Showing posts with label tennis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tennis. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Thursday tennis betting preview
Anyway looking at tomorrow and I'm fancying Del Potro 1.50, Nishikori
2.5, Mayer +1.5 sets 2.1, Fognini +6.5 2.0 and Berlocq +6.5 2.0. There's a fag paper between Wawrinka and Raonic although I'd be looking at over 2.5 sets at 2.25.
Don't know much about a few of the ladies in Linz, but Knapp at 2.10 looks decent. I'd also be backing Petkovic in the women's match of the day which is around 3.30pm at 1.91 v Sloane. In Osaka, Keys 1.9, Doi 2.25, And Zheng 1.62 would be my other selections. Flipkens is also overpriced v Navarro considering the latter can't hit the court at the moment, so I'll be on Flipper at 2.04.
Don't know much about a few of the ladies in Linz, but Knapp at 2.10 looks decent. I'd also be backing Petkovic in the women's match of the day which is around 3.30pm at 1.91 v Sloane. In Osaka, Keys 1.9, Doi 2.25, And Zheng 1.62 would be my other selections. Flipkens is also overpriced v Navarro considering the latter can't hit the court at the moment, so I'll be on Flipper at 2.04.
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Federer out and still bitterness surrounding Simona Halep's exit
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| Robredo schools Fed last night |
When star players lose their tag of invincibility the other players step up to the plate, and it seemed that Robredo was fully aware that he wasn't playing a superman at the other side of the net last night. People are now queuing up to take Roger on with the stats backing this angle up that Fed has lost something out of his game this last year.
Simona Halep was the biggest disappointment from yesterday. Not so much in her own performance as she always tends to start slowly, but more so in the way that she exited. Pennetta played some very good tennis first set, and she thoroughly deserved that there is no doubt. But Simona came back strong in the second and took the momentum fully, before the rain came at a crucial time, just as she was serving for the set. When they came back from rain hours later, Halep was true to form and was again slow out of the blocks of which Pennetta took advantage. In truth, it was one of the saddest muggings you're ever likely to see. Halep was obviously in the ascendency and barring an act of God (which happened), would have won the match convincingly in a decider against a quickly tiring Pennetta.
You could argue that Halep was a little unsportsmanlike after the match storming off, but to be honest if I was in her shoes I'd be absolutely gutted that she was robbed so badly. From a betting angle, just how do you factor that into the equation. Just another obstacle punters have to face on a daily basis it seems.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Women's tennis and one of the most frustrating aspects of any sport - the serve. Radwanska v Errani in focus
I was brought up following women's tennis in the Graf era. Such competitors I used to love were Graf herself, Seles, Vicario and then more latterly the era of Pierce, Davenport etc. Never in all my time following women's tennis, some times more closely than others, have I ever seen the epidemic problem of the utterly atrocious women's serve, and their insane inability to hold their own service games. It is reaching a laughing point quite simply. I could go on and on with examples from almost every match over the last few years, but the pinnacle surely has to be yesterday's Agnieszka Radwanska v Sara Errani match.
Here is the first set of yesterday's match. Radwanska is on the left and Errani on the right. As you can see, Radwanska had break points against her the very first game of the match, but she came through this to take it. Errani then sealed the second game to make it 1-1. Then, rather unbelievably, we had a string of TEN consecutive breaks of serve in the set proper, before Errani lost it completely in the tie break losing serve FOUR times. This stuff is just unbelievable even for women's tennis.
This type of thing is nothing new of course (in the latter years), but what is striking is that the frequency that it is happening is almost bordering on the laughable. This type of thing is now becoming second nature.
So why is this problem so contagious? Is it that the women don't take the serve as seriously as anything else? I find this hard to believe. In the professional era you would think that most athletes would be looking to add to every aspect of their game. So what is the problem? Surely it was NEVER like this years ago and even in recent history with such greats as stated at the start of this post.
The serve is a static point which makes it all that much more mind-boggling. Fitness and physique have reached an all-time high level, and the intensity of some of the matches is of a high level. So why when in virtually all other areas of the women's game, do they struggle so poorly with holding their service games? Laura Robson is a prime example. I believe it has to do with the mentality first and foremost and the lack of expert coaching in this department. Robson for example unquestionably has the array of ground strokes and power to match to be a serious contender. But what unravels her faster than anything is her atrocious service game in which she literally at times can't land it in the box.
Firstly, I believe that the modern day woman tennis player relies too much mentally on their coaches and support staff. Their body language at times when they sit in their chair's between points wreaks of a shriveling flower. They are slumped, shoulders down, bordering on bursting into tears as their coaches tell them this, that and the other. Coaches are fine; but it seems most women are incapable of thinking for themselves on the court and therefore lack the necessary mental steal and determination when things go sideways. It's like they have been molly-coddled far too much. This then impacts mentally, and especially on thinking points.
The serve is perfect example of a mental point over a reflex point. If you have mental issues, then the serve is probably the first thing that will go askew. The player has to get a ball, bounce it, and momentarily 'think' what she is going to do with a flood of emotions and fears. When actually in the point the players can rely on reflex and intuition and are therefore in free-flow mode. But why do even the top women players struggle with it? Radwanska and Errani are Top Ten players, so just how the hell do these girls contribute to 10 consecutive lost service games?
Combined with the mental side of the service game, MUST come the coaching aspect, and I firmly believe that these players are not coached enough specifically in this area, or do not practice their serve enough combining all the technical aspects (rhythm, leg bend, ball toss, striking). The evidence is there for all to see. I mean just how much better would most of these girls be if they had only a half decent service game?
For me, there is little excuse for it. After all, like I say, it is static point in which the variable are almost exactly the same each and every time. Personally, although the women's game is more 'exciting' than ever before, it is becoming a little bit of a side joke in terms of some of the more technical aspects that make you respect the game. This match yesterday was just a microcosm of almost every women's match today.
This type of thing is nothing new of course (in the latter years), but what is striking is that the frequency that it is happening is almost bordering on the laughable. This type of thing is now becoming second nature.
So why is this problem so contagious? Is it that the women don't take the serve as seriously as anything else? I find this hard to believe. In the professional era you would think that most athletes would be looking to add to every aspect of their game. So what is the problem? Surely it was NEVER like this years ago and even in recent history with such greats as stated at the start of this post.
The serve is a static point which makes it all that much more mind-boggling. Fitness and physique have reached an all-time high level, and the intensity of some of the matches is of a high level. So why when in virtually all other areas of the women's game, do they struggle so poorly with holding their service games? Laura Robson is a prime example. I believe it has to do with the mentality first and foremost and the lack of expert coaching in this department. Robson for example unquestionably has the array of ground strokes and power to match to be a serious contender. But what unravels her faster than anything is her atrocious service game in which she literally at times can't land it in the box.
Firstly, I believe that the modern day woman tennis player relies too much mentally on their coaches and support staff. Their body language at times when they sit in their chair's between points wreaks of a shriveling flower. They are slumped, shoulders down, bordering on bursting into tears as their coaches tell them this, that and the other. Coaches are fine; but it seems most women are incapable of thinking for themselves on the court and therefore lack the necessary mental steal and determination when things go sideways. It's like they have been molly-coddled far too much. This then impacts mentally, and especially on thinking points.
The serve is perfect example of a mental point over a reflex point. If you have mental issues, then the serve is probably the first thing that will go askew. The player has to get a ball, bounce it, and momentarily 'think' what she is going to do with a flood of emotions and fears. When actually in the point the players can rely on reflex and intuition and are therefore in free-flow mode. But why do even the top women players struggle with it? Radwanska and Errani are Top Ten players, so just how the hell do these girls contribute to 10 consecutive lost service games?
Combined with the mental side of the service game, MUST come the coaching aspect, and I firmly believe that these players are not coached enough specifically in this area, or do not practice their serve enough combining all the technical aspects (rhythm, leg bend, ball toss, striking). The evidence is there for all to see. I mean just how much better would most of these girls be if they had only a half decent service game?
For me, there is little excuse for it. After all, like I say, it is static point in which the variable are almost exactly the same each and every time. Personally, although the women's game is more 'exciting' than ever before, it is becoming a little bit of a side joke in terms of some of the more technical aspects that make you respect the game. This match yesterday was just a microcosm of almost every women's match today.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Tennis Finals
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| Delbonis - defeated Roger Federer in straight sets |
Thursday, 11 July 2013
England fightback. Europa Qualifying. Simona Halep in Bucharest
England start the day on 1.73 to win the First Test after reducing the visitors to 75/4 at the end of day one. Anyone backing England pre match would already be in the green (SP around evens). Much depends on the first session of today; if England can eek out a few more in the first hour then you'd think it's match over.
There's lots of qualifying matches for the Europa League, but I didn't particularly have a great set of results. Lots of teams won on the stats but ended up losing, so the quality on display may not be worth your money. One pick may be worth it is Levadia Tallinn v Bala Town. Levadia are around evens for the -1 handicap and dominated the last match but just didn't win. I think they'll win comfortably today.
Simona Halep was around the 1.84 mark this morning to win the Bucharest tournament but that's been snapped up already. Saying that, I've JUST had 1.85 matched to win it. The only person to stand in her way will be Annika Beck who I think Halep should have the measure of. I have bitched a bit about the Halep odds and they have been ridiculous (I'm talking 1.06's - Serena territory) for matches, but she has dominated so I guess the bookies have been intimidated by her current form.
There's lots of qualifying matches for the Europa League, but I didn't particularly have a great set of results. Lots of teams won on the stats but ended up losing, so the quality on display may not be worth your money. One pick may be worth it is Levadia Tallinn v Bala Town. Levadia are around evens for the -1 handicap and dominated the last match but just didn't win. I think they'll win comfortably today.
Simona Halep was around the 1.84 mark this morning to win the Bucharest tournament but that's been snapped up already. Saying that, I've JUST had 1.85 matched to win it. The only person to stand in her way will be Annika Beck who I think Halep should have the measure of. I have bitched a bit about the Halep odds and they have been ridiculous (I'm talking 1.06's - Serena territory) for matches, but she has dominated so I guess the bookies have been intimidated by her current form.
Saturday, 29 June 2013
Has Madison got the Keys?
I'm not going to sugar coat it, I can't believe how some of these women tennis players are as high as they are in the rankings. Radwanska is one such player. She seems so inconsistent and doesn't seem to have the power game to compete with other big hitters, so how is she there? Well she is crafty if nothing else. She also relies on the woman on the other side of the net hitting repeated unforced errors (which most women do as a pastime). But I feel that Madison Keys is a different animal these days. As well as her power she has added a fair bit of mental toughness to her game. I think she;'s gotten over that 'teenager transition' and is now becoming a women. Win, lose or draw today, I'm going to watching her odds very closely over the next few years, I think she'll be an immediate future top ten.
With all that being said, Radwanska is the favourite here. This match will be won and lost not on Radwanska, I don't think she can dictate this game on grass, but on Madison Keys and in particular her serve. Keys is 3/1 to win the match. I find this borderline incredible. Believe me, Keys can wipe out Radwanska in straights her today. But the occassion is big, and this may affect her. Time will tell. The safer bet for me would be Keys +4.5 games at 1.90 (this was of last night, Bet365, odds may change). Keys has the protection of 6-4, 6-4, and if she wins a set (which I believe she will) then the handicap should land lovely. Another telling stat is that Radwanska lost to Robson in Madrid early in May 6-3 6-1, and whilst Keys doesn't have the same class (but not much in it) as Robson, they are both similar players that can hurt you with a power game.
The 2nd Test between the Lions and Australia kicks off at 11.05, and I'm dying to get on it. But the truth is, is that this match is so finely balanced that I can't call it. Australia should have won the 1st Test but I'm fearful of their kicking. The Lions will know that a win here seals the series, so all the pressure is on the Aussies. These penalty points could be crucial and I'm expecting a +/- 5 pointer either way; it's all on the day and perhaps a lucky bounce of the ball here and there.
I'm also going for a morning clash between the Tigers and the Storm. -3.5 for the Storm seems a little generous. They lost their last game and will be looking to bounce back strongly.
Madison Keys +4.5 games, 1.90.
Melbourne Storm -3.5 pts, 1.80.
With all that being said, Radwanska is the favourite here. This match will be won and lost not on Radwanska, I don't think she can dictate this game on grass, but on Madison Keys and in particular her serve. Keys is 3/1 to win the match. I find this borderline incredible. Believe me, Keys can wipe out Radwanska in straights her today. But the occassion is big, and this may affect her. Time will tell. The safer bet for me would be Keys +4.5 games at 1.90 (this was of last night, Bet365, odds may change). Keys has the protection of 6-4, 6-4, and if she wins a set (which I believe she will) then the handicap should land lovely. Another telling stat is that Radwanska lost to Robson in Madrid early in May 6-3 6-1, and whilst Keys doesn't have the same class (but not much in it) as Robson, they are both similar players that can hurt you with a power game.
The 2nd Test between the Lions and Australia kicks off at 11.05, and I'm dying to get on it. But the truth is, is that this match is so finely balanced that I can't call it. Australia should have won the 1st Test but I'm fearful of their kicking. The Lions will know that a win here seals the series, so all the pressure is on the Aussies. These penalty points could be crucial and I'm expecting a +/- 5 pointer either way; it's all on the day and perhaps a lucky bounce of the ball here and there.
I'm also going for a morning clash between the Tigers and the Storm. -3.5 for the Storm seems a little generous. They lost their last game and will be looking to bounce back strongly.
Madison Keys +4.5 games, 1.90.
Melbourne Storm -3.5 pts, 1.80.
Monday, 10 June 2013
WTA Nurnberg - Simona Halep to win E/W
I was extremely disappointed that Halep went out in the first round of the French Open. I really do think the organisers botched the rankings up something quite badly. Halep was a form horse going into the event, but she drew Carla Suarez Novarro the Argentine veteran who ran out a winner in 3 sets. Although Novarro is a tremendous match player, Halep had more potential to go further in the competition. She needs more pressure envorinments to get her game somewhere near where she was when she burst onto the junior scene. This week is a perfect opportunity to win this event, with Jankovic being the other woman in her way. Jankovic-Halep final? It could be.
Simona Halep to win WTA Nurnberg E/W (7.00)
Simona Halep to win WTA Nurnberg E/W (7.00)
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Another bad beat. Nastassja Burnett shows how to throw away a set the proper way!
A small wager was placed on Nastassja Burnett to win a set against Roberta Vinci. Vinci wiped the floor her fellow Italian first set winning it 6-1. But Burnett showed AGAIN, just how hard sports betting is and just how to throw away the a set of tennis, the professional way.
At 3-2 up in the 2nd set, Burnett went 0-40 up to secure three break points. Vinci then won the next five points. Then again at 4-3 up, Burnett went 0-40 up again.....and guess what.....Vinci won the next five points again! Then rather unsurprisingly, the first break point that Vinci secured after this collapse of mammoth proportions, she took, taking an advantage break to lead 5-4 and then serving out the match 6-1, 6-4.
Burnett took just ONE of NINE break points, and as stated, six of those came in two games when she was up 0-40. Vinci took 4/6.
As the dust settled and Vinci strode off the court people who didn't witness this would have assumed a spanking. But it highlights once again, that even with knowledge, research, trading execution etc, bets can still fuck up in the most outrageous of fashion.
At 3-2 up in the 2nd set, Burnett went 0-40 up to secure three break points. Vinci then won the next five points. Then again at 4-3 up, Burnett went 0-40 up again.....and guess what.....Vinci won the next five points again! Then rather unsurprisingly, the first break point that Vinci secured after this collapse of mammoth proportions, she took, taking an advantage break to lead 5-4 and then serving out the match 6-1, 6-4.
Burnett took just ONE of NINE break points, and as stated, six of those came in two games when she was up 0-40. Vinci took 4/6.
As the dust settled and Vinci strode off the court people who didn't witness this would have assumed a spanking. But it highlights once again, that even with knowledge, research, trading execution etc, bets can still fuck up in the most outrageous of fashion.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Morning selections. Tennis and AFC.
Barcelona Singles
Klizan 1.8 and Paire 1.9
Barcelona Treble
Raonic, Dimitrov, Monaco
AFC Championship Double
Jeonbuk Motors v Muang Thong, Over 2.5
Urawa Reds v Guanghzou, Guangzhou
Klizan 1.8 and Paire 1.9
Barcelona Treble
Raonic, Dimitrov, Monaco
AFC Championship Double
Jeonbuk Motors v Muang Thong, Over 2.5
Urawa Reds v Guanghzou, Guangzhou
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