'25 AO Day 13 Order of Play & and Discussion

[atlpam]

Shelton acquitted himself well - he is maturing as a player. Still has a tendency to either overcook the shot when he has a winner set up on the big points or play it too safe. I still think he's got slam potential.

[ponchi101]

He strikes me as somebody that is in love with "The Show". He loves to hit a big winner and plays for the crowd. And that can hurt you sometimes.
But, as you say, he has slam potential. The strokes are there.

[mick1303]

I'm finding myself in an unusual position before the final. I think I was only once in this mood - before US Open 2012 final. I always was rooting for Novak against Murray. But not on that occasion. Back then I thought that the loss in that final could ruin Murray. And even though he was not my favorite, I did not want for this to happen. It is similar here: generally I would root for Sinner against Zverev. But I don't want Zverev to be ruined, for that reason I want him to win. Going forward tennis will be more interesting with him as a slam winner.

[ponchi101]

That is a valid point.
I know I am one of the few people here that defends Zverev. But I will grant that sometimes he has behaved less that gallantly. I want him to win because I find Sinner, as likeable a guy as he is, extremely boring on court. Which I know it odd, because both these guys have very similar styles.
And I agree that if Zverev wins, tennis becomes more interesting. Sinner and Carlitos are great for the sport, but a third slam winner and contender would be much better.

[Owendonovan]

Hardly any quick points in the entire tournament.. even the biggest hitters cant put the ball away. Good for those who want a long match but probably not goood for the players or, indeed, for the game as a whole..

Agree. And it can't be good for the sport when every match you play becomes a war of attrition and you are subjecting your body to such an extreme test.
I wonder how much damage and wear you cause on your arm. The legs we know.

Should a format change be considered? 3 sets until the finals, semi's, or quarters?

[ponchi101]

Hardly any quick points in the entire tournament.. even the biggest hitters cant put the ball away. Good for those who want a long match but probably not goood for the players or, indeed, for the game as a whole..

Agree. And it can't be good for the sport when every match you play becomes a war of attrition and you are subjecting your body to such an extreme test.
I wonder how much damage and wear you cause on your arm. The legs we know.

Should a format change be considered? 3 sets until the finals, semi's, or quarters?

No. I would not like that.
Make the courts faster, and change the balls. Make hitting winners easier.
I can tell when I, a complete weekend whinner, am playing my best tennis regarding consistency later in my life, because the balls I use are so heavy I can keep then in easier. My elbow then reminds of my age, but my strokes are more consistent.

[Owendonovan]

We'd see serves at 170 mph.

[ponchi101]

Let's give that a try.