ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
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ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Our dear rotla is up to his eyeballs with work, so the prediction game is over for this tournament.
Still, Shanghai keeps rolling and has now reached its quarter-final stage.
Tomorrow, starting at 7 AM UK time, 4 matches for the places in semi-final:
TSONGA - BERDYCH
MURRAY - STEPANEK
HAAS - DJOKOVIC
FEDERER - CILIC
All players seem to be playing well, and although upsets are not expected tomorrow, the quality of all 8 players promises some good matches.
The "oldies" continue to march onwards and we now have 3 players over 31 in the last 8. Incidentally, all playing SBH (except Stepanek).
Should be fun
Still, Shanghai keeps rolling and has now reached its quarter-final stage.
Tomorrow, starting at 7 AM UK time, 4 matches for the places in semi-final:
TSONGA - BERDYCH
MURRAY - STEPANEK
HAAS - DJOKOVIC
FEDERER - CILIC
All players seem to be playing well, and although upsets are not expected tomorrow, the quality of all 8 players promises some good matches.
The "oldies" continue to march onwards and we now have 3 players over 31 in the last 8. Incidentally, all playing SBH (except Stepanek).
Should be fun
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
Join date : 2012-06-18
Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Love Haas's game. He will most likely get steamrolled but happy for him to be doing at least this well at his age.
summerblues- Posts : 5068
Join date : 2012-05-19
Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
It's a bit mean to make Murray play at 3pm and Federer at 8pm. Thats 5 hours less rest in a 24h window...it's a lot. They shoudl make sure in TMS1000 that the players meeting in semis play their matches close to each other.
Tenez- Posts : 21050
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Tenez wrote:It's a bit mean to make Murray play at 3pm and Federer at 8pm. Thats 5 hours less rest in a 24h window...it's a lot. They shoudl make sure in TMS1000 that the players meeting in semis play their matches close to each other.
such is the burden of someone who's been a number one for 300 weeks, and as a result always gets the prime evening TV slot
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Berdych beats Tsonga in two close sets, Stepanek up a break against Murray in the first set. Anyone watching?
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray seemingly in the brown stuff against Stepanek.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Murray seemingly in the brown stuff against Stepanek.
for a moment I thought you meant adidas made him brown clothes
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Stepanek wining 100% on his first serve.
Murray resorting to his worst slow defensive, long rallies tennis.
Murray resorting to his worst slow defensive, long rallies tennis.
Last edited by noleisthebest on Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:41 am; edited 1 time in total
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
noleisthebest wrote:legendkillar wrote:Murray seemingly in the brown stuff against Stepanek.
for a moment I thought you meant adidas made him brown clothes
Well he had may as well some brown kit to match the look
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Stepanek serving for the set.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray hits his head with the HEAD, not able to read Stepanek's game at all at the moment.
And with a service winner, Stepanek takes the first set.
Will be interesting what tactics Murray chooses in the second set.
And with a service winner, Stepanek takes the first set.
Will be interesting what tactics Murray chooses in the second set.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray foul-mouthing even when he is winning points, does not look good.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
It is strange how he curses winning points. Clearly not happy with his performance. I don't mind players have a tirade here and there, but he seems to do it more if he is playing a poor match. Even if he is leading he still berrates himself.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
One Chinese girl has Serbian flag painted on one cheek and the RF logo on the other, shame she'll have to scrub the letters off come Sunday
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Fun to watch Stepanek wrong-foot Murray in his scrambling efforts.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Still could do with more Facebook fans they could
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Incredible how Murray refuses to come forward even on easy mid-court balls, he'd rather just counter-punch the guy to death.
May work against the majority, but a very bad habit that hinders him from winning more of the ones that matter.
Important hold for Stepanek after being 00:30 down. 2 all.
May work against the majority, but a very bad habit that hinders him from winning more of the ones that matter.
Important hold for Stepanek after being 00:30 down. 2 all.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Stepanek's last words: Bakchand, a backhand , kingdom for a backhand!
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray saving some BP's
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray wins 2nds set by breaking Stepanek second time putting himself again in the advantageous position of serving first in the set.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Shall see how he goes in the final set. Imperative he holds his serve in the 1st game.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Shall see how he goes in the final set. Imperative he holds his serve in the 1st game.
I'd like to see a tie-break.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
noleisthebest wrote:legendkillar wrote:Shall see how he goes in the final set. Imperative he holds his serve in the 1st game.
I'd like to see a tie-break.
Well Stepanek certainly doing well to come back from 0-40 on his serve. This one may be decided on a TB.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Stepanek is very crafty and Murray can't outcraft him, so it's quite interesting (or not) to see him try and draw an error from Stepanek who now earns his 3rd BP in this game.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Great point and Stepanek breaks! Long rally with a lot of balls painting the base line.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Wonder if the Hotstepper can see this one out.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Wonder if the Hotstepper can see this one out.
you can see what difference a tiny bit of faster court makes for the oldies. I hope Nole doesn't suffer against Haas like Murray
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray netting a potential BP volley. It's the ground-opening moment. No foul-mouthing. He looks very determined to break back immediately. And he does it!
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
The match seems beautifully poised
Murray can play with a sense of urgency, but just not enough sometimes!
Murray can play with a sense of urgency, but just not enough sometimes!
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:The match seems beautifully poised
Murray can play with a sense of urgency, but just not enough sometimes!
Absolutely.
Murray's very focused, Step just his usual old dog self. Looking a bit tired at the moment, Murray's got 3 BPs. Stepeanek double-faults
Murray serving for the match.
Has Step got one last ace up his sleeve?
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
The answer is no. Murray wins in three. Decent match.
Nole next
Nole next
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Murray through to the semi's. Stepanek pushed him all the way.
Good to see Stepanek have a rare moment in the sun. Can't help but enjoy watching him play when he is on song.
Good to see Stepanek have a rare moment in the sun. Can't help but enjoy watching him play when he is on song.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Can't help but feel Haas will be massacred by Djokovic. 3/4 I am going for.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Nole announced in the most delirious fashion, walks on the court proud and tall.
And as I now you will all be cheering for the German, I may as well make my presence felt
GO NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
And as I now you will all be cheering for the German, I may as well make my presence felt
GO NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Can't help but feel Haas will be massacred by Djokovic. 3/4 I am going for.
Haas is a tricky opponent for Nole, I'd be happy with a straight sets win.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
I will certainly want Nole to win. As much as I enjoy Haas's play, seriously he can't go all the way. Want to see a contest in the latter stages.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:I will certainly want Nole to win. As much as I enjoy Haas's play, seriously he can't go all the way. Want to see a contest in the latter stages.
What are your thoughts on the top half SF?
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
What an opening service game
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
noleisthebest wrote:legendkillar wrote:I will certainly want Nole to win. As much as I enjoy Haas's play, seriously he can't go all the way. Want to see a contest in the latter stages.
What are your thoughts on the top half SF?
Well Djokovic will have Berdych for company.
Federer will likely take out Murray.
Despite Berdych being a tougher match-up than Tsonga, I think Nole given the length he has played this week will keep Berdych pinned behind the baseline. Ok it isn't the most flattering of tennis, but I see Nole working Berdych side to side on the baseline.
Murray still seems out of sorts form wise. Lucky he had the w/o and also that he had opponents in Dolgo and Stepanek who often are just as volitile as Andy and are prone to mental lapses. Federer will not be so forgiving despite the close match with Stan.
Can't look past a Fed/Nole final.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
I'd love to see a Nole Fed final.
Nole's ball-striking a crisp&sharp as it gets!
Nole's ball-striking a crisp&sharp as it gets!
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
How many matches have seen like this where the crafty and aggressive player (Stepankek here) plays out of his skin, wins a set but we know he will lose in 3 or 5 sets as he cannot simply sustain the quality of his shots with 20 shot rallies.
Haas Nole is probably going to be the same story.
Haas Nole is probably going to be the same story.
Tenez- Posts : 21050
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Stepanek just doesn't have weight and power of shot to really rally with the top guys. Conditions like these don't lend themselves to the Haas's and Stepanek's of this world.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Tenez wrote:How many matches have seen like this where the crafty and aggressive player (Stepankek here) plays out of his skin, wins a set but we know he will lose in 3 or 5 sets as he cannot simply sustain the quality of his shots with 20 shot rallies.
Haas Nole is probably going to be the same story.
There weren't that many long rallies.Stepanek's backhand let him down. He was a break up and got broken back to love immediately mid 3rd set. He played a couple of bad points and that was it.
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
C'mon Haas, play the SBH' attacking game if you've got the guts
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Stepanek just doesn't have weight and power of shot to really rally with the top guys. Conditions like these don't lend themselves to the Haas's and Stepanek's of this world.
Imo, both playing with nat gut would have had a very different outcome. You certainly can muscle the ball in the volleyer's feet nowadays and that makes a huge difference.
The court actually plays decently fast, that's why I believe they need to change the balls.
Tenez- Posts : 21050
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Tenez wrote:legendkillar wrote:Stepanek just doesn't have weight and power of shot to really rally with the top guys. Conditions like these don't lend themselves to the Haas's and Stepanek's of this world.
Imo, both playing with nat gut would have had a very different outcome. You certainly can muscle the ball in the volleyer's feet nowadays and that makes a huge difference.
The court actually plays decently fast, that's why I believe they need to change the balls.
Sometimes I do feel the players lack the timing which is essential to picking up volleys by your feet. Look at Karlovic v Murray this year, if he had been able to pick up low volleys, he would've won that match.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
legendkillar wrote:Sometimes I do feel the players lack the timing which is essential to picking up volleys by your feet. Look at Karlovic v Murray this year, if he had been able to pick up low volleys, he would've won that match.
To me, it's actually the other way around. With natural guts they woudl have to be much more precise with their timing. To start with the baseliner woudl have no choice but to stand closer to the baseline making timing a risky business. Look at the 90s baseliners, they were all trying to keep close to the baseline. That was the key cause as soon as you stood 3m behind you were losing lots of power in your shots and giving time to the opponent. Plus a ball hit with nat gut is much less spinny and easier to time and volley than today's balls hit with a ridiculous amount of spin and poser.
If you look at the old players (Step, Haas, Federer, Nalby, Blake etc...) have all flatter shots cause that was the only way then. Topspinning with nat gut coudl only be done on clay. The one who actually became better with time is Ferrer, always a topspinner cause string have given him a second life. Federer also adapted his game from 2007 hitting much spinnier that he had to to cut down on UEs.
Tenez- Posts : 21050
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Tenez wrote:legendkillar wrote:Sometimes I do feel the players lack the timing which is essential to picking up volleys by your feet. Look at Karlovic v Murray this year, if he had been able to pick up low volleys, he would've won that match.
To me, it's actually the other way around. With natural guts they woudl have to be much more precise with their timing. To start with the baseliner woudl have no choice but to stand closer to the baseline making timing a risky business. Look at the 90s baseliners, they were all trying to keep close to the baseline. That was the key cause as soon as you stood 3m behind you were losing lots of power in your shots and giving time to the opponent. Plus a ball hit with nat gut is much less spinny and easier to time and volley than today's balls hit with a ridiculous amount of spin and poser.
If you look at the old players (Step, Haas, Federer, Nalby, Blake etc...) have all flatter shots cause that was the only way then. Topspinning with nat gut coudl only be done on clay. The one who actually became better with time is Ferrer, always a topspinner cause string have given him a second life. Federer also adapted his game from 2007 hitting much spinnier that he had to to cut down on UEs.
Well yes half the battle is the string. Natural gut players who could volley could hit a much lower and flatter volley with weight. The players nowadays have to play a volley with virtually no backspin because yes the balls are much lighter. However if they time their runs to add power to the volley from their momentum they would be much competent volleyers. Roddick and Federer do this so well compared with others.
legendkillar- Posts : 3266
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
But you are seeing this from the volleyer perspective. What I am saying is that Djoko and Murray for instance would have much less secure shots with nat gut and they would lose considerable power on their shots unless they hit flatter (and riskier) a la old generation AND that in turn woudl make the task much easier for the volleyer. You can see the UEs coming from Haas and Step cause they have no choice to hit flatter: 1 cause they learnt tennis that way (with nat gut) and secondly cause they don;t have the lungs to keep the ball in and engage in long rallies.legendkillar wrote:
Well yes half the battle is the string. Natural gut players who could volley could hit a much lower and flatter volley with weight. The players nowadays have to play a volley with virtually no backspin because yes the balls are much lighter. However if they time their runs to add power to the volley from their momentum they would be much competent volleyers. Roddick and Federer do this so well compared with others.
Last edited by Tenez on Fri Oct 12, 2012 1:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
Tenez- Posts : 21050
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Re: ATP Masters 1000: SHANGHAI, QUARTER-FINAL
Champagne Super-Novak rules in Shanghai
noleisthebest- Posts : 27907
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