The Deuce

The Deuce
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Australian Open thread

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 21:47:52

Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

The last set that Djokovic won was in the third round

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 10:34:53, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

He is in the semis.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Sinner is gonna roll him. I'll guess 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. I love Djoker, but he's toast.

Posted by Kajagoogoo <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Kajagoogoo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 10:42:48, in reply to "The last set that Djokovic won was in the third round"

Sinner and Alcaraz will be in all the major championship matches for the foreseeable future. Boring as shit, as much as I love Alcaraz.

Someone really needs to step up and challenge them

Alcaraz looks like an absolute monster right now.

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Sinner and Alcaraz will be in all the major championship matches for the foreseeable future. Boring as shit, as much as I love Alcaraz.

The men's game is exceedingly boring these days. At least with the Big 3, you had some challengers.

Posted by Kajagoogoo <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Kajagoogoo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 10:49:19, in reply to "Someone really needs to step up and challenge them"

Murray and Wawrinka could beat any of them at any given time, even in the majors. But right now, it's just Sinner and Alcaraz. No one else is even close. This will likely be the 9th straight major that one of the two wins. There's just no drama.

It’s fine into the quarters but after that it loses all luster

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 28, 2026, 11:06:43, in reply to "The men's game is exceedingly boring these days. At least with the Big 3, you had some challengers."

I kinda hate Alcaraz and Sinner because they’ve made the game boring

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Learner folded in the 3rd. It went from 2-1 to 5-1 real fast*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 22:55:36, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

6/16 Americans in quarterfinals

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 7:19:43, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

In a mostly scratch bracket.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Learner Tien and Iva Jovic are the only party crashers. Both young gun Americans.

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 7:24:09, in reply to "6/16 Americans in quarterfinals "

Been a really good tournament for US tennis.

Would have been great had Fritz made the quarters and Brendan

Not got knocked out in the 1st round. I watched Learner Vs Novak at the US Open last year. He wasn't scared of ghe moment. Hope he is the American who can take the next step. I don't think it will be Ben

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Been a really good tournament for US tennis.

Shelton has a big enough game, just gives me Roddick vibes at times

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 7:44:32, in reply to "Would have been great had Fritz made the quarters and Brendan "

can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work.

Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

IMO, Shelton feels like one of the few players

with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

Agree, but he's 1-11 vs. them so far*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 7:51:29, in reply to "IMO, Shelton feels like one of the few players"

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

In his defense, they are very good*

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

The problem with Shelton in my eyes is that he just doesn't seem to have an effective Plan B game.

Posted by illinilosch <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinilosch' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 8:18:01, in reply to "In his defense, they are very good*"

His Plan A is electric and very effective when he's "on" and playing at a high level. I just don't think his Plan B does enough to get him out of trouble when his Plan A isn't working.

He's got the firepower and the athleticism to be an effective Top 10 player. But to win a Slam? I think he needs to improve in many areas to get him over the hump.

I think he's got a very good team around him to provide him the opportunity to improve in this area. So time will tell if this evolves or not.

We shall see. I'm definitely a fan of Ben and hope he gets a Slam or 2 in his career.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

He is a Trump supporter. I don't think he is going to evolve to a changing game*

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

He's not....but he hasn't done anything to dispel that notion. Which is on him.*

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 22:40:06, in reply to "He is a Trump supporter. I don't think he is going to evolve to a changing game*"

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

This is JMO based on nothing, but I think he sort of likes being controversial and provocative

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 22:43:48, in reply to "He's not....but he hasn't done anything to dispel that notion. Which is on him.*"

and dating Trinity Rodman doesn't hurt.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

In this particular case, with right wing stuff, he's got some family from deeeeep in central indiana

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 22:51:06, in reply to "This is JMO based on nothing, but I think he sort of likes being controversial and provocative"

And then some who are African-American from Atlanta.

It's a lot to take in, and he is extremely close to his family, and I think he just doesn't want to disappoint anyone.

Problem being, we're at a point where....you're going to have to, it appears.

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and dating Trinity Rodman doesn't hurt.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

He hasn't done himself any favors

and as for the until it's backwards comment, the timing couldn't be worse. Read the room, man.

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and dating Trinity Rodman doesn't hurt.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

I am also a fan of his

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 8:19:32, in reply to "The problem with Shelton in my eyes is that he just doesn't seem to have an effective Plan B game."

and also as a fan of tennis, someone needs to be the person to step up and challenge, other wise Sinner and Alcaraz are going to trade majors for the next decade.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

I hope someone steps up

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 8:33:15, in reply to "I am also a fan of his"

because a decade of Sinner and Alcatraz will be otherwise very boring

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and also as a fan of tennis, someone needs to be the person to step up and challenge, other wise Sinner and Alcaraz are going to trade majors for the next decade.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

Ben can definitely be that challenger of those 2 guys with his firepower.

But he's got to do more with his overall game. He just can't simply rely on hitting the cover off the ball 100% of the time.

He'll take on Sinner in the Quarters next. It's not a great matchup for him if he's not playing at his absolute best. Even if Sinner is not at his 100% healthiest, it's gonna take a huge game from Ben to ruffle the feathers of Sinner.

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and also as a fan of tennis, someone needs to be the person to step up and challenge, other wise Sinner and Alcaraz are going to trade majors for the next decade.

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with the atheticism (and the cockiness) to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. I also think this is as good a time as ever for the Djoker to grab number 25.

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can overpower everyone except the very top of the mountain. His return game still needs work. Tien seems to have the it factor and correct mental make up.

PDO, On what platform are you announcing?*

Posted by IlliniRunner <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniRunner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 0:30:19, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

ESPN's paid site, whatever it is nowadays. I know its been a bit of a cluster.

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 5:56:46, in reply to "PDO, On what platform are you announcing?*"

But what used to be ESPN+. I tend to be on American men's matches, but I think tomorrow I'll be moved over to the doubles side.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

I heard 40 in the next room cussing out loud. Turned out this was what it was about. *

Posted by doubledown <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=doubledown' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 26, 2026, 10:42:12, in reply to "ESPN's paid site, whatever it is nowadays. I know its been a bit of a cluster."

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But what used to be ESPN+. I tend to be on American men's matches, but I think tomorrow I'll be moved over to the doubles side.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

If you could pass along a superfan’s extreme frustration and disappointment

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 9:16:07, in reply to "ESPN's paid site, whatever it is nowadays. I know its been a bit of a cluster."

Over the confusing three tiered paywall system it would be greatly appreciated.

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But what used to be ESPN+. I tend to be on American men's matches, but I think tomorrow I'll be moved over to the doubles side.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Unfortunately, I work for the production company, run by Tennis Australia.

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 17:23:14, in reply to "If you could pass along a superfan’s extreme frustration and disappointment "

I can tell you that the ESPN commentators are hearing it quite a bit in their mentions, and phone calls, and it's been extraordinarily frustrating for them.

My employer just provides the content.

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Over the confusing three tiered paywall system it would be greatly appreciated.

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But what used to be ESPN+. I tend to be on American men's matches, but I think tomorrow I'll be moved over to the doubles side.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Andreeva Svitolina tomorrow should be epic*

Posted by JeffFrank <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JeffFrank' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 22:47:09, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Shoutout to Spizz for showing out*

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 22:23:05, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Until he gets saved by the ref*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 21:59:47, in reply to "Australian Open thread"

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

Yeah I'm not sure what to think of that roof closing rule.

Posted by illinilosch <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinilosch' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 22:29:03, in reply to "Until he gets saved by the ref*"

I get that it's absolutely blazing hot there in Melbourne. But the AO is an outdoor tournament. It is NOT an indoor tournament with air conditioning.

And I'm a big Sinner fan too. Just seems like Spizzirri got hosed there.

He should be up 2 sets to 1.

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Temperatures in excess of 100, Sinner struggling with cramping, in a bit of trouble.

I mean, they have the same rule in place in NYC, and the ATP is incorporating rules too.

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 22:37:45, in reply to "Yeah I'm not sure what to think of that roof closing rule."

And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

The rule was implemented properly, and TFB it was hot AF

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 23:24:20, in reply to "I mean, they have the same rule in place in NYC, and the ATP is incorporating rules too."

but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

Spizzirri would have won with the roof open.

Posted by illinilosch <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinilosch' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 8:09:47, in reply to "The rule was implemented properly, and TFB it was hot AF"

Either in 4 or by default...likely the latter as Sinner was definitely cooked!

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

Correct. I talked to him and his coach off the record afterwards, as we know each other well.

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 18:20:13, in reply to "Spizzirri would have won with the roof open."

They know everything was by the rules but are gutted, because they prepared for it better, and they didn't get rewarded.

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Either in 4 or by default...likely the latter as Sinner was definitely cooked!

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

Agreed. And I can tell you from walking from the media center to a court, maybe 100 yarrds

Posted by PDO <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=PDO' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 23:43:43, in reply to "The rule was implemented properly, and TFB it was hot AF"

It's fucking awful. I am drenched.

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

105 is absolutely brutal*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 23:50:26, in reply to "Agreed. And I can tell you from walking from the media center to a court, maybe 100 yarrds"

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It's fucking awful. I am drenched.

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

And Tuesday it’s supposed be a high of 107-110*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 23:55:12, in reply to "105 is absolutely brutal*"

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It's fucking awful. I am drenched.

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

That doesn't seem great*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 24, 2026, 0:23:14, in reply to "And Tuesday it’s supposed be a high of 107-110*"

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It's fucking awful. I am drenched.

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but man he was cooked (no pun intended) if they didn't put the roof on.

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

Yep fair point*

Posted by illinilosch <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illinilosch' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 23, 2026, 22:55:06, in reply to "I mean, they have the same rule in place in NYC, and the ATP is incorporating rules too."

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And Sinner (and Carlos, Sabalenka, Novak, etc) sell tickets. Spizz just doesn't.

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