ATP 500/250: Basel & Valencia

noleisthebest wrote:Yes, Nole looks almost sedated, weak volleys...no sharpness at all esp the FH.

Nadal - the opposite.

I wonder what the turning point was for him to make this radical move forward to the baseline.

It was not a choice for Nadal. With guys like Nishi, Murray and Djoko playing faster....Nadal simply coudl not afford to stay back 3m behind the baseline anymore.

That was just the end of that kind of game. The fact he is standing so much closer on return and during rallies, simply proves that they are well aware that the game is getting faster and had to do something about it.

DONALD TRUMP wrote:Does he have any Plan B careers you think ?

Do you mean Dimi? His BH is really a liability. It will get better but his confidence will be very fragile on the important points and occasions because of it.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Yes, Nole looks almost sedated, weak volleys...no sharpness at all esp the FH.

Nadal - the opposite.

I wonder what the turning point was for him to make this radical move forward to the baseline.

It was not a choice for Nadal. With guys like Nishi, Murray and Djoko playing faster....Nadal simply coudl not afford to stay back 3m behind the baseline anymore.

That was just the end of that kind of game. The fact he is standing so much closer on return and during rallies, simply proves that they are well aware that the game is getting faster and had to do something about it.

He has probably been working on it for longer than we think, just finally got to trying it out in matches now.
It must have been really traumatic for him to make such huge transition, he's done well to come back to his competitive way.
I suppose his footwork has been so crucial for him and always there, just the racquet skill and timing far behind.

He has an amazing will power, so he is like a bull in some way...but the ordinary, corrida one, not the pitbull he once was.

Muscles won't help him on flatter shots like 4m behind the baseline.

An interesting evolution of a player and a game, for sure.

noleisthebest wrote:He has an amazing will power, so he is like a bull in some way...but the ordinary, corrida one, not the pitbull he once was

...yes....it's quite obvious in this FO and USO 13 finals!

An interesting evolution of a player and a game, for sure.

Yes. I always said that the day he'll take th eball earlier and flatter, he'll make more UEs....but more importantly more UEs on important points....and that this will actually help his opposition.

And to some extend I have been right cause he is struggling on every match almost.....actually not much less than in the past!

Tenez wrote:
Yes. I always said that the day he'll take th eball earlier and flatter, he'll make more UEs....but more importantly more UEs on important points....and that this will actually help his opposition.

And to some extend I have been right cause he is struggling on every match almost.....actually not much less than in the past!

Yes, and no more of that confident smirk across the net from him any more...at last!
He is almost watchable now

I must say you have had some amazing insights all these years, OTF's tennis Nostradamus.  

It all looks so obvious...to me it at least. And slowly to others, I am sure.

I was talking to our head coach in the club today, one of his sons works for LTA, the other for British version of WADA. Was telling me how they do tests, blah blah...
He plays on vets tour for GB, SBH, and still believes tennis is clean.
I thought he was just keeping it quiet, but he actually believes it, doesn't see what 25 seconds abuse has anything to do with Nadal's success, dying of SBH..

So, all credit to you, T! .

noleisthebest wrote:
I was talking to our head coach in the club today, one of his sons works for LTA, the other for British version of WADA. Was telling me how they do tests, blah blah...
He plays on vets tour for GB, SBH, and still believes tennis is clean.
I thought he was just keeping it quiet, but he actually believes it, doesn't see what 25 seconds abuse has anything to do with Nadal's success, dying of SBH..

Yep, it's often due to a systematic refusal to see bad intent in people. It's quite widespread and this is exactly what politicians, cheats in general rely on to achieve their means.

People are not suspicious by nature.

Others always try to identify the motive an action first. It's a bit more sad in a way but wiser.

Tenez wrote:
Yep, it's often due to a systematic refusal to see bad intent in people. It's quite widespread and this is exactly what politicians, cheats in general rely on to achieve their means. People are not suspicious by nature.

Really?

Tenez wrote:
Others always try to identify the motive an action first. It's a bit more sad in a way but wiser.

Who do you mean? The ones from your first paragraph?

noleisthebest wrote:Really?

I am pretty sure. I have noted that everywhere cause people at large are genuinely good and imagine others being the same. Those succeeding in life are those making the most of this credulity.

Again, despite all the cases of doping we have at the top of sports....many will still refuse to suspect if simply not proven guilty.

Who do you mean? The ones from your first paragraph?

No...I mean you, LS, and I for instance.....There are less of us.....the majority simply don't even wish to suspect and question.

Tenez wrote:
I am pretty sure. I have noted that everywhere cause people at large are genuinely good and imagine others being the same. Those succeeding in life are those making the most of this credulity.

Again, despite all the cases of doping we have at the top of sports....many will still refuse to suspect if simply not proven guilty.

Oh how I wish I were as optimistic as you...

Back to tennis!

And we have three sumptuous matches today:

Federer-Kohlschreiber
Gasquet-Thiem....oh, need I say what SBH heaven I am going to be in today?

Also in Valencia, some serious DBH talent:

Rublev-Agut

I would be glad if Rubi could het a set off Gutty today.

Davai Andreii!!

I don't think it's a case of not wanting to suspect Ten, I think it's more of a headache and ballache to digest the process (unless you are into doping/medicine advancements). I don't deny it's not in sport, just I don't want to argue what the facts and assumptions are. I come from a pharmaceutical and healthcare background and nothing disheartens me more when people make a lot of inaccurate claims about the side effects of drugs (not saying here on OTF) but on other forums and people in general. Just to try and unpick on so many levels how they are incorrect and explain the realities is a discussion I have had one too many times. In a way similar to your improvement discussion. I can't say I would've shown the same patience.
 
I just turn away tbh. I have seen much corruption, hate, cheating, lying just all manner of low morals by society. It doesn't do a lot to enlighten the soul. So what is the alternative? I literally immerse myself in nature and try and capture as much beauty in the world as possible. It's less depressing

legendkillar wrote:I don't think it's a case of not wanting to suspect Ten, I think it's more of a headache and ballache to digest the process (unless you are into doping/medicine advancements). I don't deny it's not in sport, just I don't want to argue what the facts and assumptions are. I come from a pharmaceutical and healthcare background and nothing disheartens me more when people make a lot of inaccurate claims about the side effects of drugs (not saying here on OTF) but on other forums and people in general. Just to try and unpick on so many levels how they are incorrect and explain the realities is a discussion I have had one too many times. In a way similar to your improvement discussion. I can't say I would've shown the same patience.
 
I just turn away tbh. I have seen much corruption, hate, cheating, lying just all manner of low morals by society. It doesn't do a lot to enlighten the soul. So what is the alternative? I literally immerse myself in nature and try and capture as much beauty in the world as possible. It's less depressing

have got to rush and will reply to this later.

legendkillar wrote:
 
I just turn away tbh. I have seen much corruption, hate, cheating, lying just all manner of low morals by society. It doesn't do a lot to enlighten the soul. So what is the alternative? I literally immerse myself in nature and try and capture as much beauty in the world as possible. It's less depressing

Join the club!

noleisthebest wrote:

legendkillar wrote:
 
I just turn away tbh. I have seen much corruption, hate, cheating, lying just all manner of low morals by society. It doesn't do a lot to enlighten the soul. So what is the alternative? I literally immerse myself in nature and try and capture as much beauty in the world as possible. It's less depressing

Join the club!

Indeed.

Sometimes just hearing all the negatives is too much. Even like sport. I will applaud anyone that does something amazingly brilliant. There's always a dark side of sport, but that doesn't always have to be the focal point if the brilliance witnessed surpasses that.

People say to me why do you like the topic of drugs in sports so much?
Plethora of reasons but one thing that I love about sport is....

No drug can give you the genius of Messi, Federer, Lara etc.
That is what I hold onto.

luvsports! wrote:People say to me why do you like the topic of drugs in sports so much?
Plethora of reasons but one thing that I love about sport is....

No drug can give you the genius of Messi, Federer, Lara etc.
That is what I hold onto.

Yes exactly the same reason....and I simply don't watch sport where talent is no more visible. The day only Nadal's and Djokos will win slams....I'll stop watching ....and we are not far off.

legendkillar wrote:I don't think it's a case of not wanting to suspect Ten, I think it's more of a headache and ballache to digest the process (unless you are into doping/medicine advancements). I don't deny it's not in sport, just I don't want to argue what the facts and assumptions are. I come from a pharmaceutical and healthcare background and nothing disheartens me more when people make a lot of inaccurate claims about the side effects of drugs (not saying here on OTF) but on other forums and people in general. Just to try and unpick on so many levels how they are incorrect and explain the realities is a discussion I have had one too many times. In a way similar to your improvement discussion. I can't say I would've shown the same patience.
 
I just turn away tbh. I have seen much corruption, hate, cheating, lying just all manner of low morals by society. It doesn't do a lot to enlighten the soul. So what is the alternative? I literally immerse myself in nature and try and capture as much beauty in the world as possible. It's less depressing

I actually like to look at the dark sides of things. I actually believe it is the only way to free ourselves from it. If you ignore them, they come back stronger and more harmful. If people coudl see the dark side of the world, they would not feed those princes of darkness which are in effect ruling the world.

Not being too theoritical here, just look at your organisation for which you work.....the nastiest ones go top of the pyramid quicker than good guys.....in 95% of cases. In politics, same thing, politicians have to please the lobbies and not the people who elect them to have the media behind them and by this process it's the most rotten that get elected.

If people were more in touch with the dark forces they woudl not be fooled by them.

Look at the draw rigging case. I know you don;t believe in it but the point is the day this ESPN team highlighted the ridiculous high prob of draw rigging (made it conscious to the mass) then we started to have first seed have tougher draws and Nadal and Djoko finally being in the same draw in slams. If people were not rising concern about those ridiculous long rallies, the ITF would have been less reluctant to improve anti-doping, etc....

That's why we need to keep an eye constantly on the motives and ways of Cheating...at all levels.

Did you see that BH DTL in that first game from Rublev?

wow...what a beautiful point from Rublev...he missed the easy volley.....at the end but he was hammering the ball in all corners.

Tenez wrote:Did you see that BH DTL in that first game from Rublev?

No, literally just got back, will tune in pronto!

Tenez wrote:Did you see that BH DTL in that first game from Rublev?

Yes, just saw one to save 2nd BP, very gutsy!

Gutty's got too much guile & grind for him atm ...wait till those wings grow a bit stronger!

yes Agut is much more professionel.....but the potential is really there.

Tenez wrote:yes Agut is much more professionel.....but the potential is really there.

Yes, and what I like most about that potential: it's fearless (but not reckless) - he really goes for his shots!

legendkillar wrote:
Indeed.

Sometimes just hearing all the negatives is too much. Even like sport. I will applaud anyone that does something amazingly brilliant. There's always a dark side of sport, but that doesn't always have to be the focal point if the brilliance witnessed surpasses that.

I suppose it's always been there, but now, like weed it's spread over so much it's suffocating flowers/talent.

When I see today's women tennis players, their bodies look like they are going to snap if they spend another hour in the gym.
Gone are the days of graceful physiques.

Look at them all grunt and growl now, fist-pumping aggressively and intimidatingly at each other.

And we are brainwashed how they are great fighters, passionate...

Little by little we even get used to it...not to mention the new generations who know no better and think that's normal.

Though I try and spare myself from world's ugliness, away from the maddening crowds as much as I can...I somehow can't help reacting to it and voicing my opinions and suspicions.

It may all be bark and no bite, but I feel it would eat me out if I kept it unspoken inside me.

luvsports! wrote:People say to me why do you like the topic of drugs in sports so much?
Plethora of reasons but one thing that I love about sport is....

No drug can give you the genius of Messi, Federer, Lara etc.
That is what I hold onto.

Which Lara?

Good of Rubi to persevere and win his service game, not just give up and roll out to Agut.
I like the spirit!

Nice performance and plenty of heart from him. I hope it wins him some more WCs!

Richie-Thiem, anyone?

Should be a good match!

The thing that worries me about Thiem is that position behind the baseline.
Yet, he breaks straight away!

Not intimidated by Gasquet's attempt of long rallies.

Thiem, a baby-Stan for me should be formidable at 30!

Despite playing from behind the baseline he is too naturally aggressive not to improve his timing and move closer in 2-3 years.

It's very interesting to compare two very similar players of different age now.

Richie's footwork and BH much smoother, more shots, variety, but Thiem despite being 8 years younger, actually has a better game already.

noleisthebest wrote:Richie-Thiem, anyone?

Should be a good match!

yes watching while stringing a racquet....

Koening is again spot on. Emphasising the ability to finish points at the net.

noleisthebest wrote:It's very interesting to compare two very similar players of different age now.

Richie's footwork and BH much smoother, more shots, variety, but Thiem despite being 8 years younger, actually has a better game already.

Thiem is much more athletic and has a more powerful game.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Richie-Thiem, anyone?
Should be a good match!

yes watching while stringing a racquet....

My strings keep moving all the time, why is that?
Do I need restringing?

Tenez wrote:
Koening is again spot on. Emphasising the ability to finish points at the net.

Yes, "ability" being the key word.

Richie must be the only SBH-er whose FH is targeted more than the BH!

It's my 2nd favourite BH after Fed's.

What a game from Richie for 6:5!

When I see him retape his grip at every changeover with that enchanted focus, holding the racquet with such fondness...reminds me of a violinist with an old precious Stradivari.

You simply cannot beat SBH tennis.
Never.
Not in a million years!

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Richie-Thiem, anyone?
Should be a good match!

yes watching while stringing a racquet....

My strings keep moving all the time, why is that?
Do I need restringing?

Tenez wrote:
Koening is again spot on. Emphasising the ability to finish points at the net.

Yes, "ability" being the key word.

Yes.

noleisthebest wrote:What a game from Richie for 6:5!

When I see him retape his grip at every changeover with that enchanted focus, holding the racquet with such fondness...reminds me of a violinist with an old precious Stradivari.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:What a game from Richie for 6:5!

When I see him retape his grip at every changeover with that enchanted focus, holding the racquet with such fondness...reminds me of a violinist with an old precious Stradivari.

Why ?

Some very nice tennis from Richie now...

noleisthebest wrote:Some very nice tennis from Richie now...

And Thiem!

Can't believe he is only 21.

Richie is the quirkiest player around. Even the way he taps rather than bounce the ball before serving.
And than that funny air sucking face when he hits a good shot!

Well, that was a nice warm-up gig by Richie-Thiem.

And now the main show:

Rog-Kholi


They played a nice match in Halle this year.

And it still very tight....Fed missing an easy passing on set point ....one set all.

Yes, Fed having an " old" day today...but Kholi p,aying well, too.

Something wrong with Fed....his timing is really off. His mouvement is poor.

noleisthebest wrote:Yes, Fed having an " old" day today...but Kholi p,aying well, too.

yes ...but is allowed to.

Tenez wrote:Something wrong with Fed....his timing is really off. His mouvement is poor.

Yes, I noticed both, too.

Very weird game from Kohli.....coudl not return then could not serve....

Tenez wrote:Very weird game from Kohli.....coudl not return then could not serve....

Well...a tiny drop of focus, that's all it takes now...

Fed gritted it through.

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:Something wrong with Fed....his timing is really off. His mouvement is poor.

Yes, I noticed both, too.

It's called old age, I keep telling you   He's 34 now, not 24.  Inconsistency is a huge part of decline.