March 1, 2023 • 29 mins
Daniil Medvedev wins his second championship in a row and his 17th career title, but can he match the level of Novak Djokovic? Nick McCarvel joins the Round Table from Acapulco to discuss all of the championship results from a busy week, Rafael Nadal opens up about what makes him cry and shares how he developed his signature topspin forehand, and Simon Rea from the Game Insight Group reveals the players who hit with the most zip at Australian Open 2023.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
The time for talking is over.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The match clock showing four hours and twelve minutes leave
it all loves him, have a short for in inside him, Murrige.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
They're running.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
What's the smash like? It's God's good. It's about.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Love, says a rough DA's ten the absolute questa bitch.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Hello and welcome to the AO Show with me John
Houvenas for another busy week on the tennis calendar as
we build up to Indian wells over the next fortnight.
Here's what's coming up on the show. Medvedev back to back,
But is he back to his best?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
I think Medvedev is just getting back to the place
mentally that he is one of the tough players.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Spanish Wool, the softer side of Raphael Madal.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
I don't feel a Shao Gray watching films, watching and
watching a moment in this blog.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
And who are the spin Kings and queens of three, three.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
One and eighty one revs per minute on his forehand?
Speaker 2 (01:04):
If you don't mind, that's all ahead on the AO Show.
There is plenty happening in the world of tennis this week.
Here are the headlines. Medvedev continues his rich vein of form,
defeating Murray in Doha for career title number seventeen. Kritchikov
gets the better of Siontek for the second consecutive time
(01:25):
to win in Dubai. Nori turns the tables on his
Argentina and mss Alcaraz to win his fifth career title
in Rio. Georgie eclipses Peterson in Merida to win her
first title in two years. Djokovic surpasses Graft's record to
become the player who spent the most weeks at world
number one, and Nadal, Shontek, al Karaz and Rabaikna receive
(01:48):
nominations for the Lorious World Sports Awards. For joining me
on the roundtable today are Casey de laqua and commentator
Nick mccarvill, who's joining us from Akapulco. And Nick, a
pretty stunning environment from the looks of things. What's the
vibe like over there?
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Yeah, Boitis, Tarday's John and Casey. Great to see both
of you. Thanks for having me on the roundtable. Akapolco
is just this incredible event. You know, Rafa's won it
here four times, previously Delpo Dmitrov. For a few years,
case it had the WTA event the women's but John,
it's such a great atmosphere. This is a destination tournament
(02:25):
for Mexican fans. A ton of folks come from Mexico City.
And I didn't realize this, but they sell packages. You
only can come Monday through Wednesday, or you can buy
a Thursday through Saturday package. And it's only night sessions,
so it starts at six. It's hot here, so people
have a day at the beach and then they come
for the tennis. Honestly, I feel like I'm a walking brochure,
(02:45):
but I'm drinking the local kool aid.
Speaker 6 (02:47):
It's really been a cool event.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Yeah, it sounds pretty Iniche. Do you think that's a
model of tennis scheduling that we might start to say
in more places?
Speaker 6 (02:55):
Yeah? I think so.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
You know, I think overall you look at sort of
tennis can be long days, right. I think two things.
The culture needs to be there. You need a late
night culture. Mexico is a late night, late night culture.
People love to have their nights out here. And then
I also think you have to have sort of a
secondary reason. So is it scheduling is that the heat
is a TV? What is it getting fans out of
(03:17):
work and into I know Washington, d C. They start
around three or four o'clock. But I love the idea
of having folks encouraging folks to come after their work day.
Obviously here it's more of a holiday vibe. But yeah,
I mean I interviewed Alex Demonur on court and he said,
this is the only place where you train every day.
You know that you're gearing towards a ten pm walk.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
On on court.
Speaker 4 (03:37):
And we've seen that in the Slams right sometimes these
late nights, but here the players know that they're going
to build that their schedule around that schedule.
Speaker 6 (03:45):
Yeah, and just on that.
Speaker 7 (03:46):
The few times that I've played events in say Asia,
where the humidity is through the roof and they also
start matches, you kind of get in this really nice
routine as a player where you are on a latest schedule,
and it actually can work really well in terms of
a player perspective. You get the morning to kind of rest, recover,
and then you're on.
Speaker 6 (04:06):
Again in the evening.
Speaker 7 (04:08):
So it has worked in multiple venues for as you said, Nick,
you've got to have that reason.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Why perhaps whatever that might.
Speaker 7 (04:14):
Be, but they definitely do it at a number of
events across the calendar.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
So Acapulco ongoing, and you mentioned Alex demonor Nick. As
we record this, his next matchup is against Berrettini, but
not the one that we'd ordinarily expect to see.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
I don't know if Matteo Berrettini worked into his contract
with the tournament that his brother Jacapo would be also invited,
but he got a wildcard John into the qualifying ranked
outside the top eight hundred is Yakapo qualifies, wins two
matches and then gets through a retirement against Oscar Atta
in the first round.
Speaker 6 (04:47):
We know that that's not an easy match Ata at all.
He won the second set.
Speaker 4 (04:51):
And the Barattini brothers actually last night on stadium court
they played doubles together. It's really cool to see. I
think Barattini, I think their mom is here with them.
And I was interviewing Tail before the tournament. He said
he had a nice sort of preseason break after that
last to Andy Murray at the Australian Open, and that's
kind of something case that I think is interesting to see.
He and Casper rud are both coming here off of
(05:11):
four to six week training blocks after early losses at
the Australian Open and I feel like more and more
players are building in their own breaks. They're building in
these schedules, and these you know, you can call them preseason,
mid season sort of stints where they're practicing, they're getting
ready for tournaments. And obviously Yakabo here, he's got a
big opportunity to go deeper in the singles. But for Matteo,
(05:32):
we know that he wants to get back to the
top of the game. He's had some bad luck, including
out Wimbledon last year. But I think overall it's cool
to see these players sort of taking control of their
own schedules too.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (05:43):
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more. Nick and ash Barty actually
did that quite well throughout her career, where she would
pop back home and make sure she put in pockets
of training, whether that be for body maintenance work or
to gain some strength. But as we know, the calendar
is so long, and there's always in this concept that
you finished the do the preseason, but the calendar now
(06:03):
often goes throughout the whole year. There's plenty of events,
whether it be Davis kap or particularly for the men
to play. So I think really smart finding windows where
possible to make sure because it will help the longevity
of these players to be able to block out those
training blocks, not only for the body but also the
mind because it's an arduous sport and day and dout.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
It can become pretty grueling.
Speaker 7 (06:26):
So I think very smart play from both Bertini and
would there.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, because there are some other players who actually haven't
been home since Christmas at Cameron Norri's an example of that.
He has been in some great form and he is
one of a number of players who have won titles
this week. Let's have a closer look at some of
the results. Medvedev another title last week in Rotterdam, this
week in Doha.
Speaker 7 (06:49):
Yeah, really strong performance from Medvedev. His forehand is certainly
been finding some form which has been really crucial. Also
he's defense and being pushed out out wide or in
a defensive position and then to be able to recoup
and find himself winning points was what he was doing
(07:10):
so well when he was playing some of his best tennis.
So I think there's kind of been a couple of
key standouts that we've seen from Medvedev in regards to
why he perhaps you know, won those.
Speaker 6 (07:21):
Two titles, which I think is really exciting. Nick moving forward.
Speaker 7 (07:25):
In terms of Novak and the tennis that we've seen
him play, and the guys like Medvedev really competing against
players lack a Novak.
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Yeah, and I think case you point out the axes
and nos, I'm going to point out some of the
intangibles John, and for me it's we cannot I don't
feel like we can understate the fact that Medvedev was
an inch away. My fingers are less than an inch
of parts. If you're listening to the podcast from winning
the austra And Open title and Rafa, you know, has
this comeback last year? Obviously it's been over a year,
(07:54):
and I think Casey Ken attest that stuff really is
impactful on players that was going to be too slam
in a row.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
And I think Mavedev is just John getting back.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
To the place mentally and the belief that he is
one of the top players. And how about in Rotterdam
he beats Felix Dmitrov sinner and then in the next week,
the following week in Doha he beats Felix again and
then beats a really inform Andy Murray. So those are
great wins, they're confidence building wins. And this case he
says Djokovic. Right now, he is absolutely the men's standard overall,
(08:26):
and Mavedev's player that we know that can challenge him.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
So if he has that confidence back, that's really big
to me.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Well, we talk about the standard at the top of
the games, and we've all been thinking for the last
year that IGAs Fiontek has been the standard. But we
now have a situation where the last two times she's
played against Babora Kratchikova, she's come unstuck. So, casey, what's
happening there? Krijikova winning the title in Dubai and Shviontek,
(08:52):
who is untroubled the whole way to the final, didn't
drop a set, suddenly loses in the final.
Speaker 7 (08:58):
There's probably a lot to speak to at both parties
in terms of Siontech, where she was at in that final,
and then also where Kjikubs come from. If I talked
to I guess Fiontech first and foremost. I mean, what
an impressive start to the season that she has had.
And I think we've just seen a couple of matches
where perhaps she's her servers potentially let her down at
(09:22):
crucial times throughout matches, which it did against the match
against Krajikova in the final there. But in terms of Krajikva,
I'm really happy for her. She was injured, she even
said it for four months of last year. You know,
she is a quality player. And when you're thinking about
game smarts and you're thinking about like a n Ash
Party or someone who can break down someone else's game, Krajikova.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
Is that type of player.
Speaker 7 (09:43):
She's able to think steps ahead in regards to what
position she likes to play her back end to create
the next opportunity, or when to move forward.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
She just has that about her.
Speaker 7 (09:53):
And she was down match points against Kasakina earlier in
the tournament and then flicker the switch. It happens so
often in tennis. You get that belief he scraped through
a couple of matches and then she wins the tournament.
But really happy for Kadrikova. Just played fantastic tennis and
just really broke down the serve of Shrian Tech, which
(10:15):
I think is something key when you are playing Shrion
tech that you've got to put into your game plan.
But yeah, a pretty impressive performance, but a wonderful win
for Kajukova and for a great person as well.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Heynick.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Yeah, I mean absolutely, just a total gem human being
off the court, and John, I think this is a
good what a great transition Medvedev and now Kadjikova, because
these are players, like Casey's saying, that have the games
to challenge the top players. Fiantek we know is the
standard bearer in the women's game, and Kadjikova with that
double's prowess, with how much success that she and Sidneyakiva
(10:49):
have had, She's taken that she's translated, and that's not
just a commentary line, it is a true line in
her being able to attack the court.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
Move the ball around, and think through matches.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
And she beats Sabalanca, Pagoula and Fiantek, that's the top
three players in the world. And I think for her,
she's come a long way from winning that friendship and
obviously in the COVID year, to be able to excuse
me in twenty twenty one and then be able to
fully come through, I think she's really handling the pressure.
I also love the last few months there's been kind
of these memes going around of Pradjikova watching tennis.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
She's always at tournaments watching tennis.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Well, guess what that helps when you're watching your opponents,
when you're just watching as a fan, you're gonna soak
things up.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
She's a sponge.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Nevatna was someone that worked with her for years, and
I think that you know all of that, the sponge
mentality is really paying dividends for Barbara.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
A very likable athlete. Indeed, I mentioned cam Nourri before
he lost to Carlos Alcarez just over a week ago
in Argentina. But he turns the tables in Rio, despite
the fact that Alcarez clearly injured and was keeping the
points to a minimum all throughout that match.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
Well, I just thought it was huge. You know, you
set it up perfectly, you know, the win in Buenos Aires,
that was huge for Alcarez. He's back now injured again,
but hopefully it's not too bad.
Speaker 6 (12:05):
But you know, I watch a lot of.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
That Rio final and it was a huge mental mountain
for cam Norri to climb, to beat Carlos Alcarez, to
do it on clay, to do it in that Rio
atmosphere where obviously Alcarez had the crowd behind him.
Speaker 6 (12:18):
That's a huge win mentally.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
Even though Alcarez was injured, and actually sometimes I think
it's even harder case. You can tell me if I'm
wrong here when you're playing an injured opponent, because Alcarez
has one of the best drop shots in the game already,
and then he's using his power because he's injured, he
doesn't want to move. So I actually thought that that
was an even more impressive win from cam Norri. And
here's another player, cam Norri, who if he can build
(12:41):
some momentum. We saw him at the Wimbledon semifinals last year.
We know that he's got that lefties kind of unorthodox
off of both wings. He took this week off. He
opted not to play Akapolco due to fatigue. But that
to me, John means that he's setting up for big runs,
hopefully for the rest of the year.
Speaker 7 (12:58):
I've always admired Nori as an athlete. He's got this
engine about him that just keeps going and going. He
was a brick wall against al Koraz, and he just
made it difficult, as you said, that mountain to climb. Mentally,
I think down set a break and maybe love thirty
on his server as well. So that was huge from him.
But when you work so hard like a Norrie does.
(13:20):
And you're so professional you walk out on that court
and those are the moments where you can pull out
everything you've got. And for me, Norri just he doesn't
let up in terms of what he gives his opponents
with unforced errors.
Speaker 6 (13:32):
He's always shows up.
Speaker 7 (13:33):
He's got that awkward leftiness to him, which I love obviously,
but he just he's got it. He's got it, Norri,
And you're right. I think he's setting himself up for
a big year. You can understand the fatigue coming playing
a part right now, but yeah, exciting year four Norrie.
And obviously had some great wins in Australia as well,
so he's looking in good form.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Have we touched on Novac before, But another record has
tumbled over the past week, and this time Steffi Graff's
long held record Nick of most weeks spent at number
one across his career, so not consecutive, but a total
of three hundred and seventy eight.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Would you believe?
Speaker 4 (14:11):
Yeah, I mean, And the scary thing is actually was
just listening to his interview from Dubai. Once he hits
number one, they're asking about it, and he's only hungry
for more. You know, I think at this point he's
he's had so much history, he's created so much history
that he can take it and stride. And that's no
disrespect to the history of the game. It's just how
Novak is operating. That's the different planet that he's on.
(14:33):
And I think he's the standard bearer in terms of
being able to play under pressure, to bring his best
tennis best of five. We saw him that with the
tenth Australian Open and also these best of three matches.
You know, he just when the going gets tough is
when Novak really starts to start his own engine, and
I just I there's no words and for him. You know,
(14:54):
we look at Rafa continuing to try to keep his
body together to try to push Novak. But this next generation,
these generations underneath Novak, they've got a lot of work
to do. And that's only credit to Novak, there's no
just credit to them.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
This time next year, I dare say we may be
seeing the name Novak Djokovic in the nominations for the
Laureus World Sports Awards, just as we're seeing this year
Rafael Nadal nominated for the World Sportsman of the Year
and Igish Fiontek nominated for the World Sportswoman of the
Year after outstanding seasons in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (15:29):
Absolutely, both outstanding athletes in their own regard. Both achieved
a phenomenal amount last year. So we're always gunning for
the tennis players, aren't we, nique in terms of awards
to take home. So both deserving nominees and it will
be exciting to see if they can come away.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
With the top award. Yeah, case well said.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
One thing I love about Laureus is that these awards
are global, you know. For me working in the Olympics
a lot, I just see all these athletes who are
just achieving lifetime achievements. And Rafa did that in the
first half of last year. I almost had three slams,
you know, three from three.
Speaker 6 (16:05):
No one would have thought that in twenty twenty two.
And you know, I think that Egish Fiantec.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
I don't think she's not been given enough credit, but
like she was so dominant last year, that wind Streak,
the French.
Speaker 6 (16:17):
Open, the US Open.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
I love to see those tennis seams on that list
and hopefully they're going to come away with some hardware too.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Wonderful and also Carlos Alcarez who we mentioned before and
Elena rabaik and are also nominated there in the World
Breakthrough of the Year awards, so good luck to them.
You guys are both heading off to Indian Wells next week,
so a little reunion for you hopefully next week. How's
that going to be?
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Ok?
Speaker 7 (16:41):
So I hope, so oh so exciting. I'm never not
excited to see unique. So i can't wait to get
to Indian Wells. Beautiful Palms Springs. What a tournament. Always
loved going back to Indian Wells. It really is a
ripping tournament on the calendar to be an athlete, but
also a fan, great spectacle. So I'll see you there
and I'll see there for a big hugsuit sounds.
Speaker 6 (17:00):
Good, love it.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
There isn't much the tennis world doesn't already know about
Rafael Nadal. His backstory is folklore and his exploits legendary,
the small town boy from the island of Majorca who
was trained by his uncle and became one of the
fiercest warriors to ever take to a sporting arena. But
there's a softer side to the Spanish bull that we
don't often see, although we do catch glimpses from time
(17:27):
to time in tender moments of mateship, in interactions with
his loved ones, and well during soppy movies. As Erson
caderis found out.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Do you feel like the deeper you go in your career,
the more emotional these wins get you?
Speaker 3 (17:44):
No. I have been always sensible emotional day, you know.
I don't feel shy to cry watching films, you know,
or watching emotional moments in a sport. In my personal career,
I cried plenty of times, you know, most of the
times for victories more than for losers, but sometimes for
(18:08):
losers too, And that's that's that's part of the motions
that the sports uh brings, you know. So yeah, last
year it was a very special moment.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
What movies do you cry?
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I know a lot. I can't stand the number, name
it a lot of.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Let's talk about entertainment in sport, because you're one of
the most entertaining players that we have. How important do
you think the entertainment factor is?
Speaker 3 (18:39):
I mean, I mean that that the entertaining it's not
for everyone is the same. I mean for me, entertaining
is play with passion, try your best in every single moment,
be hundred percent focus when you do a sport. For me,
(19:01):
that's the that what really makes me feel entertained as
a player and as a fan towards somebody leave the
situations with passion, with with with all these emotions on court.
But for other people, emotions are and other kind of
stuff like it's made maybe do some some funny stuff
(19:23):
on court, and I don't know for everyone entertained entertaining
is different.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
How do you see your role though? Do you see
yourself as an athlete as well as an entertainer.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
I see myself as a as an athlete and trying
my best every single day, probably and playing with that passion.
Probably I was able to to entertain and sometimes inspire
different people.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
What are the sounds that you're hearing during a match?
We would like to get some insights into your mind
when you're when rough and a dolls in the match.
What do you hear? Do you zone everything out?
Speaker 3 (20:05):
No? I hear everything. I am able to to normally
hear all the things that happens around. I tried to
do my routines. I tried to to stay focus on
the things that are going well and stay open for
for changes when the things are not going that well.
(20:27):
So normally have the right self control and the open
mind to to try to change things when when the
things are not going well and try to find a solution.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
So when the fans, when the fans chant your name,
you here, you you Yeah, of consciously hear that.
Speaker 6 (20:43):
Of course.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Your signature shot, your forehand. Tell me a bit about it,
how you developed it or did it come naturally to you?
Speaker 3 (20:54):
No, I started playing Dennis to bagging. I changed my
forehand to one one hand forehand at the age of ten,
something like this. I don't know. I mean, that's high shot.
I think sometimes worse weather, sometimes worse worst. But of course,
(21:16):
when I am playing well, the forehand have been probably
one of well, let's say, the most disasive shot in
my my Denni's career.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
And how do you feel when you hit that perfect forehand.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Well, when I'm hitting and the confidence playing well with
the forehand, normally I hit that I am able to
to change directions and to to.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Do with the ball.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Not exactly what I want, but close.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
It's time to get a little bit nerdy once again.
And we've invited Simon rayback from the game Insight group
to talk to us about some of the AO twenty
three leaderboards, and Simon first of all, top spin fourhand
start with the men who are our podium.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Well in terms of spin. So this notion of a
ball rearing off the cord and really pushing an opponent
back behind the baseline. So you may not necessarily be
looking to hit a winner with this shot, but you're
looking to set the point up or build the point
around the spin that you can generate and impart onto
your opponent. So some of the suspects that we did
speak about last week, they rise to the four again
(22:25):
here and this time Azili the scene. I think he
goes from fourth on the speed perspective right up to
number one on the spin list, so one and eighty
one revs per minute on his forehand, if you don't mind, which.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Is actually very hard to quantify, but I guess it's
the only metric we have.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
And I think you spoke about it last week. In
terms of the reference to the average, So the men's
average at the Australian Open in twenty twenty three seven
hundred revs. So he's got some four hundred revs on
the average, So that's a significant difference, and then I
think goes to highlight what an outstanding number that is
from agili Se when you look at some of the
names in behind him. So kochan Arkis, we spoke about
(23:03):
his overall fourhand picture being number one on the list
in January, so something that he and his team can
take great heart from. His heaviness rating was number one
at the Australian Open. He's number two on spin, Nadal
at number three, Casparud at number four. So you know,
I think some really impressive numbers at the very top
of that list, and sits a passing Djokovic, both sitting
(23:23):
comfortably within the top twenty as well, which is also noteworthy.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Yeah, soe he sits ab Us there in tenth. He's
also over three thousand revs per minute, and Djokovic two
thousand and eight sixty seven, which is one hundred or
so one hundred and fifty or so higher than the
men's average. What about the women's side for four hand
spin revs per minute?
Speaker 5 (23:43):
So on the women's side, the average that we look
at there is two thousand and one hundred or circa
twy one hundred revs per minent, And I think what
is interesting here is both of our finalists again in arena,
Sabalenka and Elena rubaik and A both sit inside the
top twenty. So Sabalenka is at three hundred and Rebiken
or just above that. Rebiking is just below Twoy three hundred,
(24:04):
So really similar from a spin perspective, Jeng from China's
top of the list twenty seven hundred, Taylor Townsend. We
know what a heavy forehand she's got, or what a
spinny forehand she's got, and then there's some of the
usual suspects, so Igoschwiontek, she's number three two five hundred
revs permitted on her forehand.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
Okay, let's turn our attention now to backhand spin and
we will have a look at speed as well. But
on the men's side, I see the Norwegian Caspar Rude
top of the table.
Speaker 5 (24:35):
Yeah, and what we typically expect on a from a
spin perspective on backhand side, just because of the biomechanics
of the shot and the way the respective shots are produced.
In terms of a one hand versus two handed backhand,
it is easier to generate more spin and often we
see our one hand is high up this list. So
you'll often see one handed back ends at the top
of this list, so.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
You can see if you're already.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
Yeah, and Dimitrov, in fact, he's he's number three on
this list, but from a speed perspective, he's number one
on that list. So some pretty impressive numbers from Grigor
Dimitrov on this list in terms of spin Caspar Rud
you mentioned leads the field twenty seven hundred. Then there's
a couple of one handers, so sits Apass men's finalist
or men's runner up twenty seven hundred, also just a
(25:15):
little lower than Rude. Demetrov comes in third twenty six hundred,
and that's up against the average which is down at
eighteen hundred. So those guys significantly more revs on the ball,
significantly more spin and jump reaction to the court surface
on those backhands from a spin perspective than we would
typically see in the field.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Okay, and Dennis Shapovalov, Felix Augialia sim As you mentioned
two Canadians in the top five. Novak Djokovic down in
thirty second place and slightly below the men's average for
top spin on the backhand wing.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
Yeah, and I think that's where you know, it is
really interesting you make the comparison to the speed of
shot if you like, and Novak from a speed perspective,
since at fourteenth so one hundred and twenty kilometers. Now
it's not a huge surprise that he's not right up
the top of the list from a bin perspective, because
he is trying to hit that backhand with pinpoint accuracy,
almost laser like accuracy, get that thing deep in the cord,
(26:08):
or expose as opponent, take him off the court, and
so nowhere near as much spin being generated from Novak
on the backhand side as there is relative to himself
into the plane group on the forehand side. So quite
a difference in terms of tactical approach and what Novak
himself is trying to achieve with those two shots.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
Casey de Laqua last week on the show has picked
Jeng Chin Ween to be one of her big breakthrough
players of twenty twenty three and predicting her to win titles.
No surprise then that she's also number one on the
top spin backhand speed.
Speaker 5 (26:38):
Well, I think it's a prediction from case that's really
well made, and the numbers bear out that it's a
name to absolutely keep a close eye on She's right
at the top of the list. So one hundred and
twenty three kilometers an hour, that's nearly fourteen kilometers an
hour higher, if you like, than the woman's average. That's significant,
that's really noteworthy. Lauren Davis is high. She's made a
real shift across her career in terms of being more
(27:00):
aggressive on backhand side, not prepared to rely on her
on her defense and her counterpunching. She wants to take
the fight to her opponent, Georgie. We know how high
she sits from a forehand a speed perspective. Well, there
she is number four on the backhand speed list at
one hundred and twenty kilometers an hour, and Saballenka and
Abikener both up there as well, one hundred and eighteen
for Saballenka, one hundred and fifteen for a Bikenner, both
(27:22):
well in advance of that woman's average at one hundred
and ten point five. And I think what this does
bear out in my mind anyway, when you look at
a Sablenka or a Bikener, they're high on speed, they're
high on sorry foehand speed, they're high on fourhand heaviness,
So the combination of speed and spent and then you
have a look at backhand speed, they're right up there
as well. So it's that notion of well, where's your
(27:43):
rest spite coming from? Where's your breathing space if you're
up against a Sablenka or a Bikaner from the back
of the court, we know how impressive Sabolenka's serving was
at times when she desperately needed it across the Australian
Open in twenty twenty three. Now you're looking from the
back of the court, where's my get out of jail car? Well,
it's not there. It's hard to find. So I think
(28:03):
that goes to speak to just the extent of the
challenge that looks you square in the eye when when
you are faced with the prospect of taking on Sablenka
or a biking and down the other end.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Indeed, great insights from you, Simon, and you're going to
be a regular part of the AO show right throughout
the year, so there'll be plenty more opportunities to bring
the data and interpret it for us so that we
can get the most out of the matches that we
watch on TV.
Speaker 5 (28:25):
Right across the year, looking forward to it, John, thanks
for having me.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
That wraps up this week's episode of the AO Show.
Join me again next week for the latest tennis news,
views and interviews before we go. Happy Birthday, it's a
Darius savill Anieska Ravanska, and Ivan Landel all celebrating birthdays
this week, and don't forget. You can get in touch
with me via ozopen dot com, slash listen, or email
The Aoshow at tennis dot com dot au. Also take
(28:52):
a moment to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
And if you're enjoying our content, please leave a rating
and comment so more fans can enjoy The Iron Sharks
Speaker 7 (29:08):
MHM.
The time for talking is over.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The match clock showing four hours and twelve minutes leave
it all loves him, have a short for in inside him, Murrige.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
They're running.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
What's the smash like? It's God's good. It's about.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Love, says a rough DA's ten the absolute questa bitch.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Hello and welcome to the AO Show with me John
Houvenas for another busy week on the tennis calendar as
we build up to Indian wells over the next fortnight.
Here's what's coming up on the show. Medvedev back to back,
But is he back to his best?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
I think Medvedev is just getting back to the place
mentally that he is one of the tough players.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Spanish Wool, the softer side of Raphael Madal.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
I don't feel a Shao Gray watching films, watching and
watching a moment in this blog.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
And who are the spin Kings and queens of three, three.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
One and eighty one revs per minute on his forehand?
Speaker 2 (01:04):
If you don't mind, that's all ahead on the AO Show.
There is plenty happening in the world of tennis this week.
Here are the headlines. Medvedev continues his rich vein of form,
defeating Murray in Doha for career title number seventeen. Kritchikov
gets the better of Siontek for the second consecutive time
(01:25):
to win in Dubai. Nori turns the tables on his
Argentina and mss Alcaraz to win his fifth career title
in Rio. Georgie eclipses Peterson in Merida to win her
first title in two years. Djokovic surpasses Graft's record to
become the player who spent the most weeks at world
number one, and Nadal, Shontek, al Karaz and Rabaikna receive
(01:48):
nominations for the Lorious World Sports Awards. For joining me
on the roundtable today are Casey de laqua and commentator
Nick mccarvill, who's joining us from Akapulco. And Nick, a
pretty stunning environment from the looks of things. What's the
vibe like over there?
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Yeah, Boitis, Tarday's John and Casey. Great to see both
of you. Thanks for having me on the roundtable. Akapolco
is just this incredible event. You know, Rafa's won it
here four times, previously Delpo Dmitrov. For a few years,
case it had the WTA event the women's but John,
it's such a great atmosphere. This is a destination tournament
(02:25):
for Mexican fans. A ton of folks come from Mexico City.
And I didn't realize this, but they sell packages. You
only can come Monday through Wednesday, or you can buy
a Thursday through Saturday package. And it's only night sessions,
so it starts at six. It's hot here, so people
have a day at the beach and then they come
for the tennis. Honestly, I feel like I'm a walking brochure,
(02:45):
but I'm drinking the local kool aid.
Speaker 6 (02:47):
It's really been a cool event.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Yeah, it sounds pretty Iniche. Do you think that's a
model of tennis scheduling that we might start to say
in more places?
Speaker 6 (02:55):
Yeah? I think so.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
You know, I think overall you look at sort of
tennis can be long days, right. I think two things.
The culture needs to be there. You need a late
night culture. Mexico is a late night, late night culture.
People love to have their nights out here. And then
I also think you have to have sort of a
secondary reason. So is it scheduling is that the heat
is a TV? What is it getting fans out of
(03:17):
work and into I know Washington, d C. They start
around three or four o'clock. But I love the idea
of having folks encouraging folks to come after their work day.
Obviously here it's more of a holiday vibe. But yeah,
I mean I interviewed Alex Demonur on court and he said,
this is the only place where you train every day.
You know that you're gearing towards a ten pm walk.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
On on court.
Speaker 4 (03:37):
And we've seen that in the Slams right sometimes these
late nights, but here the players know that they're going
to build that their schedule around that schedule.
Speaker 6 (03:45):
Yeah, and just on that.
Speaker 7 (03:46):
The few times that I've played events in say Asia,
where the humidity is through the roof and they also
start matches, you kind of get in this really nice
routine as a player where you are on a latest schedule,
and it actually can work really well in terms of
a player perspective. You get the morning to kind of rest, recover,
and then you're on.
Speaker 6 (04:06):
Again in the evening.
Speaker 7 (04:08):
So it has worked in multiple venues for as you said, Nick,
you've got to have that reason.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Why perhaps whatever that might.
Speaker 7 (04:14):
Be, but they definitely do it at a number of
events across the calendar.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
So Acapulco ongoing, and you mentioned Alex demonor Nick. As
we record this, his next matchup is against Berrettini, but
not the one that we'd ordinarily expect to see.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
I don't know if Matteo Berrettini worked into his contract
with the tournament that his brother Jacapo would be also invited,
but he got a wildcard John into the qualifying ranked
outside the top eight hundred is Yakapo qualifies, wins two
matches and then gets through a retirement against Oscar Atta
in the first round.
Speaker 6 (04:47):
We know that that's not an easy match Ata at all.
He won the second set.
Speaker 4 (04:51):
And the Barattini brothers actually last night on stadium court
they played doubles together. It's really cool to see. I
think Barattini, I think their mom is here with them.
And I was interviewing Tail before the tournament. He said
he had a nice sort of preseason break after that
last to Andy Murray at the Australian Open, and that's
kind of something case that I think is interesting to see.
He and Casper rud are both coming here off of
(05:11):
four to six week training blocks after early losses at
the Australian Open and I feel like more and more
players are building in their own breaks. They're building in
these schedules, and these you know, you can call them preseason,
mid season sort of stints where they're practicing, they're getting
ready for tournaments. And obviously Yakabo here, he's got a
big opportunity to go deeper in the singles. But for Matteo,
(05:32):
we know that he wants to get back to the
top of the game. He's had some bad luck, including
out Wimbledon last year. But I think overall it's cool
to see these players sort of taking control of their
own schedules too.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (05:43):
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more. Nick and ash Barty actually
did that quite well throughout her career, where she would
pop back home and make sure she put in pockets
of training, whether that be for body maintenance work or
to gain some strength. But as we know, the calendar
is so long, and there's always in this concept that
you finished the do the preseason, but the calendar now
(06:03):
often goes throughout the whole year. There's plenty of events,
whether it be Davis kap or particularly for the men
to play. So I think really smart finding windows where
possible to make sure because it will help the longevity
of these players to be able to block out those
training blocks, not only for the body but also the
mind because it's an arduous sport and day and dout.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
It can become pretty grueling.
Speaker 7 (06:26):
So I think very smart play from both Bertini and
would there.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, because there are some other players who actually haven't
been home since Christmas at Cameron Norri's an example of that.
He has been in some great form and he is
one of a number of players who have won titles
this week. Let's have a closer look at some of
the results. Medvedev another title last week in Rotterdam, this
week in Doha.
Speaker 7 (06:49):
Yeah, really strong performance from Medvedev. His forehand is certainly
been finding some form which has been really crucial. Also
he's defense and being pushed out out wide or in
a defensive position and then to be able to recoup
and find himself winning points was what he was doing
(07:10):
so well when he was playing some of his best tennis.
So I think there's kind of been a couple of
key standouts that we've seen from Medvedev in regards to
why he perhaps you know, won those.
Speaker 6 (07:21):
Two titles, which I think is really exciting. Nick moving forward.
Speaker 7 (07:25):
In terms of Novak and the tennis that we've seen
him play, and the guys like Medvedev really competing against
players lack a Novak.
Speaker 4 (07:32):
Yeah, and I think case you point out the axes
and nos, I'm going to point out some of the
intangibles John, and for me it's we cannot I don't
feel like we can understate the fact that Medvedev was
an inch away. My fingers are less than an inch
of parts. If you're listening to the podcast from winning
the austra And Open title and Rafa, you know, has
this comeback last year? Obviously it's been over a year,
(07:54):
and I think Casey Ken attest that stuff really is
impactful on players that was going to be too slam
in a row.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
And I think Mavedev is just John getting back.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
To the place mentally and the belief that he is
one of the top players. And how about in Rotterdam
he beats Felix Dmitrov sinner and then in the next week,
the following week in Doha he beats Felix again and
then beats a really inform Andy Murray. So those are
great wins, they're confidence building wins. And this case he
says Djokovic. Right now, he is absolutely the men's standard overall,
(08:26):
and Mavedev's player that we know that can challenge him.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
So if he has that confidence back, that's really big
to me.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Well, we talk about the standard at the top of
the games, and we've all been thinking for the last
year that IGAs Fiontek has been the standard. But we
now have a situation where the last two times she's
played against Babora Kratchikova, she's come unstuck. So, casey, what's
happening there? Krijikova winning the title in Dubai and Shviontek,
(08:52):
who is untroubled the whole way to the final, didn't
drop a set, suddenly loses in the final.
Speaker 7 (08:58):
There's probably a lot to speak to at both parties
in terms of Siontech, where she was at in that final,
and then also where Kjikubs come from. If I talked
to I guess Fiontech first and foremost. I mean, what
an impressive start to the season that she has had.
And I think we've just seen a couple of matches
where perhaps she's her servers potentially let her down at
(09:22):
crucial times throughout matches, which it did against the match
against Krajikova in the final there. But in terms of Krajikva,
I'm really happy for her. She was injured, she even
said it for four months of last year. You know,
she is a quality player. And when you're thinking about
game smarts and you're thinking about like a n Ash
Party or someone who can break down someone else's game, Krajikova.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
Is that type of player.
Speaker 7 (09:43):
She's able to think steps ahead in regards to what
position she likes to play her back end to create
the next opportunity, or when to move forward.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
She just has that about her.
Speaker 7 (09:53):
And she was down match points against Kasakina earlier in
the tournament and then flicker the switch. It happens so
often in tennis. You get that belief he scraped through
a couple of matches and then she wins the tournament.
But really happy for Kadrikova. Just played fantastic tennis and
just really broke down the serve of Shrian Tech, which
(10:15):
I think is something key when you are playing Shrion
tech that you've got to put into your game plan.
But yeah, a pretty impressive performance, but a wonderful win
for Kajukova and for a great person as well.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Heynick.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Yeah, I mean absolutely, just a total gem human being
off the court, and John, I think this is a
good what a great transition Medvedev and now Kadjikova, because
these are players, like Casey's saying, that have the games
to challenge the top players. Fiantek we know is the
standard bearer in the women's game, and Kadjikova with that
double's prowess, with how much success that she and Sidneyakiva
(10:49):
have had, She's taken that she's translated, and that's not
just a commentary line, it is a true line in
her being able to attack the court.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
Move the ball around, and think through matches.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
And she beats Sabalanca, Pagoula and Fiantek, that's the top
three players in the world. And I think for her,
she's come a long way from winning that friendship and
obviously in the COVID year, to be able to excuse
me in twenty twenty one and then be able to
fully come through, I think she's really handling the pressure.
I also love the last few months there's been kind
of these memes going around of Pradjikova watching tennis.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
She's always at tournaments watching tennis.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Well, guess what that helps when you're watching your opponents,
when you're just watching as a fan, you're gonna soak
things up.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
She's a sponge.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Nevatna was someone that worked with her for years, and
I think that you know all of that, the sponge
mentality is really paying dividends for Barbara.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
A very likable athlete. Indeed, I mentioned cam Nourri before
he lost to Carlos Alcarez just over a week ago
in Argentina. But he turns the tables in Rio, despite
the fact that Alcarez clearly injured and was keeping the
points to a minimum all throughout that match.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
Well, I just thought it was huge. You know, you
set it up perfectly, you know, the win in Buenos Aires,
that was huge for Alcarez. He's back now injured again,
but hopefully it's not too bad.
Speaker 6 (12:05):
But you know, I watch a lot of.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
That Rio final and it was a huge mental mountain
for cam Norri to climb, to beat Carlos Alcarez, to
do it on clay, to do it in that Rio
atmosphere where obviously Alcarez had the crowd behind him.
Speaker 6 (12:18):
That's a huge win mentally.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
Even though Alcarez was injured, and actually sometimes I think
it's even harder case. You can tell me if I'm
wrong here when you're playing an injured opponent, because Alcarez
has one of the best drop shots in the game already,
and then he's using his power because he's injured, he
doesn't want to move. So I actually thought that that
was an even more impressive win from cam Norri. And
here's another player, cam Norri, who if he can build
(12:41):
some momentum. We saw him at the Wimbledon semifinals last year.
We know that he's got that lefties kind of unorthodox
off of both wings. He took this week off. He
opted not to play Akapolco due to fatigue. But that
to me, John means that he's setting up for big runs,
hopefully for the rest of the year.
Speaker 7 (12:58):
I've always admired Nori as an athlete. He's got this
engine about him that just keeps going and going. He
was a brick wall against al Koraz, and he just
made it difficult, as you said, that mountain to climb. Mentally,
I think down set a break and maybe love thirty
on his server as well. So that was huge from him.
But when you work so hard like a Norrie does.
(13:20):
And you're so professional you walk out on that court
and those are the moments where you can pull out
everything you've got. And for me, Norri just he doesn't
let up in terms of what he gives his opponents
with unforced errors.
Speaker 6 (13:32):
He's always shows up.
Speaker 7 (13:33):
He's got that awkward leftiness to him, which I love obviously,
but he just he's got it. He's got it, Norri,
And you're right. I think he's setting himself up for
a big year. You can understand the fatigue coming playing
a part right now, but yeah, exciting year four Norrie.
And obviously had some great wins in Australia as well,
so he's looking in good form.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Have we touched on Novac before, But another record has
tumbled over the past week, and this time Steffi Graff's
long held record Nick of most weeks spent at number
one across his career, so not consecutive, but a total
of three hundred and seventy eight.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Would you believe?
Speaker 4 (14:11):
Yeah, I mean, And the scary thing is actually was
just listening to his interview from Dubai. Once he hits
number one, they're asking about it, and he's only hungry
for more. You know, I think at this point he's
he's had so much history, he's created so much history
that he can take it and stride. And that's no
disrespect to the history of the game. It's just how
Novak is operating. That's the different planet that he's on.
(14:33):
And I think he's the standard bearer in terms of
being able to play under pressure, to bring his best
tennis best of five. We saw him that with the
tenth Australian Open and also these best of three matches.
You know, he just when the going gets tough is
when Novak really starts to start his own engine, and
I just I there's no words and for him. You know,
(14:54):
we look at Rafa continuing to try to keep his
body together to try to push Novak. But this next generation,
these generations underneath Novak, they've got a lot of work
to do. And that's only credit to Novak, there's no
just credit to them.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
This time next year, I dare say we may be
seeing the name Novak Djokovic in the nominations for the
Laureus World Sports Awards, just as we're seeing this year
Rafael Nadal nominated for the World Sportsman of the Year
and Igish Fiontek nominated for the World Sportswoman of the
Year after outstanding seasons in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (15:29):
Absolutely, both outstanding athletes in their own regard. Both achieved
a phenomenal amount last year. So we're always gunning for
the tennis players, aren't we, nique in terms of awards
to take home. So both deserving nominees and it will
be exciting to see if they can come away.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
With the top award. Yeah, case well said.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
One thing I love about Laureus is that these awards
are global, you know. For me working in the Olympics
a lot, I just see all these athletes who are
just achieving lifetime achievements. And Rafa did that in the
first half of last year. I almost had three slams,
you know, three from three.
Speaker 6 (16:05):
No one would have thought that in twenty twenty two.
And you know, I think that Egish Fiantec.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
I don't think she's not been given enough credit, but
like she was so dominant last year, that wind Streak,
the French.
Speaker 6 (16:17):
Open, the US Open.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
I love to see those tennis seams on that list
and hopefully they're going to come away with some hardware too.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Wonderful and also Carlos Alcarez who we mentioned before and
Elena rabaik and are also nominated there in the World
Breakthrough of the Year awards, so good luck to them.
You guys are both heading off to Indian Wells next week,
so a little reunion for you hopefully next week. How's
that going to be?
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Ok?
Speaker 7 (16:41):
So I hope, so oh so exciting. I'm never not
excited to see unique. So i can't wait to get
to Indian Wells. Beautiful Palms Springs. What a tournament. Always
loved going back to Indian Wells. It really is a
ripping tournament on the calendar to be an athlete, but
also a fan, great spectacle. So I'll see you there
and I'll see there for a big hugsuit sounds.
Speaker 6 (17:00):
Good, love it.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
There isn't much the tennis world doesn't already know about
Rafael Nadal. His backstory is folklore and his exploits legendary,
the small town boy from the island of Majorca who
was trained by his uncle and became one of the
fiercest warriors to ever take to a sporting arena. But
there's a softer side to the Spanish bull that we
don't often see, although we do catch glimpses from time
(17:27):
to time in tender moments of mateship, in interactions with
his loved ones, and well during soppy movies. As Erson
caderis found out.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Do you feel like the deeper you go in your career,
the more emotional these wins get you?
Speaker 3 (17:44):
No. I have been always sensible emotional day, you know.
I don't feel shy to cry watching films, you know,
or watching emotional moments in a sport. In my personal career,
I cried plenty of times, you know, most of the
times for victories more than for losers, but sometimes for
(18:08):
losers too, And that's that's that's part of the motions
that the sports uh brings, you know. So yeah, last
year it was a very special moment.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
What movies do you cry?
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I know a lot. I can't stand the number, name
it a lot of.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Let's talk about entertainment in sport, because you're one of
the most entertaining players that we have. How important do
you think the entertainment factor is?
Speaker 3 (18:39):
I mean, I mean that that the entertaining it's not
for everyone is the same. I mean for me, entertaining
is play with passion, try your best in every single moment,
be hundred percent focus when you do a sport. For me,
(19:01):
that's the that what really makes me feel entertained as
a player and as a fan towards somebody leave the
situations with passion, with with with all these emotions on court.
But for other people, emotions are and other kind of
stuff like it's made maybe do some some funny stuff
(19:23):
on court, and I don't know for everyone entertained entertaining
is different.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
How do you see your role though? Do you see
yourself as an athlete as well as an entertainer.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
I see myself as a as an athlete and trying
my best every single day, probably and playing with that passion.
Probably I was able to to entertain and sometimes inspire
different people.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
What are the sounds that you're hearing during a match?
We would like to get some insights into your mind
when you're when rough and a dolls in the match.
What do you hear? Do you zone everything out?
Speaker 3 (20:05):
No? I hear everything. I am able to to normally
hear all the things that happens around. I tried to
do my routines. I tried to to stay focus on
the things that are going well and stay open for
for changes when the things are not going that well.
(20:27):
So normally have the right self control and the open
mind to to try to change things when when the
things are not going well and try to find a solution.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
So when the fans, when the fans chant your name,
you here, you you Yeah, of consciously hear that.
Speaker 6 (20:43):
Of course.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Your signature shot, your forehand. Tell me a bit about it,
how you developed it or did it come naturally to you?
Speaker 3 (20:54):
No, I started playing Dennis to bagging. I changed my
forehand to one one hand forehand at the age of ten,
something like this. I don't know. I mean, that's high shot.
I think sometimes worse weather, sometimes worse worst. But of course,
(21:16):
when I am playing well, the forehand have been probably
one of well, let's say, the most disasive shot in
my my Denni's career.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
And how do you feel when you hit that perfect forehand.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Well, when I'm hitting and the confidence playing well with
the forehand, normally I hit that I am able to
to change directions and to to.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Do with the ball.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Not exactly what I want, but close.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
It's time to get a little bit nerdy once again.
And we've invited Simon rayback from the game Insight group
to talk to us about some of the AO twenty
three leaderboards, and Simon first of all, top spin fourhand
start with the men who are our podium.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Well in terms of spin. So this notion of a
ball rearing off the cord and really pushing an opponent
back behind the baseline. So you may not necessarily be
looking to hit a winner with this shot, but you're
looking to set the point up or build the point
around the spin that you can generate and impart onto
your opponent. So some of the suspects that we did
speak about last week, they rise to the four again
(22:25):
here and this time Azili the scene. I think he
goes from fourth on the speed perspective right up to
number one on the spin list, so one and eighty
one revs per minute on his forehand, if you don't mind, which.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Is actually very hard to quantify, but I guess it's
the only metric we have.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
And I think you spoke about it last week. In
terms of the reference to the average, So the men's
average at the Australian Open in twenty twenty three seven
hundred revs. So he's got some four hundred revs on
the average, So that's a significant difference, and then I
think goes to highlight what an outstanding number that is
from agili Se when you look at some of the
names in behind him. So kochan Arkis, we spoke about
(23:03):
his overall fourhand picture being number one on the list
in January, so something that he and his team can
take great heart from. His heaviness rating was number one
at the Australian Open. He's number two on spin, Nadal
at number three, Casparud at number four. So you know,
I think some really impressive numbers at the very top
of that list, and sits a passing Djokovic, both sitting
(23:23):
comfortably within the top twenty as well, which is also noteworthy.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Yeah, soe he sits ab Us there in tenth. He's
also over three thousand revs per minute, and Djokovic two
thousand and eight sixty seven, which is one hundred or
so one hundred and fifty or so higher than the
men's average. What about the women's side for four hand
spin revs per minute?
Speaker 5 (23:43):
So on the women's side, the average that we look
at there is two thousand and one hundred or circa
twy one hundred revs per minent, And I think what
is interesting here is both of our finalists again in arena,
Sabalenka and Elena rubaik and A both sit inside the
top twenty. So Sabalenka is at three hundred and Rebiken
or just above that. Rebiking is just below Twoy three hundred,
(24:04):
So really similar from a spin perspective, Jeng from China's
top of the list twenty seven hundred, Taylor Townsend. We
know what a heavy forehand she's got, or what a
spinny forehand she's got, and then there's some of the
usual suspects, so Igoschwiontek, she's number three two five hundred
revs permitted on her forehand.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
Okay, let's turn our attention now to backhand spin and
we will have a look at speed as well. But
on the men's side, I see the Norwegian Caspar Rude
top of the table.
Speaker 5 (24:35):
Yeah, and what we typically expect on a from a
spin perspective on backhand side, just because of the biomechanics
of the shot and the way the respective shots are produced.
In terms of a one hand versus two handed backhand,
it is easier to generate more spin and often we
see our one hand is high up this list. So
you'll often see one handed back ends at the top
of this list, so.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
You can see if you're already.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
Yeah, and Dimitrov, in fact, he's he's number three on
this list, but from a speed perspective, he's number one
on that list. So some pretty impressive numbers from Grigor
Dimitrov on this list in terms of spin Caspar Rud
you mentioned leads the field twenty seven hundred. Then there's
a couple of one handers, so sits Apass men's finalist
or men's runner up twenty seven hundred, also just a
(25:15):
little lower than Rude. Demetrov comes in third twenty six hundred,
and that's up against the average which is down at
eighteen hundred. So those guys significantly more revs on the ball,
significantly more spin and jump reaction to the court surface
on those backhands from a spin perspective than we would
typically see in the field.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Okay, and Dennis Shapovalov, Felix Augialia sim As you mentioned
two Canadians in the top five. Novak Djokovic down in
thirty second place and slightly below the men's average for
top spin on the backhand wing.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
Yeah, and I think that's where you know, it is
really interesting you make the comparison to the speed of
shot if you like, and Novak from a speed perspective,
since at fourteenth so one hundred and twenty kilometers. Now
it's not a huge surprise that he's not right up
the top of the list from a bin perspective, because
he is trying to hit that backhand with pinpoint accuracy,
almost laser like accuracy, get that thing deep in the cord,
(26:08):
or expose as opponent, take him off the court, and
so nowhere near as much spin being generated from Novak
on the backhand side as there is relative to himself
into the plane group on the forehand side. So quite
a difference in terms of tactical approach and what Novak
himself is trying to achieve with those two shots.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
Casey de Laqua last week on the show has picked
Jeng Chin Ween to be one of her big breakthrough
players of twenty twenty three and predicting her to win titles.
No surprise then that she's also number one on the
top spin backhand speed.
Speaker 5 (26:38):
Well, I think it's a prediction from case that's really
well made, and the numbers bear out that it's a
name to absolutely keep a close eye on She's right
at the top of the list. So one hundred and
twenty three kilometers an hour, that's nearly fourteen kilometers an
hour higher, if you like, than the woman's average. That's significant,
that's really noteworthy. Lauren Davis is high. She's made a
real shift across her career in terms of being more
(27:00):
aggressive on backhand side, not prepared to rely on her
on her defense and her counterpunching. She wants to take
the fight to her opponent, Georgie. We know how high
she sits from a forehand a speed perspective. Well, there
she is number four on the backhand speed list at
one hundred and twenty kilometers an hour, and Saballenka and
Abikener both up there as well, one hundred and eighteen
for Saballenka, one hundred and fifteen for a Bikenner, both
(27:22):
well in advance of that woman's average at one hundred
and ten point five. And I think what this does
bear out in my mind anyway, when you look at
a Sablenka or a Bikener, they're high on speed, they're
high on sorry foehand speed, they're high on fourhand heaviness,
So the combination of speed and spent and then you
have a look at backhand speed, they're right up there
as well. So it's that notion of well, where's your
(27:43):
rest spite coming from? Where's your breathing space if you're
up against a Sablenka or a Bikaner from the back
of the court, we know how impressive Sabolenka's serving was
at times when she desperately needed it across the Australian
Open in twenty twenty three. Now you're looking from the
back of the court, where's my get out of jail car? Well,
it's not there. It's hard to find. So I think
(28:03):
that goes to speak to just the extent of the
challenge that looks you square in the eye when when
you are faced with the prospect of taking on Sablenka
or a biking and down the other end.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Indeed, great insights from you, Simon, and you're going to
be a regular part of the AO show right throughout
the year, so there'll be plenty more opportunities to bring
the data and interpret it for us so that we
can get the most out of the matches that we
watch on TV.
Speaker 5 (28:25):
Right across the year, looking forward to it, John, thanks
for having me.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
That wraps up this week's episode of the AO Show.
Join me again next week for the latest tennis news,
views and interviews before we go. Happy Birthday, it's a
Darius savill Anieska Ravanska, and Ivan Landel all celebrating birthdays
this week, and don't forget. You can get in touch
with me via ozopen dot com, slash listen, or email
The Aoshow at tennis dot com dot au. Also take
(28:52):
a moment to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
And if you're enjoying our content, please leave a rating
and comment so more fans can enjoy The Iron Sharks
Speaker 7 (29:08):
MHM.
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