USO 2012: Nole Watch

Last slam of the year, last chance for Nole to make the excellent 2012 look brilliant. A win in New York would almost certainly ensure his year end number one ranking return and be a great remedy for a few sore losses Nole suffered during summer.

The draw has been kind, and Nole has a relatively open path to the final.

First opponent Lorenzi is not in the same league as Novak, and the score of the last night's match shows it : 6:1 6:0 6:1

Still, I enjoyed watching Nole play relaxed and creatively, using the entire court and practising his volleying.

In his post-match press conference asked to explain the lighter side of his character, Nole mentioned his team and said:

"We try to joke all the time. That's us"


Indeed, that is us, smile, no matter whatever life throws at you


GO NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Round one : Lorenzi 6:1 6:0 6:1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKScX1KUEOM
Round two: Silva 6:2 6:1 6:2
Round three: Benneteau 6:3 6:2 6:2
Round four: Wawrnka ret. 6:4 6:1 3:1
Round five: Del Potro 6:2 7:6 6:4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_7QuyPIJQE
Round six (part one): Ferrer 5:2 & part 2 - 2:6 6:1 6:4 6:1

Nole is not only an inspiratin for tennis but also for living.

That is the example of a positive approach to sport

Well done Nole!

Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

If you love someone, you like everything about him/her no matter what. This is how it is. Logic is not a thing of heart.

Nole before 2011 and Andy before 2011 are same, it's just one stellar year which separates them.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

If you love someone, you like everything about him/her no matter what. This is how it is. Logic is not a thing of heart.

For the wise, Eros and Logos are in sync which enables him to articulate what's in his/her heart.

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

Teeeneeez!!!!!
After all these years you still need an answer

OK, just for you, then:

I like his relentlesness and intensity with which he crushes the opponents' game. His baseline game and exquisite, sharp ground-strokes with which he spreads the court from end to end and sets up for down the line winners be it his backhand or forehand.

Contrary to Federer fans popular fallacy that just because he can beat Nadal in a slam at Nadal's own game, he plays the same game as Nadal, Nole is not a grinder like Nadal but compared to Federer he needs a shot or two more to pull the triger ON average. If his first serve is working, then it's a one-two punch.

When on fire, Nole's shotmaking is breathtaking and exciting to watch.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

If you love someone, you like everything about him/her no matter what. This is how it is. Logic is not a thing of heart.

Truer word has not been said for a long time

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

Teeeneeez!!!!!
After all these years you still need an answer

OK, just for you, then:

I like his relentlesness and intensity with which he crushes the opponents' game. His baseline game and exquisite, sharp ground-strokes with which he spreads the court from end to end and sets up for down the line winners be it his backhand or forehand.

Contrary to Federer fans popular fallacy that just because he can beat Nadal in a slam at Nadal's own game, he plays the same game as Nadal, Nole is not a grinder like Nadal but compared to Federer he needs a shot or two more to pull the triger ON average. If his first serve is working, then it's a one-two punch.

When on fire, Nole's shotmaking is breathtaking and exciting to watch.

Not a bad effort! though I do not see those sharp ground strokes and he throws in too long rallies too often meaning he certainly relies on his fitness to a great extend...which also explains why he is so strong mentally, especially as the match drags on.

Nole is a better returner and definitely has more variety in his game compared to Nadal. In the past Nole has been gulity of giving up too easily. Nole version 2 has been better, he returns good, he can volley, his basline shots are powerful. He is good to watch when in flow.

wow3 wrote:Nole is a better returner and definitely has more variety in his game compared to Nadal.

Yes but Nadal is hardly the reference when talking about great games.

Tenez wrote:

wow3 wrote:Nole is a better returner and definitely has more variety in his game compared to Nadal.

Yes but Nadal is hardly the reference when talking about great games.

What Nole achieved in 2011, it was mainly byoutnadalling Nadal, no? for sure

wow3 wrote:

Tenez wrote:

wow3 wrote:Nole is a better returner and definitely has more variety in his game compared to Nadal.

Yes but Nadal is hardly the reference when talking about great games.

What Nole achieved in 2011, it was mainly byoutnadalling Nadal, no? for sure

Exactly, essentially by taking the ball earlier than Nadal (but not earliest like Fed, Davydenko for instance) and using Nadal's power and engaging in long gruelling rallies. THat guaranteed him the long tough wins. Almost worked again at the FO!

Tenez wrote:

wow3 wrote:Nole is a better returner and definitely has more variety in his game compared to Nadal.

Yes but Nadal is hardly the reference when talking about great games.

I just used thr word better . I was quite shocked to see the physicality shown by Nole during USO 2010 and Aus 2012, quite incredulous and something which can justify MCH's statements. But it will be tough to accuse Nole of using somehting as he has not shown any cooling down periods

Tenez wrote:

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

If you love someone, you like everything about him/her no matter what. This is how it is. Logic is not a thing of heart.

For the wise, Eros and Logos are in sync which enables him to articulate what's in his/her heart.

I don't think wisdom has much to do with articulation it's all to about understanding.
To have a wise poet articulate, now that's something

Dug this one out from one of ST's blogs called The Ballad of Manolo and Jose


"The Ballad of Nole and noleisthebest



It's a love story, actually,
The one without an end.
Or the beginning, for that matter.


It's a game of throwing stones
Not into the river but the clouds
Oh, it's beautiful and blue."




P.S.
we are talking "agape" kind of love here, just to dispell any misunderstandings

Why to support Nole? Nole is a textbook how the player even from such a small country can get on the top. He has improved all his shots during last two years quite a lot. He does not have a real weakness in his game. His groundstrokes has a variety, i.e. different spin, the croscourts or dtl, he can speed the ball up rapidly, or play stopballs, lobs or slices. He has improved serving and recently he has focused on volleying and transition to the net. I see he has become a complete player.

I do not want to compare Nole with Fed tennis wise. But I will allow myself to put one "if". When looking at the last two Fed wins with Nole, I see as a decisive margin, just his serves. If Nole served as Fed, we would have another king for many years. And has fans and Nike on his side, tennis history would have been overwritten in a different way.

Although Fed is a pleasure to watch I prefer a player who is showing big improvements,a determination, a fighting spirit and the real possitive aproach to tennis. His success is fully deserved

Very well articulated Paul.

I do not want to compare Nole with Fed tennis wise. But I will allow myself to put one "if". When looking at the last two Fed wins with Nole, I see as a decisive margin, just his serves. If Nole served as Fed, we would have another king for many years. And has fans and Nike on his side, tennis history would have been overwritten in a different way.

I think this is a fair statement, but considering Nole is slightly taller than Fed at equal talent Nole would have a better serve than Fed. SO the fact that Nole hasn't got as good a serve just shows the difference in talent. Serving is like a golfer's swing....it's about timing.

But I have a "IF" as well If Federer could run as long and not tire like Djoko, I think he woudl have easily won his last 2 USO encounters...and most likely other encounters too.

Tenez wrote:

But I have a "IF" as well If Federer could run as long and not tire like Djoko, I think he woudl have easily won his last 2 USO encounters...and most likely other encounters too.

Loving this "IF" debate (Rudjard Kipling, eat your heart out! )

If Nole had broad shoulders like Fed, he would have more free power on his forehand (and maybe even serve) and would not need to run as long.

If and only if fed had the egg chamber

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:

But I have a "IF" as well If Federer could run as long and not tire like Djoko, I think he woudl have easily won his last 2 USO encounters...and most likely other encounters too.

Loving this "IF" debate (Rudjard Kipling, eat your heart out! )

If Nole had broad shoulders like Fed, he would have more free power on his forehand (and maybe even serve) and would not need to run as long.

If contac lenses were banned like in boxing!

Those broad shoulders are natural...It's a bit like saying IF Nole had Fed's talent!

Tenez wrote:

Those broad shoulders are natural...

So is Nole's extra height.

Tenez wrote:It's a bit like saying IF Nole had Fed's talent!

If only Fed had Nole's guts, he wouldn't choke away4 match points in their last two USO matches....

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:

Those broad shoulders are natural...

So is Nole's extra height.

Right but can't use it for his benefit when serving!

noleisthebest wrote:

Tenez wrote:It's a bit like saying IF Nole had Fed's talent!

If only Fed had Nole's guts, he wouldn't choke away4 match points in their last two USO matches....

Shame Nole did not have the guts get to MP on the biggest tennis stage in the world.

IF.....to be continued...on the 9/9 IF the "talented" one makes it to the final...

Yes, Tenez, these „if“ are always tricky

The serve is the most difficult shot in tennis, that is crystal clear. It is a complex swing which is amplified by a mental strength. The player´s height plays a big role here, but must go with so many other details. I consider the serve as a certain kind of an player´s level indicator. You know when the serve is working perfectly the confidence is coming back soon.

Sampras´s serve was amazing shot especially his 2^nd serve. I see Fed as his successor. You see when you hold you serve easily you have a mental strength on your side. Can anybody check who has the most aces from the 2^nd serve? I am for Pete with a distance.

The talent is a teaser. When you have a talent then you are not able to work hard.So, if Nole had Fed´s serve then he would not have such stamina. That works reliably. That damned "if"

Looking forward to the final with Fed and Nole. Let us hope that we will see them there, although I wished couple days before to see Andy there , but Fed would not go amiss, for sure

paulcz wrote:Yes, Tenez, these „if“ are always tricky

The serve is the most difficult shot in tennis, that is crystal clear. It is a complex swing which is amplified by a mental strength. The player´s height plays a big role here, but must go with so many other details. I consider the serve as a certain kind of an player´s level indicator. You know when the serve is working perfectly the confidence is coming back soon.

Agree.

Sampras´s serve was amazing shot especially his 2^nd serve. I see Fed as his successor. You see when you hold you serve easily you have a mental strength on your side. Can anybody check who has the most aces from the 2^nd serve? I am for Pete with a distance.

Do you have the stats? Certainly Pete was able to produce those big 2nd on big points....even on MP down against him...v Corretja at the USO 99(I believe) remember?

The talent is a teaser. When you have a talent then you are not able to work hard.So, if Nole had Fed´s serve then he would not have such stamina. That works reliably. That damned "if"

I think Federer is an extremely hard worker. He woudl be nowhere near 17 slams had he not been. Probably 2 or 3 slams at most.

[quote="Tenez"]

paulcz wrote:

The talent is a teaser. When you have a talent then you are not able to work hard.So, if Nole had Fed´s serve then he would not have such stamina. That works reliably. That damned "if"

I think Federer is an extremely hard worker. He woudl be nowhere near 17 slams had he not been. Probably 2 or 3 slams at most.

That is a topic about Fed fitness. Yes, he is one of the best for sure. But when Fed was winning actually everything, then had to come moments when he had to catch a wink, no doubt. Then Nadal appeared and Fed has had troubles. I do think that a certain step to the higher level of his fitness could have been done,but due to his great wins he did not go on the edge.

I think hard work is not what makes today's players fitter than yesteryear's. In the past they were working very hard too. The new generation simply took it to new levels thanks to new diets and science, legal or illegal is the debate but not more work.

nearly 10 years ago, Ljubicic was already spending 25h/week in the gym alone...there are limits to work one needs to spend in the gym. Too much would be detrimental to the players who need to keep some energy for the matches.

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

I have to chip in on this one too! The answer for me is simple: the narrative!

The perennial outsider who storms to the top of the game.
A 43 match unbeaten run.
8 wins in a row against Rafa.
Match points saved.
The Shot.
3-5, 15-40 to 7-5.
2-4, 15-30 to 7-5
5 hours 53 minutes.

I don't think anyone can match him for drama!

You've said it so well HM!

HM Murdoch wrote:

Tenez wrote:Can I ask you two to describe what you like in his game?

I can see you love the player but what about his game?

I have to chip in on this one too! The answer for me is simple: the narrative!

The perennial outsider who storms to the top of the game.
A 43 match unbeaten run.
8 wins in a row against Rafa.
Match points saved.
The Shot.
3-5, 15-40 to 7-5.
2-4, 15-30 to 7-5
5 hours 53 minutes.

I don't think anyone can match him for drama!

Fair enough. I would never support a player because of his success. It's clear that we all like a player for different reasons. In fact I almost always supported what I call the "talented" players, regardless of their success which frustrated me for years as usually the champion is the less talented one as talent is typically harder to deliver under pressure.

Like it's good to have different players with different styles facing each others, it's good to have different posters with different tastes.

Round two, job done. Silva goes down in straight sets - 6:2 6:1 6:2.
What a boring match that was....

Third round match went just like the previous two: easy. Too easy.
I expected more fight form Benneteau, but the playing conditions were a bit difficult so both players did not look like they enjoyed their game today. It was just a Monday morning kind of day at the office for them.

Tenez wrote:Fair enough. I would never support a player because of his success. It's clear that we all like a player for different reasons. In fact I almost always supported what I call the "talented" players, regardless of their success which frustrated me for years as usually the champion is the less talented one as talent is typically harder to deliver under pressure.

Like it's good to have different players with different styles facing each others, it's good to have different posters with different tastes.

Tenez, I have to take issue with this assessment! Believe me, success has very little to do with my supporting of Novak!

It's a personality thing. What really swung me to Novak was his winner's speech at AO11. To see that thoughtfulness and eloquence in what for him is a second language, really impressed me. Once I found out more about him, I was convinced.

On a purely tennis level, how can one look beyond Federer? And when Del Potro's forehand is working, I can watch that all day. But when the whole package is considered, it's Novak all the way for me. There can't be many sportsman operating at the very top of their game who would also be good company if you went for a beer with them. I think Novak is one of them! I just find him a compelling character.

noleisthebest wrote:Third round match went just like the previous two: easy. Too easy.
I expected more fight form Benneteau, but the playing conditions were a bit difficult so both players did not look like they enjoyed their game today. It was just a Monday morning kind of day at the office for them.

3 matches, 9 sets and only 13 games conceded. The stats suggest his game is in good working order!

What have the performance been like? I only saw the second round and he was looking pretty good?

HM Murdoch wrote:... There can't be many sportsman operating at the very top of their game who would also be good company if you went for a beer with them. I think Novak is one of them! I just find him a compelling character.

Good to have fans of Djoko here. I don;t think we will have many so we should take care of them.

Tenez wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:... There can't be many sportsman operating at the very top of their game who would also be good company if you went for a beer with them. I think Novak is one of them! I just find him a compelling character.

Good to have fans of Djoko here. I don;t think we will have many so we should take care of them.

We are a small minority but vocal minority!

HM Murdoch wrote:

What have the performance been like? I only saw the second round and he was looking pretty good?

I don't know what to say, really. He hasn't played anyone decent yet. Even Benneteau was quite disappointing today.
I suppose the scorelines look great, so can't complain. I haven't seen him out of his first gear yet.

His last two matches were day ones so it was quite hot and humid, not that great for him.

To me, he looks happy in his centre baseline spot. His returning has been excellent. He has returned aggressively against Benneteau almost on tap. I'm so used to it I only notice how good he is when I watch others struggle returning.

HM Murdoch wrote:
It's a personality thing. I just find him a compelling character.

This one sums it up rather nicely for me...Legend !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UkMAiM2XmU&feature=related

HM Murdoch wrote:

Tenez wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:... There can't be many sportsman operating at the very top of their game who would also be good company if you went for a beer with them. I think Novak is one of them! I just find him a compelling character.

Good to have fans of Djoko here. I don;t think we will have many so we should take care of them.

We are a small minority but vocal minority!

Yes Murdoch, it is better to have less fans but honest and vivid

Fabulous play from Nole in round 4. Sadly, Stan retires in the third set 6:4, 6:1, 3:1
Nole playing some tennis

Good morning from this tired but happy Nole fan

As expected, it was a straight set win for Nole against Delpo. Stiff workout that required full concentration but nothing more out of Nole.

It was a very different match from the Tips Ferrer one and it took time to adjust to it.

Strangest thing was that while watching that match I was rueing the fact that I wont see Nole and Fed play this year at USO. And that made me sad.
Really sad.

anyway, five done, two to go.
Delpo down: 6:2 7:6 6:4

Steve Tignor wrote (another) fabulous match cover. Here some of the extracts:

”Well, I always try to fight every, every point, and sometimes it’s difficult when you have in front of you a warrior, you know. He’s a very, very good player.”

Juan Martin del Potro had a baseball hat pulled low over his head as he said these words to the press at Flushing Meadows last night. He had just finished playing about as well as a man can play while losing in straight sets. "
.....
"This was the best I’d seen of Djokovic this season, and it was hard to imagine him getting much better. It was also the first time I’d seen him play live, on hard courts, since Indian Wells, and it was obvious that he felt at home on the surface. In some ways, while del Potro beat him for the bronze medal two months ago—“That hurt me emotionally,” Djokovic said of that loss today—the Argentine is an ideal opponent for him. His baseline power allows Djokovic to showcase what’s best, and uncanniest, about his game.

Such as: The stab backhand return of serve that he makes in mid-air, which is followed by a 360-degree turn to get into position for the next shot. Or the towering defensive lob that he hit on the run and which landed smack on del Potro’s baseline. Or the backhand drive return that he hits so consistently at his opponent’s feet; I hadn’t seen him do it with that kind of accuracy since he drove Rafael Nadal crazy with it at the Australian Open. Or the squeaking, sliding, rubber-band-man gets that he made in each corner at 5-3 in the second-set tiebreaker. Del Potro fired everything he had and still couldn’t get the ball past Djokovic. After that point, the result was pretty much academic.

On the flip side, there are also Djokovic’s battles with self-doubt. He had one when he was broken at the start of the second set; for a couple of games, he couldn’t find the court. But he avoided going down a double break, which was key. Djokovic, even at his best, remains prone to losses in confidence, losses that he usually recovers from. More than anything else, they show what a mental tightrope walk a tennis match is even for its best players. Djokovic is smooth and sleek, and he can make the ridiculous look routine. Psychologically, though, it never looks effortless for him. When he loses, he can look relieved to be done with the struggle.

This Open will offer him a new mental challenge. It’s the first time in Djokovic’s career that neither Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer will join him in the semifinals of a Grand Slam. Djokovic was asked about that last night, and he said all the right things: “For me it’s the same, because I take it very seriously whoever I have to face in the next round.”

Djokovic even felt the need to defend the guys who have made the semis, that they weren’t exactly slouches. “This is tennis,” Djokovic said, “Everybody is trying and has, I think, motivation more to perform their best when they’re in a big stage playing against the top players, the favorites. I still feel that we are having a really good tournament.”

Del Potro, along with every other pundit in town, called Djokovic the favorite to win the Open. How will he respond? Tonight he played like a man who had been freed up, a man, perhaps, who knew that his greatest rival, Federer, the man who had handled him easily at Wimbledon and in Cincy and who still carries an aura that can’t be ignored, was no longer in the draw. There will be no sixth straight match between Djokovic and Federer in New York. There will also be no repeat of his draining recent Grand Slam finals with Nadal.

Will that make Djokovic looser, or tighter this weekend? A little of both, probably, depending on the circumstances. It takes a lot to make up for the absences of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but on Thursday night at least, that’s exactly what Novak Djokovic did."

A little snapshot of last night's match. Not pretty but definitely gritty!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_7QuyPIJQE

This clip is extremely revealing and does not work in Nole's favour for me. Nole is certainly a fantastic retriever but essentially a retriever and someone who relies on his superior stamina. It cannot be more clear in this short.

And the TB points exactly show what I have been talking about (2mn24s): Nole's want to extend the rallies and not finish teh point early so it can tire Delpo and give him more free points down the road. This is what Federer calls "throwing athletic" points.

Tenez wrote:This clip is extremely revealing and does not work in Nole's favour for me. Nole is certainly a fantastic retriever but essentially a retriever and someone who relies on his superior stamina. It cannot be more clear in this short.

And the TB points exactly show what I have been talking about (2mn24s): Nole's want to extend the rallies and not finish teh point early so it can tire Delpo and give him more free points down the road. This is what Federer calls "throwing athletic" points.

Against Delpo, Nole had to deal with accurate power, just like Fed had to against Berd, it's called "moving the big man around". How would you have played Delpo?

Tenez wrote:This clip is extremely revealing and does not work in Nole's favour for me. Nole is certainly a fantastic retriever but essentially a retriever and someone who relies on his superior stamina. It cannot be more clear in this short.

And the TB points exactly show what I have been talking about (2mn24s): Nole's want to extend the rallies and not finish teh point early so it can tire Delpo and give him more free points down the road. This is what Federer calls "throwing athletic" points.

just had a look at the point you mention. OK, that smash was not good and neither was the volley, but in all honesty they are usually a bit better. The rest of that point he was in a defensive position and in my opinion did really well to get himself out of it in the end. Yes, it could've been slicker,but the pace of Delpo's bombs are is no walk in the park, at least Nole was defending aggressively (which is why he got himself out of trouble in the end) and not counter-punching with slice inviting an error.
It did not look the most elegant in the very end, but I did say it was not pretty, just gritty (and here I go again...on the defensive...)

at least Nole was defending aggressively

That he can do. But not so much aggressive as "angled defense". Meaning his defense shots are not very risky (aggressive) but delivered with angle to still force the opponent to do some moving. This is the string technology effect. And this is how gets Nadal nackered before he does.