Tennis: US Open 2023

[Jack Straw]

Wow.

 

[kihei]

This is Daniil Medvedev tennis at its best.

 

[Filppula]

This is the highest level of anyone at this USO. Easy. Novak won’t get near him with his serving and lapses.

 

[CupofOil]

Alcaraz is toast. Medvedev can really own this court when he's playing aggressive.

 

[Novak Djokovic]

No one can beat this version of Daniil, it's scary right now.

 

[kihei]

This would take one hell of a comeback on Carlos' part.

 

[Jack Straw]

Was not expecting to see anyone do this to Alcaraz.

 

[Primary Assist]

Either way we get a great storyline - rematch of the 2021 open, or Alcaraz proves that he really does belong at the same table as the all time greats if he can come back

 

[Filppula]

No one can beat this version of Daniil, it's scary right now.

Agreed. Freakish. The pace, angles, hands, it’s ridiculous. Bizarre how rarely he displays this but man is it enjoyable. If he wins today, and plays like this in the F, I’d simply have to say too good.

 

[Primary Assist]

If it looks like Alcaraz is about to lose I expect him to glue his feet to the court to avoid having to leave the tournament

 

[PensandCaps]

Either way we get a great storyline - rematch of the 2021 open, or Alcaraz proves that he really does belong at the same table as the all time greats if he can come back

I think Alcaraz has already proved that he is at that table, beating Djokovic at Wimbledon was an impossible feat.

I don't see how he doesn't rack up 15+ majors, health permitting.

 

[Primary Assist]

I think Alcaraz has already proved that he is at that table, beating Djokovic at Wimbledon was an impossible feat.

I don't see how he doesn't rack up 15+ majors, health permitting.

While I definitely see the merit of your post, I really like to judge athletes on two major conditions - how they play when things go their way, and how they play when things don't. Joker has shown his ability to come back when down two sets to love in a major final. Alcaraz has certainly shown his ability to dominate when things are going well, but I still have the vision of him retiring against Nole at Roland Garros.

For a hockey analogy - I'm a big Leafs fan. I think of a guy like Matthews as someone who has all the talent of some of the greatest players ever, and can put up legendary 60 goal MVP seasons. But the reason he can't sit at the all time greats table yet is that he hasn't shown that he can overcome and elevate himself when things aren't going his way. An imperfect analogy since Alcaraz has already won multiple majors, but I think it demonstrates my point

There is no question Carlitos can dominate like few others ever have when he's firing on all gears - but I want to see what he's really got deep down when his back is against the wall and times are tough

 

[PensandCaps]

While I definitely see the merit of your post, I really like to judge athletes on two major conditions - how they play when things go their way, and how they play when things don't. Joker has shown his ability to come back when down two sets to love in a major final. Alcaraz has certainly shown his ability to dominate when things are going well, but I still have the vision of him retiring against Nole at Roland Garros.

For a hockey analogy - I'm a big Leafs fan. I think of a guy like Matthews as someone who has all the talent of some of the greatest players ever, and can put up legendary 60 goal MVP seasons. But the reason he can't sit at the all time greats table yet is that he hasn't shown that he can overcome and elevate himself when things aren't going his way. An imperfect analogy since Alcaraz has already won multiple majors, but I think it demonstrates my point

There is no question Carlitos can dominate like few others ever have when he's firing on all gears - but I want to see what he's really got deep down when his back is against the wall and times are tough

Being this good on all surfaces this young, is pretty unheard of though. I doubt any 19(?) year old is able to beat prime Djokovic on his surface in the middle of an unbeaten streak without having an insanely strong mental game.

The speed, power, and finesse he has are all pretty much elite, I just hope he doesn't get hurt. I don't see anyone really competing with him once Djokovic is out the picture.

 

[Jack Straw]

Not sure why Medvedev decided to start coming to net. Really didn't work out for him there.

 

[Fantomas]

Tom Brady beginning to look like that rich guy who gets blood transfusions from his son.

 

[kihei]

Ain't over yet, and Alex looks a lot more confident.

 

[Filppula]

The fist pumping after every point…tiresome.

 

[Fantomas]

My advice to Medvedev would be for him to stand further back on the return.

 

[kihei]

Set to Carlos.

All that sprinting toward drop shots has to be taking a toll on Medvedev's legs.

 

[MsMeow]

This is such a fun match!

 

[kihei]

Medvedev looks like he is wearing down. Keep holding, Carlos, and good things will happen.

 

[kihei]

Not sure why Medvedev decided to start coming to net. Really didn't work out for him there.

He's trying to shorten points. He's tired.

 

[kihei]

Carlos is living so dangerously here.

This feels like it might be the pivotal game of the match.

 

[Jack Straw]

Medvedev looks completely dialed in.

 

[kihei]

That's a killer. But well-earned by Daniil.

Daniel looked fresh as a daisy in that service game.