2015 Australian Open…ATP 2000...Melbourne, Australia

[tennis_chiro]

Thanks for the nice post. I will work relentlessly toward post 3000 have no doubt about that.

Seppi just wins the first set against Kyrgios, much to the joy of my Italian family, and especially my wife who thinks Seppi is a bit of a dish. Long way to go yet...

Probably a lot of ladies feel that way, but I like him for his composure. Tough to play against the whole Aussie nation assembled in that stadium except for Errani and Vinci and his coach. On the other hand, Mr Electricity in his florescent shoes and shirt evokes a different emotion, at least in me. He certainly has electrifying shots, but his fundamentals are serioiusly flawed. A very talented athlete, but he hits most of his shots off balance or even falling down. Most of all, I can't think of a single player who made it into the top 5 who displayed such a petulant sense of entitlement on his way up. Sure, McEnroe and Nastase were a problem after they made it to the top and expecially after they started on their way down, but not on their way up. It must be a heavy burden to bear for a 19 year old, but he's seen the big stage for six months now. Just the lack of discipline says to me he will not ever be that good; not without a serious brain transplant. I just think the battle at the top is so much more about the mind.

Not only did Nick read too many of his own press releases and fluff stories in the Aussie media, he has started to believe them. Too bad because he is a tremendous talent. But he needs some serious "taking under the wing" mentoring from some of the old Aussies, even the not-so-old ones like Rafter and Hewitt. He might yet pull this out, down 2 sets to love, but in the big picture, I think he has much bigger problems than this match.

He would do well to study tape of how Seppi handles pressure!

don

[klacr]

Berdych looking awfully good up 2 sets to love. Kyle must be enjoying this.

don

Comprehensive!

No pain at all. As predicted, easy breezy for Tberd. Too much game for Tomic. Berdych is in a good place in his life. New coach with fresh ideas and different voice, an engagement to a Czech Fashion Model Esther Satorova. Things are looking up for Berdych. The challenge is coming in the next round against a warmed up Rafael Nadal. But, as a true fan and truer competitor, I'm feeling confident. Believe in Berdych.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[stroke]

Probably a lot of ladies feel that way, but I like him for his composure. Tough to play against the whole Aussie nation assembled in that stadium except for Errani and Vinci and his coach. On the other hand, Mr Electricity in his florescent shoes and shirt evokes a different emotion, at least in me. He certainly has electrifying shots, but his fundamentals are serioiusly flawed. A very talented athlete, but he hits most of his shots off balance or even falling down. Most of all, I can't think of a single player who made it into the top 5 who displayed such a petulant sense of entitlement on his way up. Sure, McEnroe and Nastase were a problem after they made it to the top and expecially after they started on their way down, but not on their way up. It must be a heavy burden to bear for a 19 year old, but he's seen the big stage for six months now. Just the lack of discipline says to me he will not ever be that good; not without a serious brain transplant. I just think the battle at the top is so much more about the mind.

Not only did Nick read too many of his own press releases and fluff stories in the Aussie media, he has started to believe them. Too bad because he is a tremendous talent. But he needs some serious "taking under the wing" mentoring from some of the old Aussies, even the not-so-old ones like Rafter and Hewitt. He might yet pull this out, down 2 sets to love, but in the big picture, I think he has much bigger problems than this match.

He would do well to study tape of how Seppi handles pressure!

don

Spot on post. Seppi is a true professional out there. His professionalism reminds me of Kohlschreiber. A lot of players could learn a lot watching those 2.

[don_budge]

Grigor Dimitrov versus Andy Murray...

This is the match that I have been waiting to see. One set all. Nick Kyrgios in the locker room waiting to see who his next round opponent is going to be.

This is a pivotal match for both players. For Dimitrov this is an opportunity for him to come of age and show that he belongs at the top echelon of the game. Murray on the other hand appears to be fraying a bit at the nerves and he is fighting to show that he is back at full strength.

I question Murray's choice of coaches. It is the same dynamic when a single mom is trying to raise a son. A woman cannot teach a boy to be a man.

Here come the thought police...

[stotty]

This is the match that I have been waiting to see. One set all. Nick Kyrgios in the locker room waiting to see who his next round opponent is going to be.

I came home to see Murray win from 2-5 in the fourth. He looked really good in those last four games. He was moving exceptionally well and his defensive play was a sight to watch. He looks as good as anyone when he hits those kind of heights.

His next opponent can really get hold of second serves, so he will have to watch it. It's a been tough draw for Murray and will be to the end if he is to win the tournament. It's doable though. For the first time in two years he looks like he could win a slam...even taking Djokovic is feasible.

The coaching set up: It beats me. Few can understand it or what it's done for his tennis so far. Still who knows. John Lloyd sussed pretty quick that Bob Brett had never been a great player but nevertheless appreciated Bob understood the game well beyond his own level of play...few do. It's not easy to teach players far better than yourself. It takes knowledge and a certain level of command to do so.

[stotty]

Predictions...pointless but fun

Murray versus Kyrgios

Nadal versus Berdych

I am not expecting anything unusual tomorrow but Berdych is certainly playing well and Kyrgios has nothing to lose. Murray versus Kyrgios is the match I am most looking forward to.

Any predictions...Klacr...tennis chiro...anyone? I'm taking both Murray and Nadal to win in four.

Let's see...

[klacr]

I think Murray will silence the Aussie crowd, use his experience and guile and take out the young buck Kyrgios

As for the Berdych-Nadal match...Do I really need to share my prediction.
Nobody...and I mean nobody beats Berdych 18 times in a row.

TBerd in a good place right now, great form.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[vrc10s]

Berdych

Kyle,
Berdych is looking good, does it seem like he is playing with a little bit more margin? It looks to me like he is playing more top and not so close to the lines.

[vrc10s]

Nadal

It is 4-5 in the third, Rafa looks like he is starting to move better but Thomas is playing very clutch. Great second serve on break point and to Nadal's forehand!

[gzhpcu]

Nobody beats Thomas Berdych 18 times in a row! You must be happy Kyle...

[stotty]

5-2 to Murray and looking really good. Kyrgios seems stuck for ideas already. Murray is shrinking the court and there is nowhere Kyrgios can hit the ball where Murray won't reach it.

I wonder if Kyrgios has another game plan up his sleeve. He may need to get it out for set 2.

[klacr]

I've been relatively quiet on this thread when it comes to my boy Berdych. I have not expressed or predicted some outrageous claim nor have I expressed some ridiculous factoid about Berdych.
Much like Berdych, I have put in a quiet, workman like performance. I will continue to do so. Am I happy with his victory over Nadal. No. I'm content. Berdych still has two more matches left. Eyes on the prize. The Nadal victory sends a message, but a grand slam title will make a point.

Berdych is playing with more margin on the forehand. But even more so he is playing with confidence. The same confidence he had at Wimbledon in 2010. Berdych knows his mission. Nadal was merely a stepping stone.

Time to move on. The next challenger awaits. Only after this tournament shall we look back and marvel at Berdych's performance. But it's not over yet. Keep the train rolling. Mission not accomplished. Yet.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[tennis_chiro]

Semis without dropping a set. And those first two sets were pretty impressive. Even if Rafa was off at the beginning, it was still an amazing display. In the third set, Rafa tried to muster a stronger defence and Thomas responded. He did blink a little at the end. Missed a couple of forehand returns in that game where he had 15-40. Then he held back just the slightest when he had the chance to close it out in the tie-breaker. Still, he came through in the end. Forehand really looked terrific today. That having the ball fade off to the side seemed to be totally corrected. And no df's. This match should do wonders for his confidence, but Murray is a little different kettle of fish. Can't see Kygrios beating Murray. Oops, that was probably the kiss of death.

don

[stotty]

2 sets to love Murray. I think I'll call that second set containment. Two great topspin lobs in that tie-break.

Murray got a little passive however and in the end relied on Kyrgios getting ahead of himself. A long way back for Kyrgios now...Murray ain't no Seppi.

[stotty]

Job done for Murray. Berdych next up. It won't be easy but he should have too much in his tool bag for the big Czech. Sorry Klacr, we'll have to go toe-to-toe on their match. May the best man win...