ATP 1000: Madrid

I don't know why, but it feels like ages since last year's Madrid Masters and the blue clay: all the drama, all the huff and puff, all the tantrums, upsets, Verdasco's win over Nadal, Will Smith at the presentation ceremony and Ion Tiriac loving and lapping it all up with all his might....



Well for some reason, it's completely opposite this year....Madrid has arrived meekly and quietly with virtually no glitz and glam, it feels like just another red clay week we have to grind through....I hope things start to hot up there soon and they should because after a while, the field, bar the virus-stricken Del Potro is all there!

So....

ATP 1000 MADRID MUTUA red clay

The Mutua Madrid Open celebrates its 12th staging in 2013. The ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament will see the 'Big 4' reunite as they contend for the trophy. Last year, playing his first clay-court tournament of the season, Roger Federer triumphed in a star-studded field to lift his 20th Masters 1000 crown. Celebrities such as Hollywood star Will Smith and Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo were in attendance during the week.

Players: you name 'em they are all there!

The Draw:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/1536/mds.pdf

Order Of Play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/1536/op.pdf




Trivia question:
Which active player has won Madrid most times?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9WoaBt8FH8

VAMOS TENNIS

Thanks to SB, I have been reminded that Madrid has already started today!!!!

First round matches under way, Verdasco def. Goffin, and at the moment Benneteau serving for the first set against Simon 5:2

After that match, we have
Stepeanek vs Tomic (should be good)
Chardy-Zeballos,
Anduhar-Cilic....

I will try to catch at least some of Tomic's match. He has been disastrous this clay court seasons, so if it continues today, I may not watch the whole thing, but would at least like to see a bit of him.

I have no recollection of how Tomic actually plays on clay, but not being the best mover may go against him.
I bet Stepanek is going to use every trick in the book to unsettle him

Players on the courts/surface in Madrid:

S.Williams:
"I think these clay courts are really good. I think they're a little bit faster than the ones I was practicing on in Paris. For me, that's always a good sign."

Nadal:
"I think that obviously the court last year was not up to the level that we needed. It was not prepared to be a competitive court. But the courts are impressive this year. In Madrid, we have the problem of the dry climate, so it's very difficult to have the clay that settles down properly, a clay that's the same as in other places. I think this year we have managed to have good clay here."

Federer:
"I don't know if that was due to the color, but this tournament has, in the past, had issues with the quality of the court. I think through what happened last year, you know, the controversy around the blue clay, I think it was a big eye-opener to have a proper court here now."

So, Stepanek dispatched Tomic in two easy sets.
Simon came from a set down to beat Benneteau in 3.
Cilic on the verge of being knocked out by Anduhar.

Tomorrow:

Nishikori-Melzer
Raonic-Davydenko
JJ-Querrey (the yuk appeal)
Haase-Dolgopolov etc....

You've got to feel sorry for poor Tomic....and his hitting-partner Drouet.....ouch!!!

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/tennis/bernard-tomics-father-john-jailed-for-alleged-assault-of-french-player-thomas-drouet/story-fnddklvw-1226635728853

he must have taken Bernard's steroid pills by mistakes.

Another of those tyrannical fathers.

Tenez wrote:he must have taken Bernard's steroid pills by mistakes.
.

We have a 5 year old tiny girl in the club whose father gave up his job last year in order to pursue his daughter's "career".

The girl has fallen behind her peers already and the father is pressuring her coach and the poor little daughter non stop. He is very worried about her serve at the moment!

Best thing he claims he is NOT a pushy parent

Yes, that is ridiculous. It takes all sorts but to get so enthusiastic at 5 is very poor judgement.

Davydenko-Raonic starting. This is going to either very good or horrible

And Raonic takes the match 7:5, 7:6. I saw a few points here and there, in between entertaining friends at BBQ
Raonic looked a lot better today than the other week against Nadal, he matched Davy easily from the base-line (which did look weird), Davy was not able to move Raonic around like Nadal. Despite sending him a lot of spinned balls, poor Davy simply lacked in that bicep department....

Order of play for tomorrow out already:

2.15 UK time

Stepanek-Federer
Murray-F. Mayer
Djokovic-Dimitrov/Marti
Paire-Souza
Fogini-Youzhny
Baghdatis/Robredo
Tisparevic-Monaco
Gasquet-Lopez/Traver
Raonic-Verdasco
Chardy - Simon etc....

Lots of fun, yipeeeee

Just read that Tomic's father, according to Drouet had been treating him like a dog for a long time: spitting in his face, head-butting him after refusing to go and buy him a carton of milk, refusing to pay him. When Drouet replied that Bernard would pay him, John (the father) head-butted him and broke his nose).
He was also slapping and hitting Bernard on the mouth and face in public during practice in Monte Carlo which sent the poor guy crying.
You can just begin to imagine what goes on behind closed doors. What a scumbag and coward!

I really feel sorry for Bernard.

I can't believe they are still playing in Madrid, Dimitrov-Marti stating, I might have a quick look!

In other matches, Dolgo lost in 3 sets ( ) , JJ, Almagro Traver, Nishikori, Isner all through.

noleisthebest wrote:Lots of fun, yipeeeee

Agree

The most exciting portion of the tennis season is upon us. Within nine weeks, Madrid, Rome, RG, Halle/Queens and Wimbledon will all have been decided. Everyone is back, MC has unfortunately lost some of its shine now that it is not compulsory

Roger, Grisha, Tommy and Stan

SB Can you watch some of it at work or do you record the matches?

Oh, so many matches already finished and I haven't seen any!

Paire, Wawrinka, Youzhny, Troicki, Traver, Giraldo, Monaco through.

Gasquet, Tipsarevic, Fognini, Seppi out

Things are moving fast, I'd better grab a game of to to see how Fed is doing!

Maestro in the house and the stands half empty... what's the world coming to!

Oh and he is looking good, FH down the line winner no problemo, and the CC BH winner to seal the game

Yes Fed looks fast with perfect timing. Woudl never believe he has not played a competitive match for 2 years.

But regardless how well he is moving and playing we know his back can give in any time!

Tenez wrote:Yes Fed looks fast with perfect timing. Woudl never believe he has not played a competitive match for 2 years.

But regardless how well he is moving and playing we know his back can give in any time!

Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

noleisthebest wrote:Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

From the few games I saw, that was one very exciting edition of Fed today. FH looked like in the good old days, amazing.
He did say he wanted to be hard to beat in Madrid.

Tenez wrote:
Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

Probably some kind of safe compromise with less variation. Such a shame, I used to love his old serve. I hope it holds under pressure.

Murray - F. Mayer next....what a drop in beauty and style...

Wow! 6:5 in the first set, looking competitive, time to have a peek at the competition

Tie-break!!!

Why are they making those skin-tight tops forMurray, do they really think he's going to sell them
Murray already looking worn-out, clay is never going to work out for him.

noleisthebest wrote:Why are they making those skin-tight tops forMurray, do they really think he's going to sell them
Murray already looking worn-out, clay is never going to work out for him.

You'd be surprised! We even had in our club a 60yo wearing Nadal's sleeveless shirts back then! no kidding!

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Why are they making those skin-tight tops forMurray, do they really think he's going to sell them
Murray already looking worn-out, clay is never going to work out for him.

You'd be surprised! We even had in our club a 60yo wearing Nadal's sleeveless shirts back then! no kidding!

Poor you! and poor everyone else having to look at THAT

Set point Mayer, Murray saves it, 7 all.
Mayer playing very well when focused, should be a bit more patient, can't blame hi for going for winners, must be dead tired, as well. 8 all, second set point gone.
Murray squanders his set point, and it's 9 all.
Must admit, his counterpunching skills are excellent!

Murray taking a LOT of time for serving now. 3rd set point Mayer....gone! 10 all.
Murray double-faults and Mayer has 4th BP, this time on his serve....nope! 11 all.
An excellent return later, and Murray has his 2nd set point. Also on his serve. Which he converts and takes the first set. Mayer will be gutted,gave it to Murray on a plate.

no time to watch so thanks for comments.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

Haven't seen the match-- what has Federer altered in the motion? Is he still arming it as he did when the back flared?

Tenez wrote:no time to watch so thanks for comments.

no probs

Just came back to match it was 3:0 forMayer when I left and, Murray's back into it serving at 3:4...4 all now.
Amazing how players like Mayer let the match slip out of their hands, due to sheer lack of belief(ok,and fitness )

truffin1 wrote:

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

Haven't seen the match-- what has Federer altered in the motion? Is he still arming it as he did when the back flared?

It comes a bit stiffer and he is hitting it harder, with ever louder grunt of exertion that never existed in the past, so looks a bit ordinary and less magical like the rest of his shots and compared with the previous elegant and deadly version, just not that smooth. I do hope his back is not giving him trouble, but there's'got to be something in it, Serena who doesn't seem to have back problem has still managed to keep her serve intact
I didn't see the whole match, just a few games, the rest of his game looked superb, was really lovely to see him enjoy himself and play with great hunger

Another tie-break
A must win for Mayer, I don't know how he's going to live with himself if he lets this one go, too. A third set would be fitting for this match. Murray def does not deserve to win in straights.

noleisthebest wrote:

truffin1 wrote:

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

Haven't seen the match-- what has Federer altered in the motion? Is he still arming it as he did when the back flared?

It comes a bit stiffer and he is hitting it harder, so looks a bit ordinary and less magical like the rest of his shots and compared with the previous elegant and deadly version, just not that smooth. I do hope his back is not giving him trouble, but there's'got to be something in it, Serena who doesn't seem to have back problem has still managed to keep her serve intact
I didn't see the whole match, just a few games, the rest of his game looked superb, was really lovely to see him enjoy himself and play with great hunger

Thanks.. I was a bit worried about that-- the beautiful deep arch in his back has gone missing since late last year- esp 2nd week of AO on- that's when i could tell the back issue had stiffened him up probably permently-- then he had the true flare up- prob sciatica.
He's obvioulsy compensating, prob partly in hopes to not have it flare up, but also stiffness from the wear and tear... as you or someone said- the issue is will it hold up under pressure. Muscle memory is an awefully hard thing to break and under pressue if you start to revert to something else, all hell can break loose. damn..
I'm excited to hear about the rest of the game, but at this point-- other than the enjoyment of watching him- what's another win against the Stepaneks on tour going to do for him..

truffin1 wrote:

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Still, good to see him back like this. The serve looks a bit different, more physical in a way. He is going to be lethal in Wimbledon if he keeps this form.

Very good observation. I noticed too...at least up to mid second set. Compensation for less back flexibility?

Haven't seen the match-- what has Federer altered in the motion? Is he still arming it as he did when the back flared?

Difficult to say what changed except that it looks like he is forcing it a bit more. More arm power.

And Mayer meekly obliges loosing the TB 7:1.....

It's 7:3 but who's counting...

Anyways, seems Murray got lucky and is not on par with the other top players on clay. Shame Stan the Man is on Nole's quarter and not Murray's...

sphairistike wrote:It's 7:3 but who's counting...

Anyways, seems Murray got lucky and is not on par with the other top players on clay. Shame Stan the Man is on Nole's quarter and not Murray's...

I reckon Stan would blow Nadal off the court in Madrid....but we'll never find out.....I hate the way they continually rig draws for him it's sickening!!!! I mean he is not even in top 4 and has the easiest draw of them all!!

Also, Simon is next for Murray, so really Murray has an easy quarter. Then comes Berdych but not sure how much of a threat he is to Murray... He might be on clay though. So is Murray guaranteed to go back to number 2 after this tournament? If only he had lost, would there be hope for Federer to remain at the number 2 spot... Unless Rafa can make it back to number 4 by winning everything before RG, then I'm happy with Fed at #3...

I'd like Fed to keep his number two for RG. He will probably drop it in Madrid since he can only lose points there, and Murray win them as he didn't play last year.

Murray looks like he can lose any minute, extremely mechanical on clay, tense and unnatural, he did well to go through today.
If Simon plays well, he could knock Murray out.

Raonic battling in the third set against Verdasco, players on serve, mid set.

Nole-Dimi starting at 7 PM, should be good (yes I know ALL of you want Dimi to win )

Tomorrow's order of play out, looks great:

2.15 PM
Nadal-Paire
Haase-Tsonga
10.00 AM
JJ-Beredych
Haas-Bagdatis/Robredo
Youzhny-Almagro
Nishikori-Troicki
Giraldo-Stan
Ferrer-Istomin

and even a good WTA match on
Ivanovic-Robson (Ana needs to beat Scheepers first later today , Robson knocked Radwanska out yesterday)

truffin1 wrote: I'm excited to hear about the rest of the game, but at this point-- other than the enjoyment of watching him- what's another win against the Stepaneks on tour going to do for him..

To be honest, I think today's match will have meant a lot to him, he looked really happy with himself, and so he should be after such a performance and a 2 month break.
I also think he is playing for the fans now more than ever and they are giving him a new lease of life and motivation. So long as he is playing well and happy with his game, which he has every reason to be, he'll be dangerous. It's the state of mind where he believes he can win, not the wins themselves.
At moments he reminded me of his young self, just the strength and oomph he had in his shots.
I don't think he is too bothered with clay any more, at least not these masters tournaments, they are just ranking points for him now, he'll really be going for it at Wimbledon. I hope they do a decent job with grass there this year.

Nole time

Dimi has some decent weight in his shots but no match for Nole from the base-line.

Well I am not sure I'd agree with that. Djoko just saved 3 BPs.

Time violation for Djoko...and he was right. He is not happy but it's time we apply the time limit!

Dimi plays with confidence....he is constantly improving. My prediction that those youngsters will come sooner than later is about to come true.