That title sounded better in my head sorry. So before we look at what treats lie in store on Day 6, let’s digest yesterday’s goings on.
Rafa truly tested by Next Big Thing Kachanov
In a pulsating encounter, Rafa Nadal wrestled momentum and eventually the match from his young Russian opponent who has gotten everyone talking recently, last night such hype was justified.
Kachanov’s fearless hitting was very much from the Rosol book of tactics against the great Spaniard.
Huge serving and some big hitting, mixed with an off-colour Rafa in the early exchanges, meant that the first set and a break to the 27th seed was of no surprise.
Instead, it was almost a shock to see Rafa come back as he did – so in trouble did he look at one point – but once the defending champion turned the tide, the result was assured, although never the steamrolling it should have been.
Wawrinka still on road back after Raonic dismissal
Staminal has looked back to his best in recent weeks but was outclassed last night against a Milos Raonic who is also on a different comeback path. The Canadian continues to fluctuate, but results like this should springboard some more consistent confidence.
Wawrinka simply had no answer to Raonic’z power game, a first set tiebreaker dictated the early momentum, but this looked like a hurdle too far for the Swiss regardless.
Serena far too good in Williams sibling duel
By far the most hyped match up so far; Serena Vs Venus #30 was in the end a rather one sided affair. Venus had her moments and enjoyed flashes of momentum and flair, but Serena dominated things really.
Elsewhere Azarenka and Stephens cooked up a very entertaining little match-up earlier which, despite the relatively routine sounding 6-3, 6-4 scoreline was a tough slog brimming with the quality you’d expect from two slam champs.
Day 6 picks
Well today is chock-a-block with excellent match-ups but the very best are below:
Federer Vs Kyrgios (Fed in 4)
Djokovic Vs Gasquet (Djoko in 3)
Sharapova Vs Ostapenko (Masha in 3)
Cibulkova Vs Kerber (Kerber in 2)
Kohlschreiber Vs A Zverev (Zverev in 4)
Kvitova Vs Sabalenka (Kvitova in 3)
All Things Tennis 