I have been watching this when I can simply because of the obscure hours it comes on tv in EST. Has anyone else been playing attention? I was VERY HAPPY to see Roddick win last night, but I have a big problem with the way he won...

I understand this is a grand slam event and the players have to endure... to a point. Yesterday it got up to 136 degrees farenheit during the Roddick vs Djokavic match and Djokavic, like many others, had to retire due to heat exhaustion. Australian Open needs to think about fixing this problem so matches can be finished... the problem takes away from the tournament.

Re: Australian Open - HOT!

I've been watching as well. It's definitely too hot and I don't recall players retiring from the heat in a tennis tournament. Djokovic had a tough time too because he played until the early A.M. in the match before. That quick turn around definitely didn't help with the heat. The officials should have a heat limit and if it exceeds then close the roof.

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yeah, no point in hurting the athletes over stupid ettiquite rules. give them extra breaks for water.

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sad to hear that... Djokovic clearly has the better game in my opinion than Roddick... pretty shitty rule if you ask me.

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not so clearly anymore! roddick was hangin with djokavic. andy lost about 20 pounds and looks almost as fit as his hot hot girlfriend (or maybe wife by now). would love to see him beat federer tomorrow.

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[quote=Garrick;703183]not so clearly anymore! roddick was hangin with djokavic. andy lost about 20 pounds and looks almost as fit as his hot hot girlfriend (or maybe wife by now). would love to see him beat federer tomorrow.[/quote]

should be a good match no doubt... federer has always owned the crap out of roddick.

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They closed the roof because of the heat. I'm sure Djokovic is pissed. Anyways, hope Roddick can beat Federer. Go U.S.A.!

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[quote=Garrick;702984]I have been watching this when I can simply because of the obscure hours it comes on tv in EST. Has anyone else been playing attention? I was VERY HAPPY to see Roddick win last night, but I have a big problem with the way he won...

I understand this is a grand slam event and the players have to endure... to a point. Yesterday it got up to 136 degrees farenheit during the Roddick vs Djokavic match and Djokavic, like many others, had to retire due to heat exhaustion. Australian Open needs to think about fixing this problem so matches can be finished... the problem takes away from the tournament.[/quote]

This is a one in 100 years heat wave. Generally it is hot this time of year, but this is really a freak heat wave so suggesting to "fix" the problem is not really fair.

Moving it to another time of the year is not an option either. This time of the year is holidays for many people and you won't see the crowds if it's moved.

I do think however, the roof should be used when the temp reaches a certain level. But, it should be closed first thing in the morning so all players play in the same conditions. Plus, for spectators it's more enjoyable too. I was at the Safina v Dokic and Federer v Del Potro match and it was fine, but if that was during the day with the roof open it would be tough if you were in direct sunlight.

Oh, and regarding the claims from London that we should not host sports here because it's too hot is a joke. The weather is always perfect for Wimbeldon isn't it?

[IMG]http://f5.putfile.com/6/17609575063.jpg[/IMG]

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yeah, i thought they set a temp threshold when they'd close the roof, but maybe not since they didn't for roddick and djokovic. i know the closed roof certainly helped serena last night. both those matches must have been really fun to go to!

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[quote=Garrick;703677]yeah, i thought they set a temp threshold when they'd close the roof, but maybe not since they didn't for roddick and djokovic. i know the closed roof certainly helped serena last night. both those matches must have been really fun to go to![/quote]

They actually do have a heat rule which follows the 'Wet Bulb Globe temperature'. The threshold is 28 degrees (I think). In essence it takes into account humidity, solar radiation and normal air temperature. But, I think they need to reassess it.

Although, spending time at the Heineken bar pre-match in the heat was fun. Ladies don't wear much when it's 44 °C (111 °F)

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6-2, 7-5, 7-5 to Federer

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Certainly looks like Nadal v Federer in the finals. Who do you think will take it out?

I'm backing Federer. Nadal is in superb form, but Federer has too much skill and range of shots to not have a strategy to beat him.

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federer is also in superb form, imo, and rafa has his hands full in this semifinal right now.

i can't stand watching nadal pick his ass and smell his fingers every other point. and i really like federer. he is a classy, old-school player. therefore, i hope federer beats nadal and reclaims his throne as the best.

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Nadal vs federer in some minutes.. this is gonna be good

My money is on Nadal

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Congrats to Nadal. Not Federer's best match, but Nadal played amazing especially after a mammoth 5+ hour match before the final.

I feel sorry for Federer though. So much emotion in his speech afterwards.