SIMPLE OUTPUT (Author and post)

by meganfernandez Keep tabs on your picks and your SP life here. When you're red, you're dead.
by meganfernandez 161standchilla: Korda -- Khachanov -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
3mlm: Martinez -- Giron
Adicecream: Draper
Airickdago1: Nakashima -- Tiafoe -- Carballes Baena -- Korda -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Rune -- Sinner -- Medvedev
Airmutable: Nakashima -- Giron
Ajay.gov: Tabilo
Aleape: Draper
Alias47: Korda -- Baez -- Etcheverry -- Wawrinka
Alvinlimtc: Wawrinka -- Monfils -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Griekspoor -- Hurkacz -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- De Minaur
Andre8735: Draper
Angryduck71: Dimitrov -- Baez -- NO PICK
Bankerb4: Korda -- Khachanov -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
Bernadette27: Ofner -- Auger-Aliassime -- Mannarino
Bestjax: Korda -- Baez -- Darderi -- Shelton -- Khachanov
Blomgren: Marozsan -- Khachanov -- Mannarino
Bluereggie: Draper
Bouchardboiledeggs: Nakashima -- Tiafoe -- Griekspoor -- Baez -- Etcheverry
Cantplaytennis420: Korda -- Musetti -- De Minaur -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- NO PICK
Canuckraonic: Ofner -- Baez -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Khachanov
Casperpod: Hurkacz -- Baez -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerndolo -- Rublev
Catman: Martinez -- Baez -- Struff -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Paul
Cdavid99: Korda -- Baez -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Charlie02123: Korda -- Musetti -- Griekspoor -- Baez
Chiara: Wawrinka -- Auger-Aliassime -- De Minaur -- Shelton -- NO PICK
Contactpoint32: Korda -- Giron
Cyborgshoes: Marozsan -- Baez -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- De Minaur -- Moutet -- Rune -- Alcaraz -- Zverev
Dave g: Wawrinka -- Cerundolo -- Cobolli -- Korda -- Bublik
Dowser55: Hurkacz -- Khachanov -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Tommy Paul -- Rublev
Du pioneers: Nakashima -- Auger-Aliassime -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Khachanov
Ducklynt: Draper
Elchie: Nakashima -- Ruusuvuori
Equipped: Korda -- Van de Zandschulp -- NO PICK
Eskimo53: Draper
Esquared88: Korda -- Baez -- Mannarino
Fastbackss: Tabilo
Federer70: Humbert
Federex: Dimitrov -- Khachanov -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Flowerchild39: Diallo
Franchise: Korda -- Auger-Aliassime -- Darderi -- Shelton -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
by meganfernandez G2gaynor: Dimitrov -- Baez -- Darderi -- Korda -- Paul -- Rublev
Gacritter: Draper
Gff0: Ofner -- Cerundolo -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Musetti -- Moutet -- Fritz -- Alcaraz -- Ruud
Glarange: Korda -- NO PICK
Grancordero: Dimitrov -- Auger Aliassime -- Darderi -- Shelton -- Djokovic -- Tsitsipas -- Rune -- Hurkacz
Greengourd: Martinez -- Musetti -- Darderi -- Korda -- Khachanov
Gunner: Nakashima -- Giron
Herodotus: Nakashima -- Giron
Hoangers: Korda -- Baez -- Struff -- Bergs -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Hotchocolate: Wawrinka -- NO PICK
Hummingbird: Tabilo
Improbabledream: Hurkacz -- Khachanov -- Fritz -- Korda -- Tommy Paul -- Rublev
Irena2: Korda -- Baez -- Mannarino
Ironmike: Korda -- Tiafoe -- Darderi -- Shelton -- Etcheverry -- Moutet -- Paul
Janebowles: Korda -- Paul -- Rinderknech -- Auger-Aliassime -- Etcheverry -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Arnaldi
Jason11e: Korda -- Shevchenko -- Rinderknech -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Moutet -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Jatagen: Ofner -- Tiafoe -- Mannarino -- Never mind I hadnt checked results. Im out
Jazzyg: Dimitrov -- Khachanov -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundulo -- Moutet -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
Jeff from tx: Coric
Jennifer mcdonald: Korda -- NO PICK
Jkfinaz: Draper
Jlhct: Martinez -- Norrie
Joanjettson: Korda -- Musetti -- Griekspoor -- Auger-Aliassime -- Fritz -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Hurkacz
Jtcontinental: Marozsan -- Auger-Aliassime -- Struff -- Korda -- Rune -- Rublev
Jumpfroggy: Nardi
Karl nimeni: Dimitrov -- Baez -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Karlovicfanclub: Korda -- Musetti -- Mannarino
Khethux: Korda -- Khachanov -- Mannarino
Kknudsen: Korda -- Baez -- Mannarino
Kokomuck: Korda -- Fils
Ktothem1: Korda -- Baez -- Davidovich Fokina -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Moutet -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Kzt123: Nakashima -- Norrie
Lauriejo: Korda -- Baez -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Kokkinakis -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Lbk77: Tabilo
Led14pa2: Korda -- Baez -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Khachanov
Leemur: Ofner -- Tiafoe -- Auger-Aliasime -- NO PICK
Liamvalid: Martinez -- Baez -- Carballes Baena -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Tsitsipas -- Fritz -- Hurkacz
Lokomotiv lemnos: Korda -- Baez -- Etcheverry -- Shelton -- Cerundolo -- Moutet -- Fritz -- Hurkacz
Lukeorion: Marozsan -- Musetti -- Etcheverry -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
Manila smash: Jarry
Mayorghouliani: Draper
Mcbride10s: Hurkacz -- Baez -- Davidovich Fokina -- Arnaldi -- Cerundolo -- Tsitsipas -- Rune -- Dimitrov -- Ruud
Meganfernandez: Martinez -- Norrie -- Auger-Aliasseme for Omess
Merdon: Korda -- Khachanov -- Griekspoor -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Michelle_fenlon: Nardi
Mikeprice444: Wawrinka -- Musetti -- Davidovich Fokina -- Korda -- Fritz -- Moutet -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
Mocam57: Korda -- NO PICK
Motobass: Marozsan -- Auger-Aliassime -- Mpetshi Perricard
Mr_socko: Nakashima -- Baez -- NO PICK
Mu_royals: Marozsan -- Ruusuvuori
Munchin: Korda -- Baez -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundulo -- Moutet -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
by meganfernandez Natlee: Korda -- Khachanov -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- De Minaur -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Naughtyboiosu: Tabilo
Naughtyt: Wawrinka -- Baez -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Khachanov
Nelslus: Korda -- Baez -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
New england nitemare: Korda -- Baez -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Tsitsipas -- Fritz -- Hurkacz
Noedee: Korda -- Baez -- Griekspoor -- Sonego -- Rune
Nyjaney: Draper
Oliver0001: Draper
Omegadoom: Korda -- Musetti -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Tsitsipas -- Fritz -- Hurkacz
Omess: Draper
Oploskoffie: Korda -- Baez -- Griekspoor -- Bergs -- Khachanov
Patmanmo: Zhang -- Cerundolo -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Khachanov
Patrick: Korda -- Baez -- Cobolli -- Auger-Aliassime -- Khachanov
Paulfmcintyre: Korda -- Khachanov -- Darderi -- Arnaldi -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Hurkacz
Pharmanimal: Korda -- Shapovalov -- Bublik -- Auger-Aliassime -- Griekspoor -- Dimitrov -- Rune -- Hurkacz
Philly10: Korda -- Musetti -- Rinderknech -- Baez -- Cerundolo
Ponchi101: Tabilo
Ptmcmahon: Korda -- Baez -- Darderi -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Hurkacz -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Pudding: Nakashima -- Musetti -- Darderi -- Korda -- Etcheverry -- Moutet -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Rashmi: Korda -- NO PICK
Redward: Kukushkin -- Mannarino[/color]
Rktct2b: Marozsan -- Khachanov -- Davidovich Fokina -- Korda -- Etcheverry -- Hurkacz -- Rune -- Dimitrov -- Ruud
Roger musiala: Korda -- NO PICK
Ron@tennisreporters: Draper
Seamzten18: Zhang -- Paul -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Rune -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Sh79: Korda -- Ruusuvuori
Shmrck14: Draper
Skim5150: Marozsan -- Lajovic -- Davidovich Fokina -- Bergs -- Kokkinakis -- Dimitrov -- Paul
Slamdog: Korda -- Khachanov -- Davidovich-Fokina -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundulo -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
Sluggo-13: Tirante
Smc_mom: Dimitrov -- Musetti -- Etcheverry -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Spencerlee: Tabilo
Sportsfan: Draper
Suliso: Nardi
Sw195ae: Draper
Tcard: Tabilo
Tenedab: Draper
Tennis baller: Korda -- NO PICK
Tennisbrp: Korda -- Baez -- Struff -- Shelton -- Cerundolo -- Auger-Aliassime -- Rune -- Dimitrov -- Medvedev
Texasniteowl: Ofner -- Baez -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Khachanov
Togtdyalttai: Korda -- Khachanov -- Goffin -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- Rublev
Tolulops: Draper
Twinetime: Tabilo
Ubermitch: Martinez -- Musetti -- Darderi -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Dimitrov -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Medvedev
Udaneri: Korda -- Baez -- Etcheverry -- Auger-Aliassime -- Cerundolo -- NO PICK
Valynn: Jarry
Verbalvolleys: Hurkacz -- Giron
Vexchaps: Dimitrov -- Baez -- Rinderknech -- Korda -- Fritz -- NO PICK
Wbeauchesne: Tabilo
Weefunk: Korda -- Cerundolo -- Struff -- Auger-Aliassime -- Khachanov
Zephyrstorm03: Ofner -- Baez -- Struff -- Korda -- Cerundolo -- Hurkacz -- Fritz -- Tsitsipas -- Ruud
by ponchi101 The count for picks are:

Korda 50
Draper 18
Nakashima 10
Tabilo 10
Dimitrov 8
Marozsan 8
Martinez 7
Ofner 7
Wawrinka 6
Hurkacz 5
Nardi 3
Jarry 2
Zhang 2
Coric 1
Diallo 1
Humbert 1
Kukushkin 1
Tirante 1
by meganfernandez Day 1 results

Started: 141
Cheeked: 38
Survived: 103

Draper took down 18 the cruelest way possible, coming from two sets down to force a fifth and give you guys some hope, only to kill that, too.

Tabilo wiped out 10 people who foolishly picked against a hot-handed Belgian qualifier who probably had a lot of crowd support. This no-no is a cousin of picking against a French player (or for a French player).

Speaking of... sigh. Jarry took out two people who brazenly picked against Moutet, a French player. So what if Jarry just made the Rome final? He's not above the SP laws. And don't blame the ballkid who laid Jarry out Ray Lewis-style. This was the universe's doing.



Coric casualty, picking against a French LEGEND is an even graver sin. May you learn from this. Richie Red Shoes is ageless.

Humbert pickers, I'm stunned, too. I almost took him. But of course I didn't because il est francais!!!!

Everyone else, don't let Korda's win over Frenchman Mayot fool you. Those 50 pickers will pay for it when Korda makes a run to the semis and they took him too early, or when a later seeded pick loses a two-sets-double-break lead to crash out to a qualifier. And don't let this convince you that it's safe to pick Shelton over Gaston, either. Or any French player, the opponent of a French player, or the doubles partner, hitting partner, romantic partner or accountability partner of a French player.

Dimitrov pickers - way too early. He's making the quarters.

Ofner pickers in Europe or farther east - did you sleep?

Marozsan pickers - you win. Through easily and it was the last safe time to take him. Everyone copy these players!

Nardi pickers - Roddick picked Muller over Nardi. Do you watch his podcast? Too late now, but next time, he might save you some grief.

Diallo picker - I didn't think Nishikori had it in him, either. It was his first Slam match in three years. I respect the move. Just missed by a little.

Wawrinka pickers - maybe too early, a pleasant surprise. Might he take out Sinner? Stan looks good. So does Magnus Norman, by the way. He has aged nicely.

The rest of you, I'll chide you later.
by Grancordero Love those reports, Megan, keep it up! :-)

P.S. Dimitrov´s not making the quarters (I hope)
by meganfernandez
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 7:23 am Love those reports, Megan, keep it up! :-)

P.S. Dimitrov´s not making the quarters (I hope)
Who do you want to beat Grigor? I assume he's in the path of someone else you like. Thanks for the kind words! I'll do daily summaries with the results.
by meganfernandez Day 2 counts
Started: 103
Self-cheeked: 7 no-picks
Remaining: 96

Baez 34
Khachanov 14
Musetti 12
Auger Aliassime 7
Giron 6
Tiafoe 5
Cerundolo 4
Norrie 3
Russuvuori 3
Paul 2
Fils 1
Lajovic 1
Monfils 1
Shapovalov 1
Shevchenko 1
Van de Zandschulp 1
by meganfernandez Day 2 results

Started: 96
Cheeked: 14
Remaining: 82

An uneventful day. Perhaps the SP showed deference to Rafa by not producing any drama. The Baez Bandwagon wobbled when Sebastian took five sets to get the job done. He would have been a good pick in the next round or two, with Jarry out of the section, but since he didn't roll today, maybe you used him at the right time.

None of the losers (including myself) have an excuse. There were no big upsets today. We could have chosen safer picks than Giron, Ruusuvuori, Norrie, and BVDZ - although in fairness, lots of winners look safe in hindsight, once FAA has cruised and low seeds like Cerundolo and Musetti performed just as expected. I think Musetti should have been the bandwagon. He was a solid favorite in the match and in Djokovic's path.

Speaking of Cerundolo, it was a round too early, but at least you're alive.

Khachanov also a round or two early and the kind of sturdy R16/QF stalwart you want to pocket in case the draw collapses - I might take him over Rune in R32, if Rune even gets there.

The way Tiafoe survived in five doesn't inspire a lot of hope in the next round against Shapovalov, who rolled and has been on a mini upswing, so that was a good pick. Probably the second-best pick today after Musetti, but only with the hindsight of knowing Tiafoe won. It seemed risky given his current form and and the surface.

The lone Shapovalov picker and Monfils picker both survived the French curse, and the lone Fils picker didn't. Everyone wisely stayed away from Shelton, who played a Frenchman. People are underestimating Shelton, though. Voodoo aside, it would have been a good pick.

Props - I guess? - to the Lajovic and Shevchenko pickers, especially the latter. Lajovic I understand. Shevchenko was a big risk, it seems, even though Karastev hasn't been playing much. It went five, so Karatsev wasn't a pushover.

Paul pickers. Hi! Smooth sailing, easy street, no sweat ... but what if Novak doesn't last a few rounds?
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 3:21 pm Day 2 counts
Started: 103
Self-cheeked: 7 no-picks
Remaining: 96

Baez 34
Khachanov 14
Musetti 12
Auger Aliassime 7
Giron 6
Tiafoe 5
Cerundolo 4
Norrie 3
Ruusuvuori 3
Paul 2
Fils 1
Lajovic 1
Monfils 1
Shapovalov 1
Shevchenko 1
Van de Zandschulp 1
by meganfernandez Day 3 Summary
Started: 82
Self-cheeked: 3 no-picks
Remaining: 79

Darderi 19
Struff 12
Etcheverry 9
Mannarino 8
Rinderknech 9
Davidovich Fokina 6
Griekspoor 6
Carballes Baena 2
Cobolli 2
De Minaur 2
Bublik 1
Fritz 1
Goffin 1
Mpetshi Perricard 1
by ptmcmahon Hard to say used someone a round too early in round 1 when we are only going to be making so many picks :)

Now when it turns out we picked someone 3-4 rounds too early ... then we've screwed up :D
by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 4:27 pm Hard to say used someone a round too early in round 1 when we are only going to be making so many picks :)

Now when it turns out we picked someone 3-4 rounds too early ... then we've screwed up :D
SPs get tight very fast. Having several solid options left for the four days of R32 and R16 is crucial. The picks have to win and lose the next match. We'll see what happens but I definitely believe taking a seed too early in R1 can have consequences.

But you're in and I'm out, so what do I know? :) I'm just trying to help!
by Federex I used to pick players that are not likely to win next round in the early rounds, but now I think it is unnecessary risk. Even if a couple of the R1 R2 picks get to R16, there are usually still enough good picks left, as long as those players dont get into QF.
It is far better to go through into R16 and then worry about any congestion. And at AO we got a medal for making 6 picks anyway.
by meganfernandez
Federex wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 5:49 pm I used to pick players that are not likely to win next round in the early rounds, but now I think it is unnecessary risk. Even if a couple of the R1 R2 picks get to R16, there are usually still enough good picks left, as long as those players dont get into QF.
It is far better to go through into R16 and then worry about any congestion. And at AO we got a medal for making 6 picks anyway.
You don't have to be perfect picking R1 winners to lose in R2, no. But they can't hang around more than a couple rounds. Your R3 pick better lose in R4, in most cases, especially Slams that spread their QFs over two days. I can't remember if the French does. My point is the low seeds like Khachanov - who consistently make the middle weekend of Slams - are too valuable as R2 and R3 picks, and can easily make a QF now and then if a draw collapses. If Khachanov makes the QF and you picked him in R1, it's problematic. So there's some wiggle room, but not a lot.

My playing style is different - I do worry about congestion in R3 and R4. But I'm trying to beat the draw, not just win a medal. :)
by Grancordero I don´t have anyone in particular in mind. I just find Grigor too unstable on clay. He could beat Hurkacz in R16, I guess. He could also lose to Marozsan next match. Just not reliable.
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 2:35 pm
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 7:23 am Love those reports, Megan, keep it up! :-)

P.S. Dimitrov´s not making the quarters (I hope)
Who do you want to beat Grigor? I assume he's in the path of someone else you like. Thanks for the kind words! I'll do daily summaries with the results.
by ptmcmahon
Federex wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 5:49 pm I used to pick players that are not likely to win next round in the early rounds, but now I think it is unnecessary risk. Even if a couple of the R1 R2 picks get to R16, there are usually still enough good picks left, as long as those players dont get into QF.
It is far better to go through into R16 and then worry about any congestion. And at AO we got a medal for making 6 picks anyway.
Yeah I try not to do that too often early. Pick a player because you think they are going to lose soon and they may prove you right... just earlier than you expected :D Meanwhile the people who were saving them for later look smarter even though they were more wrong than you were.
by naughtyT The Mpetshi and Mannarino pickers simply refusing to learn from history. I feel especially for the Mpetshi picker though. It seemed so logical, right? Right?????
by ptmcmahon I gave a little thought to Mannarino myself but luckily talked myself out of it.
by motobass
naughtyT wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:05 pm The Mpetshi and Mannarino pickers simply refusing to learn from history. I feel especially for the Mpetshi picker though. It seemed so logical, right? Right?????
It did! Arghh!
by Irena2
ptmcmahon wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:15 pm I gave a little thought to Mannarino myself but luckily talked myself out of it.
Wish I'd had a better conversation with myself! :roll:
by nelslus
Irena2 wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 1:24 am
ptmcmahon wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:15 pm I gave a little thought to Mannarino myself but luckily talked myself out of it.
Wish I'd had a better conversation with myself! :roll:
....But, you and motobass promised me that, in 2024- you both would make Chicago proud. HOW COULD YOU BOTH?!?!?!

Don't worry, I have not shared these results with John. We had such high expectations for you both. :shock:
by nelslus LOOK. At this point in time, I am just thrilled I survived through my Baez R1 pick. Who, let us not forget, was early on down a break in the 5th set.

And, sure, odds are, I used Struff far too early for today's pick. But, really- who the hell ever knows? I mean, how could any of us ever doubted that the scrub-likes of Darderi, Etcheverry, Davidovich Fokina, Griekspoor and Cobolli were gonna win their R1 matches?!?!?! I tell ya, these pre-Slam hotsy-totsy players make me nuts. :cry:
by G2gaynor Day 4 could be interesting.... If FAA and/or Korda lose. Big bandwagon!
by meganfernandez
naughtyT wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:05 pm The Mpetshi and Mannarino pickers simply refusing to learn from history. I feel especially for the Mpetshi picker though. It seemed so logical, right? Right?????
HUGE props to the Mpetshi picker. It was risky given the kid hasn't played much B5 and Goffin knows how to win matches. But it would have felt GREAT if it worked. I like that kind of SP high.

I watched Mpetshi's final in Lyon and he showed a lot of grit and nerve to win the tight third set, so I thought he might come through this match. IT would have been a great show on Chatrier if he had won and got to play Zverev. Oh well. Watch out for this kid on grass. The serve is massive and he moves really well for 6'8.

The safe French pick was Rinderknech! We should have known! :) Good job to those pickers. and to the pool overal - solid day on Day 3. It's getting boring, though. We need some carnage.
by ponchi101 If I hadn't been so mauled by Tabilo on day one, I would answer about your prayer for carnage :P
But I'm still bleeding... :cry:
by meganfernandez Day 4 Summary
Started: 71
Self-cheeked: 1 no-pick
Remaining: 70

Auger-Aliassime 32
Korda 21
Shelton 7
Baez 3
Bergs 3
Arnaldi 2
Sonego 1
Wawrinka 1
by Irena2
nelslus wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 4:06 am
Irena2 wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 1:24 am
ptmcmahon wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:15 pm I gave a little thought to Mannarino myself but luckily talked myself out of it.
Wish I'd had a better conversation with myself! :roll:
....But, you and motobass promised me that, in 2024- you both would make Chicago proud. HOW COULD YOU BOTH?!?!?!

Don't worry, I have not shared these results with John. We had such high expectations for you both. :shock:
The pressure is all on you now...
by meganfernandez If your Day 4 pick didn't finish his match, go ahead and make a Day 5 pick from a different match - use the list in the Day 5 Picks thread here:
viewtopic.php?p=109050#p109050
by nelslus
Irena2 wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 4:00 pm
nelslus wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 4:06 am
Irena2 wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 1:24 am

Wish I'd had a better conversation with myself! :roll:
....But, you and motobass promised me that, in 2024- you both would make Chicago proud. HOW COULD YOU BOTH?!?!?!

Don't worry, I have not shared these results with John. We had such high expectations for you both. :shock:
The pressure is all on you now...
LOL, that thin thread you may have noticed is clearly what my pool hopes are hanging on.

I expect to, yet again, shame Chicago in the very near future. :freaking:
by naughtyT
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 1:56 pm
naughtyT wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 11:05 pm The Mpetshi and Mannarino pickers simply refusing to learn from history. I feel especially for the Mpetshi picker though. It seemed so logical, right? Right?????
HUGE props to the Mpetshi picker. It was risky given the kid hasn't played much B5 and Goffin knows how to win matches. But it would have felt GREAT if it worked. I like that kind of SP high.

I watched Mpetshi's final in Lyon and he showed a lot of grit and nerve to win the tight third set, so I thought he might come through this match. IT would have been a great show on Chatrier if he had won and got to play Zverev. Oh well. Watch out for this kid on grass. The serve is massive and he moves really well for 6'8.
He was amazing in Lyon and yes his Wimby will be interesting. He missed his Junior chance there because of Covid.
Henri.png
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by meganfernandez Day 5 Summary
Started: 69
Self-cheeked: 4 no-picks
Remaining: 65 (but 48 of those still need to survive their Day 4 picks at the time of writing)

Cerundolo 30
Khachanov 11
Etcheverry 6'
Fritz 3
De Minaur 2
Griekspoor 2
Rune 2
Tommy Paul 2
Paul 2
Kokkinakis 2
Bublik 1
Djokovic 1
Musetti 1

Since you guys have done so well in the pool in the last few days, and the rain has extended lives, I've been uninspired to make any comments. Ennui has set in.
Henri.png
by ponchi101 That cracked me up :rofl:
by joanjettson Is Ennui the name of the cat? 🐱

if it helps, @meganfernandez,
your inspiring commentary prevents ennui from setting in for the rest of us.
by meganfernandez
joanjettson wrote: ↑Thu May 30, 2024 5:02 pm Is Ennui the name of the cat? 🐱

if it helps, @meganfernandez,
your inspiring commentary prevents ennui from setting in for the rest of us.
Awww, that is so sweet! Ennui is just a word that means melancholy. The cat is Henri the Existential Cat. He's on Youtube.
by meganfernandez I told you guys you gook Khachanov at JUST the right time!! Parfait!
by meganfernandez Day 6 Summary
Remaining: 50

Dimitrov 15
Rublev 13
Moutet 10
Tsitsipas 5
Hurkacz 4
Auger-Aliassime 3

Khachanov finally did some damage, albeit not a bandwagon yet. Should have taken him in R1! :) The Bergs pickers from Day 4, you're offically Party Animals.

When will the bandwagon go down? Today with Dimitrov? Will the bon temps keep on rolling for Bergs?
by weefunk
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2024 12:13 pm Day 6 Summary
Remaining: 50

Dimitrov 15
Rublev 13
Moutet 10
Tsitsipas 5
Hurkacz 4
Auger-Aliassime 3

Khachanov finally did some damage, albeit not a bandwagon yet. Should have taken him in R1! :) The Bergs pickers from Day 4, you're offically Party Animals.

When will the bandwagon go down? Today with Dimitrov? Will the bon temps keep on rolling for Bergs?
Ha. Despite Khachanov's history, I actually thought my pick of him yesterday was on the "safe" side. Lesson learned.

Looks like Rublev is the wagon crasher today.
by Grancordero Funny thing is I picked Tsitsipas expecting him TO LOSE TO RUBLEV in the next round. I got really lucky there... but I´m running out of options for next picks (unless Arnaldi does the job anyway of course).
by nelslus My original pick was going to be Dimitrov. And THEN I thought, you never know when Dimitrov is gonna fall apart....OR go further in the draw from his section....and certainly Rublev is only good for another win or two. So, HEY, here's a great thought.....I'll pick RUBLEV!!!!!!!

:gorgeous:
by jazzyg Offner took me out in the third round last year, but today was why I don't believe in following self-made rules or worrying about history.

After winning back-to-back five-setters, it was hard to imagine he could win again, and he faded pretty dramatically (I assume) after winning the first set from Moutet.
by Grancordero Moutet was a great pick, given that he now faces Sinner. But I agree with Megan´s rule "don´t ever make your pick in a match involving a French guy" :lol:
by munchin The text on my picks and results seems to have been cut off somehow. Someone got urgently pulled away while typing Cerundulo's name!

I had Cerundulo yesterday and Moutet today. Thank you, as always, Contest Staff! :)
by meganfernandez Day 7 Summary
Starting and remaining: 37

Rune 17
Fritz 17
Paul 3

Day 7 picks pending
Dimitrov 15
Hurkacz 4
by ptmcmahon Oops forgot I had to survive two and was already mentally relaxing!
by meganfernandez
Federex wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 5:49 pm I used to pick players that are not likely to win next round in the early rounds, but now I think it is unnecessary risk. Even if a couple of the R1 R2 picks get to R16, there are usually still enough good picks left, as long as those players dont get into QF.
It is far better to go through into R16 and then worry about any congestion. And at AO we got a medal for making 6 picks anyway.
Let's see, if your R1 or R2 picks get to R16, which features 8 players per day, you've used at least 2 of them (the R1/R2 pick and the R3 pick). Only four players will win that round, and you need 2 of them in the QF (if the quarters are played across two days) nd either semi or final. So you have only 2 choices - one of the 2 players who will win R16 and lose the QF. Depending on the draw, you could have to make a long-shot pick, like an unraked player to beat your R1 or R2 pick. ?If Tommy Paul had lost, for instance, you might have to pick a lowly ranked player to upset Cerundolo. That's why I try to preserve as many picks as possible by R16 (even that one extra option) and don't play it safe in R1 and R2. Your way is another strategy. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes mine pays off.
by Federex You can actually afford two of your early picks get to QF, from R16 you need 2 winners and so you would have picked 4 out of 8 quarterfinalist, and have exactly 4 to pick for the 2 QF, 1 SF and 1 final.

It is too tight of course, so I would avoid picking a player early if I think they are going to QF, but i dont see a problem picking anyone going out in R16 when there is no good safe pick.
(And can even actually afford 2 of those going 1 round deeper than you think)

Of course if there is a player that you are confident in winning in R1 and lose before round 16, that is ideal and i would make such a pick too. I just wont force myself to make such a pick when i dont think it is safe enough.

Player like Khachanov is almost always going out in R16, then it doesnt matter too much (normally) if you use him R1, R2 or R3, so if you dont see any safe pick in any of those day, it is not a problem for me to burn such a player in R1.
by meganfernandez
Federex wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 6:44 pm You can actually afford two of your early picks get to QF, from R16 you need 2 winners and so you would have picked 4 out of 8 quarterfinalist, and have exactly 4 to pick for the 2 QF, 1 SF and 1 final.

It is too tight of course, so I would avoid picking a player early if I think they are going to QF, but i dont see a problem picking anyone going out in R16 when there is no good safe pick.
(And can even actually afford 2 of those going 1 round deeper than you think)

Of course if there is a player that you are confident in winning in R1 and lose before round 16, that is ideal and i would make such a pick too. I just wont force myself to make such a pick when i dont think it is safe enough.

Player like Khachanov is almost always going out in R16, then it doesnt matter too much (normally) if you use him R1, R2 or R3, so if you dont see any safe pick in any of those day, it is not a problem for me to burn such a player in R1.
I love this thought exercise, and I'll give it some more analysis later today or tomorrow. The thing I think your aren't accounting for is the great uncertainty by R3 and R4, that your mid-seed R1/R2 pick WILL go out in R4. There are always surprises, and the fewer options you have - even one fewer - the harder it will be to navigate that turbulence. I like to have most of the top 20 seeds left in those rounds.
by Federex I agree there is surprise...but sometimes the surprise cost you the pool anyway.. like Rublev!
I just think picking a couple of mid-seed R1/R2 is perfectly fine and still left enough options late on.

Not that i am advocating picking mid-seeds for all R1/R2 picks..even though in theory you can beat the draw doing that, but that would leave too little flexibility as you rightfully point out..
by ponchi101 Look at it in the reverse.
It is better to have 2 players already used in the QF, because, after all, you will have at a minimum 1 (the player you picked the day before), than to have no players left for the QF's because you died in day 2.
There is a reason it is called a SURVIVORS pool and not a CAREFUL PICKERS pool. ;)
by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 7:05 pm Look at it in the reverse.
It is better to have 2 players already used in the QF, because, after all, you will have at a minimum 1 (the player you picked the day before), than to have no players left for the QF's because you died in day 2.
There is a reason it is called a SURVIVORS pool and not a CAREFUL PICKERS pool. ;)
I don't play to beat everyone else. I play to beat the draw. :) I'm sure this translates into how I play tennis - pretty risky and impatient. :)
by meganfernandez
Federex wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 7:04 pm I agree there is surprise...but sometimes the surprise cost you the pool anyway.. like Rublev!
I just think picking a couple of mid-seed R1/R2 is perfectly fine and still left enough options late on.

Not that i am advocating picking mid-seeds for all R1/R2 picks..even though in theory you can beat the draw doing that, but that would leave too little flexibility as you rightfully point out..
For sure an upset like that will screw you up, which is part of the uncertainty. Sometimes it works against you, sometimes for you. You never know. And that's why I save players who could reasonably make the quarters, like Khachanov. It's one thing if the player will play Djokovic or Sinner in R3 or R4, like Cerundolo, but I still think picking Cerundolo early could be an issue if he beats Paul. We'll see. I wouldn't assume Djokovic, in his shaky state, would beat Cerundolo, either. But I understand taking someone like that at the "last reasonably safe round."

You can beat the draw picking mid-level seeds in R1 and R2. But you need a little more luck.
by Grancordero I think you´re both right...

Best way to get a medal: Keep it safe and hope for a bandwagon to meet cliff when you´re not in it.

Best way to beat the draw: Take risks as soon as possible and leave yourself as many options in the last rounds.

(I play it safe, but I´m just a starter, Megan is a pro, no motivation in just beating the bunch of us) :lol:
by meganfernandez
Grancordero wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 7:59 pm I think you´re both right...

Best way to get a medal: Keep it safe and hope for a bandwagon to meet cliff when you´re not in it.

Best way to beat the draw: Take risks as soon as possible and leave yourself as many options in the last rounds.

(I play it safe, but I´m just a starter, Megan is a pro, no motivation in just beating the bunch of us) :lol:
Aww... thanks. :) I feel sheepish giving advice or judging other people's picks. This is just my feeling about how I approach an SP and my experience that R4 and QFs options are too narrow if my R1 and R2 picks are still in. Maybe I'm wrong. I haven't reached many QFs! :) I don't like to play it safe, though. And usually what should be a very safe R1 or R2 pick doesn't eel like it when you're playing an SP, so I get seduced into a really risky pick just because nearly eerything seems risky.
by meganfernandez The bandwagons roll on. Kokkinakis tried to topple one by taking Fritz to five sets, but he's no Kyrgios when it comes to causing good trouble. We move on to Day 8 with 34 players who are mad at me for not yet making an Updated Thread.

Is everyone setting up nicely to beat the draw, or will Arnaldi beat Tsitsipas or Cerundolo Musetti take out Djokovic and bust this thing open?
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 4:48 pm Day 7 Summary
Starting and remaining: 37

Rune 17
Fritz 17
Paul 3

Day 7 picks pending
Dimitrov 15
Hurkacz 4
by Grancordero I picked Djokovic in R2 expecting him to lose to either Musetti or Cerúndolo. Let's hope it works alright. I feel very unsure about the other side of the draw, tbh. Play it safe and pick Sinner or go for the gamble with Hurkacz and improve my chances of beating the draw? Dimitrov has never lost to Hubi, so maybe my decision sums up the conversation here: hold on for one more day and see how the others fare or go for the jackpot?
by Grancordero Picked Hurkacz and it's gonna be Dimi, but, wtf, you can't win just expecting the others to lose. Especially when "the others" are 33!
by meganfernandez
Grancordero wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 11:52 pm I picked Djokovic in R2 expecting him to lose to either Musetti or Cerúndolo. Let's hope it works alright. I feel very unsure about the other side of the draw, tbh. Play it safe and pick Sinner or go for the gamble with Hurkacz and improve my chances of beating the draw? Dimitrov has never lost to Hubi, so maybe my decision sums up the conversation here: hold on for one more day and see how the others fare or go for the jackpot?
Jackpot! 💥💥 Jackpot! 💥💥 You already went all-in by picking Djokovic in R2. Don't play it safe now. You could go down as an SP legend!

Your Djokovic pick is prescient in the fourth set of Novak-Musetti, but verrrrry risky. Have you saved both Cerundolo and Musetti, and do you have Ruud getting to the semi instead of Djokovic?
by meganfernandez
nelslus wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2024 8:46 pm My original pick was going to be Dimitrov. And THEN I thought, you never know when Dimitrov is gonna fall apart....OR go further in the draw from his section....and certainly Rublev is only good for another win or two. So, HEY, here's a great thought.....I'll pick RUBLEV!!!!!!!

:gorgeous:
how about just never pick Rublev? :)
by ponchi101 Rublev is reliable on hard courts. He is a solid pick all the way to day 5.
And I know exceptions will be found but, other than picking Rafa at RG or Roger/Novak at W (in the past), nothing is 100% sure.
by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 11:27 am Rublev is reliable on hard courts. He is a solid pick all the way to day 5.
And I know exceptions will be found but, other than picking Rafa at RG or Roger/Novak at W (in the past), nothing is 100% sure.
yeah, I was kidding. Rublev should be a reliable pick.
by meganfernandez Day 8 Summary
Started: 34
Self-cheeked: 1 no-pick
Remaining: 33

Tsitsipas 18
Hurkacz 8
Dimitrov 3
Alcaraz 2
Sinner 1
Arnaldi 1

Once again, no bandwagon crash today. But three people are calling their shots with Alcaraz and Sinner and separating from the pack...
by janebowles Yes, bandwagon panic had me recklessly switch to Arnaldi...thanks for managing this! Good luck everyone...
by New England Nitemare Ugh...out with Hurkacz, thought he was due for a win over Grigor, but out in straights. Good Luck to the remaining survivors.
by catman Is that Gregor Dimitrov I see in the quarters?
by ponchi101 Playing back to his level of old.
by Grancordero Dimitrov is under Hubi's skin: 6-0 H2H and 7-0 in tiebreaks played. It's been a pleasure to play with you all. See you in Wimbledon!
by meganfernandez
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 10:52 am Dimitrov is under Hubi's skin: 6-0 H2H and 7-0 in tiebreaks played. It's been a pleasure to play with you all. See you in Wimbledon!
Nice run! Had you already taken Dimitrov? Is that why you went with Hubi despite the H2H?
by meganfernandez
catman wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 9:10 pm Is that Gregor Dimitrov I see in the quarters?
Yeah, he's had a really strong year - a title and two finals, including Miami. He's playing great. He talked about his current form on the Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast. He's 33 - not ancient. Love to see this. He's my sentimental favorite but still a long shot that he'll win.
by meganfernandez
New England Nitemare wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 8:25 pm Ugh...out with Hurkacz, thought he was due for a win over Grigor, but out in straights. Good Luck to the remaining survivors.
Not only did Hubi crash out, he tried to mutiny!

by meganfernandez Day 9 Summary
Starting and remaining: 24

Ruud 14
Medvedev 8
De Minaur 1
Zverev 1
by Grancordero
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:13 pm
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 10:52 am Dimitrov is under Hubi's skin: 6-0 H2H and 7-0 in tiebreaks played. It's been a pleasure to play with you all. See you in Wimbledon!
Nice run! Had you already taken Dimitrov? Is that why you went with Hubi despite the H2H?
Yep. He had never made the QFs here, so I picked him early. It had to be this year...
by meganfernandez
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:46 pm
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:13 pm
Grancordero wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 10:52 am Dimitrov is under Hubi's skin: 6-0 H2H and 7-0 in tiebreaks played. It's been a pleasure to play with you all. See you in Wimbledon!
Nice run! Had you already taken Dimitrov? Is that why you went with Hubi despite the H2H?
Yep. He had never made the QFs here, so I picked him early. It had to be this year...
Understandable calculation.
by joanjettson I always thought Dimitrov was too flaky, and my psychic powers told me no one beats Hubi 6 times in a row - guess I'm no Dionne Warwick! :)
Thanks and see you at Wimbledon. Wish me luck with the Women's!
by hoangers
joanjettson wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 2:12 pm I always thought Dimitrov was too flaky, and my psychic powers told me no one beats Hubi 6 times in a row - guess I'm no Dionne Warwick! :)
Thanks and see you at Wimbledon. Wish me luck with the Women's!



I chuckled at your Dionne Warwick comment! LOL. Good luck with the women's draw!
by joanjettson De Minaur picker on fire - against all Ozzie odds - well done!
by hoangers
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:23 pm Day 9 Summary
Starting and remaining: 24

Ruud 14
Medvedev 8
De Minaur 1
Zverev 1

To the lone person who picked De Minaur today -- Well done!
by ponchi101 Amazing pick! And now Deminaur goes against Zverev (I think) and that looks like a good path to the final.
by meganfernandez
hoangers wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:23 pm Day 9 Summary
Starting and remaining: 24

Ruud 14
Medvedev 8
De Minaur 1
Zverev 1

To the lone person who picked De Minaur today -- Well done!
Alvinlimtc, take a bow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
by jazzyg I wasn't worried at all about de Minaur beating Medvedev, but I should have been after the way he took apart Struff in the previous round. Struff was playing incredibly well on the clay swing and I expected him to beat de Minaur, who seems to have turned a corner in slams. It took hellacious hitting by Rublev in the fourth and fifth sets to beat him in Melbourne.

Still stinks to take off on a plane with Medvedev having won the first set and then checking the score when we landed and seeing de MInaur was up two sets to one with 4-3 and a break lead in the fourth. Did a double take.
by Alvinlimtc
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 2:40 pm
hoangers wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 12:23 pm Day 9 Summary
Starting and remaining: 24

Ruud 14
Medvedev 8
De Minaur 1
Zverev 1

To the lone person who picked De Minaur today -- Well done!
Alvinlimtc, take a bow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! Was actually surprised I was the only Demon picker given that clay is Medvedev's worst surface. Feels good nonetheless!
by meganfernandez
jazzyg wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 3:03 pm I wasn't worried at all about de Minaur beating Medvedev, but I should have been after the way he took apart Struff in the previous round. Struff was playing incredibly well on the clay swing and I expected him to beat de Minaur, who seems to have turned a corner in slams. It took hellacious hitting by Rublev in the fourth and fifth sets to beat him in Melbourne.

Still stinks to take off on a plane with Medvedev having won the first set and then checking the score when we landed and seeing de MInaur was up two sets to one with 4-3 and a break lead in the fourth. Did a double take.
So easy to get comfortable with a set lead... imagine getting on the plane with Djokovic up 6-1 on Cerundolo and landing with Cerundolo at one set all and 4-1 in the third.
by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 4:27 pm ...

So easy to get comfortable with a set lead... imagine getting on the plane with Djokovic up 6-1 on Cerundolo and landing with Cerundolo at one set all and 4-1 in the third.
I can imagine... the joy.
Now, let's see if it translates into jubilation.
by jazzyg
meganfernandez wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 4:27 pm
So easy to get comfortable with a set lead... imagine getting on the plane with Djokovic up 6-1 on Cerundolo and landing with Cerundolo at one set all and 4-1 in the third.
That's almost exactly what happened in the second leg of my trip. Portland to Denver was the Medvedev match. Djokovic was on serve in the second set when my flight took off from Denver to New Orleans and when it landed he was facing break point deep in the fourth set down two sets to one. Except I had a feeling Cerundulo might make it tough. He has missed break points early in the second set, was holding serve easily and had gotten stronger as his earlier matches went on.