ATP Masters 1000: Monte Carlo

Time to get excited - tennis is coming home to Europe and natural surfaces! 


I can't think of a more beautiful start either - gorgeous Monte Carlo with its spectacular  vista of the Mediterenean sea contrasting the bright warm shade of orange clay (btw, why do commentarors say clay is blood-red?)




It's a very small, choice  field of only 36 players, so compared to Miami's 128 - it's amazing it's still keeping its 1000 status.

Americans always have to have everything extra large, don't they?

The draw hasn't come out yet but "everyone" is playing.

Will this be the last season we see the big three here? 



Draw
http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2016/410/mds.pdf


Qualifying Draw
http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2015/410/qs.pdf


Order of Play
http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2016/410/op.pdf


Official Website
http://www.montecarlorolexmasters.mc

Any sign of Truffin anywhere?

We need some first hand news about how Fed is doing.

A little appetiser!

fed and Murray have a chance to exchange number 2 spot......

Tenez wrote:fed and Murray have a chance to exchange number 2 spot......

That would be great.

What result does he need?

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:fed and Murray have a chance to exchange number 2 spot......

That would be great.

What result does he need?

A semi final v final would be enough. But does it really matter? It's all about number 1 as Borg woudl say.

It matters if he wants to have a chance of winning a slam.
However theoretical it may sound atm.

Fantastic news: Rublev, Pouille and Verdasco get WCs, excellent choice! 


http://montecarlotennismasters.com/les-wild-cards-attribuees/

I don't know when the main draw is coming out, but this already promises to be a great tournament, really look forward to it, with all this skill, experience and talent in such a small draw, there won't be any dull matches!

The draw is out, Fed's in Nole's half.

Let the tournament begin!

Yep good news on both accounts.

Fed has a better chance in the semi than in the final.

Order of play link added, matches starting tomorrow.

I have just seen that Rublev will play Zverev in round one, that will be really interesting to see.

Zverev, the doped Russian/German playing percentage but quality striking tennis, vs Rublev the full on attacking clean Russian.

There will be so much pride on the line for Rubi in that match.

I don't know why I have such a soft spot for him...

wow.....yep....That is going to be interesting. One is one year older than the other though....I believe.

Tenez wrote:wow.....yep....That is going to be interesting. One is one year older than the other though....I believe.

I just checked, they are both '97.
Zverev 6 months older.

10 years younger than Nole&Murray.

Ah! good on Zverev! he has the advantage of being more exposed to the higher level but that might be due to his faster progression.

Yes, he's had an older brother on tour, so that must have helped...plus playing safely.
But an interesting player to watch.

A very dogged competor...if there was an opposite phrase than he could be the rich man's Murray.

I hope Rubi catches up in a year or so, the two could make a fantastic rivalry.

6 months, 4 inches and 20kg difference ....that is a huge difference!

Tenez wrote:6 months, 4 inches and 20kg difference ....that is a huge difference!

It is!

And strangely it's Zverev that's a better mover. A very smart player, too.

But Rubi's game will mature better.
Watch out when Little Dragon's wings get strong!!!!

I actually think the future of tennis is looking good.

You can see that physical long rallies era is over and now attacking tennis is emerging again.

Even Nadal has come to the mountain!

[quote="noleisthebest"]

Tenez wrote:

You can see that physical long rallies era is over and now attacking tennis is emerging again.

Even Nadal has come to the mountain!

I like attacking tennis but I like when there is control of the ball above all. McEnroe, Nalby, Davydenko , Federer......controlled agression, based on taking the ball early rather than hitting hard. And with today's fitness that is very hard to do cause when taking the ball early you don't hit as hard and therefore the bigger balls slow quickly down by the time they reach the baseline cancelling the talent, risk and effort it takes to take the ball early. This is best demonstrated when Fed plays your man or Nadal.

Smaller balls would make a huge difference.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

You can see that physical long rallies era is over and now attacking tennis is emerging again.

Even Nadal has come to the mountain!

I like attacking tennis but I like when there is control of the ball above all. McEnroe, Nalby, Davydenko , Federer......controlled agression, based on taking the ball early rather than hitting hard. And with today's fitness that is very hard to do cause when taking the ball early you don't hit as hard and therefore the bigger balls slow quickly down by the time they reach the baseline cancelling the talent, risk and effort it takes to take the ball early. This is best demonstrated when Fed plays your man or Nadal.

Smaller balls would make a huge difference.  

I know what you mean.
But it requires A LOT of skill to play like that.

And yes, agree about the big balls and the muscle they reward.

It's amazing that technology is actually eliminating talent. Almost eradicating it in fact.

It was funny to see Murray complain about having to play a smaller faster women's ball that somehow found its way on the court during his match.

Did you see it?

But I still think Rubi has a special talent despite looking like a basher.
He needs to change the coach.

I'd send him to France to learn how to play/develop all court tennis.

But it's tough to find a good match.

Maybe even Lendl, but that's never going to happen...

noleisthebest wrote:

And yes, agree about the big balls and the muscle they reward.

They reward the lungs even more!

It was funny to see Murray complain about having to play a smaller faster women's ball that somehow found its way on the court during his match.

Yes though npt sure he was complaining about that more than having different balls. No. I did not see it.

But I still think Rubi has a special talent despite looking like a basher.
He needs to change the coach.

He needs to mature more than anything.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:

And yes, agree about the big balls and the muscle they reward.

They reward the lungs even more!

In what way even more? No lungs - no muscle.

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:
It was funny to see Murray complain about having to play a smaller faster women's ball that somehow found its way on the court during his match.

Yes though npt sure he was complaining about that more than having different balls. No. I did not see it.

Yes, probably just that it was a different ball, but didn't like it was faster and livelier, obviously.
http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/15076348/andy-murray-miffed-mistakenly-having-serve-women-ball

Tenez wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:
But I still think Rubi has a special talent despite looking like a basher.
He needs to change the coach.

He needs to mature more than anything.

I think that's his temper.
The good side of it is the super aggressive tennis, the downside is the pendulum swing outbursts.

But it's normal especially with sponsors' and everyone else's pressure and expectations.

I really don't think his mother travelling with him is a good solution any more. He is old enough to survive with his coach only.

She puts a lot on pressure on him with her presence.

Time to grow into a man.

What do you think?

noleisthebest wrote:Any sign of Truffin anywhere?

We need some first hand news about how Fed is doing.

I'm here!  Don't know anything about fed though beyond what we've all seen-- but I did have a nice long chat with Andre Agassi last night!

truffin1 wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Any sign of Truffin anywhere?

We need some first hand news about how Fed is doing.

I'm here!  Don't know anything about fed though beyond what we've all seen-- but I did have a nice long chat with Andre Agassi last night!

Please can we be friends Truffin1?

luvsports! wrote:

truffin1 wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Any sign of Truffin anywhere?

We need some first hand news about how Fed is doing.

I'm here!  Don't know anything about fed though beyond what we've all seen-- but I did have a nice long chat with Andre Agassi last night!

Please can we be friends Truffin1?

Lol! Sure!  Look me up in charleston,sc any time!

My club on the island I retired to- we host the family circle (now Volvo open). premier wta tournament. I'm on the club board of directors and on the club volunteer board for the tournament. We had the PowerShare series as the off night attraction  last night.  Agassi, riddick, fish and Blake.   Great time and I got into a great Prematch party conversation with Agassi.   
Agassi can still strike the ball at an inane level and riddick can still serve 130 consistent.

truffin1 wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:Any sign of Truffin anywhere?

We need some first hand news about how Fed is doing.

I'm here!  Don't know anything about fed though beyond what we've all seen-- but I did have a nice long chat with Andre Agassi last night!

Great to hear you are enjoying your tennis life, Truffin!

Did Agassi say anything interesting?

Match Of The Day:

Rublev-Zverev

Fly Little Dragon!!!!!!!  

And now the news for foodies! 

Nole and his wife have opened a (vegan?) restaurant in Monte Carlo and had many players attend the party. 

I don't  know who he invited (I am assuming being a Serb where hospitality is second to none and your guest is a god - he invited all players) the absence of some was obvious

http://sport.blic.rs/tenis/sampion-i-domacin-novak-ugostio-mareja-berdiha-dimitrova/cwwzvxl

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Novak-Djokovic-opens-a-new-Restaurant-in-Monte-Carlo-(PICS-INSIDE)-articolo31777.html

Managed to see the whole set!

Haven't felt fired up like this for a long time.

Zverev looks and plays like he's 5 years and not only 5 months older.

Rubi has the belief but not the confidence yet.

This is reminding me so much of Nole's and Nadal's first match in RG when he said that famous line: "Nadal you are beatable."

Zverev's quads are already huge, I can see he's hired Murray's ex fitness coach (the one that turned him from a beanpole to a beefcake during one off-season).

As a result, Zverev struts around like he owns the place and oozes confidence, just like Nadal did all those years ago. At least he is a more talented and watchable player.

But Rubi's time will come.

He needs to improve his footwork asap, that is his main weakness - that venomous ball-striking needs to be supported and helped with light-footedness.

GO RUBIIIIII!!!!  

Anyone watching?

This is such an important match giving us precious information for the future of tennis.
We are seeng the new Fedal here playing their very first match.


DAVAIIIIII ANDREIIIIIII!!!!! 

Rubi's got belief, weapons and the heart!!!

That is a wonderful combination.

61 63. Comprehensive.

luvsports! wrote:61 63. Comprehensive.

Did you see the match?

Nope.

Disappointed by Rublev...even if I did not see the match. I think the physical difference is so crucial at that stage. The last youngster to have won a slam was the other giant with teh big FH (Delpo). For those with a "normal" frame, the road is much longer...but can also last longer!

But why are you disappointed?

Because he is still natural?

Cause I'd expect him to expose Zverev mouvement by sending him fast to corners. Rublev has more the size of a tennis player than Zverev.

Tenez wrote:Cause I'd expect him to expose Zverev mouvement by sending him fast to corners. Rublev has more the size of a tennis player than Zverev.

I saw the whole match.

Rubi was very nervous at the start.

Glorious Monte Carlo central court, the pressure of a Wild Card given to him and on top of that a fit, tall compatriot.

The first set was bad. Terrible.  I was so glad when he held his serve at 0:4.

Second set was much better as he relaxed fully and started to play his dragon tennis - making Zverev run.

There were several BPs and he was a better player in that set.

But you could see he didn't want long rallies Zverev was happy to stay in with sage shots, and having to pull the trigger early when not in the right position with his feet on a few points made the difference yesterday.

He still looks very skinny, especially in the upper body but his time will come. I am positive about it!

Despite the loss, I enjoyed seeing him play well for a stretch and gain valuable experience.

Until he gets stronger, he'll have shaky results. Unless things speed up.

It's interesting he did not choose to bulk up early. This is usually when it is done, when they are not under the anti-doping agents radars (Nadal, Coric, etc....).

He might be taking things but it's not bulking obviously. Probably inspired by Djoko's success who emphasised his diet on the distance more than muscle.

Tenez wrote:It's interesting he did not choose to bulk up early. This is usually when it is done, when they are not under the anti-doping agents radars (Nadal, Coric, etc....).

Good observation. Maybe he trusted his talent and thought he'd fill out naturally.
His father was a boxer.

Tenez wrote:
He might be taking things but it's not bulking obviously. Probably inspired by Djoko's success who emphasised his diet on the distance more than muscle.

Quite possible.

When I spoke with him last summer he loved it when I told him he was going to be the new number one.

His coach asked me: "Do you know who he is?"

I said: "Yes. He is Andrei"...then made a dramatic pause, and out of nowhere said...- "Djokovic!"

They both smiled and chuckled at the same time and promised me the ticket if he played in Wimbledon final.

I think he is aware of how tough it is to break through now and was almost in awe of the big names...and I think that's quite sad for such a talented young player, though it's also normal.

Some gorgeous tennis played by Simon and Dimi.

Clay at its finest...

Dimi's FH finally starting to do some damage.

But oh, Simon's guile...

I must say on this occasion, I was probably wrong (and ROTLA right) to call his success that early. 17 nowadays is way too early to predict a special future, even if the player is showing special talent.

There is so much more nowadays.

I hope I have not cursed him!

Federer is playing pretty well for someone who's had such a long break.
S&V-ing even on 2nd serve.
GG is certainly no pushover esp on clay and Federer is exposing all his limitations.

Like a mirror for his opponent's skill.

Fognini surprisingly lost to Lorenzo yesterday.
I really looked forward to his match with Monfils...


His coach said something quite nice though, cheered up my morning:


'Fabio is a tennis player who wants to conquer his space and he is working on it. We are trying to improve his tennis thanks also to his effort. What makes me more proud is working on the differences.'

'Fabio is a champion, it seems obvious to me. We can't compare his career with the one of Djokovic, Federer or Agassi, who are the Sun of Tennis. Fabio is a planet with his name and his identity.'

'No one likes playing him, and not many players have been able to remain in Top 20 for four years in a row. We tried to take advantage of his abilities to achieve a breakthrough.'

Thiem again losing to a low ranked guy heavily in the first set. 
Big fan of him but he is prone to this.

I can't  believe Nadal is 29. He looks so much older!

Completely burnt put in the eyes.

luvsports! wrote:Thiem again losing to a low ranked guy heavily in the first set. 
Big fan of him but he is prone to this.

Roboto-chan can hit the ball all day and draw errors.

Thiem's class will prevail.

After all, this is clay and you have to earn points.

Still, Thiem's tennis is very physical, he needs to stg about it.

I've been watching bits of several matches on and off.

Dzumhur just knocked Berdych out in three sets.

A classic example of "little" player moving around the big one.

Berdych could not even take advantage of Dzumhur's choking when he serving for the match.

Plaire played beautifully.

Badene the Brit is pathetic, or maybe injured. He can't get the serve in to save his life, this making it difficult to judge how well Nadal is actually playing.

Seeing Med glisten in the sun temptingly, makes me want to catch a plane to Monte Carlo and dive into the blue NOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!

I must say,  watching players check each other out at the net before the match - stretching, jumping, shadow swinging, staring, glaring, looking away....the whole body language - is a brilliant and hilarious performance  in itself!  

The ump asks who wants to call and looks at Nole who gallantly offers to privilege to Vesely.
Besely doesnnot what to do but calls tails. 
Nole then tries to read and freeze Vesely with the Champion's stare, but Vesely doesn't flinch, only shows little signs of nerves by looking away.
Nole then begins to stretch...

Good fun, isn't it?

My favourite is standing still and tall. No moving at all.

noleisthebest wrote:Seeing Med glisten in the sun temptingly, makes me want to catch a plane to Monte Carlo and dive into the blue NOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!

It is true isn't it. It's such a beautiful sea.