Talk About Tennis 2.0

I don't think men's tennis is boring at all. Yes, when both Sinner and Alcaraz are playing an event, they're probably going to make the final. And what a final it almost always is. I don't mind that at all.

Then you have the fact that, in their present state, Alcaraz isn't as nearly automatic to make the final as Sinner is. It's infuriating, but it's still entertaining.

Then you have all the matches that occur in the early rounds of big events. They're still excellent fodder for highly entertaining tennis.

And then we have all of the smaller tournaments Sinner and Alcaraz don't bother with. Again, very entertaining tennis to be had week in and week out. I enjoy these tournaments very much.

So I beg to differ. Give me the early and middle rounds of large events and a slew of ATP 250 and 500 events. I'll be a very happy camper.

ponchi101 wrote: ↑Sat Nov 15, 2025 3:56 pm #3 is larger than #3 and #1000.

not just #1000, even me, with 0 points!

dryrunguy wrote: ↑Sat Nov 15, 2025 4:07 pm I don't think men's tennis is boring at all.

Yes, the quality of tennis is very high, which is what matters.. it is not a horse race after all! My problem is, where I live, I dont get to see much of them on TV, only youtube highlights, which are very perfunctory..

ashkor87 wrote: ↑Sat Nov 15, 2025 4:16 pm

dryrunguy wrote: ↑Sat Nov 15, 2025 4:07 pm I don't think men's tennis is boring at all.

Yes, the quality of tennis is very high, which is what matters.. it is not a horse race after all! My problem is, where I live, I dont get to see much of them on TV, only youtube highlights, which are very perfunctory..

Your point is well taken, ashkor. I am spoiled, no doubt. Tennis Channel in the US shows a lot of men's tennis (and women's tennis, too). And I work at home, so I get to watch a lot--or at least treat it like radio while I am working. So I am definitely spoiled.

Sunday 16 November, 2025 (Day 8)

Inalpi Arena Starts at 3:00 pm

F
H. Heliovaara/H. Patten (2) Vs (5) J. Salisbury/N. Skupski
Not Before 6:00 pm
F
C. Alcaraz (1) Vs (2) J. Sinner

Both Sinner and Alcaraz are playing so well, it is unbelievable, magical.. hope for something special tonight. I will be able to watch that one, one of the channels here is showing it. These 2 are the best players I have ever seen.

I looked it up and was surprised how infrequently it happened that both YEC finalists came to the final undefeated, Since 2000 and to 2024 (25 editions) it only happened 4 times (16 %). In 2010 - Federer/Nadal, 2013 - Djokovic/Nadal, 2014 - Djokovic/Federer, 2016 - Murray/Djokovic.

What is puzzling me in the reporting about this tournament is why everyone sheepishly repeats that these courts are "oh, so fast". The reports on CPI I found are around 38-40. It is NOT FAST. Moreover the highlights that I saw also show quite a lot of prolonged defense, where several winners in a raw had to be hit to win a point. What gives?

mick1303 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 7:49 am What is puzzling me in the reporting about this tournament is why everyone sheepishly repeats that these courts are "oh, so fast". The reports on CPI I found are around 38-40. It is NOT FAST. Moreover the highlights that I saw also show quite a lot of prolonged defense, where several winners in a raw had to be hit to win a point. What gives?

agree, it is not all that fast, medium to fastish I would say.

Because Taylor said it was fast, after his win.
That is my point. There are no fast courts anymore. Remember the glorious Becker-Sampras WTF in 1996? Becker broke Sampras on his first service game, and Sampras broke Becker on his last service game. That was it. The court was so fast (yes, indoors plexipave) that coupled with two powerful serve and volleyers it was impossible to break serve. That was the other extreme.
I know that Alcaraz is a rocket. I know that Deminaur is a speed demon. But when somebody hits a cross court volley, you are outside the doubles' alley and you can still get to the ball, that is not a fast court.
What Mick says. You have to hit two and three winners to win a point. Indeed, what gives?

ashkor87 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 1:46 am Both Sinner and Alcaraz are playing so well, it is unbelievable, magical.. hope for something special tonight. I will be able to watch that one, one of the channels here is showing it. These 2 are the best players I have ever seen.

I think Marion Bartoli would like to talk to you

10-5 H2H, Carlos. He has won 7 of the last 8 (one of them by retirement). Their sole indoor court match was won by Carlos.
What must Jannick do? I say it is a very even match, but the numbers don't say so.

So far this match is delivering. Only one break point in the first set (a set point for Alcaraz at 6-5), not taken and now Sinner has won the tiebreak.

Serving after a tight tiebreak is always hazardous..third set likely now

I don't see Carlos hitting out as in the previous days. And his use of the DS has been sporadic. He plays Sinner differently than when he plays Earthlings.