Official Australian Open thread 2012.

[westdog54]

One of my favourite local sporting events. Was fortunate enough to work there last year and the atmosphere was wonderful.

For the first time in a long time, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are on the same side of the draw, meaning they will not contest the final.

Is anyone a regular visitor to the open? Who are you looking forward to seeing in action?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Surprised no one has mentioned Tomic's amazing, come-from-behind win yesterday. I'm not a big fan of the kid (why do they all have to be Lleyton wannabees? How about a Rafter wannabe?), but it was a hell of a performance against a seeded, former semi-finalist, albeit one in terrible form.

The last 5 games in Fed's match last night was unbelievable -- he was broken early in the third after cruising, and just kinda woke up. Didn't play more aggressively, just started yanking his opponent around the court and threading the needle with some gentle, gorgeous strokeplay. A supreme artist.

What the heck is really wrong with Rafa's knee? Apparently it locked up or a tendon cracked or something on Sunday night when he was in his hotel room, and he was in doubt for his first round. The guy trains like a maniac, clearly his body, even at rest, is not really resting.

It would be great to see Rafa, Fed and Novak all make the semis -- then we'll have some fireworks.

--

On the women's side of the draw -- anyone watched Kvitova over the summer? She won Wimbledon last year but no one is really talking about her. She's definitely the form player coming into the tournament -- a BIG hitting lefty. Wozniaki (sp?) is a tenacious little energizer bunny, but I think Kvitova has her measure.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

One of my favourite local sporting events. Was fortunate enough to work there last year and the atmosphere was wonderful.

Is anyone a regular visitor to the open? Who are you looking forward to seeing in action?

Hi Westdog, I used to be a very regular visitor back in the day.

The father of one of my best friends used to be one of the tournament organisers, and he (my friend, not his dad) was a reasonably good player on the junior circuit and played the junior Open a couple of times and also ball-boyed the main draw when he was younger. I used to go hang out with him when he was involved (nominally as his 'hitting partner', although he actually practiced more with the other competitors) -- it was great being able to rock up through the sponsors'/players' entrances and hang out in all the restricted areas.

Over the years we would hang out in the cafeteria and the players' lounges and I got to meet guys like Sampras, Pioline, Moya, Edberg etc.. still have their autographs somewhere in my closet. One year I stalked Martina Hingis to all her practice sessions and managed to get a photo with her. We once snuck onto the the player entourage seats on the Rod Laver during an early round and sat beside Lleyton and Pioline's crew/coaches etc. for half an hour before we were 'discovered' and told to move back. Ah, some good memories there.

Michael Chang and Mary Pierce used to attend the church my friend and I went to as well (introduced by my friend's dad) whenever they were in town for the open, so got to know them a little bit too.

--

More recently, I was involved in the (very last minute) 'Hit for Haiti' event a few years back (I do a lot of work for NGOs) so got to meet Fed and Rafa and Roddick and Serena and Lleyton and Sam (Stosur) etc.. I still have tennis balls signed by all of them displayed on our TV cabinet at home. It's funny looking back at that event, with all the world no.1s on court, how 'out of place' Sam seemed at the time. She wouldn't be out of place at all today!

[Daughter of the West]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Surprised no one has mentioned Tomic's amazing, come-from-behind win yesterday. I'm not a big fan of the kid (why do they all have to be Lleyton wannabees? How about a Rafter wannabe?), but it was a hell of a performance against a seeded, former semi-finalist, albeit one in terrible form.

I was flicking onto the Age tennis updates at work, saw he was down two sets to love and thought nothing more of it. Decided to check what the final score was at 4.30pm and was amazed it was still going! As much I don't like his attitude sometimes, you've got to hand it to the kid, he never gave up and I have always admired that in a tennis player.

[Daughter of the West]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Is anyone a regular visitor to the open? Who are you looking forward to seeing in action?

I usually get to one night session, and I'll be there Sunday night this year. Really looking forward to it, and have got brilliant seats too. What round is it by then, is it the fourth?

[westdog54]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

I usually get to one night session, and I'll be there Sunday night this year. Really looking forward to it, and have got brilliant seats too. What round is it by then, is it the fourth?

First night of the fourth round, the higher seeds start meeting in the draw. Great night to have.

[Axe Man]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

I'm not a big tennis fan, but my wife quite enjoys it so I'm taking her tonight. C'mon Hewitt I guess!

[westdog54]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

I'm not a big tennis fan, but my wife quite enjoys it so I'm taking her tonight. C'mon Hewitt I guess!

Head down nice and early and get in a few games on the outside courts before you head to Centre Court. Make the most of the day, its a good night out.

[Bornadog]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Stosur - oh what a disappointment.

[Mantis]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Stosur - oh what a disappointment.

Pretty obvious from her lead-in matches that she wasn't in great form and today's result doesn't really surprise.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Head down nice and early and get in a few games on the outside courts before you head to Centre Court. Make the most of the day, its a good night out.

I know what you meant, but I had to laugh at this bit..

[chef]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Thank god for Foxtel, you can choose which game you want to watch. Go Tsonga.

[westdog54]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

[/B]

I know what you meant, but I had to laugh at this bit..

I knew what I meant, but can't quite believe I wrote it like that.

But if you have night session tickets you can get into Melbourne Park around 5-ish, that gives you two hours to explore the back courts and soak up the atmosphere in Garden Square or the Heineken Bar.

Just walking around amongst it all without watching any tennis was good fun in itself. Got to watch Daryl Braithwaite perform on a hot Sunday evening, really had the predominantly young (20s-mid 30's) crowd going.

[Missing Dog]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Watching Hewitt play currently, looking to potentially head into a fifth set provided Stebe doesn't choke meanwhile Serena Williams scheduled to play afterwards!

If it enters a fifth set she won't get onto the court until midnight...Not ideal preparation for either player.

[BulldogBelle]

Re: Official Australian Open thread 2012.

Is anyone a regular visitor to the open? Who are you looking forward to seeing in action?

I go to a few of the sessions. This time around will be going on Sunday (day session) and we always go on Australia Day each year both days booked for Rod Laver arena. Having an AO Membership, makes it easier just had to fax through the days I wanted and tickets were posted out.

I always look forward to watching Rafa and Federer play they're such awesome athletes.