2013 Aegon Championships

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

ryan86 wrote:Yes, I think it was 4 so Djokovic did't have to do anything to win the game.

Found it on Youtube. 4 DFs in 6 points!!

There was a few points at the end of the 2nd or the start of the 3rd where Jo played a few funny points, almost lazy.

Incrediblexman wrote:

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.

No. Merely stating a fact. Sure Tsonga had dips today when Andy upped his game. Perhaps that is where Federer failed in that he was unable to up his game and put enough pressure on Tsonga. If he had of done that he may have been in business.

That's nonsense. When tsonga gets in the groove, no one can beat him if they don't bring their absolute best. He beat Nadal in Aussie Open one year like he was a fly that needed swatting. Tsonga sometimes dips, and today it was him losing rather than Murray winning.

Most of Tsonga's matches are in his hands- but mentally he is not up there with the top 4.

Tsonga is certainly tough to handle when he has momentum and is in the groove. But when things start going against him and he has a puzzle to solve, he doesn't have the imagination or improvisation to change the way he's playing... Maybe because he only really has one way if playing. 

That's what separates the top 4 from him, and everyone else really. Once Murray started reading his serve Tsonga didn't know what to do. He's a tremendous player, but that inability to adapt is why there are 4 guys a class above him.

_homogenised_ wrote:That's nonsense.  When tsonga gets in the groove, no one can beat him if they don't bring their absolute best.  He beat Nadal in Aussie Open one year like he was a fly that needed swatting.  Tsonga sometimes dips, and today it was him losing rather than Murray winning.

No it isn't nonsense. Tsonga is a dynamic player that is clear but mentally flakey hence why he has never won a slam. Mental aspects are very important and Tsonga hasn't got it. Murray won today playing scrappy stuff early but when he upped his game and pressure rose on Tsonga he cracked. Tennis is an all-round game and Tsonga just has key flaws that unless he addresses will always hold him back.

Far as I saw that match Murray was fairly poor for a set and a half. As soon as he started playing relatively decent he has too much in the locker for Tsonga. Not convinced his strategy at the moment is right for the bigger challenges ahead but ok for dealing with Tsonga.

Born Slippy wrote:Far as I saw that match Murray was fairly poor for a set and a half. As soon as he started playing relatively decent he has too much in the locker for Tsonga. Not convinced his strategy at the moment is right for the bigger challenges ahead but ok for dealing with Tsonga.

A fair assessment Born Slippy. Hopefully, Andy can find those extra gears at Wimbledon.

The only thing missing from Murray's game this week is his serve. Aside from that, he's playing very well in tricky conditions. If he finds his serve for Wimbledon, he'll be very difficult to stop.

The Special Juan wrote:The only thing missing from Murray's game this week is his serve.  Aside from that, he's playing very well in tricky conditions.  If he finds his serve for Wimbledon, he'll be very difficult to stop.

Yes his serve hasn't been great. Also at times his returning game has not found its range - been a bit patchy. He is hitting big from the back of the court but would like to see more aggression.

For Andy to win W, he needs a new t-shirt design, he looks like Cyborg with those silly colors.

Murray weathered the early Tsonga storm until as usual it blew itself out. Tsonga is great when on a tear but 1 slam final by age of 28 suggests this guy isn't going to remembered as one of the games greats. The problem is he wants to be a showman and his mind wanders all over the place. Maybe he can focus better at Wimb.

He's going to be wonderful in exhibitions when he retires. I can see him and Bahrami making a good doubles team.

Tsonga and Murray matches always produce some stunning rallies and we saw some more today.

CaledonianCraig wrote:Tsonga and Murray matches always produce some stunning rallies and we saw some more today.

Cilic will be a very tough test as well, the defending champion is no mood to let his title slip off, he has tasted success against Andy in big moments, so if Andy overcomes a spirited challange he very well deserve the title.

Another 3 classic setter in my view.

Cilic has been playing very well this week and is very handy on grass Still I would expect Andy to come through to lift his third Queen's title. If it isn't to be Cilic will be a worthy winner. I like his game and when on form he is great to watch.

I'd be surprised to see Murray lose vs Cilic who is a little one dimensional against top 4 calibre.

Yes lydian I would be surprised. Look at the head-to-head as well - Murray leads 8-1.

lydian wrote:I'd be surprised to see Murray lose vs Cilic who is a little one dimensional against top 4 calibre.

Well no idea what makes double dimensional in your view, but what ever Cilic got tools to beat Andy and he has performed that in big stage, indeed Cilic has tools to beat any player on his day, as long as he wins I don't think he would be worried about being called one-dimensional.

Cilic is playing good and Andy might have to overcome a spirited challange, Halle on contrast has a real boring contest in Fed-Youz

100 years ago, in 1913, Arthur Lowe won the Queens Club tournament - Don't panic, Captain Mainwaring!

JuliusHMarx wrote:100 years ago, in 1913, Arthur Lowe won the Queens Club tournament - Don't panic, Captain Mainwaring!

'Stupid boy JHM'.

CaledonianCraig wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:100 years ago, in 1913, Arthur Lowe won the Queens Club tournament - Don't panic, Captain Mainwaring!

'Stupid boy JHM'.

Darn it, you got there before me Craig

CaledonianCraig wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:100 years ago, in 1913, Arthur Lowe won the Queens Club tournament - Don't panic, Captain Mainwaring!

'Stupid boy JHM'.

Murray should come through ok tomorrow. Have been impressed by Cilic this week though so expecting a good close match.

Well he did always mention Wilson so we know what racquet he played with.

Very apt when you consider Haas, Federer and Hewitt in their 30's still competitive - Dad's Army.

IC, Cilic is 1-8 against Murray (only win was in 2009).
Against the Big 4 he's 2-21!
He's a nice player but never gone beyond QF in the 50 Masters events he's entered. I would be gobsmacked if he beat Murray.

lydian wrote:IC, Cilic is 1-8 against Murray (only win was in 2009).
Against the Big 4 he's 2-21!
He's a nice player but never gone beyond QF in the 50 Masters events he's entered. I would be gobsmacked if he beat Murray.

Yeah, only win was when Murray was struggling with his wrist. However, he has caused Andy problems in other matches - led 6/3 5/1 at the US last year for example. Hard to see Murray letting him get that sort of lead on a grass court. Should be straight sets for Murray but if he is off his game Cilic could take advantage.

Born Slippy wrote:Far as I saw that match Murray was fairly poor for a set and a half. As soon as he started playing relatively decent he has too much in the locker for Tsonga. Not convinced his strategy at the moment is right for the bigger challenges ahead but ok for dealing with Tsonga.

I don't tbink it's a strategy and as usual too much is read into it. For instance Andy was firing from the off in his first two matches

I haven't seen the match, but presumably - on this occassion, knowing that Jo is a fast starter, Murray probably decided to pace himself. I mean why bother revealing all your aces, when you know that your opponent will start to get bored or start to wilt as soon as you up your game

As I said, too much is read into the approach of matches involving the Top 4 against those outside. We knew. Murray knew. And Tsonga certainly knew, he wasn't winning this match

I'd be astounded if Cilic beat Murray tomorrow. I could sit and pick holes in his game but I won't do that because he seems like a nice enough bloke. The one thing that does irk me slightly is his service motion. If you watch him for long enough and he's playing a good returner, he starts to double fault and when you watch his service motion, you know he's going to double fault before he does. For a big man, his serve isn't that big (but quite accurate). If there's any reasonable wind tomorrow, Murray should win easily.

On another note I hope the Rally Against Cancer is on TV but I highly doubt it.

_homogenised_ wrote:That's nonsense.  When tsonga gets in the groove, no one can beat him if they don't bring their absolute best.  He beat Nadal in Aussie Open one year like he was a fly that needed swatting.  Tsonga sometimes dips, and today it was him losing rather than Murray winning.

Blah! Blah! Blah! Of course Tsonga is the best ever, as his record - which is likely to end up worse than Grinning Greg's, clearly shows

You are correct Tsonga "sometimes dips", as I do when playing any sport. Unfortunately, I've not been given a god given talent which is arguably (out of the current crop) only second to the GOAT - so can be excused

What's Jo's constant excuse? I didn't see the match, but was the stadium half empty? Like at the start of his limp wristed defeat to Ferrer

Or was the moon in the wrong phase?

It must be great being Tsonga. You get all the plaudits for been the flashy showman, as everyone forgets just what garbage you serve at the other times. Meanwhile poor Nadal, Djoko and Murray get caned for being consistent, simply because they are not 'exciting' enough!!


He often does look unbeatable though - unfortunately it rarely last longer than 30 minutes, unlike the two hours needed when playing one of the Fab 4

Also, I forgot to add, Murray appears to be wearing something white underneath his Adidas t-shirt. Could it be some sort of vest like Federer wears?

The Special Juan wrote:Also, I forgot to add, Murray appears to be wearing something white underneath his Adidas t-shirt.  Could it be some sort of vest like Federer wears?

Interesting. I do hope during his break he learnt that he's not The Terminator and needs to manage such injuries for the longevity of his career.

Sounds like, from what he says and what you observed he might have done so

Ah, the final's delayed because of rain but it shouldn't be too long.  I think they're showing the charity match too which I'm looking forward to more!!

Murray in danger now. 5-6 with Cilic serving next and that's after leading 4-1... He changed shoes, let's see if that makes him play better.

Cilic serving for the first set. Murray agitated after slipping and falling quite heavily. He's annoyed with his footwear, the umpire (for not overruling a clear mistake), his team, the world...

Come on Andy. Pick it up.

Cilic has played to come back. Good court coverage by Cilic.

Come on Cilic, knock his cyborg t-shirt off.

1st set Cilic.

Cilic takes the set. Andy fighting with himself too much.

Cilic not even playing magic stuff. 48% 1st serve. Hang on 2 aces in a row a 1st set for cilic.

Ah mental demons.  Tut tut tut.  I can't believe Cilic has come back into this set; I must give him more credit in the future should he win (although he did his best to bottle it there).

2 Errors, 2 good serves and Cilic has the first set. One more set to defend his title.

Come on Andy!

The court is incredibly slippy. Well, Murray is slipping a lot anyway. 

Always surprised me that players don't have trainers for different conditions. Murray has put another pair of the same ones on. Why don't they have low grip, moderate grip, extreme grip in their bags?

Never understood that. Murray is moaning about his movement - or more accurately the surface - since his fall, yet I don't get why he and all tennis players aren't prepared for it.

Very similar Murray performance to the one yesterday V Tsonga early on. Too patchy and too many unforced errors. Cilic though showing he is no grass court mug.

Murray has a chance to break the Palindrome here!

Ha, you're right Dave.  I didn't even notice that.  If Cilic holds here, he'll be level.

Cilic holding himself together better than Tsonga. Murray serving better but not found his return game to any great consistency. Should Cilic win here it will be deserved.

Last major winning palindrome was Seles