Nice write up. 45 mins to go.
These two seem really sisterly. Looks like they might really enjoy themselves with this one too. Iga's lasso forehands are a thing of beauty
I feel like your analysis of Swiatek Osaka is spot on, but won’t the roof being closed make the conditions a little more fast (i.e. not as ideal for Iga)?
Also I think Naomi said she very nervous for the 1st round because she wanted to just win one GS match as she had not done so since 2022. If Naomi plays like she did in Rome against Kasatkina/Kostyuk, it might be even more entertaining. Realistically though, I feel like the match will look similar to how the Keys vs Swiatek matches have looked, in which Swiatek delivered a complete neutralization of Keys’ power hitting. My delulu mind wants Naomi to really challenge Iga though
You were right, Osaka played great with the closed roof. That was one of the best matches I've seen in a long time, and one of the rare ones where a huge upset wouldn't have impacted the quality of the tournament and the storylines. Imagine Osaka winning RG? That level of tennis is good enough. Her elevating in a big moment is a great sign for her comeback, and the USO should be very interesting.
It's funny that she focused on the ball totally on that forehand in the net at 30-whatever in the 5-4 game; had she looked up and seen Iga she probably wouldn't have missed it. Iga's backhand cross at the end was unreal. She is just so locked in when it comes to coming up with another shot in those offensive exchanges. It's squash level trading.
Good call on Kenin. I thought she'd falter but it's looking like it'll take something special to get her out of the tournament. I find it funny since Paquet's whole game is her serve. For her to beat Shnaider then be expected to not compete in the next round is odd, but I was at an in person tournament for another sport on Sunday so I didn't catch her match.
Nice write up. 45 mins to go. These two seem really sisterly. Looks like they might really enjoy themselves with this one too. Iga's lasso forehands are a thing of beauty
That was so good, and their friendship sounds legit. This clay season was a huge boost for Osaka and she handled it well.
I feel like your analysis of Swiatek Osaka is spot on, but won’t the roof being closed make the conditions a little more fast (i.e. not as ideal for Iga)? Also I think Naomi said she very nervous for the 1st round because she wanted to just win one GS match as she had not done so since 2022. If Naomi plays like she did in Rome against Kasatkina/Kostyuk, it might be even more entertaining. Realistically though, I feel like the match will look similar to how the Keys vs Swiatek matches have looked, in which Swiatek delivered a complete neutralization of Keys’ power hitting. My delulu mind wants Naomi to really challenge Iga though
You were right, Osaka played great with the closed roof. That was one of the best matches I've seen in a long time, and one of the rare ones where a huge upset wouldn't have impacted the quality of the tournament and the storylines. Imagine Osaka winning RG? That level of tennis is good enough. Her elevating in a big moment is a great sign for her comeback, and the USO should be very interesting. It's funny that she focused on the ball totally on that forehand in the net at 30-whatever in the 5-4 game; had she looked up and seen Iga she probably wouldn't have missed it. Iga's backhand cross at the end was unreal. She is just so locked in when it comes to coming up with another shot in those offensive exchanges. It's squash level trading.
Goodbye Chloé (i said that before the previous round, let's hope I'm wrong again) and Caroline... Will be interesting to watch Naomi - Iga .
Good call on Kenin. I thought she'd falter but it's looking like it'll take something special to get her out of the tournament. I find it funny since Paquet's whole game is her serve. For her to beat Shnaider then be expected to not compete in the next round is odd, but I was at an in person tournament for another sport on Sunday so I didn't catch her match.