US Open 2012

by sirfredperry Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:09 am

Hope it's OK to start a separate thread now the draw is out, although I know some (including me) have commented on the draw under the US Seedings post.
Djoko has got the long straw by avoiding Murray in the semis and has also avoided Tsonga and Berdych in his half. He does have del Potty to contend with, although no one is quite sure about the state of JMDP's fitness.
Fed should make the semis at least. Murray has the likes of Raonic and Cicli in his quarter but should also make the semis. Ferrer has got a tough opener against Anderson and also has Gasquet and Isner in his quarter. I'd be surprised if the Spaniard makes the semis.
The overall winner? Dunno. Don't think it will be anyone outside the top three, though. Headscratch

by reckoner Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:21 am

Djoker must be favourite given his piddle draw.

Seriously how many times does he get Tipsarevic in his half? It's a conspiracy I tell you...

by HM Murdock Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:27 am

sirfredperry wrote:Djoko has got the short straw by avoiding Murray in the semis

Is avoiding Murray not the long straw? i.e. the better option?

Prediction?

The #1 player won the first slam of the year
The #2 player won the second slam of the year
The #3 player won the third slam of the year

Please step forward Mr Murray!

(having seen the draw though, I think it might actually be Novak!)

by reckoner Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:29 am

Of course it'll be Novak - this is his favourite surface and he'll have a point to prove.

by sirfredperry Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:44 am

HM - you're right. it should have been the long straw - will edit

by barrystar Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:45 am

Djoko is the favourite here for sure. I hope he's on the 2nd SF on Stupid Saturday to try and even out the draw. If he's on the 1st SF and Fed and Murray meet in the 2nd SF he's an even stronger favourite.

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:50 am

Fed/Murray (if they get there) will be 2nd because of TV.

by Guest Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:52 am

How in the hell did Nishikori get 3 qualifiers in his mini section of the draw!

by HM Murdock Fri 24 Aug 2012, 10:20 am

The Special Juan wrote:Fed/Murray (if they get there) will be 2nd because of TV.

I think you are right there. Novak v Ferrer or Tipsy (which will quite possibly only be 3 sets) is not an event to attract a prime time American audience!

by sirfredperry Fri 24 Aug 2012, 10:26 am

In that case, let's hope it rains. Last year the rain was such a threat to the schedule that the players persuaded organisers to put the final back to the Monday.
To think that the Stupid Saturday scheduling was EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS until recently, as they played the women's final BETWEEN the men's semis, pushing one of the semis back to the evening slot, with the winner expected to be fresh as a daisy for the next day's final.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri 24 Aug 2012, 10:31 am

well Federer has a cakewalk through to the semis, but then faces the tougher opponent. Djokovic has DelPo in his QF which could be tough (questions over DelPo's fitness?). Murray's draw a mixed bag, easy first three rounds but the tougher R4. Then Tsonga who's not easy but Murray usually handles him pretty well.

If Murray vs Federer is the second semi that gives Djokovic a huge advantage.

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 10:53 am

Pick of the 1st round matches?

I'll say Del Potro v Nalby, Anderson v Ferrer and Berdych v Goffin. I think Giraldo could beat Raonic too, but it's unlikely.

by Guest Fri 24 Aug 2012, 11:06 am

Paire v Dimitrov might be a decent match.

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 11:46 am

"Haas reports the courts are playing pretty swiftly, according to his friend and mentor Nick Bolletieri"

by Josiah Maiestas Fri 24 Aug 2012, 11:50 am

The Special Juan wrote:"Haas reports the courts are playing pretty swiftly, according to his friend and mentor Nick Bolletieri"

Until they change to Babolat balls*

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 11:55 am

I thought the Babolat balls contributed to sped up the conditions even more?

by Guest Fri 24 Aug 2012, 12:18 pm

They use Wilson balls!

by Josiah Maiestas Fri 24 Aug 2012, 12:24 pm

You do realise Babolat is a French company, the balls they mainly use for Roland Garros no?

by Guest Fri 24 Aug 2012, 12:28 pm

What the chuffing hell has Babolat balls got to do with the US Open?

by Josiah Maiestas Fri 24 Aug 2012, 12:45 pm

Nothing. You've missed the point on this one friend.

by FedsFan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 1:07 pm

Having seen the draw it might be a Djokovic/Murray final and I would not be too surprised if Murray wins this time round. Whether Federer can defeat Murray and Djoko back to back and on consecutive days is doubtful. He is fit but at 31 compared to his two peers, obviously its a no brainer for me.

This is on the assumption Federer makes it as far as the semis. There is a potential upset possibly with Fish and Berdych should they play a blinder. I think the most clear cut section of the draw is Djoko's half. Had he won Cincy I think there was always a chance he may have come unstuck somewhere. As he lost I think he would probably have reassessed his game and he out to prove a point. Federer on the other hand is riding high and just because he won Cincy does not indicate he will win. He won Cincy in 09/10 but didn't win the USO.

I do not think anyone has the game to beat Murray unless again whoever plays well and Murray is off his game on the day. Tsonga has the ability but tends to lose the initiative. Murray will have the confidence of that Olympic win over Federer to settle the nerves should they meet. If Fed is as drained come semi finals day then definitely Murray will win that. Fed has failed to produce a good result at the USO for 3 years now. This slam I think favours the younger guys.

So the winner for me is between Murray/Djokovic.

by bogbrush Fri 24 Aug 2012, 1:11 pm

I want to hear more about this idea the courts are playing fast. If true Fedeer will have greater chances.

Me likee!

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 1:16 pm

bogbrush wrote:I want to hear more about this idea the courts are playing fast. If true Fedeer will have greater chances.

Me likee!

I was listening to a programme on Radio 5 last night where "Overs" was previewing the USO and talking about the draw with Jeff Tarango, Colin Murray and Nick Bolletieri. Apparently it will be hot hot hot at the US Open this year. Nick was talking to Tommy Haas and Haas said the courts were playing quickly.

by FedsFan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 1:44 pm

bogbrush wrote:I want to hear more about this idea the courts are playing fast. If true Fedeer will have greater chances.

Me likee!

At the end of the day I doubt it will make a huge difference to Federer. If he is going to win it is not down to courts, balls, schedules but simply playing the perfect game.

by sirfredperry Fri 24 Aug 2012, 2:23 pm

FedsFan - I would have thought conditions - heat, speed, balls - DID make a huge difference. From what I saw of highlights of Fed's matches at Cinci, he as playing out-and-out attacking which would be a great way to play if the USO is going to be a bit quicker this year.

by **laverfan** Fri 24 Aug 2012, 2:55 pm

Hopefully the rain does not play havoc with the schedule.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri 24 Aug 2012, 2:56 pm

laverfan wrote:Hopefully the rain does not play havoc with the schedule.

well if it does (again) it might just make them think about that roof...

by sirfredperry Fri 24 Aug 2012, 3:09 pm

Rain towards the end may actually IMPROVE the scheduling as it did last year (see earlier posts on this thread)

by Danny_1982 Fri 24 Aug 2012, 6:22 pm

I think faster courts would help Federer, just as slower courts would help Novak.

I am pretty certain the final will be either Federer v Djokovic or Murray v Djokovic. I can't see anyone stopping Novak reaching the final. If there is to be a shock before the semis it'll either be Murray or Federer, opening the path for one of them.

It would have been good if whoever didn't get Murray out of the top two had got Raonic and Tsonga to even it up, but hey... The draw never turns out how you expect anyway. What looks a tough draw could end up an easy one.

I know one thing... I can't bloody wait!!

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 7:08 pm

I think a tough draw can help Murray. He's definitely capable of beating everyone ranked outside the Top 4 in the majors (don't mention the "B" word though). It'll keep him on his toes and make sure he doesn't slack off. Possibly the biggest chance of an upset could be Dodig in round 2.

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 7:30 pm

GOATlate:

by Danny_1982 Fri 24 Aug 2012, 7:34 pm

I agree Juan, but I'd still rather he hadn't drawn Raonic.

Does anyone know when the schedule comes out?

by The Special Juan Fri 24 Aug 2012, 7:41 pm

There's still qualifiers to play and it normally comes out the night before so Sunday night/Monday morning would be my guess for when the schedule comes out. Hope Murray plays first for a change. He's always in the second half to play.

by Danny_1982 Fri 24 Aug 2012, 7:47 pm

Yeah, I'd like to watch him Monday. Though I won't be that disappointed if its Tuesday - Thursday as I'm flying to Tunisia on the Wednesday night and I want to watch all his matches.

We have satellite in the hotel, which I assume will cover the tennis. If it doesn't this could be the most frustrating holiday ever!

by Guest82 Fri 24 Aug 2012, 9:25 pm

sirfredperry wrote:In that case, let's hope it rains. Last year the rain was such a threat to the schedule that the players persuaded organisers to put the final back to the Monday.
To think that the Stupid Saturday scheduling was EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS until recently, as they played the women's final BETWEEN the men's semis, pushing one of the semis back to the evening slot, with the winner expected to be fresh as a daisy for the next day's final.

.

They are playing both mens semis on the Saturday day time with the womans final in the evening. I have tickets for the Saturday day time matches so it had better be both mens semis!

by **laverfan** Sat 25 Aug 2012, 1:02 am

sirfredperry wrote:Rain towards the end may actually IMPROVE the scheduling as it did last year (see earlier posts on this thread)

A Monday final may, but let us see what happens in the second week.

by summerblues Sat 25 Aug 2012, 2:45 am

My internet provider has been promising to deliver their latest and greatest high speed technology to our building since back in March. Finally a few weeks ago they announced it was available. So I ordered it and will have it installed tomorrow - just in time to watch crystal clear USO action on my computer.

Except they just called to say the installation has to be postponed for another month Sad

Depressing.

by Josiah Maiestas Sat 25 Aug 2012, 2:47 am

Wawrinka will do well this time. Stan the man!

by sirfredperry Sat 25 Aug 2012, 12:22 pm

Guest82 - shall sympathise with you if you don't get both men's semis, but of course they should be playing them on the Friday to give the winners a day off on the Saturday.
Complete contrast with the AO where the first men's semi is actually on the THURSDAY. Spose that's slightly unfair as well as one finalist gets an extra day's rest.
Guess we're lumbered with Stupid Saturday for the foreseeable future.

by **laverfan** Sat 25 Aug 2012, 8:32 pm

summerblues wrote:My internet provider has been promising to deliver their latest and greatest high speed technology to our building since back in March. Finally a few weeks ago they announced it was available. So I ordered it and will have it installed tomorrow - just in time to watch crystal clear USO action on my computer.

Except they just called to say the installation has to be postponed for another month Depressing.

SB. I just live with 15/5 FIOS. Wink

by summerblues Sat 25 Aug 2012, 10:29 pm

laverfan wrote: SB. I just live with 15/5 FIOS.

You "just" live with 15/5 FiOS. I will not feel sorry for you there Wink

. I was exaggerating somewhat. The "latest and greatest" that I cannot get is nothing more than the 15/5 FiOS. I still live with DSL. Today I gave up on them and ordered cable internet. I am no expert but I thought that FiOS was meant to be in some ways superior. But who knows when I can get it. Cable provider promised to have it installed by next weekend so - fingers crossed - I will have decent picture quality for the 2nd week of the USO and the rest of the fall season.

Of course, I will now probably watch Djokovic lift the trophy on high quality video Crying or Very sad

by User 774433 Sat 25 Aug 2012, 10:35 pm

This is my USO preview:
http://www.sportpulse.net/content/us-open-preview-4417

Hope you like it Smile

by **laverfan** Sun 26 Aug 2012, 1:14 am

summerblues wrote:The "latest and greatest" that I cannot get is nothing more than the 15/5 FiOS. I still live with DSL. Today I gave up on them and ordered cable internet.

I thought were getting FIOS Quantum and I would have been very jealous. I would complain to the FIOS folks, if I were you.

summerblues wrote:I am no expert but I thought that FiOS was meant to be in some ways superior. But who knows when I can get it. Cable provider promised to have it installed by next weekend so - fingers crossed - I will have decent picture quality for the 2nd week of the USO and the rest of the fall season.

Cable plants 'share' bandwidth (despite DOCSIS 3.0 and bonded channels) up to the headend (a CMTS - Cable Modem Termination Switch), then it becomes an HFC (Hybrid-Fiber-Coax) which is similar to FIOS. FIOS is FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb) with an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) outside your house which converts it back to RF for coax inside the house. If you have both coax and ethernet, then the ONT can split Data and Video. Apologies to non-US readers for this digression.

I am glad you have some means to migrate from DSL to Cable/FIOS. Yahoo

summerblues wrote:Of course, I will now probably watch Djokovic lift the trophy on high quality video

Ye of little faith. GranPa is playing well. There may be a few surprises along the way. Wink

by bogbrush Sun 26 Aug 2012, 1:24 am

It's good IMBL, nice summary.

Why not throw in a section on outsiders?

by Mad for Chelsea Sun 26 Aug 2012, 1:34 am

I'd disagree with describing Tsonga as an "extremely tough draw" for Murray (though I get you meant the combination of Tsonga and Raonic). Yes, he's beaten him before but back in 08, and since then Murray has won their five meetings (including two in GS, one just a few weeks ago). If Murray plays Tsonga in the QF, I have full confidence in him to win.

Other than that, it's not bad at all. As BB says, a section on outsiders could be nice (though reallistically I think no one expects anyone else to actually win the tournament...)

by User 774433 Sun 26 Aug 2012, 2:11 am

BB, MFC thanks Ok!

MFC, you are right in pointing out that Murray has a brilliant record against Tsonga. https://www.606v2.com/t32611-tsonga-vs-berdych-who-can-win-a-slam

However I think as a whole his quarter is tough. Having to potentially face Raonic and Tsonga is difficult, especially as they are both aggressive power players. In my eyes these sorts of players are more likely to cause an upset than Ferrer, Monaco etc. I also think Tsonga is the hardest quarter to face as Tipsarevic is poor, Del P has a wrist injury, Berdych (although he has a good record against Murray) is very inconsistent so will probably lose before the quarters. Also Berdych mentally these days goes all over the place, but Tsonga is consistent to have reached the QF and above at FO, Wimbledon and Olympics this year.
Thus, from what was possible, I think it is a tough draw. (But let's be honest these days in Slams Murray can't crack the top 3, the rest have not been a problem since USO 2010).

by User 774433 Sun 26 Aug 2012, 2:13 am

I will add an 'outsiders' paragraph now thumbsup

Edit: Done- http://www.sportpulse.net/content/us-open-preview-4417

by The Special Juan Sun 26 Aug 2012, 10:10 am

Order of play!! Yahoo

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=subnav

by time please Sun 26 Aug 2012, 1:05 pm

Great opening day - what a b**ger I won't be able to watch furious

by **laverfan** Sun 26 Aug 2012, 4:50 pm

time please wrote:Great opening day - what a b**ger I won't be able to watch

If you have DVR, you can record it. Wink

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