Osaka Vs Kvitova and Nadal Vs Djokovic. Who’s the pick?

The finals are set! It’s Osaka Vs Kvitova and Nadal Vs Djokovic.

Petra Kvitova has not lost a set on the way to the final. She easily beat Amanda Anisimova, Ashleigh Barty and Danielle Collins in her last three rounds. She goes in as the favorite against Naomi Osaka who had to go 3 sets in 3 of her 6 matches. Though I expect Osaka to put up a good fight, this is Kvitova’s lose.

Nadal has been in beast mode, running over opponents like he does on clay. With an improved serve and a healthy body, he has looked very good. His win against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has a game similar to Roger Federer, was impressive to say the least. Djokovic had a couple of tough matches but was in fantastic form in the semi final against Lucas Pouille. Djokovic appeard to have an injury in the earlier rounds but clarified in the post match interview after the semi final that he is fine. It should be an interesting final. Djokovic can counter Nadal’s offensive but I think Nadal is playing at such high level that he wins this one.

Continue ReadingOsaka Vs Kvitova and Nadal Vs Djokovic. Who’s the pick?

5 Thoughts on Tsitsipas’ Win Over Federer

Stefanos Tsitsipas knocked out Roger Federer in 4 sets in 4 sets at the Australian Open. Here are some of my thoughts on Federer’s shock loss.

  1. Federer didn’t play too badly.  Tsitsipas was just too good.  As Federer himself said, he couldn’t break Tsitsipas’ serve at the Hopman Cup and he could couldn’t break at Melbourne.  Clearly there is something about the Greek’s game that bothers Federer. 
  2. With this loss, Federer has not reached the semifinals of the last four grand slams.  Writing his tennis obituary has been fool’s errand but his results haven’t been stellar by his standards.
  3. Federer announced that he will be playing the French Open this year.  I was surprised by his decision.  Federer said, “It’s a bit of a desire. I’m in a phase where I want to have fun and I’ve missed not doing it,” he told reporters of the French Open. “I don’t feel it is necessary to have a big break again.”  Has Federer lost the fire in his belly?  Is he playing for fun and not for winning?
  4. I have a feeling that 2020  may be Federer’s last year on tour.  He may call it a career after the 2020 Olympics.
  5. Federer has played exceptionally well for someone his age.  But age catches up with everyone sooner or later.  
Continue Reading5 Thoughts on Tsitsipas’ Win Over Federer