'23 USO Day 7 OoP & Discussion

[ponchi101]

...

I don't care who you are playing. Absolutely, Ostapenko was playing great tennis. But, if no strategies could ever work, then Ostapenko would win every match. There are always strategy options. I mean- try to find ways to extend the rallies and see if Ostapenko would start coughing up errors (which we've all seen plenty of times), come to the net more, slicing, serving and volleying, moving Ostapenko as much as you can....Certainly, "make an effort" and "stop looking like a deer caught in the headlights" would have been worth trying for Iga.

AND- hey, forget the youngsters- get a taste of the life for most 60-somethings.

You just described ALL the things Iga can't do. Not WON'T, CAN'T do. She is like Martina Navratilova through the looking glass.

[meganfernandez]

...

I don't care who you are playing. Absolutely, Ostapenko was playing great tennis. But, if no strategies could ever work, then Ostapenko would win every match. There are always strategy options. I mean- try to find ways to extend the rallies and see if Ostapenko would start coughing up errors (which we've all seen plenty of times), come to the net more, slicing, serving and volleying, moving Ostapenko as much as you can....Certainly, "make an effort" and "stop looking like a deer caught in the headlights" would have been worth trying for Iga.

AND- hey, forget the youngsters- get a taste of the life for most 60-somethings.

You just described ALL the things Iga can't do. Not WON'T, CAN'T do. She is like Martina Navratilova through the looking glass.

Room for Iga to improve her game, then.

[nelslus]

...

I don't care who you are playing. Absolutely, Ostapenko was playing great tennis. But, if no strategies could ever work, then Ostapenko would win every match. There are always strategy options. I mean- try to find ways to extend the rallies and see if Ostapenko would start coughing up errors (which we've all seen plenty of times), come to the net more, slicing, serving and volleying, moving Ostapenko as much as you can....Certainly, "make an effort" and "stop looking like a deer caught in the headlights" would have been worth trying for Iga.

AND- hey, forget the youngsters- get a taste of the life for most 60-somethings.

You just described ALL the things Iga can't do. Not WON'T, CAN'T do. She is like Martina Navratilova through the looking glass.

She's #1. At least try something. I do love the Navratilova in the looking glass comparison.

[ti-amie]

Iga is too used to being allowed to do whatever she wants during a match. I've said it before: many of the WTA players play a similar style and it doesn't involve taking Iga out of her comfort zone. Ostapenko doesn't care who you are or what your rank is she is going to come out there and jack up your day.

Ironically a lot of what nelslus said about disrupting Penko's game can be said about Iga. Move her around, don't let her get into her preferred rhythm, slow things down, make it clear you will hit her if necessary. Guaranteed Iga, and Penko, will wilt.

This is why on court coaching has destroyed the sport, in my opinion. None of the 507 could do anything because they're so used to not having to do anything. A #1 with the winning streak she had, should be able to mentally adjust and at least try something different even if it doesn't end up working.


I still say Sabalenka will melt down

[skatingfan]

This is why on court coaching has destroyed the sport, in my opinion. None of the 507 could do anything because they're so used to not having to do anything. A #1 with the winning streak she had, should be able to mentally adjust and at least try something different even if it doesn't end up working.

Coaching has only been around for a year, legal coaching at least, and the first 3 Ostapenko losses were 2019, 2020, and early 2022. Swiatek's issue is that she doesn't have a plan B not because she can't think of a plan B.

[ti-amie]

This is why on court coaching has destroyed the sport, in my opinion. None of the 507 could do anything because they're so used to not having to do anything. A #1 with the winning streak she had, should be able to mentally adjust and at least try something different even if it doesn't end up working.

Coaching has only been around for a year, legal coaching at least, and the first 3 Ostapenko losses were 2019, 2020, and early 2022. Swiatek's issue is that she doesn't have a plan B not because she can't think of a plan B.