US Open

Rafa ruled out through injury... vilks will be sick as a parrot.

With Djokovic below par on the hard courts recently and Murray in no sort of form it could be the most open Slam for a while. Some Swiss bloke might even fancy his chances. Yeah, Wawrinka, that's him...

Could this be the time for one of the next generation to break through? Or a random one-off win for someone who's been around the circuit for a while?

It could be one for the likes of Tsonga or Monfils, but as always they are just as likely to self destruct.

Milos Raonic from Canada could also be one to watch.

Zonga maybe....Monfils not in a million years.

Don't be surprised if Djoko recognises a major when he sees one and his form comes back with a rush.

Joker will win it. Although if Fed wins he'll move to No 2 and at 33 I think would be close to the oldest No 2 in decades.

As for Fed - apparently* his win over Ferrer in the final and Cincinnati on the weekend was the first time two thirtysomethings have played a Masters 1000 final.

Both players really are marvels.

JGK wrote:Joker will win it.   Although if Fed wins he'll move to No 2 and at 33 I think would be close to the oldest No 2 in decades.

As for Fed - apparently* his win over Ferrer in the final and Cincinnati on the weekend was the first time two thirtysomethings have played a Masters 1000 final.

Both players really are marvels.

Agassi was number one well into his 30s, wasn't he? Around 2002-03?

Rosewall played Wimbledon and US finals in his 40s IIRC.

Yes you're right. He was No 1 until Sep 03 when aged 33 and 4 months (although he finished the year ranked 4th).

Fed will be 33 and 5 months come next Aust Open.

taipan wrote:Rosewall played Wimbledon and US finals in his 40s IIRC.

I think he was 42. Not sure what his ranking was although two GS finals on the trot wouldn't have done it any harm. I'm guessing Connors and Newk would have been above him, Borg would have been only a long-range prediction, there's other names I've forgotten, Nastase, Stan Smith, etc etc

Fred Nerk wrote:

taipan wrote:Rosewall played Wimbledon and US finals in his 40s IIRC.

I think he was 42. Not sure what his ranking was although two GS finals on the trot wouldn't have done it any harm. I'm guessing Connors and Newk would have been above him, Borg would have been only a long-range prediction, there's other names I've forgotten, Nastase, Stan Smith, etc etc

Not sure they had the ATP computer in those days.

They didn't, but I know there's some place in Statsguru or somewhere when you can key in a date, say Dec 1963, and it will spit out a list of whoever the top 50 batsmen or bowlers were according to the PWC parameters. Logically you could make a similar database for tennis if all the results are available, and maybe someone has.

Wiki lists the number 1s throughout the ages, even pre the computer ranking. It is generally based on consensus.

I have looked at the consensus lists before. They are basically a pile. And they are also based on the national listings which has the same flaw.

Frankly, most of the 60s will be a pile given the pro v amateur tours.

50s as well.

Before Connors and Rosewall the reigning Wimbledon champ was Jan Kodes FFS, six months before that the Aus Open winner was Mark Edmandson whose name I don't remember hearing before about 1978, now he's a yearly trivia question...yeah it was a right mess.

Fred Nerk wrote:Before Connors and Rosewall the reigning Wimbledon champ was Jan Kodes FFS, six months before that the Aus Open winner was Mark Edmandson whose name I don't remember hearing before about 1978, now he's a yearly trivia question...yeah it was a right mess.

Kodes only won because of the boycott over the Pilic incident.

Aus Open wasn't that important for years. Johan Kriek won it twice FFS.

Aye - the Aust Open was basically boycotted by most of the men from the mid 70s to the early 80s until the not-Borg Swedes started winning it.

beamer wrote:Rafa ruled out through injury... vilks will be sick as a parrot.

The biggest joy in tennis is seeing arse itcher beaten, although yes, having him not there at all is probably best for my nerves.

The who S Open?

Seems Wozniacki has mirrored McIlroy's sentiments.

Stosur blows two match points to lose.

Kyrgios gets into the 3rd round.

JGK wrote:Stosur blows two match points to lose.

Tomic pulls a heart muscle and withdraws.

'what a shame'

Kyrgios looks to have more ticker.