Day 11 Australian Open Review

(1) Djokovic d. (28) Pouille

6-0, 6-2, 6-2

While everyone knew Pouille had a mountain to climb against the top ranked player in the world, Pouille was absolutely demolished today. Djokovic did not let his level drop at all, keeping most every ball in play, and smacking 24 winners on 5 unforced errors. However, Pouille was not at his best for the match, hitting a whopping 27 unforced errors on the day. Part of the problem was him not being aggressive, letting Djokovic control the points, when that is the death of anyone who plays the Serb. Pouille was not at his best today, but should be proud of his tournament in general, as it gives him a very good springboard to start 2019.

Djokovic and Nadal will contest a blockbuster 2019 Australian Open final on Sunday.

Day 11 Australian Open Review

(2) Nadal d. (14) Tsitsipas

6-2, 6-4, 6-0

Rafael Nadal quickly brought the Tsitsipas Cinderella story to an end last night, demolishing the Greek in straight sets for the third time in three meetings between the two. Nadal’s first strike tennis quickly overwhelmed the Greek from the baseline, taking the break at 1-*1, and again at 4-*2. Nadal whipped in 11 winners in the first, most coming from the forehand, especially once he had gotten that first break, which made him much more aggressive. However, in the second, Tsitsipas showed signs of life, hitting more aces and service winners to get free points, and hanging in much better with the relentless forehands of Nadal, even his banana shot at 2-2 0-0.

However, Nadal finally found himself with two break points at 4-*4 in the set, and on the second one, he was able to get Tsitsipas to dump a pick-up volley into the net, and then calmly hold at love to take the second. From there, it was all over, as Tsitsipas only won 8 of 33 points played in the third set as he was bageled. Nadal completely took over, spraying forehands in any place imaginable, lobbing to within inches of the baseline, and passing Stefanos any time he got near the net.

Tsitsipas should take huge positives away from this fortnight, however, he still has a long ways to go to catch up with these elites in the latter stages of the tournament. Nadal is looking almost unstoppable right now, and assuming Djokovic wins tomorrow, this final should be an absolute barnburner.

Nadal plays the winner of Djokovic and Pouille Saturday.

Day 10 Australian Open Review

(28) Pouille d. (16) Raonic

7-6(4), 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4

The dream run continues. Pouille hadn’t won a main draw match in five tries, and now he has his first Major semifinal. Pouille started very slow, giving up the break for Raonic at 0*-1, and being in a 5-2 hole as he served to stay in the set. However, as soon as he held, Raonic started to miss his forehands, and not hit as many aces, and Pouille got an unforced error to break back. They continued into a tiebreak, where Pouille got a mini break from a bad slice approach from Raonic which Lucas easily redirected into a forehand winner. With Pouille up 6-4 and serving, he converted a speculative forehand pass and had taken the first set. This continued into the second set, with brilliant shot making from the Frenchman, including a sweet backhand lob to secure the break that he coasted on to go two sets up. However, Raonic was not to be left forgotten, as he clawed back during the third set, improving on his winner to error ratio (21-10 in the third), hitting 9 aces, and saving 4 break points. This continued into the third set tiebreak, with Raonic teeing up on a Pouille serve to go up 3-0 and getting a Pouille error to win the third. But Pouille was not to be denied, cleaning up his errors, winning his first service points in the set, and on his third match point, he hit a great return into the body of Raonic, and collected the win.

Pouille will have to play Djokovic all match like he played Raonic in the second and fourth sets, with no lapses in concentration and getting aggressive when he has the chance to, especially on second serves and when he gets into grooving his forehand. It will be very tough, but he has a shot at a Major final for the first time ever.

(1)Djokovic d. (8) Nishikori

6-1, 4-1 ret. ☹

This was a mountain to climb for Nishikori even if he was not tired, however he had been on court here in Melbourne for almost 14 hours before this. This fatigue quickly showed for the Japanese number 1, getting broken in his opening service game, and spraying errors all over the court on shots he doesn’t usually miss. At 4-1 in the first, he received treatment for a right quad injury, and proceeded to favor that leg heavily, not moving to routine backhands, instead hitting slices, and this allowed Djokovic to pretty much control every point. The second set was much more of the same, and after quickly going down a double break and 4-1, Nishikori decided that was enough, and to call it a day.

A big respite for Djokovic, who struggled a bit physically after the Medvedev match. This gave him a lot more rest in order to prepare for Friday’s clash with Pouille.

Pouille and Djokovic will most likely be the last match of the day session on Friday.

55th Copa del Cafe Roundup

Top seed Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) continued his red-hot run of form continuing off the end of last year by defeating Martin Damm (USA), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to win the Copa del Cafe in San Jose, Costa Rica. Mochizuki’s best tournament win in his junior career sends the 15 year old to a career best rank of 34.

Mochizuki with tournament director Luis Esteban Fernandez.

Mochizuki coasted through most of the week with his all court play and consistent forays to the net, however was dealt a tough match in the semifinals against British talent Blu Baker, having to fight hard to pull out a tough three setter, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. On the other side of the draw, Damm served big all week up until the final, including a resounding 6-2, 7-5 victory over Pierre Malan (RSA), and a 6-4, 6-3 decision over compatriot Alexander Lee (USA). However, the Japanese talent was able to overcome Damm, son of the Grand Slam doubles champion Martin Damm in another three setter.

Next Week- The AO Juniors have gotten underway this week. Subscribe to our email list for more constant coverage!

Day 9 Australian Open Review

Yes, Stefanos. You’re a Major Semifinalist for the first time!

(14) Tsitsipas d. (22) Bautista Agut

7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(2)

Stefanos Tsitsipas followed up the biggest win of his life with his 5th 4 set win of the tournament by beating RBA today. RBA definitely looked gassed for spurts in this match but got out to leads in all of the first three sets. However, Tsitsipas was able to reel it back in during sets 1 and 3, starting to really pound his groundstrokes at every opportunity, and serving really well, winning 84% of points. During the 4th set tiebreak, RBA just looked very tired, and could not continue his constant defense, with Tsitsipas either finishing the points very quickly, or finally breaking the wall RBA put up for a winer, especially with a big forehand smash to go up a minibreak. Tsitsipas continues to heat up with his tennis, however, he cannot have the dips in form as he did to start the first three sets today against Nadal. His fellow young gun Tiafoe did that as well, and he was ripped apart, as seen below. It should be a very fun match between the two.

(2) Nadal d. Tiafoe

6-3, 6-4, 6-2

A very good performance from the Spaniard today, however despite the loss, Tiafoe can say he played pretty well. In the first and third sets, Tiafoe was broken very early, but then came back firing with his serves. All he did wrong was miss first serves in those early games, which made it very easy for Nadal to capitalize on the break points. Nadal continues to look good on his service games, hitting 11 aces and winning 84(!!)% of his service points throughout the match. Tiafoe has shown he has the talent to hit the shots he needs, but all he requires now is to consistently put those shots together, which escaped him in the early game of each set.

Nadal and Tsitsipas will be the second semifinal of the Mens Draw.

Day 8 Australian Open Review

(8) Nishikori d. (22) Carreno Busta

6-7(8), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-6(10-8)

Another instant classic for the AO this year, once again involving Kei Nishikori. Carreno Busta looked very energetic in sets 1 and 2, pounding winners, including a smooth forehand up the line on set point in the tiebreak. However, Nishikori came roaring back, with multiple breaks of serve in the 4th set, to force a decider. However, as Nishikori tried to finish the match off, Carreno Busta was able to force two break points, and convert on the second one to force a tiebreak. At 8-5 in the breaker, a questionable call from the umpire which should have allowed PCB to replay the point gave Nishikori the point, and Nishikori ran away with it from there. Lots of fight from PCB, just an incredibly tough break for him

Nishikori plays Djokovic tomorrow.

(1)Djokovic d. (15) Medvedev

6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3

Djokovic looked much better today than he had in the first three rounds, despite the scoreline. Medvedev was punishing his groundstrokes today, and he and Djokovic traded lots of long rallies throughout all 4 sets. Djokovic should have probably won this one in straights, however, he blew a 4-1 lead in the second, after having a point to go up 5-1 as well. Medvedev was just thrown up an impenetrable wall in front of him today, with not too much to do.

Djokovic plays Nishikori next.

(16) Raonic d. (4) Zverev

6-1, 6-1, 7-6(4)

Zverev got absolutely demolished today by Raonic’s serve and forehand combo in the first two sets, and got nothing going on his own to start. Raonic looked like the 4 seed instead of the young German, even bringing out some nice slice backhands to go with the two shots mentioned above. Zverev looked tired, even distressed at times as well, prolonging the concerns about his possible “Slam Curse”.

Raonic plays Pouille next.

(28) Pouille d. (11) Coric

6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(2)

This was a brilliant performance from the Frenchman, who has never before won a match here in Australia, and now on to his first Major Quarterfinal. After Coric came out firing in the first set, Pouille started to dictate the points with his shotmaking, and continually pass Coric when he came to the net. (only 54% net points won for the Croat). Lots of good passing shots from the Pouille backhand, and continuous, deep forehands that went for 11 winners from the baseline.

Pouille sees Raonic on Monday.

As per usual, come back later for a preview of Day 9, and more continuous tennis coverage!

Day 8 Australian Open Preview

(1) Djokovic vs (15) Medvedev

Approximate time 9:30 PM AEDT/4:30 AM EST

Djokovic has not looked quite in form to start this tournament however he will be facing a much sterner test in Medvedev tonight. Medvedev’s powerful groundstrokes can possibly give the top seed some trouble this evening. However, if Djokovic can find his ripe patch of form tonight then there should be no problem for him.

Prediction-

Djokovic 7-5, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3

(4) Zverev vs (16) Raonic

Approximate time 2 PM AEDT/10 PM EST

Zverev seems to be on the trend of breaking his second week slam curse. However Raonic will pose a much tougher test then he has experienced in the round of 16 before. The Canadians big serve and forehand combo will give the young German trouble. However if the German can find his groundstrokes tonight then there should be a much smaller chance of him losing. Two Young Guns won last night, can Zverev be the third to join them?

Prediction-

Zverev- 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6

ITF WTT Review- Week of Jan. 14

Tournament Winners-

Anning 15K– (3) Agustin Velotti (ARG) d. Ray Ho (TPE) 6-4, 6-3

Bressuire 15K+– Leny Mitjana (FRA) d. Artem Dubrivnyy (RUS) 7-6(8), 6-4

Manacor 15K– Francesco Cerundolo (ARG) d. (1) Ivan Gakhov (RUS) 6-3, 6-3

Monastir 15K– (8) Skander Mansouri (TUN) d. (3) Riccardo Balzerani (ITA) 7-5, 6-3

Antalya 15K– Davide Galoppini (ITA) vs. (2) Riccardo Bellotti (ITA) (0-1, match is delayed due to weather)

Naples FL 15K– (4) Sekou Bangoura d. (3) Pedro Sakamoto 7-6(6), 6-0

Koblenz Challenger Review-

Gianluca Mager (ITA) captured his first ATP Challenger title in Koblenz, Germany this weekend, defeating Ruben Ortega-Olmedo 2-6, 6-7(6), 6-2.

The Italian bounced back from a rough first set to calmly dismiss the Spaniard and claim his best result ever on the tour. Mager will climb to a career high ranking of 219 on Monday, while the 27 year old Ortega Olmedo will move up 48 spots to 285 in the world.

Next Week-

The Challenger Tour will make stops in Burnie, Punta del Este, Rennes, and Newport Beach.

Burnie’s field is led by young guns Lloyd Harris, Marc Polmans, and near-upsetee of Kei Nishikori in Melbourne, Kamil Majchrzak.

Punta del Este will host top seed Guido Andreozzi, and off a career year last year, Hugo Delien.

Rennes will have established ATP tour players Benoit Paire, Adrian Mannarino, and young Canadian Felix Auger- Aliassime in the field.

Newport Beach will host the first Oracle Challenger Series event of the year, with Americans Taylor Fritz, Bradley Klahn, and Mackenzie McDonald leading the charge.

As always, make sure to subscribe to our email list for constant updates of the Challenger Tour and the ATP Tour!




Day 7 Australian Open Review

(14) Tsitsipas d. (3) Federer

6-7(11), 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-6(5)

Wow. Wow. Wow. Stefanos Tsitsipas has made the first Grand Slam breakthrough of his young career with this statement win and played very well to dethrone the two-time defending champion here in Melbourne. In a tight contest throughout all four sets, Tsitsipas staved off all 12(!!) break points that he faced to push each set to a tiebreak, where he was able to collect a mini break at 4-3 in the second set tiebreak, getting a forehand winner up the line, get three unforced errors in a row to break for the third set, and correctly challenged a missed forehand by Federer for match point in the 4th set breaker. Federer has to be very disappointed with missing every break point he had, especially in the second set which would have likely helped him put the match out of reach, but the Swiss maestro will be back soon. Huge props to Tsitsipas to get this match on this big of an occasion.

He plays Bautista Agut in the Quarters.

(2) Nadal d. Berdych

6-0, 6-1, 7-6(4)

Berdych was absolutely pummeled by the Nadal serve today, of all things. Lots of consistent spotting of his serve into Berdych’s weak looking backhand on the day gave Nadal a lot of easy points. If Berdych even returned the serve, the Nadal forehand was quickly unleashed to finish the point. Berdych seemed very flustered (as to be expected) through the first two sets, however in the third set, Berdych calmed down, started holding easily, and got to a tiebreak. However, Nadal got the serves and forehands bothering Berdych again, getting him to move, and clinching out the straight sets with with two mini breaks. A very dominating performance from Rafa.

He plays Tiafoe Monday.

Tiafoe d. (20) Dimitrov

7-5, 7-6(6), 6-7(1), 7-5

Big Foe on the come up! The American was able to make Dimitrov pay on the big points today, as this clash was a very tight one, and Dimitrov fluffed so many break points (missing 15 of 18), especially in the second set breaker. Dimitrov’s mental game seems to be going down the drain in the past couple years, and Foe made him pay with his forehands and big serves when he needed them. Another big Next Gen breakthrough here Down Under.

Tiafoe plays Nadal tomorrow.

(22) Bautista Agut d. (6) Cilic

6-7(6), 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4

RBA soldiers on! He has spent a lot of energy with these long five set matches, but his wins have been very impressive. Cilic faltered in the middle of the match, letting RBA hit through the balls and pick up a lot of big points off of his groundstrokes. Lots of errors as well for Marin, who seems to be struggling with the movement side of things, either from the knee injury, or another unknown variable.

RBA plays Tsitsipas Monday.

Make sure to check back tonight for a preview of Day 8!