re: 2024 Australian Open Thread.

Same court as the Frech/Zakharova match, which lasted 3 hours.

Mannarino just dosent go away. It felt like Shelton was dominating and all of a sudden he’s in danger of being down
2-1

Shelton crumbling late. Up 40-0 to hold serve but gets broken a 2nd time in the 5th set.

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Mannarino wins. Guy has to be difficult to play against with those flat slap shots. I think he strings his racquets at like 20 pounds.

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Yep and with that tension all he needs to do is slap at the ball to make shots. I think we all underestimated his fitness. Either he's gotten into that good stuff like other later career comebacks (not saying PEDs, but not not saying it). Or more likely, he might just be 100% healthy for the first time in years. I think he had a bum knee in 2022/early 2023. Before that he had wrist injuries which is why he lowered his tension.

I knew Mannarino would give Shelton trouble, still backed Shelton like a dummy. Didn't really consider that Shelton's height/size would work against him with constantly having to hit shots from around his ankles. Figured Shelton would just brute force his way to a win.

Mirra Andreeva, lads

Didn't expect to use this gif again so soon. Tommy Paul. SMDH. 2 match points in the 4th set TB. Had the final one on serve. Lost both service points at 7*-6, loses the TB and procedes to get bageled 6-0 in the 5th set where he won 1 point on serve.

ESPNs coverage of this has been awful. We have Norrie and Ruud in a great game and yet we are stuck watching Swiatek win the first 6-3. All week it’s been garbage coverage.

The thin margins in pro sports never cease to amaze me. The difference between winning and having a complete meltdown to end a match for world class athletes like Ruusuvori and Tommy P is a few points. I do think the sport is too much of an endurance contest now, but I don't see how to fix it.