Australian Open 2017

[yoass]

4-2 for Уладзімір Віктаравіч Самсонаў

Kudos for that patronym! I didn't know twas Victor.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

"Is Samsonov a great player, with impressive longevity and amazing achievements at age 40/41? Yes! But is Samsonov of 2016/2017 playing as well as ever? Nah"

Okay.

This is what a player at 40+ is generally going to be. A player who is getting older, losing some of his skills, mobility, strength and stamina.

Usually the players in any sport that are doing well at Samsonov's age are doing well not because they are getting better or something like that. They are doing well because, in an occasional tournament, they can put it all together, from a tactics standpoint and pull off some wins against players they really shouldn't beat.

Not many athletes can play at that level or close to it by that age. So, yeah, it is clear that he is older and well past his prime. But it is more remarkable than most people actually realize, how well he plays at that age.


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[Cornel]

Even though there should have been more elite players, there are still plenty of people in the stands, the stadium seems rather full.

 

[Garrison]

Wow that win means so much to Vladimir, I had a little bit of water in my eyes. Congratz

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

Congrats Vladi !!!!! wow !!!!

 

[Xylit]

Is Samsonov finished now or can he win even more events?

 

[NextLevel]

They should send Vladi's blade back to racket control and remove the grip tape. I suspect there is a warped Mazunov somewhere in there and that Tibhar and opponents will not be happy about that...

Congrats to the man who should have retired long ago...

 

[Cornel]

Congratulations to Samsonov! His play today was god-like, a fully deserved win and an absolutely fantastic match.

 

[FloKing]

The legend played beautifully!!! His anticipation at his best, the blocking game back from the past and what about the counter backhand down the line!

 

[Baal]

I love it. Go Vladi! I hope he plays another five years.

 

[Baal]

Not many athletes can play at that level or close to it by that age. So, yeah, it is clear that he is older and well past his prime. But it is more remarkable than most people actually realize, how well he plays at that age.


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At his age you can expect some inconsistency, a lot of it will depend on how he feels physically on a particular day. Some days he will be less mobile and less elastic. On good days he will be as good as he was on a typical day from ten years ago. As time goes on he will have fewer good days. Also, at this time he cannot achieve the level of his best days from ten years ago. He will be more prone to injury also. Older players can maintain strength and endurance, but quickness and flexibility decline a lot.

But even now, if you are not on the CNT and you are planning to beat him you better bring your A game (or hope that on this day his back and knees are really sore and he is not seeing the ball well). Because even now if he is having an unusually good day and you are not on the CNT, odds are he will still beat you.

I hope he plays as long as possible because I love to watch him.

 

[yoass]

I'll be rooting for Samsonov rising to the occasion.

And rise to it he did! “I'm 41 years old and I think that it’s great that I can still compete!”, yessir and tip-o'the-hat to you sir!

 

[Joepole]

A fantastic performance from a fantastic player. I hope he plays for as long as he wants to.

 

[amber.kulkarni89]

Well played team india...way to go

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[TTHopeful]

Back to the topic will Samsonov retire hahahaha