TENNIS: Strewth, it's time for the Australian Open!

[IceandIndigo]

New thread.

I’m starting to get worried Djok will win now. Even though I know rationally it’s unlikely.

Ice I know what you mean. I'm glad there hasn't been a lot of '25th slam' talk- but I still feel like there are too many pundits who worship him and want it to happen.

Maybe he will get lost if he wins. Short term pain, for long term gain.

Raahh, if he wins another one he’ll probably play until he’s 50.

I just feel like the stars are aligning for him. He gets a very convenient walkover, and then will play Taylor or Lore who he has great H2H records against. And then I can see a scenario where Jannik gets struck down by the Australian sun and Carlos has an off day. So then we’ll have to put all our faith in Learner Tien.

Sascha is still there!

I don’t trust Sascha in slam finals Jane.

My reason is that he promised Babsy he’d cut his hair if he wins and he doesn’t want to do it so therefore he’ll win!

True- but he's had chances in the past, and it hasn't happened (I loved Domi Thiem - but that US Open final was Sasha's- and he blew it).

But... you never know.

I'm hanging out for Casper to win.(very unlikely) Because really he's not as nice as we think he is, and he would rather his wife give birth on her own (just kidding).

Now I’m picturing a final with Casper stressing about the baby and Sascha worrying he’ll have to do a Carlos skinner

Honestly , if Casper does win he has to consider Babsi's suggestions of an AO themed baby name.

I'm not sure if Norway have rules about these things- would Melbourne work for a girl (or a name)

Kanga Ruud?

You win

Amazing first set from Lore, his serving has been out of the world so far.

I've just seen the scoreline . I am glad he is off to such a good start. Come on Lore!

Not much of an upset really, but Madison Keys lost to Pegula. Madison had a great tournament last year- and not a bad job of backing it up.

Lore's playing is sublime this match so far, Fritz is digging deep but can't compete.

2 sets up now!
Come on Lore( doubt either of them want a 5 set match knowing who is coming in the next round).

Forza! Well done Lore!

Glad I woke up for it." He played like a god" to quote the commentators.

Wow, so happy for Lore!

I was only score watching - but I'm glad it was a case of him playing well rather than Fritz being injured or something. That will give him a real boost going into the next round- even if it's a big ask.

I think Lorenzo will have a lot of support though- and Djok may underestimate that(and we've seen how he reacts to the crowd supporting his opposition).

Interesting listening to the commentators- Iga did not want the night match, she prefers the day- and unlike certain men, who always seem to get what they want, she isn't getting her way because she's playing an Aussie.
To be honest, had she been playing Osaka, this would almost certainly have been a night match anyway.

Maddison has done well to get this far (with some luck with Naomi withdrawing) - but it could still be one way traffic. I hope it isn't .

Jannik is having a fairly straightforward time against fellow Italian Darderi on Margaret Court. I didn't expect Darderi to get this far after seeing him run off ill after winning in the first round (lots of ill Italians about- stay away from Lore!).

Luca was also cramping after (from the heat , I think) after his previous match. He's probably glad this match was a bit later.

Iga looking very untroubled.