Re: Miami Thread

[noleisthebest]

Yes Kei appears to have matured in the right direction, Dolgo as well.
It's nice to see younger talented  players who are not super tall taste a bit of success.
I hope Thiem follows in their path soon.

I have missed Paire, he must be injured .

Top 10 could look very different at the end of 2014.

[Tenez]

http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=97622
More about Federer.....

"But I just couldn't find my rhythm on the serve today, which was surprising, especially after how well I've played and served, especially this week, but I think it didn't take off the way it did during the daytime. You could expect that, but then plus the temperature drop had something to do with that."

We know his back does not like that!

[N2D2L]

 I'd hate to think we are becoming like the Nadal fans....  I certainly don't see any evidence of it.  And if a player starts, then that's that.  I don't think it is fair to claim physical problems or use them as an excuse when a player has entered the match.  Fitness is a part of the sport, and at Fed's age, it should be expected.

I'm afraid so.   

[N2D2L]

Only the wind can save Nadal!

Really Tenez, Nadal has a minute chance of winning this event, and if by some miracle he does get to the final and beat Djokovic, you already have a pre-prepared non entity of an excuse (I mean these are professional outdoor players... if they can't deal with a bit of wind that's their problem).

[Tenez]

Non entity excuse? C'mon everybody knows that Djoko doesn't like the wind and that Nadal thrives on it as he has bigger margins than the ladies in my club's final (they just scoop the ball over the net).

Federer said the wind was an advantage for nadal over Djoko in FO2007!!!! I think he knows his stuff better than you.

[truffin1]

Are we sure it is the back.  I'd hate to think we are becoming like the Nadal fans....  I certainly don't see any evidence of it.  And if a player starts, then that's that.  I don't think it is fair to claim physical problems or use them as an excuse when a player has entered the match.  Fitness is a part of the sport, and at Fed's age, it should be expected.

If someone is using them as an excuse then that's not right but you also can't ignore it as a factor..  Pointing out a physical issue when discussing the match is no different than saying his Backhand was off tonight...
He has been on fire all week long, was cruising fairly securely, then we see him pull up, wince- look at his box and their demeanor changes... and then he starts stretching during the changeover and from that point on... and his entire movement and game falls apart.. arming 1st serves that hit the middle of the net..     I think that's pretty clear evidence of the back flared up... Excuse,, no- he lost because Nishi was the better player over the match- but in discussing the match- I can't see how you can ignore that big obvious issue

[truffin1]

Non entity excuse? C'mon everybody knows that Djoko doesn't like the wind and that Nadal thrives on it as he has bigger margins than the ladies in my club's final (they just scoop the ball over the net).

Federer said the wind was an advantage for nadal over Djoko in FO2007!!!! I think he knows his stuff better than you.

nadal loves the wind-- look at Monte Carlo conditions---- oh- except that IW loss to Fed when all the Nadal fans suddenly claimed he hates the wind...............and then changed their clamis that Fed only wins in perfect conditions like indoors to Fed is the best wind player in history....  smh..

of course, the wind will favor Nadal against DJokovic.. how can Amri claim different?  Then again- it's not an excuse, it's just a factor in the matchup.  Its' like claiming someone saying Nadal is going to play well in a clay match is coming up with an excuse about why their player will lose.. no- it's just a huge factor in the matchup.

[N2D2L]

Non entity excuse? C'mon everybody knows that Djoko doesn't like the wind and that Nadal thrives on it as he has bigger margins than the ladies in my club's final (they just scoop the ball over the net).

Federer said the wind was an advantage for nadal over Djoko in FO2007!!!! I think he knows his stuff better than you.

If that's an advantage for Nadal, then good for him. Wind, as long as the conditions are judged playable, is part of the conditions top players have to deal with.

Anyway I don't think it will be windy, and even if it is Djokovic will win anyway if Nadal gets to the final.

[Tenez]

Are we sure it is the back.  I'd hate to think we are becoming like the Nadal fans....  I certainly don't see any evidence of it.  And if a player starts, then that's that.  I don't think it is fair to claim physical problems or use them as an excuse when a player has entered the match.  Fitness is a part of the sport, and at Fed's age, it should be expected.

If someone is using them as an excuse then that's not right but you also can't ignore it as a factor..  Pointing out a physical issue when discussing the match is no different than saying his Backhand was off tonight...
He has been on fire all week long, was cruising fairly securely, then we see him pull up, wince- look at his box and their demeanor changes... and then he starts stretching during the changeover and from that point on... and his entire movement and game falls apart.. arming 1st serves that hit the middle of the net..     I think that's pretty clear evidence of the back flared up... Excuse,, no- he lost because Nishi was the better player over the match- but in discussing the match- I can't see how you can ignore that big obvious issue

Those are like a smoking gun....but even if he doesn't stretch, wince and so on, noticing a sudden drop of movement like FO 12 v this german guy, or like Wimbledon 11 v Tsonga, is worth mentioning.

What I find interesting FK is that you pretend to notice a difference in Fed's footwork from 2007 to 2010 but seems unable to notice while he is clearly hampered. (not a critic, more a genuine question).

[N2D2L]

If someone is using them as an excuse then that's not right but you also can't ignore it as a factor.. 

I actually 100% agree with this, yet I was savaged by some for saying it may have been why Nadal served below 95mph in the AO final.

[truffin1]

If someone is using them as an excuse then that's not right but you also can't ignore it as a factor.. 

I actually 100% agree with this, yet I was savaged by some for saying it may have been why Nadal served below 95mph in the AO final.

by some.......

[noleisthebest]

Well, it's Le    vs Le    time!

Should be a good match.

[N2D2L]

If someone is using them as an excuse then that's not right but you also can't ignore it as a factor.. 

I actually 100% agree with this, yet I was savaged by some for saying it may have been why Nadal served below 95mph in the AO final.

by some.......

OK not by you, I will be fair.

[noleisthebest]

Just as I finally curled up to watch on my legendary sofa...rain delay!

Good news - it didn't seem to last long, I couldn't bear to watch Fed Nishi replay.....

[noleisthebest]

I can't believe I am saying it, but Dolgopolov needs to be more aggressive!
Berd is handling all his rallying BHs with ease and returning them with interest on this slow courts, Dolgo playing right into his hitting zone...wind is not helping either...

[N2D2L]

Berdych is one of the most aggressive players on the tour.

[noleisthebest]

He is aggressive but not in an exciting way.

Dolgo's heard me....now that's what you call aggressive, he makes your heart stop!

[N2D2L]

Ester is so hot   

[noleisthebest]

You can see how fragile pure instinctive tennis is with Dolgo getting broken.
Everything needs to be in sync for it to flow.

Shame his 1st serve is wobbly today; his 2nd serve is also very good, but not against Berd on this court; he is feasting on it, and that puts extra pressure on Dolgo's 1st serve....

I can't believe how much pace Berdych was able to generate in that game...shame he can't mentally sustain it, it comes out so rarely (actually today is the first time I saw it) when he is not scared of the opponent.

[noleisthebest]

There was some excellent tennis in that 2nd set, Dolgo on fire really is breath-taking.

[Tenez]

But he lost! It's about time he starts to beat guys like Berdych. I am sure if he stays healthy he will make big strides soon. Cause this is the kind of tennis that when you had a bit of experience they can become really good. He did well in IW and Miami so it's quite promising.

Let's see what Rao can do!

BN your man is up in 40mn...I am 100% behind him....though I do not have much hope except that Nadal does not like pace!

[Daniel]

Nadal, the ultimatge hypocrite. Whinging about Rosol moving on return. Have you seen how much Nadal is moving?

[Tenez]

When was that?

[Daniel]

Raonic has a massive advantage with his height and he squanders it by not being there mentally a lot of the time. Nadal 1000000 miles behind the baseline.

[N2D2L]

Raonic really serving huge whenever he needs to.

[Tenez]

I did not realise it had started...Allez Rao!!!! Not Rosol!

[Tenez]

Raonic really serving huge whenever he needs to.

Yes though in the past his serve tended to crumble under pressure.

[Daniel]

When was that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FnBi__R4Fs

[N2D2L]

I did not realise it had started...Allez Rao!!!! Not Rosol!

The time difference is +4 hours, not 5

[Daniel]

C'mon Raonic, knock this pusher out.

[Tenez]

ouahhh Nadal DFed on set point! amazing drop volley from Rao.

[N2D2L]

Dear dear me...

[Daniel]

GET IN!

I guess the double fault now means Nadal fans will be telling us his back has gone bad haha.

Raonic looks like he is shitting it though. A professional should not have that look of fear in his eyes. Raonic needs to stop that and get some mental strength or he will not win a slam.

[N2D2L]

Nadal unfortunately is in rapid permanent decline, he can't hang around these days with the young generation such as Raonic.

[Tenez]

I did not realise it had started...Allez Rao!!!! Not Rosol!

The time difference is +4 hours, not 5

you right....has the us already got back to summer time?>

[N2D2L]

I guess the double fault now means Nadal fans will be telling us his back has gone bad haha.

No there is no sign whatsoever so far that Nadal is injured.

[N2D2L]

I did not realise it had started...Allez Rao!!!! Not Rosol!

The time difference is +4 hours, not 5

you right....has the us already got back to summer time?>

Not sure I just follow my Ipad's global timings.

[Tenez]

When was that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FnBi__R4Fs

oh yeah I remember that one.....just wondered why you mentioned it now.

[N2D2L]

Raonic won 21% of his second serves in that set, but 91% of his first serve points.

[Daniel]

When was that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FnBi__R4Fs

oh yeah I remember that one.....just wondered why you mentioned it now.

Because everything Nadal does irritates me. And when I see him moving like a nutcase I suddenly remembered Rosol.

[Tenez]

Was not I right again? Regardless the outcome of this match, Nadal does handle pace well. He is on teh slowest HC, if not court ever and he is bullied by a hard hitter.

[Tenez]

When was that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FnBi__R4Fs

oh yeah I remember that one.....just wondered why you mentioned it now.

Because everything Nadal does irritates me.  And when I see him moving like a nutcase I suddenly remembered Rosol.

I noticed!

[N2D2L]

No depth from Nadal.

[Daniel]

Was not I right again? Regardless the outcome of this match, Nadal does handle pace well. He is on teh slowest HC, if not court ever and he is bullied by a hard hitter.

It isn't just pace.  He doesn't handle people that he can't moonball easily.  When he tries hitting those top spin moonballs to Soderling, Del Potro, Raonic and other tall players, they eat them up for breakfast and fire them back with interest.  Esp Del Potro...  the ball comes to their comfort zone.  Nadal only has one mode.  One tactic.  One idea.  One game.  Outside it he has no clue what to do.  As soon as you neutralize his plan, he is exposed.

But Raonic is a mental midget sadly. Del Potro had the belief and game and height to make Nadal look like a child.

[Tenez]

Told yuo about rao's serve letting him down under pressure. He is young still but he needs to sort this out!

[Tenez]

Was not I right again? Regardless the outcome of this match, Nadal does handle pace well. He is on teh slowest HC, if not court ever and he is bullied by a hard hitter.

It isn't just pace.  He doesn't handle people that he can't moonball easily.  When he tries hitting those top spin moonballs to Soderling, Del Potro, Raonic and other tall players, they eat them up for breakfast and fire them back with interest.  Esp Del Potro...  the ball comes to their comfort zone.  Nadal only has one mode.  One tactic.  One idea.  One game.  Outside it he has no clue what to do.  As soon as you neutralize his plan, he is exposed.

But Raonic is a mental midget sadly.  Del Potro had the belief and game and height to make Nadal look like a child.

True too...but it's linked. You can put pace if the moonball comes to your hitting range.

[N2D2L]

 Del Potro had the belief and game and height to make Nadal look like a child.

Nadal has won double the matches Del Potro has done in their Head2Head, sure he makes Nadal look like a child LOL.

[Tenez]

Nadal extending rallies purposely.

[N2D2L]

Tenez, have you considered this as a reason as to why the courts have been slowed:

They ensure the matches go on for longer, which means more people can take part in 'in-play' betting; thus more money is made.

[N2D2L]

Nadal should serve to the Raonic forehand on the Deuce court.

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