'26 Aus Open Day 13 OoP & Discussion Men's Semifinals

[ptmcmahon]

There have been a lot of "they don't have the heart of the champion" comments recently for players who've won multiple slams...

[ashkor87]

Not putting you on here. But.
Don't you think that reconsidering your position on Rybakina is not due? I mean, you said she did not have the heart of a champion. She then goes to lose 5 straight games, is down 3-0 in the third (granted, only one break) and she comes back to win 6 of the next 7 games, against the world #1.
Surely you will at least consider the recent data.

certainly this match she displayed a lot of heart. But even at 4-4 in the scond set, she was casting anxious glances at her team - she should have closed it out right there. Remember the FO when she led 6-0, 3-0 against Swiatek? Too many cases of her not fighting when she should.

[ashkor87]

There have been a lot of "they don't have the heart of the champion" comments recently for players who've won multiple slams...

sometimes you can win a slam simply because you are that much better.. doesnt prove you have the heart of a champion-- when things get close, how do you respond? Champions find a fifth gear - Alcaraz always does, as he did against Djokovic, and against Sinner at Wimbledon.. Sinner doesnt.. squandered 5 break points against Djokovic and lost.

[ashkor87]

...

Remember the FO 25..same thing happened..when it got close, he could not raise his game. I stand by my comment. The heart of a champion...Rybakina does not have it either..if it gets close, Saba will win ..Ryba will win only if she can blow her away.

Yes. But I also remember the 2024 Aussie open final, when he was the one that was down two sets to none. Against a guy that use to have his number.
And that is also quite the statement about Elena. I am not saying she is a mental giant, but when she won Wimby, she came back from one set down. Against a pretty good competitor.

I hate to say this but it is possible the presence of her coach has given her some courage - he is the one who said 'more energy' to her when she was down 0-3 and needed precisely that.