rod laver

Las Vegas - Got my tennis racket out. Still using the Federer Wilson Pro Staff model, but sadly, Roger will NOT be playing at the Open. Neither will Rafa Nadal and the GREAT Serena Williams. We know who will be playing. Novak Djokovic, and he will be trying to complete the calendar Grand Slam for the first time since the great, great, GREAT Rod Laver did it in 1969. And that was the Rocket's SECOND Grand Slam! Of course, if you would like to argue with me about the best player ever, bring it to my door. I got Laver on top. Check this out. The Rocket won the Grand Slam in 1962, then was BANNED for FIVE YEARS because he had turned professional. When the pros were allowed to compete again, Laver won the Grand Slam in '69 for the second time. Laver finished with just 11 slams, but just imagine if he had been allowed to play in another 20. But, if the Djoker should win, get #21 and complete the Grand Slam, I would have to move him up to the top of the list with Laver. Of course, Novak is the heavy favorite at 1/2, so might just pass on that wager. Will throw a few bucks at Daniil Medvedev at 4/1, Stefanos Tsitsipas at 10/1 and Matteo Berrenttini at 20/1. If you're looking for a long shot, a Hail Mary, tickle Petr Korda's kid Sebastian at 75/1.

On the women's side, gonna stay away from Naomi Osaka but gotta have some Ash Barty at 4/1. My long shot is Aryna Sabalenka at 15/1. Why? She won the U.S. Open doubles title back in 2019 and picked up the same trophy at the Australian Open this year with Elise Mertens. So, obviously, she LOVES hard courts, and at 15/1, I'll bite!

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