Rome Masters 2019

Here is the draw: https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/draws

Last big tournament before RG in an intriguing and unusual clay court season - judged by the last 14 years at least.

QF's according to seeding:

Djoko (1) vs. del Potro (7) - and Medvedev and Stan are in del Boy's section and Shapovalov in Djoko's
Zverev (4) vs. Nishikori (6)

Tsitsipas (8) vs. Federer (3) - and Fognini is in Tsitsipas's section and Auger-Aliassime in Fed's
Thiem (5) vs. Nadal (2)

Nadal's last chance to get a confidence-building run before RG.  Thus far he's been stopped without even facing Djoko, but he'll have to get to the final to see how his game stacks up vs. Djoko at the moment.  I'd say that after a fairly clean sweep up to QF for Nadal, his side of the draw is the toughest to get out of to the F.  Also, I agree with those who have suggested that Nadal still has plenty of chances to play himself into confidence at RG itself, so this may be a bit of a phony war as far as Nadal's prospects are concerned, but it has been interesting to see Thiem and Tsitsipas elbowing their way past Zverev as pre-RG contenders this year.

barrystar wrote:
it has been interesting to see Thiem and Tsitsipas elbowing their way past Zverev as pre-RG contenders this year.

Talent wise, Tsitipas leads this pack for me. He's got everything and is only going to get better.

Zverev's Achiles heel is on the opposite side of his body - between his ears. Not as obvious as Kyrgios, but I reckon a permanent flaw, he is a false non-starter.

Thiem is muscling his way into improvement without conceding any ground and that can be dangerous over the years.

Nadal looked weaponless and clueless vs Tsitsipas, that is going to bug him more than anything, I think.
Has he finally hit the brick wall of his resources?

Tsitsi's backhand is still an issue. In the Madrid final, Djoko applied the same tactics what he does to Fed. Keep plugging him hard on the BH until return gets short enough to pull a FH winner. The last point of the match was done with the same scripted execution. Its clock-work enough not to notice it. This is where Stan/Thiem's BH is stronger and can stay on the rally with Double handers. 

I'm not putting much on the final loss though, a tough match vs nadal in Semis might be too much physically and mentally for him. Just that I didn't like his after match interview where he is all gaga about Djoko's BH and how its the greatest BH a human being has hit. I mean come-on, you are not here to admire his BH. You are here to beat them.

The tournament is moving very slowly into gear.  Perhaps Medvedev v. Kyrgios is the most interesting match.  They are close contemporaries, Kyrgios being a year older who started a year earlier on tour.  One time his sightings of Medvedev will have been via the rear view mirror, and he still has more tournament wins and substantially more money earned under his belt.  Their trajectories suggest that is not likely to last very long.

Is there any chance that Kyrgios seeing guys like that elbowing their way past will kick start him into a proper use of his talent....?

Stan-Goffin going on. Extremely lame match. Full or errors.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Tsitsi's backhand is still an issue. In the Madrid final, Djoko applied the same tactics what he does to Fed. Keep plugging him hard on the BH until return gets short enough to pull a FH winner.

This is a good point. In fact Tsi's BH was too loopy/spinny and Djoko has had years of exposure to it playing against Nadal.

This is where Stan/Thiem's BH is stronger and can stay on the rally with Double handers. 

Stan's yes...not sure Thiem would have done much better. In fact I am pretty sure that a rested Tsi will do better.

I'm not putting much on the final loss though, a tough match vs nadal in Semis might be too much physically and mentally for him.

Again I agree.

Just that I didn't like his after match interview where he is all gaga about Djoko's BH and how its the greatest BH a human being has hit. I mean come-on, you are not here to admire his BH. You are here to beat them.

I don't think it is that good but it is extremely solid thanks to his legs.

Kyrgios 5:2 up.

Goff beats Stan in 3.

barrystar wrote:Is there any chance that Kyrgios seeing guys like that elbowing their way past will kick start him into a proper use of his talent....?

I doubt it. Kygios has been impaired by injuries like many other youngsters and that has not helped him. Medv has had a shoulder/leg problem too recently.....but being Russian he is not going to rest enough.

Kyrgios succeeds in 3 sets....

Zverev goes home by this hard hitting italian Berrettini, goood!!!

Jahu wrote:Zverev goes home by this hard hitting italian Berrettini, goood!!!

Indeed. Very good.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Tsitsi's backhand is still an issue. In the Madrid final, Djoko applied the same tactics what he does to Fed. Keep plugging him hard on the BH until return gets short enough to pull a FH winner. The last point of the match was done with the same scripted execution. Its clock-work enough not to notice it. This is where Stan/Thiem's BH is stronger and can stay on the rally with Double handers.

Fully agree.  I was surprised how easily Nole was able to push Tsitsi into defensive on BH, given that Tsitsi held up reasonably well vs Rafa.  Rafa of old would have murdered Tsitsi's BH far worse than Nole did, but also credit to Nole, he was hitting some pretty deep balls to that BH.

Also agree on Stan/Thiem.  Their BHs are powerful enough that they can - just about - cope with DHs.  In fact, I felt that with a little smarter execution, Thiem could have won that match vs Djoko.  I thought he was trying to get too cute on a few critical points, where raw power would have done the trick.

summerblues wrote:

Jahu wrote:Zverev goes home by this hard hitting italian Berrettini, goood!!!

Indeed.  Very good.

 The only thing I like about Zverev is that is a young player and has shown some mettle against the top guys. But looks like he is too fragile.

summerblues wrote:

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:Tsitsi's backhand is still an issue. In the Madrid final, Djoko applied the same tactics what he does to Fed. Keep plugging him hard on the BH until return gets short enough to pull a FH winner. The last point of the match was done with the same scripted execution. Its clock-work enough not to notice it. This is where Stan/Thiem's BH is stronger and can stay on the rally with Double handers.

Fully agree.  I was surprised how easily Nole was able to push Tsitsi into defensive on BH, given that Tsitsi held up reasonably well vs Rafa.  Rafa of old would have murdered Tsitsi's BH far worse than Nole did, but also credit to Nole, he was hitting some pretty deep balls to that BH.

Also agree on Stan/Thiem.  Their BHs are powerful enough that they can - just about - cope with DHs.  In fact, I felt that with a little smarter execution, Thiem could have won that match vs Djoko.  I thought he was trying to get too cute on a few critical points, where raw power would have done the trick.

Against Djokovic and Nadal raw power is always the answer, unless you're Federer.

I wouldn't say raw power majorly works for Nadal/Djokovic. There are many guys who can hit the balls harder and posses as much power, perhaps way more. 

The key for them is control, discipline and stamina to stay long enough in a high-level rally, point after point.

This kind of game often wins in long matches ( BO5 SLams ).

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:...
The key for them is control and discipline and stamina to stay long enough in a high-level rally, point after point. This kind of game wins in the long matches ( BO5 SLams ).

wow...agree again and this what Tsi could do last week v Nadal...he could have easily lost in 3 had he not persisted in playing long gruesome rallies in the 3rd with controlled aggression. At the end it was Nadal who cracked.

Unfortunately, Tsi could not go on like that the following day and that is perfectly normal.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:I wouldn't say raw power majorly works for Nadal/Djokovic. There are many guys who can hit the balls harder and posses as much power, perhaps way more. 

The key for them is control, discipline and stamina to stay long enough in a high-level rally, point after point.

This kind of game often wins in long matches ( BO5 SLams ).

In the end though the only way they overcome them is power. Stan didn't finesse past Djokovic in the French, Nadal didn't lose to touch players at Wimbledon (though Dustin Brown's match was a combination.)

Sure, they need stamina and control but they don't give lesser players anything other than longer on Court. The W comes from knocking them off with power. That's why they will fear a motivated, fit Kyrgios.

That's why it is not very smart to start all the big matches on Wednesday cause if it rains then...you will have top players having to play 5 matches in 4 days. With the FO nearing I doubt Djokovic will bother to fight for the title here. Nadal and Federer may want to take this opp to add a few points (less sure about Nadal either who will want to save energy too).

Yup - I looked at the schedule and thought, 'what price for a Centrale ticket today', but forgot the weather.

I don't know whether the scheduling is down to players asking for more time after Madrid (most will have had plenty of time to get ready for a Tuesday start), or good old fashion greed aimed at TV money, which stuffs up no end of sporting competitions as we see.

If it was greed they have their just deserts.  There's no way Djoko or Tsitsipas will want to fight through this one.  Fed would be daft to attempt 5 matches on clay in 4 days, even though he's never won Rome; I doubt it would be a brill idea for Nadal either, but I'm sure he'd love a W on clay before RG.

Kyrgios opens up:

About Djoko: ‘I just feel like he’s got a sick obsession with wanting to be liked.

‘He just wants to be Federer. I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. This celebration thing is so cringeworthy.


https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/15/nick-kyrgios-tells-cringeworthy-novak-djokovic-will-never-surpass-roger-federer-9560173/

Podcast: http://nochallengesremaining.podbean.com

barrystar wrote:Yup - I looked at the schedule and thought, 'what price for a Centrale ticket today', but forgot the weather.

I don't know whether the scheduling is down to players asking for more time after Madrid (most will have had plenty of time to get ready for a Tuesday start), or good old fashion greed aimed at TV money, which stuffs up no end of sporting competitions as we see.

I am sure a bit of both but I noticed over the years that Djoko and Fed would play early if given the opp whereas Nadal is often playing the last 5 days (weds start).

If it was greed they have their just deserts.  There's no way Djoko or Tsitsipas will want to fight through this one.  Fed would be daft to attempt 5 matches on clay in 4 days, even though he's never won Rome; I doubt it would be a brill idea for Nadal either, but I'm sure he'd love a W on clay before RG.

agree.

Jahu wrote:Kyrgios opens up:

About Djoko: ‘I just feel like he’s got a sick obsession with wanting to be liked.

‘He just wants to be Federer. I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. This celebration thing is so cringeworthy.


https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/15/nick-kyrgios-tells-cringeworthy-novak-djokovic-will-never-surpass-roger-federer-9560173/

Podcast: http://nochallengesremaining.podbean.com

If it is real....it's an amazing interview.

What he says is pretty right but should he say it? That's not very smart but we need guys like him when we won't have "a genius at work" anymore. It spices it up to make up for the lack of grace.

Jahu,

That is a funny Kyrgios interview. Do you know where it is from? When I am reading it it strikes me as something that could be done maybe on some late night comedy show interview with the understanding that it is not entirely serious.

Schedule worked out really poorly. Not only would Fed, Rafa and Thiem need to play twice tomorrow (assuming they win their first matches and weather is cooperative) but their second opponents (Coric, Khachanov and Basilashvili) played their their 2nd round matches on Tuesday, so they would be fresh waiting for them.

Tenez wrote:

Jahu wrote:Kyrgios opens up:

About Djoko: ‘I just feel like he’s got a sick obsession with wanting to be liked.

‘He just wants to be Federer. I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. This celebration thing is so cringeworthy.


https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/15/nick-kyrgios-tells-cringeworthy-novak-djokovic-will-never-surpass-roger-federer-9560173/

Podcast: http://nochallengesremaining.podbean.com

If it is real....it's an amazing interview.

What he says is pretty right but should he say it? That's not very smart but we need guys like him when we won't have "a genius at work" anymore. It spices it up to make up for the lack of grace.

The last real characters on the court were the ones in the late 90s and early 2000s. Rafter, Goran, Safin. They would say what they felt like. No sugar-coating, no being "friends", no trying to build up a PR image. Sponsorship pressures these days want athletes to behave like cows.

Krygios may be an ass**** but he is no cow.

Just looked at the forecast for Rome, and they reckon there's a high chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday, which puts their daft scheduling in a whole new light.

Tenez wrote:I don't think it is that good but it is extremely solid thanks to his legs.

My point was why a young player is making such a statement? He said something like that even after the AO SF loss to Nadal. He is a pro now and he is here to beat them all. Not admire them.

Talk about his own game, how he is looking to beat them. In 2006 Djokoic was not orgasming about Nadal's game on clay after that RG loss. He said Nadal was beatable. It took him 5 more years, sure, he did find a way to tame Nadal not only on clay but everywhere.

This is the attitude I want the youngsters to show on and off court. Not live in the awe of Fed/Nadal/Djoko admiring their great skills and achievements.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:
Talk about his own game, how he is looking to beat them. In 2006 Djokoic was not orgasming about Nadal's game on clay after that RG loss. He said Nadal was beatable. It took him 5 more years, sure, he did find a way to tame Nadal not only on clay but everywhere.

This is the attitude I want the youngsters to show on and off court. Not live in the awe of Fed/Nadal/Djoko admiring their great skills and achievements.

Absolutely!

I think Tsits does have that attitude, he is just not vocal about it. You can see the way he plays those big names, he's already beaten Nole, Nadal and Fed (in a slam!). He keeps plugging and fighting.
At the same time, he is aware of his current limitations and I'd take that wisdom over (a much older ) Kyrgios' big mouth any day.
Having said that, it's good to have Kyrgios on the tour.

Now here's a question: will he ever win a slam?
I reckon no.

nitb wrote:Now here's a question: will he ever win a slam?
I reckon no.

By 'he' you mean Kyrgios? If yes, I would agree to some degree. He is mostly interested in showmanship, beating the best. 

But since he is going to be around much longer and once Nadal/Fed/Djo are gone he may find his motivation in winning slams. Skill wise he should be a slam winner even now, so that is checked. It is only his attitude that prevents him from doing it really.

So I won't say he is no slam winner for certain. We can revisit this topic once Fed/Nadal/Djo have been gone ( and we are still here on OTF).

Fed playing quite aggressive, presumably not interested in grueling rallies when he might have to play again later today. Still, he also played some outstanding defense on a couple of points. Looked quite good overall in the first set

Fed acceptable so far.

Chardy as usual, embarrasing.

Thiem goes home.

Kyrgios has completely done his nut!

Fed going home....!

Fed having his fingers treated....!

He is not happy. he throws his empty bottle to the Ball boys to bin it and asks the cameraman to give him more space.

Guess 2 matches a day, old man can't handle, body or mind.

Take this second set!!!

Coric looks the least natural player I ve ever watched. The way he serves and return look like a beginner applying what the coach told him.

Jahu wrote:Guess 2 matches a day, old man can't handle, body or mind.

Take this second set!!!

Yes I am surprised he is even bothering.

We he is kicking ass now !!! 5:2

Federer acting like McEnroe again.

...and then his ass is kicked and loses the break.

Think he should go home and rest for RG.

Set 2 for Fed, quite a come back, up and down.

Jahu wrote:Set 2 for Fed, quite a come back, up and down.

yep he looks so fragile.....yet manages to win the set.

Lets all wish Kohli a good match so he beats Djoko nicely 

Struff beats Cilic in the morning, now takes first set of Nishi!!

bogbrush wrote:Kyrgios has completely done his nut!

Yeah, that was bad crap on court, but still his last nights podcast gives him protected status for all his misdemeanors this year 

Holy molly, this feels double good hahahaha whats a come back.

Fed to play winner of Foggy-Tsi, not easy!!

Well done Federer...I would not have minded him losing to almost any other player....but Coric has just got too an ugly game.

As McEnroe would say...he doesn;t deserve to be on the same court as fed.

Fed heading for a bit of a stuffing if he reaches Nadal though, he’s hardly getting a warm up.

Fed 5 sets today, not bad!

Verdasco beats Thiem and Kacha today in 3, some guts there.

Delpo wins in 2.

Nadal cruising.