I think it was the great Lew Hoad who, when asked how he beat players with bigger weapons than he had, said: Attack the other player's favorite and best shot, repeatedly, until it breaks down due to fatigue and disbelief. Exactly as you observed Linda doing. Wonderful insightful dissection of complex and beautiful game. Love you!
It's been Muchová's bad luck to have a tough time in the semi-finals, first at the French and now Wimbledon. Back in '23 against Sabalenka, she had to leave the court to throw up mid match. The next day she dominated Swiatek for a set and a couple of games, then ran out of gas. This time her "final" was against Gauff, taking all she had, and more. Against Noskova , she came out flat. While she drew deep to come back to win the second set, helped by Noskova's nerves, she didn't have any more to give, as she admitted afterwards. Draws matter.
If you have time and inclination between now and the US Open for a brief newsletter analysis…what do you make of Kostyuk’s season? Aside from the current 22-2 run she is on; the two titles and two Grand Slam semis in her last four tournaments; her career high ranking (#11, and less than 300 points to defend between now and NYC); here is what strikes me: she’s only lost SIX matches this year. SIX! The fewest (tied with Sabalenka) on the tour. One was an injury-affected loss to Elsa Jacquemot at AO—an injury that knocked Marta out for six weeks. Her other losses? One to the world number 1, two to the AO champ (and world number 2), one loss (but two wins) to the RG champ, and one loss (and one win) to the Wimby champ. As of the last two majors, to win a Slam it seems you have to go through Marta Kostyuk.
Why is this happening? Why is she suddenly so damn good? I guess I’m asking why so good and why so suddenly? Last year at this time she lost six straight tournaments in her first match. From 0-6 to 22-2 in a year. Just wow. The top form of her game has always been very good and dangerous to better ranked players, but now she’s consistently playing at that form, including being 7-4 against top 10 players this season.
Note 1: Your call of Marta’s Madrid back handstand was the best commentator call of the year! “Get out of town!”
Note 2: Another incredible stat: Kostyuk is the first player since Gabriela Sabatini in 1992 to lose both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon semifinal in the same season to the eventual champion. If you’re gonna lose a Slam semi, you probably want the opponent you lost to to win the tournament, right? To lose in the semis to the champion of both back-to-back Slams on different surfaces is hella impressive.
Thank you for all this wonderful analysis. Reading the WTA website a few weeks ago, I came across this quote from years ago from the Strasbourg tournament director about you. As it was then, it still is now.
"Beyond the tennis itself, our 2011 champion Andrea Petkovic left a big impression on me because of her personality. She was always smiling, always brought energy and positivity, and created a genuine connection with people around the tournament."
There are not many things in sports that are as hard as to play your own match point in Wimbledon, except one thing: losing five match points, losing a set and coming back to win a third set. That is the ultimate mental resilience on display. Thank you Andrea..
Very true what you say about the meaning of a tennis match shrinks in comparison to other things. Losing her mum fairly recently must be hard. I was moved by commentary saying her Dad used to work extra shifts in the factory to help pay for her tennis, so many parents work so hard for extra money to help their kids through tennis, and as we know only a tiny fraction make the top 100. Without sounding soppy, heres to all the people helping other people in all walks of life.
Things that make me happy? Easy, still buzzing of my quarter final tickets at Wimbledon. Through the ballot, they were low down but also in the shade, got to see Noskova and Zevrev.
Things that make me unhappy? My chances in next years ballot!
So thoughtful, Andrea. Strikes me that the eventual big plot point in the women's final came early in the third set. Noskova fought off a break point in the first game, broke in the second, then fought off another and there she was, ahead 3-0. From there, Muchova didn't have enough freedom or energy to fight from behind yet again. Great final.
What do you make of Djoker’s announcement that he intends to play at Wimbledon next year? Is he just reluctant to leave the stage and lose the spotlight, or does he really believe he can win another slam, which seems to me doubtful.
i was so impressed by lindas mental strength as i already started crying from stress, because as a huge empath i felt the stress and disappointment she must’ve had inside her after missing those 5 championship points. karolina and her gave us an amazing match that was so important for both of their journeys. also seeing jannik celebrate every point he made by looking to his box has given this whole match a really different vibe and excitement for me, so seeing him win made me cry as well (so you weren’t alone with that, in your seat next to the sunscreen guy who tried to steal your spotlight in between the sets haha) & thanks for your commenting and moderating for the past 2 weeks, i was very well entertained 🐣💙
I think it was the great Lew Hoad who, when asked how he beat players with bigger weapons than he had, said: Attack the other player's favorite and best shot, repeatedly, until it breaks down due to fatigue and disbelief. Exactly as you observed Linda doing. Wonderful insightful dissection of complex and beautiful game. Love you!
It's been Muchová's bad luck to have a tough time in the semi-finals, first at the French and now Wimbledon. Back in '23 against Sabalenka, she had to leave the court to throw up mid match. The next day she dominated Swiatek for a set and a couple of games, then ran out of gas. This time her "final" was against Gauff, taking all she had, and more. Against Noskova , she came out flat. While she drew deep to come back to win the second set, helped by Noskova's nerves, she didn't have any more to give, as she admitted afterwards. Draws matter.
Thanks as always, Petko, for the analysis.
If you have time and inclination between now and the US Open for a brief newsletter analysis…what do you make of Kostyuk’s season? Aside from the current 22-2 run she is on; the two titles and two Grand Slam semis in her last four tournaments; her career high ranking (#11, and less than 300 points to defend between now and NYC); here is what strikes me: she’s only lost SIX matches this year. SIX! The fewest (tied with Sabalenka) on the tour. One was an injury-affected loss to Elsa Jacquemot at AO—an injury that knocked Marta out for six weeks. Her other losses? One to the world number 1, two to the AO champ (and world number 2), one loss (but two wins) to the RG champ, and one loss (and one win) to the Wimby champ. As of the last two majors, to win a Slam it seems you have to go through Marta Kostyuk.
Why is this happening? Why is she suddenly so damn good? I guess I’m asking why so good and why so suddenly? Last year at this time she lost six straight tournaments in her first match. From 0-6 to 22-2 in a year. Just wow. The top form of her game has always been very good and dangerous to better ranked players, but now she’s consistently playing at that form, including being 7-4 against top 10 players this season.
Note 1: Your call of Marta’s Madrid back handstand was the best commentator call of the year! “Get out of town!”
Note 2: Another incredible stat: Kostyuk is the first player since Gabriela Sabatini in 1992 to lose both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon semifinal in the same season to the eventual champion. If you’re gonna lose a Slam semi, you probably want the opponent you lost to to win the tournament, right? To lose in the semis to the champion of both back-to-back Slams on different surfaces is hella impressive.
Thanks!
Thank you for all this wonderful analysis. Reading the WTA website a few weeks ago, I came across this quote from years ago from the Strasbourg tournament director about you. As it was then, it still is now.
"Beyond the tennis itself, our 2011 champion Andrea Petkovic left a big impression on me because of her personality. She was always smiling, always brought energy and positivity, and created a genuine connection with people around the tournament."
I think that happens here too.
There are not many things in sports that are as hard as to play your own match point in Wimbledon, except one thing: losing five match points, losing a set and coming back to win a third set. That is the ultimate mental resilience on display. Thank you Andrea..
Very true what you say about the meaning of a tennis match shrinks in comparison to other things. Losing her mum fairly recently must be hard. I was moved by commentary saying her Dad used to work extra shifts in the factory to help pay for her tennis, so many parents work so hard for extra money to help their kids through tennis, and as we know only a tiny fraction make the top 100. Without sounding soppy, heres to all the people helping other people in all walks of life.
Things that make me happy? Easy, still buzzing of my quarter final tickets at Wimbledon. Through the ballot, they were low down but also in the shade, got to see Noskova and Zevrev.
Things that make me unhappy? My chances in next years ballot!
Delightful as always.
Great analysis Andrea. I didn't realise it became so much cooler during the Men's final 😎
Mean face directed at you? No way! Any who, which player would you name that has-had the meanest game face?
So thoughtful, Andrea. Strikes me that the eventual big plot point in the women's final came early in the third set. Noskova fought off a break point in the first game, broke in the second, then fought off another and there she was, ahead 3-0. From there, Muchova didn't have enough freedom or energy to fight from behind yet again. Great final.
Sinner seems to have improved his serve throughout the tournament. Especially during the semifinal and final he served very good.
Niceee peace as always,for the best tournament of all. Thanks!
What do you make of Djoker’s announcement that he intends to play at Wimbledon next year? Is he just reluctant to leave the stage and lose the spotlight, or does he really believe he can win another slam, which seems to me doubtful.
Well played!
i was so impressed by lindas mental strength as i already started crying from stress, because as a huge empath i felt the stress and disappointment she must’ve had inside her after missing those 5 championship points. karolina and her gave us an amazing match that was so important for both of their journeys. also seeing jannik celebrate every point he made by looking to his box has given this whole match a really different vibe and excitement for me, so seeing him win made me cry as well (so you weren’t alone with that, in your seat next to the sunscreen guy who tried to steal your spotlight in between the sets haha) & thanks for your commenting and moderating for the past 2 weeks, i was very well entertained 🐣💙