OT: US Open Day Four
Afternoon!
I did not post something for yesterday as it was a relatively uneventful day in terms of Americans and the rain. But WOW! I did not know that the hurricane was going to impact NY as much as it did. I hope anyone who lives out that way and who may have been caught in the storm is OK!
TONS of American men play today; basically, all but one remains in one half, but the Djoker half is filled with USA. I won't list them all; however, Opelka is underway currently.
September 2nd, 2021 at 12:38 PM ^
Frances Tiafoe has acquitted himself well, so far. Could he surprise us with a deep run?
I'm really ready to see how the crowd reacts to Novak tonight. I was really surprised that he whined about perceived booing in his press conference. Dude might have thinner skin than Kevin Durant.
September 2nd, 2021 at 12:55 PM ^
Tiafoe has looked super solid. He's not making a lot of the typical mistakes or goofy shots he goes for. As good as Rublev is, I think Tiafoe can win that match.
That is one of the big reasons he has not endeared himself to the general tennis crowd. I just think he's very sensitive and not the warmest guy out there.
Opelka v Musetti headed towards a tiebreak in the first.
September 2nd, 2021 at 1:12 PM ^
An uneventful tie break after a good set.
The Rublev match is the point where Tiafoe's inconsistency usually surfaces. High'ish ranked opponent, expectations starting to build, we've seen this act at slams before. If Tiafoe wins that match, it may spark a turning point for the young man.
I like Novak's intensity, but that wasn't a good look the other night. He should have just laughed it off.
September 2nd, 2021 at 1:24 PM ^
Did you see the first point in that tiebreak? That is why I think Opelka can be a much better version of Isner; got to a point right in front of the net and played beautiful vollies.
September 2nd, 2021 at 1:52 PM ^
Even with a good serve and volley game, is Opelka's movement good enough to ascend to the top ten. Some of the better players will just keep him on the baseline, get that long body moving one way and hit behind him. Extreme height seems to be a disadvantage in tennis.
September 2nd, 2021 at 1:57 PM ^
If Isner can maintain a top 15-20 most of his career with basically 0 court movement, then yeah, I do think Opelka can be a consistent top 10.
His serve is not quite as lethal yet as John's; but, I think it will get there. Even though they are basically the same height, Opelka seems a lot more solidly built; I feel like every time Isner chases a ball down, I'm worried his legs are going to fall off.
September 2nd, 2021 at 2:45 PM ^
LOL I don't think I've ever seen someone's legs fall off on a tennis court. Although, every time a player (male) hits the ball between his legs I cringe thinking he's gonna smack himself in the nuts! LOL
September 2nd, 2021 at 6:29 PM ^
Another key for Tiafoe is his serve. He generally has a below ATP-average serve. When he is able to crank it up to 120 and above (and get it in) he is much more effective.
September 2nd, 2021 at 1:01 PM ^
Opelka grabs the first set.
Edit: Just got the second. Reilly's in the zone.
September 2nd, 2021 at 2:12 PM ^
Is ESPN+ the only place to be able to watch that Opelka match?
September 2nd, 2021 at 2:16 PM ^
No- I watch these all on DirecTV.
September 2nd, 2021 at 2:54 PM ^
I meant on channels other than ESPN+ (which is on the internet only). I have spectrum cable TV and couldn't find it there; I since have seen it has gone final, with him winning in straight sets.
September 2nd, 2021 at 4:02 PM ^
I'm looking forward to the Svadja match. I live in Kalamazoo and watched a bunch of his matches both in 2019 and 2021 at the USTA Nationals. Very solid player, but he doesn't have a loud game. More of a 'make no errors' type than a guy who is hunting winners.
September 2nd, 2021 at 4:13 PM ^
Not a great day for the Americans so far.
Opelka won, which was very important for any hope.
Cressy lost to Bashalasvili (spelling)- I expected that
Johnson is down a set to Monfils- expected
Kudla is losing to Otte- Little disappointing
Some recovery happening: McDonald looks to have the 1st set from Kei. Steve Johnson evened up with Monfils.
September 2nd, 2021 at 6:50 PM ^
Cressy, Kudla, Escobedo, Johnson out...
September 2nd, 2021 at 8:20 PM ^
Uhh, the last thing Novak needs to do is to let a NEW YORK crowd know that they're in your head. This might get brutal today, and the rest of the tournament.