Flinders Street Station. Yes, the pressure is real.
I can never tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing when the draws work themselves out so that a vast majority of your favorite playres are playing on the same day. On one hand, it gives you a "one on, one off" sort of viewing schedule. On the other hand, you have deal with that compounded stress ever other day.
Anyway, the Australian Open officially starts for this fan tomorrow. Lord help me.
Here's the OOP.
Here are the matches I'll be tracking:
Bammer vs. Bepa (Laver): Bepa should roll but I'm curious what everyone else things of her form. I was not convinced by what I saw in Sydney and I still maintain that she's not as fit as she was at the end of last season.
Samdog Millionaire vs. Lauren Davis (Laver): And so it begins for Sammy. Of course I'd love her to win but I'd just be really happy if she played to her seed here on home soil. The pressure is immense and the young American wildcard is talking a big game. Here's hoping Sam steps up to the line on her first service game and kicks one over the kid's head.
Dinara vs. Kim (Laver): Because in my spare time I like to watch public maulings of small adorable animals.
Nalby vs. Lleyton (Laver): Lleyton's looked good all January, playing well at Hopman and "winning" Kooyong (I honestly didn't know you could "win" Kooyong). But, you know, get it, Fatty.
ATomic vs. Chardy (Hisense): Get ready for the inevitable win and the even inevitabler wanking. He's first on so you should probably also prepare for the "The match was scheduled too early" whinging if he loses.
JJ vs. Alla (Hisense): Who knows what the hell is going on with JJ. Should be a straight setter for her, though.
Moose vs. Beck (Hisense): Not exactly an interesting matchup but he's my boyfriend.
Ana vs. Makarova (Hisense): The kid got the latest possible start, just as she wanted. Hope that tum-tum is all healed up. These two had a tense one in New York and Makarova almost took out Vika last week in Sydney. THIS is the match I'll be drunk at. Or before. Definitely after.
Flavia vs. Rodionova (MCA): I mean, it's Flavia. And Anastasia is such an annoying little brat. Should be entertaining.
Jo vs. Petzchner (MCA): I haven't seen Jo play a lick this year so I have no gauge on his form. But Petz can be dangerous, as well know from Wimbledon.
Peers vs. Kvitova: PLEEEEEEEEEEEEZE can we get another Aussie storyline going. Sam's shoulders are strong, but they're not that strong.
DelPo vs. Sela: GO AWAY, DUDI.
DYoung vs. Cilic: Lord help us if DYoung wins.
Pavs vs. Flipper: Saw Pavs today. When is that kid going to start focusing on her fitness? It was cute two years ago. It's not cute anymore. Time to be a pro, kiddo.
Coco vs. The Cone: Alize still plays tennis. Not well, but she still plays. She's gonna get steamrolled by Coq au Vin.
Kimiko vs. Aga: Could there be a matchup of more unorthodox hitters? This will be Aga's first competitive match since she had to retire in Beijing.
Klara vs. Mels: Because yes, Mels is still kind of a thing.
Ernie vs. Becker: I mean, if I don't see him tomorrow, who knows if I'll see him at all.
(Pic: Forty Deuce)
