Hopman Cup

[Big Mick]

Well, Australia just rapped up the Hopman cup tie against Slovakia 2-1, despite the best efforts of Mark Phillipousis to lose the bloody match for us.

Alicia Molik single handedly won that tie for us, absolutely dominated Daniella, and the mixed doubles.

She is in such good form, she will definately push the Australian Open.

 

[knightsgal85]

Alicia Molik single handedly won that tie for us, absolutely dominated Daniella, and the mixed doubles.

She is in such good form, she will definately push the Australian Open.

Absolutely! She was magnificient in the singles, and her serve was lethal. She just continues to impress with a fine start to the 2005 season.

We could have easily won the mixed doubles in straight sets if it wasn't for Mark Philippoussis at one stage losing both points on serve in the 1st set tie break at a crucial time. At one stage in the MTB I thought it was going to be a classic case of deja vu when Mark Philippoussis lost both of his points on serve, to give the Slovak Republic the tie. Thankfully we saved that match point, and somehow miraculously won, largely due to Alicia Molik's stunning performance.

 

[Big Mick]

She was outstanding wasn't she.

Her game has improved out of sight. She was playing so poetically today. I hope it continues through the whole tournament.

 

[Brendon]

An upset win for the Germans overnight 2-1 over the no 1 seeds Russia
Great effort!

 

[Razor]

Michaella Krajicek plays today against Shaughnessy. Michaella becomes legal in 5 days.

I'd say Shaughnessy will win the womens, Wessels will win the mens, and Netherlands to win the mixed. So the Dutch take it 2-1

Russia will win it overall. The very inconsistant Safin is the danger who although can beat anyone can also lose to anyone. They are light-years ahead of any other team. They don't have a weak player. Every other country does. Russia is the only team with 2 top 30 players (and both Russian's are top 4). Several teams have no top 40 players.

I'd say Russia will play Australia in the final. It was between the Slovaks and Aussies, and Australia beat Slovaks. Can't see Australia losing to the US or the Netherlands.

 

[knightsgal85]

An upset win for the Germans overnight 2-1 over the no 1 seeds Russia
Great effort!

Brendon, I am just as surprised as you with that outcome! Amazed they upset the top seeds - but good on them! Go Tommy Haas I would have loved to have seen that match.

Result:

Anna-Lena Groenefeld lost to Anastasia Myskina 3-6, 3-6

Tommy Haas d Marat Safin 6-3, 3-6, 6-1

Germany d Russia 7-5 1-6 10-6 (super tiebreak)

She was outstanding wasn't she.

Her game has improved out of sight. She was playing so poetically today. I hope it continues through the whole tournament.

So true Big Mick! If we have any chance of clinching the Hopman Cup for only the second time in history, it will be because of her awesome tennis. Hopefully, Mark improves a little for Wednesday's tie against the Netherlands.

 

[Razor]

Mark improves a little for Wednesday's tie against the Netherlands.

He'll beat Wessels.

Hrbaty is ranked 14th so is a good player, but the other men in that group are

Philippoussis - Ranked 109
Wessels - Ranked 89
Blake - Ranked 97

Mark should be higher than he is, but the others their ranking points to their ability.

Molik should win both as well

Shaughnessy - Ranked 40 (although top 20 this time last year)
Krajicek - Ranked 244 (although could be a top 5 player in the future)

So Australia will be into the final, and I'd say lose 3-0 to Russia. If Argentina or don't beat Germany, Australia will play Germany and it will be 50/50. I think Argentina will beat Germany, so it'll be Russia

 

[knightsgal85]

Mark improves a little for Wednesday's tie against the Netherlands.

He'll beat Wessels.

You would expect him to - but you never know :lol:

Hrbaty is ranked 14th so is a good player

I wholeheartedly agree. Dominik Hrbaty was very dominant in his victory - he's a great baseliner and made some really spectacular returns in that particular match. I knew from the onset it would have been a miracle if Mark were to win, especially with such a lack of matches under his belt, as well as against the world number 14.

 

[Big Mick]

Well To be honest.

I think Australia will win the thing, if they beat the USA on Friday.

I have no doubt we should dominate Netherlands today as we should.

Russia is too inconsistant. I believe Alicia will beat their ladies player, who when I was watching her didn't exactly like the rebound ace, and i think Molik will overpower her.

I think Safin will annihilate Phillipousis.

I think Poo and Alicia will beat them in the mixed doubles because against Germany, they were very erratic.

I think even Germany has a chance, the rest of their group isn't that hard.

 

[knightsgal85]

I think even Germany has a chance, the rest of their group isn't that hard.

Germany has definitely emerged as the dark horses of the tournament, and I wouldn't be surprised if they managed to sneak into the final.

I've been tuning into the Argentina v. Russia tie. It has been sent to a live mixed doubles following yet another defeat suffered at the hands of Marat Safin. He lost to Guillermo Coria in straight sets 7-6, 6-1. Again his frustration got the better of him, with numerous unforced errors consistently throughout the second set. The first set was quite entertaining – it could have gone either way – but it just goes to show persistence will always shine through. A great effort by Guillermo Coria Mixed doubles could go either way – should be interesting!

 

[Big Mick]

Guillermo Coria is very underrated player and one of my favourite players.

Looks like Argentina is going to knock the Russians off in the mixed, its 6-2, 3-0 to Argentina in the match.

Looks like it will all come down to Germany v Argentina tomorrow to decide who will be in the final.

And it will come down to Aus v USA to decide the final placing.


I'm tipping a Australia v Argentina final.

I think the Argentinian Girl will be too strong for the German, the match between Haas and Coria will be awsome, but I think Coria will prevail.

Argentina win that 3-0

Australia to beat USA 2-1

Australia beat Argentina in the ladies singles, comfortably.

Scud loses to Coria

Molik beats Argentina single handedly to hand Australia the title.

 

[Big Mick]

By the way.

Argentina have polished off Russia in their tie.

2 - 1 after beating The Russians 6-2, 6-0 in the live mixed doubles.

Well done Argentina.

 

[knightsgal85]

By the way.

Argentina have polished off Russia in their tie.

2 - 1 after beating The Russians 6-2, 6-0 in the live mixed doubles.

Well done Argentina.

Here Here! I was astonished on how both Guillermo Coria and Gisela Dulko played in the mixed doubles. They were both phenomenal! Some magnificient shots by both players. I was hoping that Argentina prevailed, and they did. Fantastic effort! I do feel for Anastasia Myskina though. She sort of found herself in a similar position to Alicia Molik, with Marat being the Russians major downfall. I'm still a little stunned that Russia have been eliminated from contesting the final - but Argentina on the day deserved the win

Guillermo Coria is very underrated player and one of my favourite players.

Yep, have to agree. He is a very calm player, and has a great return of serve.

 

[knightsgal85]

Looks like it will all come down to Germany v Argentina tomorrow to decide who will be in the final.

I think the Argentinian Girl will be too strong for the German, the match between Haas and Coria will be awsome, but I think Coria will prevail.

Argentina win that 3-0

Yep, that tie would be awesome to watch, especially the Guillermo Coria and Tommy Haas match-up. I like both players, but I hope Tommy comes home with the win, as he will be the decisive factor whether Germany advance to the final. Anna-Lena Groenefeld will most probably lose to Gisela Dulko. Another live mixed doubles match would be awesome. I believe Argentina will prevail 2-1 in the end.

I think it's going to come down to the mixed doubles in the Australia and USA tie - and that could go either way. I'm expecting Alicia Molik to win against Meghann Shaughnessy, and James Blake to defeat Mark Philippoussis quite comfortably. Hopefully, Australia will prevail 2-1.

I'm expecting the final to be contested by Argentina and Australia, but I think we have a much better chance if Germany were to make the final instead. In either case, the mixed doubles will determine which team will win the Hopman Cup. Alicia Molik will win her singles, but Mark Philippoussis will lose his singles match-up.

 

[Big Mick]

Looks like it will all come down to Germany v Argentina tomorrow to decide who will be in the final.

I think the Argentinian Girl will be too strong for the German, the match between Haas and Coria will be awsome, but I think Coria will prevail.

Argentina win that 3-0

Yep, that tie would be awesome to watch, especially the Guillermo Coria and Tommy Haas match-up. I like both players, but I hope Tommy comes home with the win, as he will be the decisive factor whether Germany advance to the final. Anna-Lena Groenefeld will most probably lose to Gisela Dulko. Another live mixed doubles match would be awesome. I believe Argentina will prevail 2-1 in the end.

I think it's going to come down to the mixed doubles in the Australia and USA tie - and that could go either way. I'm expecting Alicia Molik to win against Meghann Shaughnessy, and James Blake to defeat Mark Philippoussis quite comfortably. Hopefully, Australia will prevail 2-1.

I'm expecting the final to be contested by Argentina and Australia, but I think we have a much better chance if Germany were to make the final instead. In either case, the mixed doubles will determine which team will win the Hopman Cup. Alicia Molik will win her singles, but Mark Philippoussis will lose his singles match-up.

Well to be honest, I think Coria will account easily for Hass. i think Hass is in good form and stuff and has been for a while.

But I think Coria is just in better form. he is a terrior that never gives up. he is faster than Hewitt , and that is saying something. I think Hass is suited against Big Servers and thats why he has gone so well, but I think an endurance match against Coria will see him lose.

 

[knightsgal85]

I think Coria will account easily for Hass. i think Hass is in good form and stuff and has been for a while.

I have a feeling Guillermo Coria will win, but I'm hoping Tommy Haas manages to win, as I'm expecting his partner to lose the first match. Like you mention, Coria's got that 'fighting spirit' in him. It will be a good test for Haas to see where he stands.

Guillermo Coria does indeed cover the court extremely well, but Tommy will be more and up for the challenge (I hope! ;-) ). Have these players ever matched up against each other? I don't seem to recall any matches at this present time, but I'm probably wrong.

 

[Big Mick]

I don't think they have, is there any way to find out.

 

[knightsgal85]

I don't think they have, is there any way to find out.

Not too sure - I'm sure Razor would know the answer though ;-)

Apparently they have never been opponents thus far in an ATP or Grand Slam match before, but otherwise, I wouldn't have a clue. That's according to ATPtennis.com.

 

[knightsgal85]

Well, the Australia v. Netherlands tie has recently commenced. Alicia Molik has taken the first set 6-3 against Michaella Krajicek It is 1-all in the second set.

 

[knightsgal85]

Alicia Molik has won her encounter against Michaella Krajicek in straight sets 6-3, 7-5 To Michaella's credit, she fought really hard in the second set and at one stage was up a break, but Alicia broke back immediately. Australia are 1-0 up in the tie. Hopefully, Mark Philippoussis can continue along our winning way.