Top 10 Worst-Dressed World Leaders.

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Federer vs Tsonga.

Cilic in his previous life. From Ricky. Thanks.

RICKY

Look at Cilic in his previous life:
I’ve tried to post that bust of emperor Augustus 2 days ago but it didn’t go through I think so here it is again:

What makes Tsonga a far better candidate than Davydenko to capitalize if Federer falters again?

Serve?

Davydenko had one freaking ace the entire match. All others hit Federer’s sweet spot. Tsonga had 19 against Djokovic.

While there are other obvious differences, the serve appears to be the one that could prove to be a game changer if Federer starts missing anywhere even remotely close to what he did in the first set against Davydenko.

Tsonga has got to be really pumped up for this, far more than Cilic must have been against Murray, for a variety of reasons: He has been here before, the clock is ticking for him (he will be 25 in a few months), is physically stronger AND AND AND has defeated Federer – in straight sets – @ Madrid Masters last year. H2H: 1-1. Score for the one Federer won? 7-6, 1-6, 7-6.

So even though that five setter theme runs concurrent with Cilic there are many reasons for Tsonga to be realistically hopeful. Add Federer’s inconsistencies and can we then say ‘emboldened’?

Cilic takes a set off Murray. Can Tsonga do any better?

Considering Murray hadn’t dropped a set till now and that Cilic was coming off three five setters two of them back to back, this could be more about Cilic than Murray. Duh!!! Taking the first set further underscores the argument.

Can Tsonga, coming in with two back to back five setters himself, match or exceed Cilic? After all, on paper, Federer appears far less of a threat.

Murray has clearly proven to being the best player at the Slam so far. With that stature comes responsibility and pressure to deliver. He will have a worthy competitor in Federer to make it count with that famous ‘two birds with one stone’ cliché.

So far Murray has just been successful with hunting down one bird (H2H against Federer), but to beat Federer at a Slam in a five set setting can most truly send a signal through the tour. Has Federer ever been beaten in a five set match in less than five sets, other than on clay?

That for Federer is like a straight set loss given his history and open admission to being  invincible in five sets.

But this time Federer and Murray will have no excuses of any kind to blame their loss on. Murray has had enough time to get acclimatized to the big stage weather, with US Open the most recent one against the same opponent. Federer has no injuries / illnesses to fall back on. Both come in physically and mentally rested and fit, giving rise to hopes of an epic battle similar to the one here last year or the two Wimbledon ones featuring Roddick and Nadal.

Murray, however, has said enough in the last twelve months to displace Hewitt, Roddick and Djokovic as the next arrogant one – a trait that brings out the best from Federer. Conversely it hurts him the most if he loses to them.

But this time Federer may be facing an opponent who has the arrogance AND the game to upset him – repeatedly. There’s no question that drive to ‘set him straight’ will figure prominently somewhere in the game face make up Federer will bring to the court, but if it occupies more than the legitimate and reasonable space in his psyche, it may begin to work against him given Murray’s recent credentials.

Murray’s strategy is an open secret as is for any player facing Federer: Attack his backhand long enough to open the court for a winner while avoiding the forehand. Easier said than done proven by his 23rd Slam semifinal appearance in succession.

But Murray is one of the few players on the tour who can produce enough pace and angle on his shots to Federer’s backhand to make them count / fluster Federer. Add his retrieving ability and you have Federer’s least favorite player on the court.

But all that can change if Tsonga can produce the match of his life AND Federer loses his right AND left hand before the match.

Nevertheless, a big thank you goes out to all the players for making this Slam one of the best in recent years with a flurry of exciting five setters. Can we have one more – on Sunday?

Photos.

Here’s a snapshot of the stupid and moronic turkey necks running ooops ruining our country.

Sampras To Play Verdasco In San Jose Exhibition. From Monique. Thanks.

MONIQUE

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What Federer needs to win the AO title? From Monique. Thanks.

MONIQUE

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Federer Guarantees No. 1 Ranking After Australian Open; Potential Scenarios. From Claire. Thanks.

CLAIRE

Federer Guarantees No. 1 Ranking After Australian Open; Potential Scenarios
Melbourne, Australia
by ATP Staff
| 27.01.2010

© AFP/Getty Images
Roger Federer beat Nikolay Davydenko in four sets at the Australian Open Wednesday for a place in his 23rd straight Grand Slam semi-final.
Roger Federer has secured his position at No. 1 in the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings after his Australian Open quarter-final victory and Novak Djokovic losing against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Wednesday.

Federer has guaranteed his 268th week at the top of men’s professional tennis, when the new rankings are published on Monday, equalling the tally of Jimmy Connors at No. 1 (for joint third overall in the all-time list).

Djokovic could rise to a career-high No. 2, if Andy Murray does not win his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

Rafael Nadal, who lost against Murray in the quarter-finals, will drop to No. 3 or No. 4 after the Australian Open with 7,670 points, dependent on the outcome of three potential scenarios.

1. If Murray wins the title, Djokovic would remain at No. 3 and Nadal would drop two places to No. 4.

2. If Murray loses in the semi-finals against Marin Cilic, he will have 7,320 points and will remain at No. 4. Djokovic would then rank No. 2 and Nadal at No. 3.

3. If Murray reaches the final, he will have 7,800 points and will rise one spot to No. 3. Djokovic would be at No. 2 and Nadal at No. 4.

Both Tsonga and Cilic are guaranteed to be ranked in the Top 10 of the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings next week.

1. Cilic or Tsonga will rise to No. 7 if either player wins the title.

2. If both lose in the semi-finals they will be ranked No. 9 (Tsonga) and No. 10 (Cilic)

3. If Cilic reaches the final and Tsonga loses in the semi-finals, Cilic will move to No. 8.

4. If Tsonga reaches the final and Cilic loses in the semi-finals, Tsonga will move to No. 8.

Watch live matches at AustralianOpenTV.com.

Web stream available in Asia, Middle East, Africa, South America, Central America (see site for full list of territories).

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Related Topics: Australian Open, Melbourne

Murray vs Cilic AO 2010 Incredible Point! From Monique. Thanks.

MONIQUE

This doesn’t look good for poor Rafa. From Jenny. Thanks.

JENNY

This doesn’t look good for poor Rafa.

Google translated, which isn’t 100%. Sorry I couldn’t wade through to translate.

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