Australian Open

Sabalenka hasn't dropped a set yet, Rybakina's only dropped one - vs Collins in round 2.

The bookies have made Sabalenka favourite but Wimbledon champ Rybakina's slam final experience might see her shade it, I think the betting prices might be slightly unreasonable at 5/4 for Rybakina to Sabalenka's 7/10. It should be closer than that.

Tough call. I hope for at least a full three setter.

It's amusing that Rybakina's low ranking was because of not getting any points from winning Wimbledon. If it's helped her reach this final, then it's even more counter-productive.

Djocker meets Tsitsipas in the men's final.

I hope Tsitsipas is able to make a game of it. I actually think his all round game and overall mentality is pretty strong right now.
Whether it will be enough to overhaul Djokovic is another story however.

Sabalenka won in a decider, her first Grand Slam. Well done them both though.

Alfie Hewett claimed the Wheelchair Mens Singles title for GB after a 6-3 6-1 win over Tokita Oda of Japan.

In the end and somewhat as I feared Tsitsipas was just not good enough in the clutch situations of the match against Djokovic and lost in straight sets albeit with 2 sets going to tiebreaks. A fundamental requirement of playing Djokovic especially in the Australian Open where he has such a good record is the ability to hang tough at key moments.
You simply are not going to get given much by way of opportunity so what few chances you do get must be taken.
Harsh perhaps but that's sport at the highest level. It's brutal. Don't take your opportunities - pay the price. Djokovic just too strong.

Well done them both though

(28-01-2023 21:54 )Snooks Wrote:  Alfie Hewett claimed the Wheelchair Mens Singles title for GB after a 6-3 6-1 win over Tokita Oda of Japan.

Great to see Alfie take home the title after trying for a number of years. This tournament - like the other championships in Australia - deserves far more coverage than it gets!! It looked relatively straight forward on the scoreboard for Hewitt, but that would be to overlook some of the outstanding play from the young Japanese player Tokito Oda - only sixteen with already some outrageous shot execution - a future potential champion for sure.

I personally didn't know until today that the GOAT (no caveat) Shingo Kuneida had retired. thanks for all the great memories Shingo - happy retirement!

This year's tournament starts at midnight UK time with an extra day added to the event to spread the flow of matches.
First British player in action will be Jodie Burrage who faces Tamara Korpatsch of Germany in round one.

Andy Murray avoided the risk of another marathon match with Etcheverry by instead losing in straight sets.

Wimbledon champ Vondrousova also lost pitifully.