Re: Roland Garros - 2019

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Mon Jun 03, 2019 10:02 am

Tenez wrote:
raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:
Tenez wrote:This long match from Stan should benefit Fed... Sha.e the schedule isn't helping Nishi.

I want Stan to win against Fed. Fed will be steamrolled by Nadal ( if he gets to SF ).

If Fed arrives not too tired in the semi...he can do some damage. In fact with a WO from Stan...I am pretty confident he could beat him. In any case, Federer would get a set.....arriving tired or not.

I think I didn't make my point clear. I'm not hoping for Stan's win in QF coz I think Stan will may a better chance to beat Nadal than Fed. No.

I want Stan to win coz this is an important tournament for Stan more than Fed. Fed is playing ordinary with some flashes of form.

I would want Stan to go as far in this tournament as he can.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:25 am

Thiem is having the toughest draw possible. All good clay-courters are on his path. Hr needs some help with draw opening up. An easier QF or SF.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:06 pm

Come on Struff, crush himmmmm

Paire break up in 4th.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:38 pm

Great TB Paire/Nishi, gone to 5th set now.

by noleisthebest Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:40 pm

by noleisthebest Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:40 pm

by Daniel2 Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:41 pm

Anyone claiming Nadal doesn't get away with murder is truly delusional.

1. By far the easiest draw comparing Fed, Thiem, Djok, Wawrinka, Tsit, Zverev - you know... the people actually capable of beating Nadal on clay - some of them with a good history of it.

2. Nishikori has to play 2 days (and that's if he even goes through - as it's also gone to a 5+ setter). No doubt Nishikori will retire anyway!

3. Will probably only have to play Federer (who has a poor track record v Nadal at FO) en route to final - when he could have faced Tsit, Thiem, Wawrinka. And I think had he played any of those three en route, he'd be sent packing.

I still hold up some hope that Wawrinka / Fed can do the business v Nadal, as he's definitely not the player he was. He's just very lucky with the draw - or there really is rigging going on.

Nadal has so far faced Seed 27 (lol) and now an opponent who has played 2 days and 5+ sets.

The only person standing in his way of a final is likely the man he's beaten here time and time again.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:06 pm

Paire toying around with Nishi ahahaha 4:2 up and serving.

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:09 pm

Daniel wrote:3. Will probably only have to play Federer (who has a poor track record v Nadal at FO) en route to final - when he could have faced Tsit, Thiem, Wawrinka. And I think had he played any of those three en route, he'd be sent packing.

That is an absolute load of nonsense. How on earth can you confidently say Tsitsi or Stan would have sent Nadal packing here at the French Open. Have you totally lost your mind?
As for Thiem, Nadal has routined him here at the French in the past 2 years. He probably won't even get to the semis, he looks in terrible form. So far this tournament Fed has been playing much better than Thiem, and could be a very tricky SF.

Daniel2 wrote:Nadal has so far faced Seed 27 (lol)

Djokovic and Federer have faced NO SEEDED players so far. You have such double standards it's ridiculous. Furthermore, Goffin is much better than his 27th seed status, he had an injury ages ago which affected his ranking, he's a former top 10 player. It's been a piss easy draw for the top 3 with the exception of Goffin for Nadal.
Federer is going to face a very tired Stan in the QF. I can say with 99%+ confidence that Nadal would dispatch a tired Stan at the French Open. He beat Stan 6-1 6-2 in Madrid a few weeks ago, conditions (altitude) which are nowhere near as friendly for Nadal as French Open.

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:11 pm

I agree though that it seems like the schedulers fucked Nishi over with the late start which hands an unfair advantage to Nadal. But it wouldn't have made a difference anyway, Nadal would have beaten Kei even if fresh.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:17 pm

Nish breaks back and than gets broken to 5:3

Come on Paire, finish himm

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:29 pm

Struff not even 30% of the play he did against Coric, git.

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:34 pm

Jahu wrote:Struff not even 30% of the play he did against Coric, git.

He was likely tired from the 5 setter.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 1:36 pm

Paire chokes it as usual with twice a break up, 7:5 5th for Nishi.

by naxroy Mon Jun 03, 2019 2:58 pm

Daniel2 wrote:Anyone claiming Nadal doesn't get away with murder is truly delusional.

1. By far the easiest draw comparing Fed, Thiem, Djok, Wawrinka, Tsit, Zverev - you know... the people actually capable of beating Nadal on clay - some of them with a good history of it.

2. Nishikori has to play 2 days (and that's if he even goes through - as it's also gone to a 5+ setter). No doubt Nishikori will retire anyway!

3. Will probably only have to play Federer (who has a poor track record v Nadal at FO) en route to final - when he could have faced Tsit, Thiem, Wawrinka. And I think had he played any of those three en route, he'd be sent packing.

I still hold up some hope that Wawrinka / Fed can do the business v Nadal, as he's definitely not the player he was. He's just very lucky with the draw - or there really is rigging going on.

Nadal has so far faced Seed 27 (lol) and now an opponent who has played 2 days and 5+ sets.

The only person standing in his way of a final is likely the man he's beaten here time and time again.

LOL

by Daniel2 Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:10 pm

"LOL" - from the biggest fanboy of the lot who knows his hero (lol) has had it lucky again.

And prob still get hammered by Djok.

by Daniel2 Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:13 pm

DEC1M7 ,

Federer will have had to play Wawrinka - a much better opponent than any of Nadal's opponents so far. And if Wawrinka does win that - he will have had to play a 5 setter and prob knackered from Fed match too.

Also, Nadal ALWAYS gets easy draws. Never seems to meet any form player early on. Ever.

And stop talking shit and pretending you'd rather Nadal face Nish than Wawrinka or Fed in QF. Fed's run is harder than Nadal's.

There's no threat in the bottom half - unless you think Grandpa Fed is a proper match up at FO. He may still do it, but I'm pretty sure had Nadal met Tsit or Wawrinka in the last round, he'd have been killed.

He's already dropped one set v Goffin ffs!

Also, there are no clay court specialists- or form players in the bottom half. Nishikori is simply not good enough, even on the best of days - and will probably retire too.

Thiem, Djok, Tsit, Zverev, Fognini - all on other side or out. Hasn't had to do shit yet again.

Then he'll get into the final and Djok will break fanboy hearts again. Laugh

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:16 pm

Come on Foggy, wipe the clay with him.

by Daniel2 Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:19 pm

Let's be honest, it's been a pitifully weak clay era for last 10 years at least.

by Tenez Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:29 pm

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:
I think I didn't make my point clear. I'm not hoping for Stan's win in QF coz I think Stan will may a better chance to beat Nadal than Fed. No.

I want Stan to win coz this is an important tournament for Stan more than Fed. Fed is playing ordinary with some flashes of form.

I would want Stan to go as far in this tournament as he can.

It is clear now...but I think this is an even more important tournament for Fed as this might be (probably is) his last FO.,,,and I want him to give his all to beat Nadal there.....as I said it is the only challenge left to his CV.

by naxroy Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:24 pm

Daniel2 wrote:Let's be honest, it's been a pitifully weak clay era for last 10 years at least.

lol, that would explain everything, wouldnt it?

dont worry, he is 33 already, your nightmare is about to end...

bad news is you will find some other reason to hate.

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:36 pm

Daniel2 wrote:"LOL" - from the biggest fanboy of the lot who knows his hero (lol) has had it lucky again.

I'm insulted, you consider Naxroy a bigger Nadal fanboy than me

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:39 pm

Daniel2 wrote:He may still do it, but I'm pretty sure had Nadal met Tsit or Wawrinka in the last round, he'd have been killed.

If you genuinely believe that you either are too blinded by bias to analyse objectively, or you don't follow tennis quite closely enough. Neither would have had much of a chance.

Daniel2 wrote:There's no threat in the bottom half - unless you think Grandpa Fed is a proper match up at FO.

Federer hasn't yet dropped a set, and is in better form than the young guns who Nadal was apparently lucky to avoid. As long as Federer gets to the semi relatively fresh, he'll be tough to beat.

by sphairistike Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:40 pm

Amazing match between Stan The Man and Tsitsi, esp. as the former won it! Hopefully he gives Fed a walkover (literal or virtual, I'd take either)...

I am glad Tsitsi lost and to answer some of the points I read (will not quote them, but it will be clear which posts they are from).

1. On the crowd being nasty towards Tsitsi when he kept on changing rackets, as it was not just once, it is because they were watching the match and it was clear those were gamesmanship attempts by Tsitsi, not surprising, as, as Tenez said, he is nasty himself.

2. On Tsitsi being a great volleyeur, I disagree... He comes often to the net, which is great, he should be great, but he is not, despite the many volleys and his height, he does not have a great control on the ball and Stan took advantage of it all the time, at least on important points, either passing him, or when Tsitsi managed to put his racket on the ball either he was too low and it would go in the net or even when he was not low, he did not even have the control to get it across when Stan whipped a BH from 3 feet behind the BL!

3. On the final "cheating" attempt on MP. Even though I agree he would've challenged had it been HE, he just pointed to the wrong mark, which unless he has a really bad eyesight, meant he did it on purpose, unless I am getting confused with a previous point where he pointed to the wrong mark I am pretty sure on purpose...

Anyways, it was a high quality affair, back and forth, and really Stan just showed some stronger mental strength in that match as he had no business winning the 5th set and thus the match, having to save 8 BPs in that set alone and he just edged Tsitsi mentally at the end, upping his game in the final game and especially on 2nd MP. Bubbly

by legendkillar Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:14 pm

sphairistike wrote:Amazing match between Stan The Man and Tsitsi, esp. as the former won it! Hopefully he gives Fed a walkover (literal or virtual, I'd take either)...

I am glad Tsitsi lost and to answer some of the points I read (will not quote them, but it will be clear which posts they are from).

1. On the crowd being nasty towards Tsitsi when he kept on changing rackets, as it was not just once, it is because they were watching the match and it was clear those were gamesmanship attempts by Tsitsi, not surprising, as, as Tenez said, he is nasty himself.

2. On Tsitsi being a great volleyeur, I disagree... He comes often to the net, which is great, he should be great, but he is not, despite the many volleys and his height, he does not have a great control on the ball and Stan took advantage of it all the time, at least on important points, either passing him, or when Tsitsi managed to put his racket on the ball either he was too low and it would go in the net or even when he was not low, he did not even have the control to get it across when Stan whipped a BH from 3 feet behind the BL!

3. On the final "cheating" attempt on MP. Even though I agree he would've challenged had it been HE, he just pointed to the wrong mark, which unless he has a really bad eyesight, meant he did it on purpose, unless I am getting confused with a previous point where he pointed to the wrong mark I am pretty sure on purpose...

Anyways, it was a high quality affair, back and forth, and really Stan just showed some stronger mental strength in that match as he had no business winning the 5th set and thus the match, having to save 8 BPs in that set alone and he just edged Tsitsi mentally at the end, upping his game in the final game and especially on 2nd MP.

On point 1. Can't recall they got on his back all the time. There was the one incident I saw in set 4 when they booed him changing racquets. During a changeover. So not sure what their issue is. Hardly call it nasty. Didn't disrupt the flow of the game and Stan didn't complain.

On point 3. I'd question your eyesight. 2 points (one in the 4th and the MP) in which Tsitsy marked the correct mark and on both occasions the umpire ruled against him. So how is the guy cheating? If he felt the incorrect mark was being judged by the umpire, surely he would challenge if he was going to cheat? Plus the commentators are pretty hot on those type of things and said nothing.

by sphairistike Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:24 pm

So the incident you are mentioning may be at another time then, but before even set 4, at some point he was changing rackets several times within a handful of games and in the middle of the games.

The commentators on TC mentioned that twice the umpire had made somewhat controversial decisions and twice they went Stefanos's way, but that was way before set 5 at that point. The two occasions where the umpire ruled against him were obvious that the ball was called correctly, so again, it was weird that Stefanos thought the ball was out on MP, especially if he pointed to the right mark, as you are claiming...

by Daniel2 Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:36 pm

You know it's desperate when Nadal fans are claiming a tough FO draw because Federer is going to be an opponent. Beyond deluded and desperate.

by legendkillar Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:45 pm

sphairistike wrote:So the incident you are mentioning may be at another time then, but before even set 4, at some point he was changing rackets several times within a handful of games and in the middle of the games.

The commentators on TC mentioned that twice the umpire had made somewhat controversial decisions and twice they went Stefanos's way, but that was way before set 5 at that point. The two occasions where the umpire ruled against him were obvious that the ball was called correctly, so again, it was weird that Stefanos thought the ball was out on MP, especially if he pointed to the right mark, as you are claiming...

I've seen many people fiddle with their racquets in matches. I recall a match with Raonic where he sent his racquets to be re-strung during a match. Stan didn't have an issue which is a good gauge.

I don't think the decisions during the match were controversial given the tight margins they were playing. At no point the commentators on ITV4 say a call was proven incorrect on HE and they usuall do.

How would it be weird that Stefanos thought the ball was out on MP? The ball was behind him and it was close. He knew the ball being that close on the line the umpire would check it. Stefanos marked it and walked away. Suggests to me he didn't know and accepted the decision. The fact Hawkeye confirmed it was in by 2mm suggests that it was a tight call.

by legendkillar Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:51 pm

If anything, the only contentious issue in the match was the umpire's decision not give Stan a point in the 2nd set when Tsitsy committed back to back code violations (whacking the ball into the crowd and then smashing his racquet).

My view on that was I thought the umpire handled it well. Gave Stan a breather and dismissed the shot clock and allowed some forgiveness to Tsitsy following the way the point ended.

by sphairistike Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:57 pm

As I said, you must be mentioning a particular incident that was not at an important point of the match, as Stan had been complaining about Tsitsi and the umpire decisions at a few points during the match...

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 6:05 pm

Daniel2 wrote:You know it's desperate when Nadal fans are claiming a tough FO draw because Federer is going to be an opponent. Beyond deluded and desperate.

Quite a few Federer fans on other forums are very confident Federer will get to the final.

by legendkillar Mon Jun 03, 2019 6:09 pm

He must've been complaining during the changeover (whereby in the UK we get commercial breaks and don't see it in it's entirety) and the only time I saw Stan having a moan up was over the failure to award code violations which he moaned about for a few games afterwards. From set 3 to the end, aside from playing to the crowd, I didn't see Stan complaining or chuntering. Tsitsy was given a warning for time between points a couple of times.

Not sure what points or complaining you are alluding to aside from what I've stated. It was a match played in good spirits by all accounts.

by Jahu Mon Jun 03, 2019 7:44 pm

Come on Delpo, chop this russian fuckkk

by AceofDeath Mon Jun 03, 2019 9:59 pm

Wawrinka v Fed = Wawrinka
Nadal v Nishi = Nadal
Djok v Zverev = Djok
Thiem v Khachacha = Thiem

Predictable imo Thumbs Up

by Tenez Mon Jun 03, 2019 10:20 pm

AceofDeath wrote:Wawrinka v Fed = Wawrinka
Nadal v Nishi = Nadal
Djok v Zverev = Djok
Thiem v Khachacha = Thiem

Predictable imo

I won;t be that surprised if the opposite results happen!

by Tenez Mon Jun 03, 2019 10:28 pm

Tsi is a bit of a cheat....It's bloody obvious. I can say cause in that case I don't mind it as much. This guy is trying to win at all cost like many champs have. be it through unsettling the opponent (Connors, McEnroe, Becker...) or using doubtful training methods (Nadal, Murray, Djoko.....)....Nadal was both by the way.

Tsi at least is a skilled and wilful player. I wish he was a bit more fairplay but as long as he tries hard to win while being so inexperienced, I don;t mind.

I wish Shapo, a more talented player, had a bit more self confidence, determination and focus....of which Tsi has in plenty.

Federer in that department was such a special player....he did not need to be a cheat or an rattling player...cause he had so much talent, it was enough to make him a winner.

by sphairistike Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:14 pm

Tenez wrote:Tsi is a bit of a cheat....It's bloody obvious. I can say cause in that case I don't mind it as much. This guy is trying to win at all cost like many champs have. be it through unsettling the opponent (Connors, McEnroe, Becker...) or using doubtful training methods (Nadal, Murray, Djoko.....)....Nadal was both by the way.

Tsi at least is a skilled and wilful player. I wish he was a bit more fairplay but as long as he tries hard to win while being so inexperienced, I don;t mind.

I wish Shapo, a more talented player, had a bit more self confidence, determination and focus....of which Tsi has in plenty.

Federer in that department was such a special player....he did not need to be a cheat or an rattling player...cause he had so much talent, it was enough to make him a winner.

by sphairistike Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:24 pm

Tenez wrote:
AceofDeath wrote:Wawrinka v Fed = Wawrinka
Nadal v Nishi = Nadal
Djok v Zverev = Djok
Thiem v Khachacha = Thiem

Predictable imo

I won;t be that surprised if the opposite results happen!

Doubt Nishi can beat Nadal, but for the others, the opposite would not surprise me either.

I still think Djoker should beat Zverev, unless Lendl's training is bearing fruits already, but Djoker is the only one so far with Fed not to have lost a set so he is playing well, he may lose a set vs. Zverev though, not more I'm afraid.

Khacha is very good and I am so glad he managed his first slam QF. His W/UE ratio vs. Del Po was amazing (58 to 35) and he used his powerful FH so well, it looked as powerfuls as Del Po's, but he also got help from his powerful BH, which Del Po does not have... He is also 1-0 in H2H vs. Thiem, but it does not mean much esp. as it was indoor hard, not clay. I still think Thiem should have the better of it, esp. if he is as focused as today vs. LaMonf...

The only one where I am pretty sure the opposite will actually happen, is Wawrinka vs. Fed, where Fed should win, as he has not dropped a set yet, seems to be playing nice attacking tennis and will be the much fresher of the two. Plus they will have a 2 day break before SF and they are playing first, which means even if Fed loses a set he knows he can still recover well for SF, but I think Fed can win in straight sets, as contrary to Tsitsi, as he is more talented and versatile, will take advantage of Stan's lack of movement, using the drop shots (which Stan did not run at all vs. Tsitsi) more often, more low short balls to force Stan to the net (Stan not being a very good volleyeur) etc. If Fed manages (which is difficult at almost 38) not to lose focus at all during the match, he could even win it in straight sets, only drawback is the heavy conditions on Tuesday due to imminent rain and cooler temperatures, so Stan has a good chance as well if he recovered 100% from the 5 hour+ R4 match... Anyways, I'd have Fed as the favorite for this one, circa 60-40.

by N2D2L Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:32 pm

sphairistike wrote:

Doubt Nishi can beat Nadal, but for the others, the opposite would not surprise me either.

I still think Djoker should beat Zverev, unless Lendl's training is bearing fruits already, but Djoker is the only one so far with Fed not to have lost a set so he is playing well, he may lose a set vs. Zverev though, not more I'm afraid.

Khacha is very good and I am so glad he managed his first slam QF. His W/UE ratio vs. Del Po was amazing (58 to 35) and he used his powerful FH so well, it looked as powerfuls as Del Po's, but he also got help from his powerful BH, which Del Po does not have... He is also 1-0 in H2H vs. Thiem, but it does not mean much esp. as it was indoor hard, not clay. I still think Thiem should have the better of it, esp. if he is as focused as today vs. LaMonf...

The only one where I am pretty sure the opposite will actually happen, is Wawrinka vs. Fed, where Fed should win, as he has not dropped a set yet, seems to be playing nice attacking tennis and will be the much fresher of the two. Plus they will have a 2 day break before SF and they are playing first, which means even if Fed loses a set he knows he can still recover well for SF, but I think Fed can win in straight sets, as contrary to Tsitsi, as he is more talented and versatile, will take advantage of Stan's lack of movement, using the drop shots (which Stan did not run at all vs. Tsitsi) more often, more low short balls to force Stan to the net (Stan not being a very good volleyeur) etc. If Fed manages (which is difficult at almost 38) not to lose focus at all during the match, he could even win it in straight sets, only drawback is the heavy conditions on Tuesday due to imminent rain and cooler temperatures, so Stan has a good chance as well if he recovered 100% from the 5 hour+ R4 match... Anyways, I'd have Fed as the favorite for this one, circa 60-40.

Totally agree with that analysis actually. For me Zverev doesn't have the weapons at all to trouble an on form Djokovic, that will be 3 sets. Wawrinka will be a bit tired from his 5 setter, and Fed as you said will use his variety to expose his limitations.

by Daniel2 Tue Jun 04, 2019 1:14 am

I agree Nadal's had a nothing draw this year again, yes.

by summerblues Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:25 am

Tournament is now finally starting. Tsitsipas and Delpo are the only two players who did not make their seeding, but they were replaced by Wawrinka and Khachanov - two very respectable replacements.

The only thing is that Wawrinka just played a very tough 5-setter and Nishi back-to-back 5-setters, so the two of them may possibly be below par tomorrow. Zverev has also played a lot of tennis here (in addition to playing the week before) so who knows what shape he will be in.

My predictions:

Djokovic
Thiem
Federer
Nadal

by summerblues Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:30 am

Sets dropped thus far:

0: Djokovic (lost 31 games), Federer (39)
1: Nadal
2: Khachanov
3: Thiem, Wawrinka
5: Zverev, Nishikori

by summerblues Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:36 am

legendkillar wrote:
sphairistike wrote:So the incident you are mentioning may be at another time then, but before even set 4, at some point he was changing rackets several times within a handful of games and in the middle of the games.[…]

I've seen many people fiddle with their racquets in matches. […]

I thought the issue was this: In the third set, just before Stan was going to serve for the set, and after both players came back to the baseline from the changeover, Tsitsipas decided to change his racquet and walked back to his chair. I thought it was as clear an example of gamesmanship as you find.

I do not really mind his gamesmanship all that much, but let's not pretend it is not there.

by summerblues Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:43 am

A sidenote:

From what I have seen of them so far, I think if Rafa and Nole both make the final, Rafa will get clobbered.

by legendkillar Tue Jun 04, 2019 6:09 am

summerblues wrote:
legendkillar wrote:
sphairistike wrote:So the incident you are mentioning may be at another time then, but before even set 4, at some point he was changing rackets several times within a handful of games and in the middle of the games.[…]

I've seen many people fiddle with their racquets in matches. […]

I thought the issue was this: In the third set, just before Stan was going to serve for the set, and after both players came back to the baseline from the changeover, Tsitsipas decided to change his racquet and walked back to his chair. I thought it was as clear an example of gamesmanship as you find.

I do not really mind his gamesmanship all that much, but let's not pretend it is not there.

I didn't see that as when the TV station came back from the coverage all I saw was the moment he hit the chair and then got a racquet and went back.

Let's not get over-sensitive and make out that simply one occurrence during one match makes the guy a cheat given that Stan was whipping the crowd up. That's called fair game in my book.

Seriously I do question at times if anyone on this forum has actually played competitive sport.

by naxroy Tue Jun 04, 2019 8:39 am

nadal: hanfmann, maden, goffin, londero
djokovic: Hurkacz, laaksonen, caruso, struff
federer: sonego, otte, Ruud, Mayer
Thiem: Paul, Bublik, Cuevas, Monfils

I guess thiem´s path is harder than the rest, but I am sure no matter which of those paths had been nadal's, Daniel would have said it was the easiest

by legendkillar Tue Jun 04, 2019 8:39 am

Tenez wrote:Tsi is a bit of a cheat....It's bloody obvious. I can say cause in that case I don't mind it as much. This guy is trying to win at all cost like many champs have. be it through unsettling the opponent (Connors, McEnroe, Becker...) or using doubtful training methods (Nadal, Murray, Djoko.....)....Nadal was both by the way.

Tsi at least is a skilled and wilful player. I wish he was a bit more fairplay but as long as he tries hard to win while being so inexperienced, I don;t mind.

I wish Shapo, a more talented player, had a bit more self confidence, determination and focus....of which Tsi has in plenty.

Federer in that department was such a special player....he did not need to be a cheat or an rattling player...cause he had so much talent, it was enough to make him a winner.

Ten I simply say watch his match with Nadal at Madrid 2011 where he clearly tried to hoodwink the umpire on a point when the ball he marked was clearly not the mark where the ball landed. Or time vs Wawrinka (Indian Wells I think) when he tried to challenge his own serve on BP (IIRC) and went as far as to call out the match referee as he wouldn't accept the umpires decision not to allow it.

Look, that doesn't make me appreciate the guy any less and before this gets dragged into "It's not as much cheating as others" debate, let me be clear that's not what I am debating here. The point I am making is that not just players, but people cheat. It's in our nature (some do it far more than others). Whether it be that game of Monopoly when bankruptcy lurked or whether that dubious call on a key point. Federer is human and has done it a couple of times.

There is a clear difference between gamesmanship and cheating. If you don't like a player, fine. But please do use a much more appropriate reason than "the guy is a cheat" because your quest to find someone just and pure and that has never cheated will leave you with a blank list. There are many reasons I don't like athletes (mainly personality or aesthetic styles). I rarely dislike anyone for cheating (set aside those inactive because of proven cheating as I seldom care for them)

Tsity for me hardly fits the bill of a cheater or even a bit of a cheat for that matter. Pain in the arse, maybe.

by raiders_of_the_lost_ark Tue Jun 04, 2019 9:01 am

Tenez wrote:
raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:
I think I didn't make my point clear. I'm not hoping for Stan's win in QF coz I think Stan will may a better chance to beat Nadal than Fed. No.

I want Stan to win coz this is an important tournament for Stan more than Fed. Fed is playing ordinary with some flashes of form.

I would want Stan to go as far in this tournament as he can.
It is clear now...but I think this is an even more important tournament for Fed as this might be (probably is) his last FO.,,,and I want him to give his all to beat Nadal there.....as I said it is the only challenge left to his CV.

Fed's best chance was 2007 and 2011, especially 2011 with those faster balls. Nadal's game is highly suited for clay, Fed's isn't. Nadal's game is GOAT on clay, Fed doesn't have the right arsenal to beat it for long enough. B03, Fed can have some chance. B05 + on this huge Chatrier court?

Now? Way too late. It just gonna hurt that h2h which fell as low as 23-10 Nadal. 15-23 is fine, Fed can build on it maybe on HC/Grass. Clay is too much to ask.

He needs to be having his best day ever on clay combined with Nadal having a bad day.

by bogbrush Tue Jun 04, 2019 12:19 pm

The best thing about Fed is that he's scared of no match and will be desperate to take on Nadal here even though he is closing in on 38.

It's be a free hit anyway, nobody will expect him to trouble Nadal but you can bet he will give it what he has, if he gets there.

As for today, it's time to slice & dice.

by Tenez Tue Jun 04, 2019 1:00 pm

What a poor scheduling again... Both men's semi could be played at the same time. Do organisers realise no one cares about Konta and that they are putting on Lunglen first probably the best tennis combination ever.. Instead of Chatrier?

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