I think the slice smash should be patented to Fajar Alfian now… he won a lot of point with that kind of shot
plus the domination of viktor is such that hes beaten each opponent with single digit straight sets , except gemke. didnt happen with momota in 2019.
There are little details that will cost Fajri the title , like when its 14-14 g2 when Rian made a service error that people might not realise why they shouldve won more titles.
I think that I should stay out side "the conversation". But when you mention of Nishimoto, I will not. Because Viktor won the first tournament this year, so that I challenge him to win 12 titles this year to break the Momota's record. If he cannot, he cannot pass Momota 2019, ok!
His opponents were literally the same people who are still playing right now (CTC, Ginting, Anders, Viktor, etc.) Momota himself also used to have what people would consider "lucky" draws a lot of times. Being seeded higher to be able to get easier opponents is part of the game.
Viktor has always withdrawn from tournaments after doing well in 2-3 continuous ones. I say that is a much smarter and more professional approach as he is able to maintain healthy which, evidently, allows him to stay at top condition much more consistently than anyone else in the circuit right now. Momota used to grind out tournament after tournament which was why he was able to win so many titles. Of course, that is also an outstanding achievement, but he always lost in tournaments because he was simply physically exhausted. That just naturally makes him more prone to fatigue and even worse, injuries. So yes, even though I would love to see Viktor breaking records, I also appreciate the fact that he is able to take care of himself. Taking care of their own body is also a professional athlete's job after all.
Yes, VA is smart to think about his performance in the long run, unlike KM who played on with back injury VS Tsuneyama in French open before
I agree with what you say. But still, If Momota's record in 2019 is still there, Noone was bigger than Momota 2019.
No upsets, all world number ones top podium, same faces of World Tour Finals winners except men's doubles... The reigning World Champion maintains winning streak to scoop another top-tier tour. The Japanese is quite error-proned based on her immaculate standard. So close, yet so far for An SY in second game as both players is familiar each other and waiting patiently in rallies to execute killer smash or drop. The Korean visibly found the tiredness in decider and wipes out her chance to nail WS title. Axelsen is simply the best how he manages master class consistency, a predictable defeat for Naraoka where his stamina absolutely nothing left in finale to cope and balance the Olympic Champion quality shot. It's still proud moment for Japanese shining star, what a tremendous leap to stand on podium, the next generation star is coming. Alfian/Ardianto cement their world number one status to clinch first ever S1000 title, they played cleverly and instinctive to conquer China latest hotshot, Wang has quick reaction and really adept at front court area. Interesting to wait whether the Chinese pairs will be Indonesian major hurdle in next tournaments. Repetitive plot in mixed doubles, Zheng/Huang are too solid to break, above of their closest rivals level, none could beat the Chinese invincible duo at the moment, they have practically no serious threat or equal opponent. Watanabe/Higashino could delivered trouble as the Japanese did in early stage of final clash but still far from top podium in conclusion. The saturation emerges in this discipline at certain point when fans can predict the winner easily compared to previous era where Zhang/Zhao, Ahmad/Natsir, Xu/Ma and Pedersen/Juhl involved in exciting and balanced competition. The comical Chen/Jia are the clear favorite even prior tournament kick off whilst regular contenders Japanese combinations show deflation. World Champions commence 2023 season to clinch MAS Open title straightforwardly to outclass Korean youngsters Baek/Lee, seems the pattern has slightly changed when Jia YF standing at front court then Chen QC at backline guard.
Finally Fajri won their first super 1000 title. I really hope they can win AE next, maybe they will win WC too since their performance in major event has been great these last few years.
Could Viktor beat all 4 of Kodai's opponent? I think he could. He is capable of beating all 9 players and win the title. A tennis Grand Slam champion has to play 7 opponents.
