Tennis

[MuggsyB]

Kudos to Rybakina, who did what she had to do, but Sabalenka played quite poorly and lost her sh!t way too often.

That's a copout.  Sabalenka loses her S every time she loses a point for starters.  She acts like a rabid 4 year old who's mom took away their Halloween candy or stuffed animal.   It's also worth repeating that Elena 1st served at a 27% clip in the first set.  27%.  So, she didn't play lights out either until the 2nd set.  Thirdly, Rybakina is a better player right now, she's #1 for a reason.  She wasn't even 100% physically.   Lastly, Aryna is honestly a total baby and disrespectful.  She was to Gauff when she punked her a few years ago,  and hasn't changed at all.. And she can "apologize" all she wants, her nonsense is tired and over. 

[MU82]

That's a copout.  Sabalenka loses her S every time she loses a point for starters.  She acts like a rabid 4 year old who's mom took away their Halloween candy or stuffed animal.   It's also worth repeating that Elena 1st served at a 27% clip in the first set.  27%.  So, she didn't play lights out either until the 2nd set.  Thirdly, Rybakina is a better player right now, she's #1 for a reason.  She wasn't even 100% physically.   Lastly, Aryna is honestly a total baby and disrespectful.  She was to Gauff when she punked her a few years ago,  and hasn't changed at all.. And she can "apologize" all she wants, her nonsense is tired and over. 

Nothing I said was a "copout."

[MuggsyB]

Nothing I said was a "copout."

With all due respect, Rybakina outplayed her.  Sabalenka had no answer or plan B to Elena's power and was frustrated because she's used to being the bully.  Then she acted like she was playing horribly every time she lost a point.  That's not what happened, she couldn't handle Elena's zipping shots. 

[MuggsyB]

Shelton with some nerves early. 

[BM1090]

Shelton with some nerves early. 

First set is almost always his worst.

[MuggsyB]

First set is almost always his worst.

That 16-22 bounces with Zverev is extremely annoying.  Enforce the shot clock!!!

[BM1090]

That 16-22 bounces with Zverev is extremely annoying.  Enforce the shot clock!!!

No clock between first and second serves. That rule will likely be changed because of Zverev.

[MuggsyB]

No clock between first and second serves. That rule will likely be changed because of Zverev.

Oh....I didn't know the rule or that the powers that be have had enough.  Ty.

[MuggsyB]

Wow.  Great stab volley there from Ben. 

[BM1090]

Most important thing the rest of this set is for Ben to continue to hold his serve games. He'll probably need to win a couple 7-6s to grab this one.

He usually returns better as the match goes on.

[MuggsyB]

Most important thing the rest of this set is for Ben to continue to hold his serve games. He'll probably need to win a couple 7-6s to grab this one.

He usually returns better as the match goes on.

My concern is Zverev isn't going to have 50+ unforced errors like. Carlos did.  It's extremely difficult to outhit Zverev from the baseline.  Ben is a solid volleyer, and AZ stands way back.  I think I would attack the net more.  Especially with short angles. 

[BM1090]

My concern is Zverev isn't going to have 50+ unforced errors like. Carlos did.  It's extremely difficult to outhit Zverev from the baseline.  Ben is a solid volleyer, and AZ stands way back.  I think I would attack the net more.  Especially with short angles. 

He's likely going to have to play a good serve and volley match to win this one, yeah.

[MuggsyB]

He's likely going to have to play a good serve and volley match to win this one, yeah.

You mean serving combined with good volleying?  Correct?  Not actually the old school serve and volley.  Just asking for a clarification.   Ty. 

[MuggsyB]

That volley was No Bueno.  You can't give Z sitting ducks to the backhand. 

[MuggsyB]

Ben must forget about that set quickly and trust his game. 

[BM1090]

You mean serving combined with good volleying?  Correct?  Not actually the old school serve and volley.  Just asking for a clarification.   Ty. 

Some of both.

[BM1090]

Creating some chances just not taking advantage

[MuggsyB]

On a side note, I'm really surprised they chose to play this match at 1pm Eastern.  You're competing with a large batch of NFL games.  They're are fewer later in the day and innthe evening. 

[BM1090]

Zverev handles Shelton's serve better than anyone I've seen. Sinner is close but Zverev has been impressive. He's playing incredibly

[BM1090]

Ben's starting to let his energy out. That's a good sign. He's been way too tight.

[MuggsyB]

Ben has to find a way to win this set. 

[MuggsyB]

The crowd is getting peeved with Zverev's James Harden routine. Ben can't let it take him out of focusing. 

[MuggsyB]

Not Good. 

[MuggsyB]

Zverev is just too tough today defensively. 

[MuggsyB]

Ben steals the 3rd set.  Zverev had held 66 straight service games before that break.  Crowd is getting loud.