Hopman Cup: Roger Federer makes flawless start to Aus Open preparation- Strike one off the bucket lists

Bali News and Views Editor's Comments:

Strike one off my bucket list.





Finally after missing Roger Federer at three major grand slam Tournaments in London, Paris, and Melbourne the last few years I finally caught up with him at the Hopman cup in Perth Australia last night.


Earlier this year I was complaining to my sales assistant Jimmy, a prominent tennis player in Bali, who ran our Bali Tennis Tournament last year, that I had never seen Roger  play live.

He is the only one of the top four players that I have not seen play live and my concern was that he's 37 years old and probably will retire soon.

It would be a sad day indeed if an avid tennis player like myself never had an opportunity to see the greatest man that ever played tennis.

Last night my dream was fulfilled.

After Jimmy advised me that I could probably catch him in Perth at the Hopman cup, which is a tournament several major countries best players competing against each other in singles and doubles, I conceived my plan.

Since last year Roger had won the tournament it is only natural to assume that he would defend his title this year again and he did.

So I went to considerable time and trouble to first of all find out when tickets would be issued and then wait for October for them to finally be  released tickets. 


Although I paid dearly for some of my tickets I did secure tickets for every night that he plays. In fact last night after discovering that a website that I bought several tickets from may be fraudulent I bought extra tickets and ended up giving them to two nice little old ladies who were waiting at the end of the line to buy tickets.


 They didn't believe me so I didn't receive much thanks but I'm sure they were happy later when they were seated in their seats next to my two sons Xander and Darius.




So last night was the first night that he played, representing Switzerland against Great Britain. As expected he slaughtered his opponents.

The bonus I'm getting out of all this effort and time is that it was announced later in the year that he would be playing Serena Williams, representing America. I was fortunate to obtain two tickets for this sold out event.

This is the first time in history they have met across a court in a tennis tournament.

So it's not hard to assume that this is history because it is the first time the greatest man who ever played is playing against the greatest woman that's ever played.

I will lose a lot of sleep tonight in anticipation of tomorrow's event when they face off against each other.

At any rate strike one off my bucket lists with last night's live viewing of Roger.

When you watch him on TV frankly sometimes you wonder how he got to where he is because he doesn't have the strongest serve but he does manage to move around the court.

What I noticed last night is that every stroke is smooth as silk and magical.



It only took me a few minutes to realize why he is the greatest tennis player that ever lived and I'm very honoured to have watched him with my family last night.

Fifty year from now when I am long gone my children will be able to boast to their grandchildren that they saw Roger Federer  live.

What a way to start the new year.

Once again it goes to show you as one of the greatest philosophers of all time, Napoleon Hill said "what the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve"

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018 3:15am
by AP
Source: FOX SPORTS
Roger Federer wins in Hopman Cup opener.Source: Getty Images

Roger Federer started preparation for his Australian Open title defence in style with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie at the Hopman Cup.

The 37-year-old Federer sent his 23-year-old opponent from Britain back to reality in a one-sided match lasting just 57 minutes.

The No. 91-ranked Norrie had defeated Greece’s No. 15-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Saturday in one of the biggest victories of his career, but was outclassed in his first match against Federer.

“This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne,” Federer said.

“It’s nice that I’m feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron.”

Federer started the match nervously and dropped the first three points, but dug out of a hole with trademark clutch serving. He discovered his groove by dominating Norrie’s serve and broke in the second game with a powerful cross- court backhand winner.

Federer moved the British player around by crisply hitting the lines as he won five games in a row to take control of the set. Norrie saved two set points in the sixth game to get on the scoreboard and earn applause from the near capacity crowd.

Norrie seemed momentarily inspired as he gained two break points before Federer once again recovered to close out the first set in 31 minutes.2w







The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion broke immediately in the second set and looked sharp as he cruised to an easy first-up victory in the tournament as defending champion Switzerland went on to beat Britain 3-0 in Group B.

Belinda Bencic defeated Katie Boulter 6-2, 7-6 (0) in the women’s singles to clinch the match before Federer and Bencic teamed up to prevail over Norrie and Boulter 4-3 (4), 4-1 in the mixed doubles in the Fast4 format. Federer’s appearances at the past two Hopman Cups laid the groundwork for successful Australian Open campaigns.

Earlier, Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev gave Germany a 3-0 victory against Spain.

Kerber ended a five-match losing streak against Garbine Muguruza with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win.

No. 4-ranked Zverev beat David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (0) in the men’s singles match before the German pair combined to win the mixed doubles 4-2, 4-3 (3) in the Fast4 format.

Also in Group B, the United States plays Greece in the only match on Monday.

AUD/USD Forecast Dec. 31-2019 – Aussie closes miserable year on a whimper

Bali and world news and views editor's comments:

Unfortunately for my Ozzy friends the Australian dollar is doing exactly what I expected it to do. I predicted several weeks ago that it would fall.

My primary reason for predicting a fall for the Australian dollar is because I predicted a fall in Australian real estate prices over a year ago.

I also predicted several weeks ago the Australian stock market would fall for the same reason.

Unfortunately 2019 does not look very promising for most of Australia with the exception of Perth which I'm still neutral on although I am Receiving some conflicting feedback while I am here.

As real estate in Major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane fall even faster in 2019 many banks will run into problems with overleveraged homes which will be worth less than the loans they have on them.

Unfortunately many homeowners will be foreclosed on. In the end it may lead to a failure of some banks which of course is not good for the Australian economy and especially the Australian dollar.

So the bottom line what should you do? You definitely  don't want to be buying Australian dollars and if you have them probably trade them for your Euro's, Canadian dollar or Swiss Franc.

If you have a Australian real estate you should definitely get out now before another 10 to 20% drop.

The exponential curve has just begun. Before it's over it's going to be a nightmare.

Those of you that have not sold should get out as quickly as possible and put your money into greener pastures such as Bali where we've already had our first downturn in over 100 years and prices are selling for 30 to 50% off.

See details of my free investment seminars for Bali real estate starting on January 17 and 19th below this following article. Happy new year

AUD/USD Forecast Dec. 31-Jan. 4 2019 – Aussie closes year miserable year on a whimper 

BY KENNY FISHER PUBLISHED: DEC 29, 2018 17:38 GMT | LAST MODIFIED: DEC 29, 2018 18:38 GMT

In an abbreviated Christmas week, the Australian dollar showed little net change. The lack of movement was in contrast to the sharp declines of the previous week, when the currency dived almost 2 percent. There are just two events this week. Here are the highlights of the week and an updated technical analysis for AUD/USD.

The Aussie has declined 3.8% in December, as market turmoil has dampened risk appetite and pushed the currency lower. The pair has plunged some 9.8% in 2018 and is in danger of breaking below the symbolic 0.70 line, which has held since February 2016. With the global trade war continuing, January could bring further headwinds for the Aussie, a commodity currency which is sensitive to geopolitical conditions.

AUD/USD daily graph with support and resistance lines on it. Click to enlarge:


Private Sector Credit: Sunday, 19:30. Borrowing levels continue to grow steadily, with gains of 0.4% in the past two months. An identical gain is expected in the November release.
Commodity Prices: Wednesday, 00:30. Commodity prices reflect the strength of the export sector. The indicator continues to strengthen and improved to 14.9% in December. Will the positive trend continue in January?

*All times are GMT

AUD/USD Technical Analysis

AUD/USD posted gains early in the week but the currency then retracted. With the pair showing limited movement last week, our technical analysis remains largely unchanged.

Technical lines from top to bottom:

0.7501 was a strong resistance line in the first quarter of 2018.

The round number of 0.74 was the high point reached at the wake of December. Next is 0.7340, which the pair breached in late November.

0.7315 was a swing high seen in late September and has strengthened in resistance as AUD/USD has lost ground in Q4.

Further down, 0.7240 separated ranges in September and in October. 0.7190 marked a low point in the first week of December.

Lower, 0.7165 was a swing low after a recovery in mid-November. 0.7085 (mentioned last week), was a low point in September. It is providing resistance above the round number of 0.70.

Close by is the support level of 0.6970, which played a role back in January 2017. Below, 0.6825 supported the pair in late 2016 and early 2017.

0.6775 is the next support level. Below, 0.6686 was an important cap back in January 2000.

0.6532 is the final support level for now.

I am bearish on AUD/USD

Following a dismal December, traders shouldn’t expect glad tidings for the Aussie. The rough ride could continue, as investor risk apprehension remains high after sharp volatility on global equity markets. The shutdown of the U.S government could further sour investor sentiment, making risk currencies like the Australian dollar less attractive.

Earn 10% to 20% per annum. The second best time to buy Bali real estate this century.

Buyers, sellers, brokers, agents, investors, lessors or renters will benefit from attending one of our two free Real Estate Seminars in Bali in January.

Free Seminar Schedules: Dates & Times: 1. Thurs. Jan 17th. 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM or 2. Sat. - Jan. 19th. 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM.

Location: Bali, Emerald Villas, Jl. Karangsari, # 5, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia.

Seminar Topics: At these seminars you will learn about:

• The Past, Present and Future of Bali Real Estate.
• Clarification of laws allowing foreigners total control up to 80 years. 
• How to avoid legal problems and make sure a property is safe. 
• How to avoid complicated laws - Indonesians married to foreigners. 
• Why this is the second-best time to buy this century. 
• Where are the best locations to buy for maximum profits? 
• What properties offer the potential of *10% to 20 % per year? 
• Discover how you can sell your property fast for the highest prices and lowest commissions on a brand-new web site.
•  Free listing on B.A.R.E. First Class Beachfront property at almost 50% discount. 
• Low cost properties with Luxury Villas starting as low as $158,000 for a three-bedroom 650 m² 3-bedroom, 4 baths with private 9 mtr. Pool. 
• Ridiculously low-priced ocean view building lots $25,000 for 500 m². 
• Brand new Bali Luxury Retirement Villas starting at $198,000.

Limited Seating & Free Parking:

Seating is very limited for these free seminars so please avoid disappointment and make reservations A.S.A.P. Click Here For a Reservation Or Email: seminarsptbali@gmail.com or Tel: Office: 62-361- 284069 – Bahasa Indonesia 62-8123632177

Last day of trading in US stock market. Success or disaster?

Today is  the last day of the trading for year.

The US stock market will cease for the year at 1 PM Atlantic Easter time (1 Am Bali & Perth Time ) in shortened trading hours.

I for one will  be watching the action intensely to see what the rhetoric is at the end of the year.

In December alone the U.S. 500 stock market index rose to 2,800 and then plummeted to 2,316, a full 18% decrease before Trump sent out a tweet saying that it was a good time to buy after thousand point drop.


I can't help but think that a large percentage of the idiots that follow him, primarily uneducated rednecks, took his advice and bought the market.

The big question at the end of the year of course is what will it do next year.

I believe whatever happens today will be a strong indicator of what's going to happen for most of January and even for the year.

From a technical standpoint the market looks good after a severe drop, it is into an up channel and technically looks like a buy.

From a fundamental standpoint most companies in America are struggling therefore their stock is struggling as well.

More importantly is the government shutdown, because of Trump's whining over not getting his wall paid for by Congress after he promised his redneck voters that he would have Mexico pay it is causing concern.

Yesterday  he actually  Trump issued an executive order freezing federal workers' pay in 2019. 

In addition the U.S. government has gone almost 2 trillion more in debt since Trump took office, or roughly 1 trillion per year, although he bragged in his early months he  brought the national debt down.

Couple that with the fact he still has trade wars were China, other major countries and poor political relations with Russia, Turkey, and even his northern neighbour Canada doesn't do well for looking for positive results in 2019 and you have the ingredients for a market melt down.

At the beginning of last year almost 1 year ago to the day I predicted that the US stock market would rally the first part of the year and drop in the second half. Which is exactly what it has done.

So where do I think it's going?

 I don't know it all depends again on how many of the  ignorant investors in America believe in Donald Trump.

Stay tuned for the fireworks later today.

Happy New Year.


A wise CEO of several Fortune 500 companies once told me in confidence "you will be the same person five years from now with the exception of who you meet and what you read".

The meaning a simple unless you learn more you will be in the same financial situation obvious now.

An opportunity for you to learn more is presented at my Free forthcoming seminars in January 17th. & 19th. in Bali.

 I welcome you to come and learn from someone who's been playing the markets for 40 years more importantly learn about the Bali real estate market.

Earn 10% to 20% per annum. The second best time to buy Bali real estate this century.

Buyers, sellers, brokers, agents, investors, lessors or renters will benefit from attending one of our two free Real Estate Seminars in Bali in January.

Free Seminar Schedules: Dates & Times: 

1. Thurs. Jan 17th. 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM or 
2. Sat. - Jan. 19th. 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM.

Location: Bali, Emerald Villas, Jl. Karangsari, # 5, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia.

Seminar Topics: At these seminars you will learn about:

• The Past, Present and Future of Bali Real Estate.
• Clarification of laws allowing foreigners total control up to 80 years. 
• How to avoid legal problems and make sure a property is safe. 
• How to avoid complicated laws - Indonesians married to foreigners. 
• Why this is the second-best time to buy this century. 
• Where are the best locations to buy for maximum profits? 
• What properties offer the potential of *10% to 20 % per year? 
• Discover how you can sell your property fast for the highest prices and lowest commissions on a brand-new web site.
•  Free listing on B.A.R.E. First Class Beachfront property at almost 50% discount. 
• Low cost properties with Luxury Villas starting as low as $158,000 for a three-bedroom 650 m² 3-bedroom, 4 baths with private 9 mtr. Pool. 
• Ridiculously low-priced ocean view building lots $25,000 for 500 m². 
• Brand new Bali Luxury Retirement Villas starting at $198,000.

Limited Seating & Free Parking:

Seating is very limited for these free seminars so please avoid disappointment and make reservations A.S.A.P. Click Here For a Reservation Or Email: seminarsptbali@gmail.com or Tel: Office: 62-361- 284069 – Bahasa Indonesia 62-8123632177

Australians Barty and Ebden secure opening victory at Hofman Cup in Perth

29 December 2018, by AAP
Bali  news and views editor's comments:

My wife Azizah and I were very fortunate to have an opportunity to witness the start of the 2018 Hoffman cup tennis tournament last night held in Perth Australia.

Top-ranked Australian Ash Barty, who I believe is ranked 15th. in the world, made quick work when she beat the French opponent who was ranked in the 50's.

Unfortunately we were  too tired to wait for the second match after moving from one home exchange to another earlier that day  to stay and witness Australian Matt Ebden come back from a first set loss to Pouille to beat the French national to win. 

Congratulations the Ozzie's.

We hope you have an opportunity to come down to the finals and meet somebody like Roger Federer or Serena Williams.

The main reason I came to this tournament is to see Roger Federer who is arguably the best tennis player that ever lived. 

Three times before in three major grand slam tennis tournaments including London, Paris, and Melbourne he failed to make it to the semi finals and therefore the only tickets that I had purchased.

So he is the only one ranked in the top four that I have not seen live.

Tonight my bucket list dream comes true as Roger will represent Switzerland. I can't wait. 

Don't forget As we enter a new year tomorrow evening dreams do come true as soon as you conceive them, believe them and achieve them, according to famous author, Napoleon Hill.

Matt Ebden celebrates victory over Lucas Pouille; Getty Images

Australia has claimed their opening tie of the Hopman Cup against France, after a perfect start from Ash Barty and a come-from-behind victory from Matt Ebden.

Playing in front of his home crowd at RAC Arena, Ebden shrugged off a 6-3 opening set loss in just 30 minutes to beat Lucas Pouille 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-2.

Ebden, ranked world No.46, scrapped to stay on serve in the second set and then jumped to a 5-0 lead in the tie-break.

While Pouille managed to recover to trail 5-6, he was unable to reel in Ebden’s lead.

Ebden carried his momentum into the third set and outplayed the Frenchman, who is ranked world No.32 but was as high as 10 earlier in the 2018 season.

The West Australian says he took a while to get into his groove.

“There wasn’t much rhythm until the second set, late. Lucas was playing fast; a lot of power in his serve,” Ebden said.

“I was trying to do the same; be a little more aggressive, a little bit forward to the net and that worked out in the second and the third (sets) luckily.

Earlier, Barty’s 7-5 6-3 win over Alize Cornet got the hosts off to a perfect start.

Barty, the world No.15, survived two break points in an early service game before breaking Cornet’s serve to take a 4-1 lead.

She broke a second time to claim the opening set in 50 minutes.

Cornet, who won the mixed-teams tournament with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2014, was under pressure throughout the second set from the 22-year-old Australian.

Barty said after the win that the tough hit out was just what she needed.

“It’s always an extremely tough match, which is a little bit perfect in a sense. I knew I had to be ready; I had to hit one million balls,” she said.

“There is a little bit of polish coming and with a couple of matches that will come.

“But I’m very happy tonight.”

Barty admitted to having too many unforced errors for her liking, but said she expected that to improve as she hit the more balls during the week.


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