Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
flipfanatic
Head Administrator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 1141
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
 Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
Hopefully we will see a draw come out soon. In the meantime, here are some details for those interested in the playoff which is due to start at Melbourne Park tomorrow.
SCOREBOARD
Draw - PDF format - Mark is in Group A
Australian Open Wildcard Playoff - Official page
Open to the public
The great news for tennis fans living in Melbourne, or those visiting the city is that the Australian Open play-off is free for spectators. The tournament begins on Saturday 15 December with three days of round-robin action starting at 10 am.
Players are divided into four pools of four. Two players from each group will advance to the knockout quarterfinals, starting on Wednesday, 19 December.
Matches will start at 11am and proceed in roughly four timeslots: 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. The featured match of the day will be staged at 5pm to allow tennis fans an opportunity to catch the action after work.
On finals day, Friday 21 December, the first match will start at 3pm and, following an intermission, the second match will take place late afternoon.
So if you’re planning on a bit of pre-Christmas Grand Slam action, what better place to start than the Australian Open play-off, where only the best will proceed directly to the main event, starting 14 January 2008.
List of male competitors
Focus and fight hard Mark +++++++++++++++++++++++ Don't let the nerves get to you.
Val
Last edited by flipfanatic, 14/Dec/07, 16:03
---
"Nothing in life is easy. You have to fight. It is just another set back... One thing I know is that I’m going to take care of it and go again. It’s the only thing that I can do. It’s the only thing I want to do. " - Mark
|
|
14/Dec/07, 10:52
|
Send Email to flipfanatic
Send PM to flipfanatic
|
sharon5
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 02-2006
Posts: 79
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Updates and articles (Dec 15-21)
Come on Mark, You CAN do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
14/Dec/07, 12:51
|
Send Email to sharon5
Send PM to sharon5
|
flipfanatic
Head Administrator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 1141
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, Updates and articles (Dec 15-21)
Saturday Order of Play
Show Court 3 - Not berfore 11.30am
Mark vs Bydan Klein (WA)
Saturday order of play - PDF format
GO MARK !!!!!!!!!!!! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---
"Nothing in life is easy. You have to fight. It is just another set back... One thing I know is that I’m going to take care of it and go again. It’s the only thing that I can do. It’s the only thing I want to do. " - Mark
|
|
14/Dec/07, 15:45
|
Send Email to flipfanatic
Send PM to flipfanatic
|
flipfanatic
Head Administrator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 1141
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
Philippoussis faces early wildcard test
The Age
December 14, 2007 - 3:40PM
Mark Philippoussis will on Saturday take on reigning Australian open boys' champion Brydan Klein as he starts his battle to earn a wildcard for the Australian Open main draw.
Saturday is the opening day of the Open's wildcard playoff, with 16 Australian men and 16 women each battling for one wildcard.
The event begins with a round-robin phase, with each player drawn into a group of four.
As well as Klein, Philippoussis' group includes the event's top seed Alun Jones and Samuel Groth, the world No.341.
Philippoussis' injured protected ranking of 119 granted him direct entry into the playoff, but did not allow him to be seeded under ATP rules.
He has not played an ATP event since injuring his knee in January, although he did play a recent over 30s tournament.
In the women's event, Jelena Dokic is also attempting to mount a comeback through the playoff tournament she won two years ago.
Dokic faces Victorian 17-year-old Alenka Hubacek in her first round-robin match on Saturday.
Philippoussis faces tough ask
14/12/2007 5:00:39 PM
Sportal
Mark Philippoussis faces a formidable first-up challenge in his bid to win the Australian Open wildcard play-off and revive his fading tennis career in one the country's best junior players - Western Australian teenager Bryden Klein.
Klein, 17, won the Australian Open boys' singles' title last year as well as reaching the semi-finals of last year's wildcard play-off.
The pair will meet at Melbourne Park on Saturday, the opening day of this year's week-long play-off.
Klein also was a hitting partner for Australia's Davis Cup team back in February and along with the younger Bernard Tomic is regarded as the country's best future prospects.
And he is already confidently talking up his chances against Philippoussis, who recently lost a match to 48-year-old John McEnroe in a seniors' event.
"He lost to McEnroe? I had no idea about that," Klein said, following the draw in Melbourne on Friday.
"That gives me confidence if he can lose to someone 40 years old."
Klein said all the pressure was on 31-year-old Philippoussis, whose career could be all but over if he does not gain a start in the Australian Open.
"I've got nothing to lose, all the pressure is on him," he said.
"I've got no pressure on me so I think I'll play well."
A total of 16 men and 16 women - including another fallen star in Jelena Dokic - will compete in the round-robin event in four groups of four with the top two in each group progressing to the knockout quarter-finals on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's semis and Friday's final.
But Philippoussis has not only been drawn in the same group as Klein but also the play-off's top seed Alun Jones - who pushed world number two Rafael Nadal to four sets in the first round of this year's US Open.
Philippoussis was initially reluctant to take part in the event but was told it was the only way he could hope to earn a wildcard into next month's Australian Open either by winning the play-off or then receiving one of the tournament's discretionary wildcards.
The 1998 US Open and 2003 Wimbledon runner-up - whose record dwarves those of his competitors in the wildcard play-off - missed nearly all of 2007 after tearing the cartilage in his right knee during last January's Hopman Cup in Perth.
Since then the man who steered Australia to Davis Cup wins in 1999 and 2003 has seen his ranking - which was as high as number eight in 1999 - virtually disappear although he will have an injury-protecting ranking of 119 for a handful of tournaments once he returns to the ATP tour.
But even that ranking is not high enough to allow him direct entry to next month's Australian Open.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said the wildcard play-off would give Philippoussis' the fitness base and match practice he is lacking after so long off the regular tour.
"It's a chance to play as many matches as he can, he can get up to six matches in the next seven days and I think that will be great," Tiley said.
But he would not be drawn on the chances of Philippoussis receiving a discretionary wildcard into the Open in the event he does not win the play-off.
With 22-year-old Queensland left-hander Robert Smeets - who cut his ranking from 391 to 149 this year - having already received a wildcard
along with the winner of the play-off and the wildcards that annually go to an Asian, American and French player it means there are only three other wildcards to be allocated.
"We've committed several wildcards already and we've got - with both the men's and the women's (events) - about seven or eight still to commit and we'll have a look at the results from this week and make that decision," Tiley said.
"Obviously the winner of this event gets a wildcard automatically and I'm sure Mark is playing it so he can do that."
However Klein was in no doubt when asked whether Philippoussis should receive a wildcard if he does not win the play-off.
"Honestly I think the young players deserve the wildcards more because they've got some longer life still in the game," he said.
"They can definitely bring Tennis Australia some good results in the future when people going out of the game probably are not going to be around too much longer."
Unforunately, I won't know the result until the end of the day as I wont be near a pc. Any match is tough at this point due to lack of match play but I hope is 100% fit for this. Its due to rain tomorrow so it will be interesting to see if there will be a few delays.
Val
Last edited by flipfanatic, 14/Dec/07, 17:14
---
"Nothing in life is easy. You have to fight. It is just another set back... One thing I know is that I’m going to take care of it and go again. It’s the only thing that I can do. It’s the only thing I want to do. " - Mark
|
|
14/Dec/07, 15:53
|
Send Email to flipfanatic
Send PM to flipfanatic
|
Lyndus
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 10-2006
Posts: 98
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
That is a tough start. My impressions of Brydan Klein havn't changed since I first heard of him at this years OZ Open, he still seems to come across as an arrogant upstart, I'd love to see Mark show him how the big boys play. The matchup with Alun Jones is the one that interests me the most, Alun is very good too watch, from what I've seen of him he's technically profficent in most areas, and in my oppinion his ranking does not do justice too his ability, his match with Nadal at the US Open this year reminded me a lot of Marks match with Nadal at the same stage in the US Open 12 months prior, Alun was very aggresive and outplayed Nadal from the back of the court on serveral occasions, however the world #2 held his nerve on Big Points whilst the lower ranked Alun tightened up. Much like Mark did against Nadal. If Alun is aggresive and returns well, he could realy cut Marks serve right down, if Mark doesn't find good rhythm on serve an embarrasing double break per set could be in order, which needless too say would suck, I'm sorry for the derogatory comments, I don't mean too offend anyone, I'm just realy concerned over Marks toughness. I'm just dreading reading another bad article about Mark.
|
|
14/Dec/07, 20:18
|
Send Email to Lyndus
Send PM to Lyndus
|
Jill b
Administrator
Global user
Registered: 02-2006
Posts: 839
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
The funny thing is this punk kid Klein would most certainly get spanked by J-mac in a match... he doesn't have a clue about mens tennis and could do with a few lessons in respect.
I too hope Mark comes out guns blazing, it's a tough ask because it's his first match is ages... but i absolutely dread the headlines if he loses to this 17yr old... it's almost like TA have done this on purpose.
I think Mark has spent some time with Alun Jones in the US this year, i am sure i read an article mentioning them both spotted having dinner together. Mark may have a good idea about how he plays if they've spent some time hitting together. He will be a tough opponent... all of them will be for Mark and they will all be chomping at the chance to beat him.
I really hope Mark has done some soild preparation for match play!
GO MARK!! +++++++++++++>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>++++++++++++++++++++
Last edited by Jill b, 14/Dec/07, 20:33
|
|
14/Dec/07, 20:28
|
Send Email to Jill b
Send PM to Jill b
|
Lyndus
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 10-2006
Posts: 98
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
Thats pleasing to read about Mark knowing Alun Jones, he seems like a nice guy too be associated with, and as you said Jiill, Mark probably knows how he plays if he's hit up with him.
|
|
14/Dec/07, 22:10
|
Send Email to Lyndus
Send PM to Lyndus
|
CherylB
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 10-2007
Posts: 18
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
I don't often post in here simply because I don't know a lot about the technical side of tennis, I enjoy it purely because I love to watch Mark play. However, reading the article on Klein, I have to agree with Lyndus, he certainly does sound like a little upstart and quite arrogant. From just reading that article, I feel he is assuming Mark has seen his best days, and I don't think for a minute this young Klein fellow has any idea what he will be up against. I hope Mark wipes him off the court.
As for losing to John McEnroe, there is no shame in that. In fact it would be nice for Klein to have to play McEnroe,....maybe it would bring him down a peg or two!!!
I am only one hour from Melbourne, and would give anything to see Mark play tomorrow, but unfortunately I have worked till 3am this morning, and have a full nightshift again tomorrow so I just can't manage it. If my husband wasn't working, and could drive me, I would snooze on the way, and there would be no holding me back.
Does anybody know if any of the pay tv channels are televising these matches? Otherwise, can anyone tell me where I can get a progressive score or live coverage of his match/es?
I have everything crossed that Mark is going to get on the court, and play some fantastic games, and finally, shut up all these naysayers, and all the negative comments. I just don't understand how reporters can be so negative about Mark, when apart from being a great tennis player he is obviously also a very modest, humble and lovely man. His manner on the court is always gracious, and he deserves nothing but support from his fellow Australians.
GO MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl
|
|
15/Dec/07, 2:55
|
Send Email to CherylB
Send PM to CherylB
|
flipfanatic
Head Administrator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 1141
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
Teenager Brydan Klein teases Mark Philippoussis
Herald Sun
Bruce Matthews
December 15, 2007 12:00am
IF MARK Philippoussis needed a spur for today's tournament comeback, young opponent Brydan Klein prodded him with a psychological barb.
Klein reacted with youthful honesty yesterday when told former world No. 1 John McEnroe beat Philippoussis recently.
"He lost to McEnroe, eh? I had no idea about that. That gives me confidence if he can lose to someone 40 years old (McEnroe is 48)," the forthright Klein said.
Klein, the Australian junior champion, will present a tough test for the underdone Philippoussis in the opening round of the Australian Open playoffs starting at Melbourne Park today.
Klein, 18, has eased into senior tournaments this year after winning the boys' crown earned him a trip to Belgium as a hitting partner for Lleyton Hewitt, Chris Guccione and Peter Luczak in the Davis Cup first round in February.
He has never hit with Philippoussis after a practice arrangement with the 31-year-old former world No. 8 fell through earlier this month.
"I got a call from him a couple of weeks ago to have some hits, but I never got round to hitting with him," the West Australian teenager said.
"I haven't seen him out on the courts this week. I know he has got a big serve, so I've got to try to get as many balls (returns) in as I can.
"He's coming in after a year's break and I guess he has got a bit of pressure on him. I've got no pressure on me now, so I think I'll play well."
The 16 players vying for the Australian Open wildcard were split into four groups for round-robin competition over three consecutive days before a rest on Tuesday. The knockout quarter-finals are on Wednesday, leading to a best-of-five sets final on Friday.
Philippoussis's other matches are against improved Alun Jones and young Victorian Sam Groth. Jones has cut his world ranking from 200 to 131 this year and he won the Burnie Challenger last week.
"That's a tough group," Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
"Brydan coming off winning the Australian Open (boys' singles) earlier this year and Alun reaching a career-high ranking. And with young Sam Groth in there too, that will be a fun group to watch over the next three days."
Klein says Philippoussis doesn't deserve one of the three remaining discretionary wildcards if he doesn't win the playoff.
"Honestly, I think the young players deserve the wildcards more because they've got a longer life in the game. They can bring Tennis Australia some good results in the future when people going out of the game are probably not going to be around too much longer," he said.
Jelena Dokic was at the draw yesterday and takes on 17-year-old Victorian Alenka Hubacek as her first opponent today.
"I will be a bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to going out there and play with nothing to lose," said Hubacek, a semi-finalist in the national 18s event.
"I've seen her walking around here the last couple of weeks, but apart from that I've never seen her hit a ball."
Yes, Klein does seem to be abit too arrogant for one so young. He should watch himself or he may find himself eating humble pie in few years when he fades into oblivion without achieving much.
It will be tough today for Mark with no matchplay for a year, the pressure will be on and I'm sure there will be nerves. Show court 3 should be packed as its free. I hope its a roudy crowd and they cheer Mark on to show he hasn't been forgotten!
Go Mark +++++++++++++++++++++ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Val
---
"Nothing in life is easy. You have to fight. It is just another set back... One thing I know is that I’m going to take care of it and go again. It’s the only thing that I can do. It’s the only thing I want to do. " - Mark
|
|
15/Dec/07, 4:58
|
Send Email to flipfanatic
Send PM to flipfanatic
|
Marcia5
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 02-2006
Posts: 466
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Australian Open Wildcard Play off - Draw, OOP and Updates (Dec 15-21)
Thanks to everyone for the articles and your comments! Very interesting.
Go MARK!!!!!!
|
|
15/Dec/07, 6:19
|
Send Email to Marcia5
Send PM to Marcia5
|
Add a reply
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Powered by AkBBS 0.9.5b - Link to us
- Blogs
- Hall of Honour
- Chat
Click here to get your own free message board
|
You are not logged in (login)
Board's time is: 14/May/08, 22:47
|
|
|
