Wimbledon

[stroke]

Novak's 10 year winning streak on Center Court at Wimbledon appears to be good for another day. Rublev has played very well though.

[stroke]

Rublev did not go away, he played very well.

[stotty]

You felt Sinner and Novak were both going to win their matches, Novak especially. Sinner versus Novak might be more interesting. Sinner - now back with his old pin point serve - will need higher than the 55% first percentage he clocked up today if he is to beat Novak. Sinner has power, easy power, on both wings, and if he can combine that with serving well...well who knows.

[stotty]

I think Alcaraz will beat Rune tomorrow and I'm rooting for Eubanks over Meddy. Not sure what the odds are? Any news on that one, stroke?

[stroke]

Odds are out for the final 8. Of course, Novak, Sinner, Medvedev, and Alcaraz are the favorites in their respective matches, in that order(strongest to weakest). Very interesting. If I were to take a flyer on any of the underdogs, it would be ....Chris ha.

[stroke]

https://hughclarke.substack.com/p/djokovic-x-rublev-wimbledon-quarterfinal?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email#media-f2166284-6cc3-4d74-8d21-be484ec3b10f

Really good write up/analysis on the Novak Sinner match.

[stroke]

The best display of grass court power tennis still on display. It is out of Meds hands. Chris up 2 sets to 1. It is all on his terms.

[stroke]

All credit to Med gutting out the 4th set by a sliver. He is giving up firepower on all shots out there, but he does not give in, as we all know. He is a great worker and problem solver obviously.

[stroke]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o9ZMSNH1BEBuC5488

Stats thus far.

[jimlosaltos]

Big props to you for call outs on Eubanks. I always liked him but never thought he'd do this. Kudos.

If John is reading these, I put in a vote to start a pinned thread on betting on ATP tennis, "chaired" by stroke.

[jimlosaltos]

Chris is leading the tournament in number aces at the moment. Of course, two of the players will no longer be adding to the count. Bublik also kind of cancels out his fine serving work as he leads the tournament table when it comes to double faults...with 38.

C. Eubanks 85 aces
A. Bublik 84 aces
H. Hurkacz 82 aces

Hurkacz has hit the quickest serve of the tournament so far with a 141mph rocket.

I liked your point about Bublik's doubles. But then I looked up percent of first serves won, and Bublik led the men for the tournament
248 of 285 = 87 %

Hurkacz is well back at: 232 of 283 = 82 %, and Eubanks doesn't show up amongst the leaders.

No, this doesn't negate your point but Bublik may just be maximizing his tool set?

As usual, there are other stats I'd rather see -- unreturned serves instead of aces, serve +1 points won among them.

[stroke]

Novak of course a big favorite vs Sinner, at an implied probability of winning at just over 84%. Alcaraz at an implied probability of winning at about 70% vs Med.

[stroke]

Chris Eubanks live ranking up to number 31 in world.

[jimlosaltos]

Chris Eubanks live ranking up to number 31 in world.

Well earned and seems long overdue. Let's hope he can sustain his level. He's a fun addition to the late stages of events.

[stotty]

Two comprehensive wins by Novak and Carlos. I preferred the Novak v Sinner semi as a game to watch. Novak proved too clinical. I've been watching tennis matches all my life and I have never seen anyone redirect a tennis ball like Novak can. I thought Sinner might do better but that forehand, good though it is, can break down at times and his hitting down the line on that wing could be a lot better at times also. These things all add up when playing Novak because the 'down the line' aspect is always going to be a crucial part of the match.

I wasn't impressed with Meddy. He always seems like a fish out of water on grass, and today in particular. His court positioning was lousy. How an earth he thinks he can win like that against Carlos is beyond me. He seemed to give up the fight in the end also which I found hugely disappointing.

I've got the final I wanted. I make Novak favourite but if Carlos plays his fearless best it is not out of the question he could win. Just love Carlos's forehand and its ability to inject pace and spin, on demand.