French Open

[stotty]

His 2 hander probably is the most lethal at its absolute best. If one throws in service returns, Novak probably still the gold standard. Medvedev is in the conversation also, even though it is a painful looking shot.

He just seems to get more leverage and thus more power than the other two. It's the one shot of his that is always pretty consistent, unlike other parts of his game.

I feel he's a slightly better player than Tiafoe and should win this match.

[stroke]

It is indeed...and it's tense out there at 1 set all.

It's been a see-saw match so far with some bizarre unforced errors at times from Zverez. That huge first serve certainly gets him out of trouble and can make some games incredibly easy to win. Zverev was starting to look more settled during that tiebreak and if he can just find that kind of consistency throughout the rest of the match then he is slight favourite to win. Just love his two-handed backhand...probably my favourite two-hander on the tour.

His 2 hander probably is the most lethal at its absolute best. If one throws in service returns, Novak probably still the gold standard. Medvedev is in the conversation also, even though it is a painful looking shot.

[stotty]

Absolute packed house for Zverev vs Tiafoe in a huge match for both.

It is indeed...and it's tense out there at 1 set all.

It's been a see-saw match so far with some bizarre unforced errors at times from Zverez. That huge first serve certainly gets him out of trouble and can make some games incredibly easy to win. Zverev was starting to look more settled during that tiebreak and if he can just find that kind of consistency throughout the rest of the match then he is slight favourite to win. Just love his two-handed backhand...probably my favourite two-hander on the tour.

[stroke]

Absolute packed house for Zverev vs Tiafoe in a huge match for both.

[stroke]

Sunday Popcorn Match

Alcaraz vs Musetti, who looked sharp in straights over Norrie, while Alcaraz just looks sharp period.

Alcaraz will surely be the strong favorite, but Musetti has a beautiful game. I just don't think he can beat Alcaraz dropping back behind the baseline and seeing who can bring the most pain for his opponent. It sure was good to see Grigor move on, with his beautiful game. Grigor really wants to get the most out of his career it seems.

[jimlosaltos]

Sunday Popcorn Match

Alcaraz vs Musetti, who looked sharp in straights over Norrie, while Alcaraz just looks sharp period.

[jimlosaltos]

Cerundolo wins yet another Battle of the Big Fearhands, this over Fritz in 4 sets.
Iga the Baker delivers another pair of tasty bagels, this to Wang.
Mertens took out number 3 Pegula Friday, in a battle of top-ranked doubles players each without their partner. Don't look now but Mertens' draw is opening up.

[jimlosaltos]

Wild follows up on upset of Medy with this rare "Over and Back" Volley

https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1665024031374934016?s=20

[jimlosaltos]

To follow up on Kyle LaCroix aka @TennisTycoon's insight on the spread of viral, stomach illness at the event, Elena Rybakina withdrew today with the same bug.

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/elena-rybakina-withdraws-from-roland-garros-viral-illness-paris-french-tormo

"I couldn’t stay on court for more than 10 minutes," she told press.

Rybakina shared she had a pair of sleepless nights as she battled a fever and headache.

"It was after my second match. Everything was going well. I don't know," Rybakina said. "Just all of a sudden I start to feel bad, and it was not better at all."

[jimlosaltos]

Well that's a horrible photo. Yours are ten times better. AI is nowhere near your level yet then.

Shuuuush. It's, the AI, listening ( but thanks)

[jimlosaltos]

Could be interesting....

Screenshot 2023-06-02 at 22.59.53.png

Fingers crossed for a great match.

[stotty]

Could be interesting....

Screenshot 2023-06-02 at 22.59.53.png

[stotty]

What we're missing - Rafa.

Just for your amusement or whatever, I've been experimenting with using Generative AI to create images. This is what AI does with Rafael Nadal (creating an imagine based on a much longer text prompt).

filedata/fetch?id=100973&d=1685732610&type=thumb

Well that's a horrible photo. Yours are ten times better. AI is nowhere near your level yet then.

[stotty]

One thing that gives me hope if Alcaraz and Novak do go on to meet, is that Alcaraz has far more to throw at Novak than anyone else on the tour. The combination of his explosive power and exquisite drop shots could be decisive. He's an exciting player. I like him a lot.

[stotty]

Alcaraz is really working over Shapovalov with that forehand, which looks like the biggest forehand weapon on clay since Nadal.

It is...a massive forehand that is. One of the best I have seen. That match was easier than I thought it would be, as was Musetti's win over Norrie.