka Pliskova, Halep and Sharapova all through in straight sets as well as Garcia and Barty, so still on course for those big 3rd round and last 16 matches. Halep survived a big scare from a 17 year old WC but also went over on her ankle and had to have heavy strapping and there is talk of her potentially withdrawing. Hopefully not.

Federer, Djokovic, A Zverev, Del Potro and Thiem all through in straight sets, plus Stan in 4, so most of the big names advancing.

Kyle Edmund back on tonight and is 2nd on to a doubles match so should be on around 2am.

The barty and Watson games were good

 

[The Bridge Lad]

The barty and Watson games were good

Yeah the Barty match was one of the better ones of the tournament so far. Thought (and hoped) Sabalenka would have taken it after dominating that first set tie break, but not many break opportunities in the 2nd and 3rd set and only one break in each proved decisive. Looking forward to seeing Sabalenka develop further though, tough draw (for both), but should just be a matter of time before she gets herself into a seeding position - I'd personally be surprised if this time next year she wasn't in the top 32. Huge prospect.

Barty vs Giorgi should be a pretty similar type of match up next, minus the grunting.

 

[Session]

The barty and Watson games were good

Gutted for Heather, think she will struggle to ever make the top 50 again.

Yeah the Barty match was one of the better ones of the tournament so far. Thought (and hoped) Sabalenka would have taken it after dominating that first set tie break, but not many break opportunities in the 2nd and 3rd set and only one break in each proved decisive. Looking forward to seeing Sabalenka develop further though, tough draw (for both), but should just be a matter of time before she gets herself into a seeding position - I'd personally be surprised if this time next year she wasn't in the top 32. Huge prospect.

Barty vs Giorgi should be a pretty similar type of match up next, minus the grunting.

Sabalenka did look good, first time I have seen her. The crowd were a bit harsh.

 

[The Bridge Lad]

Rod Laver
Siniakova v Svitolina
Wozniacki v Fett
Nadal v Mayer
From 8am
Dimitrov v McDonald
Gavrilova v Mertens

Margaret Court
Kostyuk v Rogowska
Shapovalov v Tsonga
Ostapenko v Duan
From 8am
Cornet v Goerges
Dolgopolov v Ebden

Hisense
Pavlyuchenkova v Bondarenko
Bencic v Kumkhum
Sousa v Cilic
Kyrgios v Troicki

Court 2
Jaziri v Muller
Linette v Kasatkina
Bertens v Gibbs
Baghdatis v Rublev

Court 3
Carreno Busta v Simon
Flipkens v Rybarikova
Millman v Dzumhur
Kanepi v Puig

Court 7
Zhang v Allertova
Martic v Begu
Cuevas v Harrison
Schwartzman v Ruud

Court 8
Nishioka v Seppi
Karlovic v Sugita
Barthel v Kontaveit
Suarez Navarro v Babos

Court 13
Doubles match
Edmund v Istomin

Court 14
Basilashvili v Bemelmans

 

[chopsfc007]

Yeah the Barty match was one of the better ones of the tournament so far. Thought (and hoped) Sabalenka would have taken it after dominating that first set tie break, but not many break opportunities in the 2nd and 3rd set and only one break in each proved decisive. Looking forward to seeing Sabalenka develop further though, tough draw (for both), but should just be a matter of time before she gets herself into a seeding position - I'd personally be surprised if this time next year she wasn't in the top 32. Huge prospect.

Barty vs Giorgi should be a pretty similar type of match up next, minus the grunting.

You watching much of it tonight

 

[The Bridge Lad]

You watching much of it tonight

I'll do my usual and watch the first women's match and follow the other results until around 1.45/2ish and then get up and watch the rest of it until 2pm or so. I'm off all this week so has worked out OK. Wish the time difference meant it started an hour or two earlier though. Will mainly watch the Svitolina match (as that is a good math up) and have Kostyuk's match on in the background.

You staying up for much?