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TheCarambaExperience
17 Nov 25 02:38
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Date Joined: 13 Feb 25
| Topic/replies: 8,068 | Blogger: TheCarambaExperience's blog
This will be the final Tennis Talk thread of the year as I'm off to the Maldives.
Pause Switch to Standard View Tennis Talk 2025: Vol 37 (Davis Cup,...
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Report Blencathra November 17, 2025 8:40 AM GMT
Enjoy your break and the Sunshine ,

Canaries 4th Jan for me
Report edy November 17, 2025 4:40 PM GMT
Make sure to greet Dasha and Natalja if you happen to run across them. Maybe you'll even get a spot on the vlog that way.
Report wisewords November 18, 2025 12:04 AM GMT
hey edy, what did you think of Naomi & TayTown's TikTok filmed in the Maldives?
Report edy November 18, 2025 5:02 AM GMT
Don't know it.
Report wisewords November 18, 2025 7:04 PM GMT
I posted it a few days ago. lemme find the link..

https://x.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1988807242238554357
Report edy November 18, 2025 8:02 PM GMT
https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1p0i0us/moutet_tries_to_act_funny_and_screws_it_up_to_be/

Classic Moutet.
Report edy November 18, 2025 8:24 PM GMT
Given that France went on to lose their Final8 tie today, not sure Moutet will be invited for the very next tie again.
Report edy November 18, 2025 8:55 PM GMT
Father and son Hewitt are playing doubles together at the Sydney challenger this week. Lleyton's first pro action since he played doubles at the 2025 Australian Open.
Report edy November 19, 2025 6:21 PM GMT
Ended up being very easily for the Hewitt family. Won 1 and 0 as 3+ underdogs.
Report TheCarambaExperience November 22, 2025 12:56 AM GMT

Nov 18, 2025 -- 8:02PM, edy wrote:


https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1p0i0us/moutet_tries_to_act_funny_and_screws_it_up_to_be/Classic Moutet.


one to add to the Moutet highlight reel!

Report edy November 23, 2025 7:51 AM GMT
Very smart scheduling from Elias Ymer and Leo Borg to play the challenger tournament in Islamabad next week. At least if the Taliban don't kill them.

The field of that tournament is hysterically bad. Even with a whole bunch of alternates they couldn't find enough people to fill the 32 player main draw. So Ymer even gets a first round bye in addition to only being up against a field of almost exclusively no-hopers.
Report TheCarambaExperience November 23, 2025 7:09 PM GMT
We shouldn't have backed Mikael to finish with a better ranking than Elias, given Elias is seemingly the Arantxa Rus of men's tennis.
Report TheCarambaExperience November 23, 2025 7:12 PM GMT
The only ones I know in that draw are the two Swedes, Yevseyev (from my hipster days) and J Clarke (probably from getting a Wimbledon WC or QWC).
Report edy November 24, 2025 3:47 PM GMT
A usually very well-informed user on TF posted that Vera Zvonareva will receive a wild card into the W100 Dubai due to start next week. Her first WTA/ITF action since she was double bageled by Krueger in Strasbourg last season.

She is also playing UTR in Dubai this week. Where, coincidentally, she double bageled her opponent today.
Report edy November 24, 2025 3:49 PM GMT
So hold on tight, Granny Vera is coming for the wigs of all your favourite players next week.
Report edy November 27, 2025 8:21 PM GMT
lol, Germany is bringing Mina Hodzic as their 2nd reserve female to United Cup next year.
Report edy November 27, 2025 8:27 PM GMT
Greece is all about family. They are meant to bring two Tsitipas brothers and two Sakellaridi(s) siblings.

Japan was only able to find four players when everyone else found at least five and most found six. Sad
Report TheCarambaExperience November 27, 2025 11:54 PM GMT

Nov 27, 2025 -- 8:21PM, edy wrote:


lol, Germany is bringing Mina Hodzic as their 2nd reserve female to United Cup next year.


doesn't surprise me with this concept. Why go and likely not get to play a match when there are plenty of options in the first week and you want to get match time going into the new season?

Report edy November 28, 2025 7:15 AM GMT
Elias Ymer was unable to vulture Islamabad. Just lost to someone I had never heard of.
Report Angela Rebecchi December 1, 2025 2:20 PM GMT
Polina Kudermetova vs Camilla Rosatello 300k matched pre match, interesting
Report edy December 1, 2025 6:13 PM GMT
Sounds like a lot for a 125k.
Report edy December 1, 2025 6:14 PM GMT
14 service games have been played between Sorribes Tormo and Hercog in Cali.

Zero breaks so far. Might just be a first for an SST clay match to go so long without a break.
Report edy December 1, 2025 6:15 PM GMT
There've not even really been break points. Only Hercog faced any break points at all and she only did so in one service game.
Report edy December 4, 2025 5:46 PM GMT
The Russians are dropping like mad.

Kasatkina to Australia
Timofeeva and Rakhimova to Uzbekistan
Potapova to Austria
Report edy December 6, 2025 8:41 PM GMT
Did you guys know Younes El Aynaoui's son, Neil, is a big time soccer player?
Report edy December 7, 2025 3:35 PM GMT
A week or so into being Uzbek and Rakhimova already brings a title to the country.
Report TheCarambaExperience December 7, 2025 10:40 PM GMT

Dec 4, 2025 -- 5:46PM, edy wrote:


The Russians are dropping like mad.Kasatkina to AustraliaTimofeeva and Rakhimova to UzbekistanPotapova to Austria


woah! I thought she loved the Motherland.
What would the benefits of this move be?

Report tobiasr December 7, 2025 11:13 PM GMT
can play olympics
Report edy December 8, 2025 6:18 PM GMT
Potapova has represented Russia in the Billie Jean King Cup, so no olympics for her unless the ITF makes exemptions for exiled Russians.
Report edy December 8, 2025 6:19 PM GMT
Benefits might be easier travel and simply being a citizen of a far superior country.
Report TheCarambaExperience December 16, 2025 2:26 AM GMT
edy, this is not how to use your bots.
https://x.com/WTA/status/2000551414578471349
Report edy December 18, 2025 12:57 PM GMT
Rafa Nadal
@RafaelNadal
Me parece que no podré jugar el
@australianopen
en enero

He tenido que someterme a una intervención en la mano por un problema que venía arrastrando desde hace mucho tiempo, ¡pero espero estar bien pronto!

Looks like I won’t be able to play the
@AustralianOpen
2026

I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I’d been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!

https://x.com/RafaelNadal/status/1999460652683792560
Report TheCarambaExperience December 18, 2025 6:36 PM GMT
Sad
Report TheCarambaExperience December 22, 2025 2:00 AM GMT
I asked chatgpt to book a proper rivalry between Iga and Aryna

Spoiler: Show
The Rivalry Begins: "Clash of Titans – The First Strike"
Chapter 1: The Unlikely Challenger - "The Russian Incident"

The rivalry begins at the French Open, where Iga Świątek is the clear favorite. However, Aryna Sabalenka—known for her fiery attitude—throws the tennis world into chaos with a scandalous move during the third round. After losing a tough first set, Sabalenka starts making uncharacteristic errors, but the second set is where it gets interesting. As the match nears a tiebreak, Aryna suddenly accuses Iga of using illegal equipment—specifically her racquet—claiming Iga's frame is "tampered with" to provide extra spin and power. She demands the match be stopped and the equipment be tested.

Sabalenka’s Promo:
“I’m not going to sit here and let this girl cheat. Everyone knows she has a racquet that gives her an advantage. I'm here to call it out. No one’s going to pull the wool over my eyes.”

Iga is stunned, but the chair umpire allows the racquet to be inspected. Nothing is found, but the damage is done. The crowd is divided, some siding with Iga, others calling Sabalenka a whistleblower. Iga wins the match, but the controversy lingers.

Chapter 2: The Finger-Pointing War - "The Fallout"

The rivalry kicks into high gear as Sabalenka doesn’t let it go. After the match, she rips into Iga on social media, accusing her of having “inside connections” to manipulate the system. She implies that Iga gets preferential treatment because she’s a "media darling." Sabalenka’s fans start to join the chorus, calling Iga’s success "staged" and "****."

Sabalenka’s Instagram Post:
“I don’t need to cheat to win. I don’t play nice like she does. Next time I see her, I’m taking everything from her.”

Iga, visibly irritated, fires back in an interview:
Iga’s Response:
“Sabalenka is making excuses because she can’t handle the truth. I didn’t cheat—I beat her. She’s just sore about losing, and now she’s trying to make herself the victim. That’s what losers do.”

Chapter 3: The Plot Thickens - "The Disqualification"

Their next encounter happens at the US Open, where the rivalry has reached boiling point. The match is fiery, with both players trading insults during changeovers. Sabalenka is looking for an opening to really get under Iga’s skin. In the middle of the match, Iga hits a questionable line call during a crucial point. Sabalenka argues, but the umpire upholds the call.

Sabalenka, fuming, throws a fit, and, in a moment of complete rage, she smashes her racquet into Iga’s sideline towel—a blatant move aimed at intimidating and throwing Iga off her game. The chair umpire gives her a warning, but Sabalenka crosses the line when she accidentally hits the net judge with a stray ball. The judge gets injured, and Sabalenka is disqualified from the tournament.

Sabalenka’s Promo, Post-Disqualification:
“They want me to be the villain? Fine. Let them paint me as the bad guy. But the truth is, they were all against me from the start. I’m not going to stand around and let a cheat like Iga take my title.”

Chapter 4 (REWRITTEN): “The Coward’s Accusation”

By the time the tour reaches the Australian Open, the narrative is clear: Iga Świątek has Sabalenka’s number. She beat her cleanly at Roland Garros, advanced past her after the US Open disqualification, and now sits comfortably above her in the rankings. On paper, Iga is untouchable.

And that’s exactly what makes the next twist explode.

Just days before a highly anticipated Australian Open semifinal clash, Iga abruptly withdraws from her quarterfinal, citing a minor physical issue. Medical staff clear her of anything serious, but the timing sends shockwaves through the tennis world. This would have been Sabalenka’s first true chance at revenge — and suddenly, it’s gone.

Sabalenka doesn’t hesitate.

Sabalenka’s Press Conference:
“Funny how she’s healthy every time she plays me after I beat everyone else for her. But the moment she has to face me again? Suddenly something hurts. She knows I’ve been waiting. She knows what would happen.”

She openly accuses Iga of ducking the matchup, claiming the injury is exaggerated to protect her spotless record.

“She can beat me when everything goes her way — umpires, momentum, the crowd. But she doesn’t want to stand across the net when I’m ready. That’s not a champion. That’s someone protecting a lie.”

The accusation flips the rivalry on its head. Iga, previously painted as the composed hero, is now under fire for being calculating and evasive. Pundits debate endlessly: is she managing her body responsibly — or manipulating the system?

Iga finally responds, and for the first time, she drops the polite tone entirely.

Iga’s Response:
“I don’t owe her anything. Not a match, not an explanation. I’ve beaten her when it mattered. She screams about cheating and fear because she can’t accept that I’m better. If she wants me so badly, she should try winning without excuses.”

The divide becomes absolute.

Sabalenka calls Iga a coward hiding behind paperwork.
Iga dismisses Sabalenka as a loud bully who can’t win clean.

From this point on, it’s no longer about titles.

It’s about proving who’s real — and who’s been exposed.

Chapter 5: The Explosive Final - "A Battle of Words and Wills"

The two finally face off again in the Wimbledon final, a match that has been hyped as the ultimate battle of the decade. Both players are at the peak of their form, but the mental games are more intense than ever. Sabalenka, having perfected her power game, comes out relentless, while Iga, having mentally prepared for all Sabalenka’s mind games, is laser-focused.

During the final set, Iga takes a bathroom break and comes back with a new pair of shoes (which fans claim to be illegal according to the rules), creating more controversy. Sabalenka accuses her of buying time to get an unfair advantage, even though there’s no evidence.

Sabalenka’s Final Words to Iga on Court
“You’re pathetic. You can’t win without cheating. I should have been the one holding the trophy, but you always find a way to steal it from me.”

Iga, stone-faced, responds:
“I don’t need to steal anything. You’re just not good enough to beat me. You’re a fake champion, and you’ll always be second to me.”

The Final Moment: Iga wins, but the tension is palpable. Sabalenka smashes her racquet on the ground in fury, and there’s no handshake, just a cold stare as the crowd is left wondering if this is the final act of their toxic rivalry—or if it’s just getting started.

The Bitter End: "No Respect, Only Hatred"

The rivalry explodes into full animosity by the end of their career arcs. Neither player is willing to admit any fault, and public respect is gone. Interviews after matches are filled with snide comments, insults, and passive-aggressive remarks.

Sabalenka’s Closing Words:
"I’ll never respect Iga, not now, not ever. She’s a fraud. She couldn’t even win fairly if she tried."

Iga’s Last Stand:
“Sabalenka is nothing but noise. She’ll never have the skill or grace to beat me. She’ll always be a wannabe trying to take my place, but she’ll never get there. And I’ll make sure of it.”

This rivalry is filled with controversy, bitterness, and bad blood, with both players trying to undermine each other at every turn. There’s no respect, only pure hatred and competition. They’re no longer just tennis players; they’ve become characters in a drama that fans can’t stop watching.
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 4:06 PM GMT
Huge clash as show time takes on Saba !
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 4:34 PM GMT
fairly obvious already that kyrgios does not give a toss about winning this
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 4:39 PM GMT
this is an abomination so far. kyrgios not playing full pelt, whilst the one serve rule means this could be decided on dfs
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 4:46 PM GMT
I think Kygs would hate to lose, but he likes to pretend he doesn't, much like his career !

Market airing pretty strongly to the belief it's swayed towards the decider
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 4:50 PM GMT
Farce and an insult to Womens' tennis. Her side of the court is 2/3 feet shorter and 2 feet narrower

(including the service box) than his. Also the one serve makes a big difference.
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 4:54 PM GMT
1.06 Kygs early 1st set, 1.2 now 1-1 in 2nd set
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 4:56 PM GMT
looks like a tie-break set has been pre-arranged. certainly what the market is suggesting as you allude to toad
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 4:58 PM GMT
this is embarrassing. kyrgios barely running
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:02 PM GMT
kyrgios just mucking around now. needs saba to df to win a point
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:03 PM GMT
can't decide if kyrgios wins this whenever he wants to, or if he really is struggling
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:04 PM GMT
one thing is certain. his movement is terrible either due to effort or fitness
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:07 PM GMT
there can't be a winner of this. if saba loses, it's to a washed up krygios who barely tried and if kyrgios loses he really can't be taken seriously on a tennis court again
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 5:09 PM GMT
1.04    £21,280.27        £440.00
1.05    £9,715.22        £2,623.93
1.06    £9,960.45        £14,466.59
1.07    £8,823.09        £11,486.14
1.08    £8,722.09        £6,442.74
1.09    £8,350.03        £16,038.31

Incredible to think the early 1.06 backers on Nick in an exhibition match Laugh
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:09 PM GMT
exho it may be, but make no mistake its embarrassing if kyrgios loses
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 5:10 PM GMT
1.5 few books going, some big arbs in general all match available Happy
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 5:11 PM GMT
Has no-one else on here noticed the court dimensions?
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:12 PM GMT
yes rog. not nice to look at but does at least make some sense. on a proper court, kyrgios should be a very easy winner. although based on what we have seen so far perhaps not
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:13 PM GMT
kyrgios has not chased after one single ball that i've seen
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:16 PM GMT
if kyrgios really isn't trying then he hasn't read the room at all. nothing new there of course. only thing worse than beating saba here is doing it with minimum effort.
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:18 PM GMT
it disrepects saba and womens tennis in general
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:23 PM GMT
kyrgios movement non-existent. if anything saba should have done better than she has
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:24 PM GMT
does he serve this out. not convinced
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 5:25 PM GMT
He's just playing  his part in the farce.
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:27 PM GMT
could be rog
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 5:29 PM GMT
After all it is Pantomime season!
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 5:29 PM GMT
After all it is Pantomime season!
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:29 PM GMT
that was like pulling teeth. not a pleasant viewing experience at all.
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:29 PM GMT
left a sour taste
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:30 PM GMT
saba beaten easily by a washed up atp player on a court designed to negate the advantage of the male player
Report roggrain December 28, 2025 5:33 PM GMT
I'm sure some have made a bundle of money out of it. Hopefully it goes to charity.
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:35 PM GMT
kyrgios talking about how hard it was. wouldn't have been if you'd given more than about fifty percent effort
Report tobiasr December 28, 2025 5:36 PM GMT
wishful thinking rog. charity unlikely to see a cent
Report john42 December 28, 2025 5:50 PM GMT
From what I saw Kyrgios, was playing at half speed, some of the balls he was basically just knocking back in, waste of time to be honest.
Report Angela Rebecchi December 28, 2025 6:06 PM GMT
He was doing his usual thing, but won on the bridle. Market was very whack at points in that 2nd set.
Report stu December 28, 2025 6:54 PM GMT
lol at Annabel Croft saying Saba would have been better with her first serve - err, so not Nick then who would blast her off the court with the normal serve rules LaughCrazy
Report stu December 28, 2025 6:55 PM GMT
some of the balls he was basically just knocking back in

Basically like he was playing with his little sister.
Report wisewords December 28, 2025 8:55 PM GMT
Nick should be in the top 10 favourites for the AO now, imo. what a masterclass today
Report wisewords December 28, 2025 9:17 PM GMT

Dec 6, 2025 -- 8:41PM, edy wrote:


Did you guys know Younes El Aynaoui's son, Neil, is a big time soccer player?


Nah. Did you know Kris Plis' husband totally owned Die Mannschaft back in September?

Report Angela Rebecchi December 29, 2025 8:25 PM GMT

Dec 28, 2025 -- 8:55PM, wisewords wrote:


Nick should be in the top 10 favourites for the AO now, imo. what a masterclass today


reckon number 1 fav ! Sinner will be so impressed and bamboozled with his languid style ! merry xmas wisey Cool

Report tobiasr December 29, 2025 10:46 PM GMT
should have been two serves for saba and one for kyrgios. although saba would df all over the place probably
Report Angela Rebecchi December 30, 2025 3:18 PM GMT
I think moving forward they will try this format with that. But even still you'll need to make the women's court even smaller and perhaps give her an even weaker opponent.
Report tobiasr December 30, 2025 9:11 PM GMT
thinking about it the only way to make it even remotely a contest would be no dfs for saba. so she can hit first serves over and over until she gets one. that might even up the serves if kyrgios still only has one.
Report wisewords December 31, 2025 9:17 PM GMT
Carlos & Jannik will both be worried imo. Nick is BACK! Merry Christmas to you too Toad, and a Happy New Year... !
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