ATP M1000 WTA 1000 Rome 5/9 - 5/21 2023

[nelslus]

What would you prefer they say there?

And let Paula have this one. She's been consistently having tough draws since she's not ranked as high and is finally getting through a few.

OH, no anti-Badosa commentary meant. Just wta snark.

I mean, why not go ahead and post "You GO, Girl!!!!" and up the obnoxious comment quotient factor?

Well they didn't do that because it's not 1992...but seriously, that's an acceptable phrase to use on social media. An ordinary way to describe those reaction shots to most, so expected rather than obnoxious.

To me, "all the feels" is just as 1992-ish territory. I had just been explaining that I wasn't snarking on Badosa is all. I find WAY over-used phrases ("cool beans") to be annoying. So, apparently, we can agree to disagree on "all the feels".

[nelslus]

It's legal now so there is nothing to do about it, but it was not only Carlitos or Kudermetova being coached through the entire match. I noticed there were several such matches this week.
It is the new way. We have to accept it.

Just to be clear this was always happening - now it's done in such a way that you don't have to spend most of your time at a live match trying to crain you neck to see the signs.

FOR sure. I've mentioned this before....I was at the Mike Bryan/Jack Sock US Open final that they won, near their coaches. The amount of coaching gong on was so beyond ridiculous. One of many, many examples of the coaching that had always been going on.

Nevertheless, I'm in the Kicking & Screaming group. I am all about letting what has always been special about tennis remain. That, you should have to figure out on your own how to win tennis matches. Just because coaching has "always" been going on doesn't mean IMO to go ahead and, rule-wise, condone and encourage this. Plenty of champion players have taken pride on not relying on on-court coaching to win.

But, yup- that train has clearly already left the station. The Tennis Muckety-Mucks ain't gonna care about what we think.

[JazzNU]

i will accept it kicking and screaming.

I hear you. I will die on this hill - Safina never gets to #1 if not for the introduction of OCC.

Just to be clear. I say we have to accept it. Doesn't mean I don't hate it.
Ferrero's advice to Carlitos was very comprehensive. Where to serve, where to stand, direction, height. It is a solid advantage against a lower player that can't pay a "quality" coach. You are going against Juan Carlos and Carlos (JC² ?)

Yes, I'm of the belief that part of the reason Carlito has come on so quickly and completely when he did is due to the coaching changes. The way people applaud his variety and command at this young of an age and all that, I think that's JC more guiding him through those tight windows than him just game planning those on his own. I think he'd get there eventually, but I'm thinking the consistency that he has at an exceptionally high level is not just him, but him and real-time adjustments from JC. A formidable duo.

[Owendonovan]

I don't think most would want all my "feels".

Borna's been pulling rabbits out of his hat, he's looking good, lets hope he stays this way.

[ponchi101]

How much of a chance do we give Borna against Stefanos?

[Owendonovan]

How much of a chance do we give Borna against Stefanos?

50/50 for the win, 75% to take at least a set. (Borna leads their h2h 3-2)

[JazzNU]

How much of a chance do we give Borna against Stefanos?

I'd only say 50/50 because it's on clay. On hard, I go 60/40 or even 70/30 for Coric. Borna troubles Stefanos greatly. Stefanos did beat him after several losses the last time they played, but it was a tight 3rd set so I wouldn't say he's figured him out or anything. Stefanos also isn't playing anyhere near as good as he was down in Australia so we'll see.

[ashkor87]

Rybakina vs Swiatek...am eagerly looking forward to it . On a slow court like this I would have said Rybakina would have no chance..but that is what I said at IW roo ..interesting..

[ashkor87]

Coaching could also be the reason Alcaraz lost! Messes with your head.i have found it so when I used to call out to my son in a match. Tennis is played a lot with the instincts, not a reasoned brain. The court is no place for thinking...

[dave g]

Rune over Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2

So much for ATP predictions for this week.

[ponchi101]

Rune over Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2

So much for ATP predictions for this week.

Totally.
But I could not care less.

[ponchi101]

Rybakina vs Swiatek...am eagerly looking forward to it . On a slow court like this I would have said Rybakina would have no chance..but that is what I said at IW roo ..interesting..

I am changing my tune. Watching Ostapenko, who is also a maniacal hitter of the ball, the only way to make a winner on this slow clay involves creaming the ball.
So, it will be a matter of: will Elena's shots land in?
I do give her a chance. Not a favorite, though.

[ti-amie]

[ponchi101]

If Iga did not like to play at 1 a.m. in Madrid, I wonder how she will like it here in Rome, in the rain.
Because Ruud/Cerundulo will take a while longer.

[ti-amie]

If Iga did not like to play at 1 a.m. in Madrid, I wonder how she will like it here in Rome, in the rain.
Because Ruud/Cerundulo will take a while longer.

I was thinking the same thing. And it's really raining hard.

In a case like this put ego aside and play on the second court. It's not as if the fans are going to hang around to watch you play...