2013 Aegon Championships

by The Special Juan Sat 08 Jun 2013, 11:30 am

First topic message reminder :

It's my third favourite tournament of the year!!! Headlining the bill is Sir Andrew of Murray who will be hoping to do better than last year which we will not speak of. Second seed is Berdych. The third seed is DelPo who is making a long-awaited appearance at Queen's Club and the number 4 seed is grass court extraordinaire Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Amongst the other seeds are previous champions Sam Querrey and Marin Cilic and Federer-wannabe Grigor Dimitrov. Also, keep an eye on 12th seed Lukas Rosol as he has potential.

ualifying is currently underway with Feliciano "Deliciano" Lopez as the top seed. There are also a plethora of Brits in action including ex-British-number-2 Alex Bogdanovic.

The main draw isn't out yet unfortunately but I'll keep looking.

Draw: http://www.lta.org.uk/3G/Tournaments/AEGONChampionships/Draws/2013/MDS.pdf

by CaledonianCraig Fri 14 Jun 2013, 6:20 pm

It does say something though that Andy can be patchy and still come through in straight sets. It was the same in winning in Miami (or was it Indian Wells) earlier in the season in that he won without playing anywhere near his best.

by Danny_1982 Fri 14 Jun 2013, 6:27 pm

He dipped a bit in the second set after a good first set, with some bad decisions on a lot of his shots. He served well at times though and moved great again.

He is usually a bit dodgy with his movement after a break, but his footwork and speed around the court has been tremendous. The more he plays the better his tennis will get... But physically he looks really good which is the main thing.

by User 774433 Fri 14 Jun 2013, 6:33 pm

He was ok today... not at his best.

Last Wimbledon I don't actually think he played that well, he won in 4 sets against Ferrer and Tsonga and then lost in 4 to Federer.
For me actually the form Murray showed in the Olympics and US Open was Murray at his best, and that's the sort of form he'll have to try and reach to win this year.

by invisiblecoolers Fri 14 Jun 2013, 6:39 pm

Just on a curiosity why did Benjamin Becker chose Queens when a similar tournament is running in Germany is native nation? Whistle

by The Special Juan Fri 14 Jun 2013, 6:47 pm

He said he wanted to play Queen's at least once in his lifetime so why not this year?

by Danny_1982 Fri 14 Jun 2013, 7:57 pm

Not sure i agree with that Red.

He was actually quite patchy in New York. He had a real struggle against Lopez and was 3/6, 1/5 down against Cilic before making an incredible comeback to win in 4.

He tore Raonic apart and played well in the semi against Berdych, and magnificently in the fifth against Novak in the final... But it was arguably his most patchy slam of the year overall.

At Wimbledon the Ferrer and Tsonga performances were good. Beating 2 of the worlds top 6 in four sets is nothing to be ashamed of.

I agree that he was exceptional in the Olympics. Those performances against Novak and Roger were awesome. Particularly against Novak where he barely put a foot wrong in what was an awesome quality match.

by Andy11 Fri 14 Jun 2013, 9:06 pm

I really don't warm to Murray. He shouts come on when his opponent makes an unforced error, and he now seems to have assumed his hero's trait of tugging at his shorts pre serve.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 1:37 pm

Are they ever going to stop showing repeats of the 2011 final? Couldn't we see anything older?

by _homogenised_ Sat 15 Jun 2013, 1:51 pm

Andy11 wrote:I really don't warm to Murray. He shouts come on when his opponent makes an unforced error, and he now seems to have assumed his hero's trait of tugging at his shorts pre serve.

tbh I am the same. I really really wanted to get behind a British player, but his on court conduct is second only to the unnameable. Murray shouts, screams, and comes across as a brat. He doesn't have much charisma or anything. I can't get behind someone who shouts like he does at the times he does. And the media bang wagon that rolls around after him is really annoying. I'm already dreading it again this year.

Murray could learn a thing or two from Djokovic... total respect most of the time, claps good shots, and seems a likeable guy.

by Jahu Sat 15 Jun 2013, 1:52 pm

Come on Cilic!!!

by Danny_1982 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:05 pm

I don't profess to know Murray, so it would be ridiculous of me to try and praise or criticise his personality. I have read his book though, in which he talks about how he started with the intention of letting the media see his true self and his sense of humour...

Then he got absolutely torn to pieces over the Henman England Scotland joke, something which followed him around for years, and changed his mind. Now of course the media moan that he's introvert... What do they expect?

As for his on court behaviour, I do t think its bad at all. He moans at times and can be aggressive, but so what? This is professional sport not big brother. I wish he was nastier! I would love to see more of Lendl in him.

Henman got derided for being too nice with no mean streak. Murray gets derided for being too mean and not nice enough. Does make me laugh at times...

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:31 pm

Ah, the Olympic final. Good times.

by Danny_1982 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:41 pm

Juan - I'd love them to replay the semi rather than the final. That was an unbelievable match.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:43 pm

I don't think I could handle that again Danny!! I had dreadful sinusitis that day and had to watch it in a dark room with my laptop on the lowest brightness. Dunno how I survived it in the end but it was a great match.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:45 pm

Andy11 wrote:I really don't warm to Murray. He shouts come on when his opponent makes an unforced error.

This has been done before - they all do that including Roger Federer.

by Guest Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:51 pm

Danny_1982 wrote:Not sure i agree with that Red.

He was actually quite patchy in New York. He had a real struggle against Lopez and was 3/6, 1/5 down against Cilic before making an incredible comeback to win in 4.

He tore Raonic apart and played well in the semi against Berdych, and magnificently in the fifth against Novak in the final... But it was arguably his most patchy slam of the year overall.

At Wimbledon the Ferrer and Tsonga performances were good. Beating 2 of the worlds top 6 in four sets is nothing to be ashamed of.

I agree that he was exceptional in the Olympics. Those performances against Novak and Roger were awesome. Particularly against Novak where he barely put a foot wrong in what was an awesome quality match.

Agree Danny,

and let's not forget Murray played probably his best grass court match up to that point in the final against Federer (subsequently bettered in the Djokovic performance at the OG). It took some vintage stuff from Fed (particularly from the end of set 2 onwards) to put him away.

As Becker said "No shame in losing to Roger Federer"

by Danny_1982 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 2:58 pm

Yes emancipator, up to that point it probably was his best grass performance. The first two sets he was great, and then Federer turned the momentum with 2 unbelievable points to take the second set.

No shame at all in losing to the great man on grass. The fact he'd finally performed well in a slam final was a big step forward for him. What he did in the Olympics was the final step, and erased all the doubts.

by michael_o Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:04 pm

This article sums up the snobbery and pretentiousness of Queens admirably: the reason (apart from the tennis) why I can never be bothered to watch it.

http://www.tennishorts.com/why-queens-club-will-be-the-death-of-british-tennis/

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:12 pm

Andrew Castle embarrassing people is great television!!

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:13 pm

Hmm and I suppose people will claim they paid the ballgirls to say Andy Murray was good fun to be a ballgirl for eh? Wink

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:30 pm

Not at all Wink

I thought Malisse being the most demanding was quite funny though.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:31 pm

Ah 4 double faults cost Hewitt a break. That was just awful.

by lydian Sat 15 Jun 2013, 3:53 pm

This is British tennis at its best...rain, rain, rain, Pimms, blazers, Jimmy Choo shoes and Ascot hats.
Anyway, where's Nalby to bring some much needed scandal to the guffawing stock brokers idling watching whilst wondering which Range Rover to take to Cowes week.

by hawkeye Sat 15 Jun 2013, 5:32 pm

From Neil Harman's twitter account

Harman

Hearing Murray v Tsonga may play on Centre with Hewitt v Cilic (which has already started) moved to No.1 to get these matches done

Leo Shlink

Echoes of Bill Edwards shifting an Australian C'ships women's final off centre court in Brisbane to accommodate the men!

https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes

Ha ha! "Out the way, out the way Andy wants to play" I wonder if they'll do this at Wimbledon... Oh no at Wimbledon Andy always gets a roof.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 5:37 pm

Ah good, the possibility of play!! Upon saying that, I see they're not even starting for another 18 minutes. Oh dear.

by Dave. Sat 15 Jun 2013, 5:38 pm

It's at times like this I miss Ginny.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 5:41 pm

Ah non, il pleut!

by carrieg4 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 5:52 pm

hawkeye wrote:From Neil Harman's twitter account

Harman

Hearing Murray v Tsonga may play on Centre with Hewitt v Cilic (which has already started) moved to No.1 to get these matches done

Leo Shlink

Echoes of Bill Edwards shifting an Australian C'ships women's final off centre court in Brisbane to accommodate the men!

https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes

Ha ha! "Out the way, out the way Andy wants to play" I wonder if they'll do this at Wimbledon... Oh no at Wimbledon Andy always gets a roof.

Top seed gets put on centre at tournament in home country Shocked

It's a scandal!

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 6:01 pm

The BBC need to update those opening titles (or whatever you call them). They still have Clijsters and Roddick there (along with Sampras, Borg, Laver, Perry and Lacoste Wink

).

by LuvSports! Sat 15 Jun 2013, 6:50 pm

allez jo! 1st set and 1-1 to the frenchman Very Happy

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:15 pm

Tsonga the better player in most areas today so far. Murray's serve has let him down and there have been a bit too many unforced errors in his game and just hasn't found his range. Second set going to serve so far.

by _homogenised_ Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:21 pm

Tsonga is well worth a few quid for the Wimb title. I don't think he will do it, but I may cover that bet.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:23 pm

Murray breaks. It was odd because Murray got real aggressive on the first couple of points and Tsonga seemed to go into his shell. Murray serves out to win the second set 6-3.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:26 pm

Tsonga's great entertainment and is playing really well today. He's serve-and-volleying his way to the title (maybe)!! I hope he wins Queen's one day because he's provided some great moments on grass and deserves at least one grass court title.

by Jahu Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:29 pm

Andy looks knackered, no power on his body.

Still the favorite for the W, according to some Laugh

Still if Fed doesn't win W, I hope Murray takes it. thumbsup

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:41 pm

Murray finally finding some great returns and breaks early in the third set to lead 2-1.

Jahu I wouldn't say knackered - I get the feeling his back is bothering him again. Rolling Eyes

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:43 pm

These two certainly play some entertaining rallies.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:47 pm

Tsonga's frailties bubbling to the surface. He just mentally switches off, level dips and Murray breaks to love and leads 4-1.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:47 pm

That's the worst game I've ever seen anyone play!!

by ryan86 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:47 pm

Tsonga got a sniff of victory and then decided to go AWOL.

by _homogenised_ Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:50 pm

This is Tsonga's one main problem... he needs consistency and more mental strength. It is costing him. Really hope Fed gets Murray's half...

by Incrediblexman Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:50 pm

I wish Tsonga played like this when he was up against Federer at the FO.

by ryan86 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:52 pm

TSJ, surely Dimitrov's game serving for the 1st against Djokovic in Indian Wells beats that. At least Tsonga got the ball in the court to hit it into the net.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:53 pm

Incrediblexman wrote:I wish Tsonga played like this when he was up against Federer at the FO.

Oh dear.

Tsonga beat Federer three love on clay - Tsonga's weakest surface.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:53 pm

Ah Tsonga won't know why he lost this considering he was the better player for 2 sets and neither do I. I suppose it was a combination of him dipping slightly and Murray unloading a few forehands at the right time. That dip, whether it was mental or physical (fatigue and/or a foot problem) might worry Tsonga, especially if it was mental.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:54 pm

ryan86 wrote:TSJ, surely Dimitrov's game serving for the 1st against Djokovic in Indian Wells beats that. At least Tsonga got the ball in the court to hit it into the net.

Was that the one with numerous DFs?

by ryan86 Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:57 pm

Yes, I think it was 4 so Djokovic did't have to do anything to win the game.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 15 Jun 2013, 7:58 pm

Sorry TSJ but I disagree. He was the better player for a set and a half. Murray broke at 4-3 and from there he has been the better player and has upped his level and cut out unforced errors. Tsonga's level dipped for sure mentally but I'd say that was due to Andy returning far better and putting the pressure on and it was almost like Jo lost interest.

One thing I do know is that a few years ago that is a match that Andy would probably of lost. Murray into the final to play Marin Cilic.

by The Special Juan Sat 15 Jun 2013, 8:02 pm

CaledonianCraig wrote:Sorry TSJ but I disagree. He was the better player for a set and a half. Murray broke at 4-3 and from there he has been the better player and has upped his level and cut out unforced errors. Tsonga's level dipped for sure mentally but I'd say that was due to Andy returning far better and putting the pressure on and it was almost like Jo lost interest.

One thing I do know is that a few years ago that is a match that Andy would probably of lost. Murray into the final to play Marin Cilic.

Aye, I suppose Tsonga's 2 missed BPs in the second set were some sort of turning point but he wasn't completely out of it until the 3rd set where he sort of imploded. I am going to hesitate about calling it a mental dip though because he may just have been struggling physically. He's had a rough 3 weeks, has Jo.

by Incrediblexman Sat 15 Jun 2013, 8:02 pm

CaledonianCraig wrote:
Incrediblexman wrote:I wish Tsonga played like this when he was up against Federer at the FO.

Oh dear.

Tsonga beat Federer three love on clay - Tsonga's weakest surface.

Are you gloating CaledonianCraig? No-one likes that.

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