Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Pete Ziebron of Tennis Acumen preview and pick the four best men’s singles matches on Saturday at the Australian Open. Now that Novak Djokovic is gone, Rafael Nadal hopes to avoid the upset bug when he faces Alexander Zverev.
(24) Alexander Zverev vs. (9) Rafael Nadal
Ricky: No one (or at least not Zverev) will soon forget their only previous encounter. At last season’s Indian Wells Masters, Zverev butchered a forehand volley at match point on his own serve at 5-3, 40-30 in the third set. Nadal ended up prevailing 6-7(8), 6-0, 7-5. A best-of-five scenario would seem to be even more advantageous for an established veteran than a 19-year-old, but that may not be the case. Nadal is always a physical question mark, especially on hard courts, and Zverev bounced back nicely from a five-setter with Robin Haase by destroying Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 in round two. The German is the prototypical Nadal nemesis: huge serve, big groundstrokes, and a two-handed backhand. Nadal has been solid through two matches, but not to the extent that I’m changing my pre-tournament pick. Zverev in 4: 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(7).
Pete: Nadal comes into this highly-anticipated match without hitting a double-fault in six sets and serving at 70 percent and 80 percent in his respective straight-set victories. As difficult as it is to fathom, the 14-time Grand Slam champion appears to be flying under the radar as a possibility to win his second Australian Open. Zverev had plenty of opportunities to defeat Nadal in their only meeting last March at Indian Wells. He will feel better about his game with his second-round straight-set win over Tiafoe after having to fight back from a two sets to one deficit in the opening round against Haase. Both Nadal and Zverev will vividly recall their encounter in the California desert for different reasons–Nadal for the mental edge that he had at the very end and Zverev for the squandered chance on match point to record a monumental win. Zverev’s failure to win the first time around against Nadal will continue to ring in his head. Nadal in 4: 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
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(15) Grigor Dimitrov vs. (18) Richard Gasquet
Ricky: Very little will separate the two competitors in this battle of one-handed backhands that should feature lots of incredible shot-making from the back of the court. Who will get the best of it? Gasquet leads the head-to-head series 5-1 and has been the more impressive through two matches. But Dimitrov won their most recent meeting last fall in Shanghai and is 7-0 this season with a title in Brisbane. The Bulgarian has been riding a wave of momentum since the second half of 2016. This could be the most entertaining match of the tournament other than Denis Istomin vs. Novak Djokovic. Well, that and–of course–Benoit Paire vs. Fabio Fognini. Dimitrov in 5: 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2, 7-5.
Pete: A prime opportunity awaits the winner of Gasquet and Dimitrov, as whoever previals will have an easier than expected passage into the quarterfinals in facing the Denis Istomin vs. Pablo Carreno Busta winner next. Gasquet was sidelined at this time last year, denying him the opportunity to continue his excellent play in majors (semifinals at Wimbledon and quarters at the U.S. Open in 2015). We have been waiting a long time to see if Dimitrov can indeed live up to all of the hype that has accompanied his game. Thus far, one semifinal (Wimbledon 2014) and a quarterfinal (2014 Australian Open) are his best showings. Gasquet owns a 5-1 head-to-head record, but Dimitrov won most recently last October at the Shanghai Masters. Gasquet’s efficient play through two rounds as well as his confident recognition of a potential deep run make the difference. Gasquet in 4: 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3.
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(13) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (21) David Ferrer
Ricky: Ferrer leads the head-to-head series 2-0, but the previous meetings between the fellow Spaniards and Rio Olympics doubles partners came in 2013. Ferrer, now 34 years old, was still in his prime at that point and Bautista Agut had not yet peaked. The tables have now turned drastically, to the extent that Bautista Agut is will ahead of his countryman in the rankings (14th and 23rd)–and deservedly so. Bautista Agut is undefeated this season, with a title in Chennai and two easy wins so far in Melbourne. Ferrer, on the other hand, hasn’t shown any real signs of ending a slump that began in earnest last year. Bautista Agut in 4: 5-7, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.
Pete: Ferrer boasts a 27-6 record at the Australian Open since 2011 and corrected his game in time last round against the young American upstart Ernesto Escobedo to advance. The tennis world is certainly not used to seeing Ferrer with a double-digit seed–especially not a numeral as high as 21, where he entered the draw this year. Bautista Agut has dropped just 13 games in six sets through two matches and generally performs well in the early rounds of majors. Ferrer knows very well that time is–and has been–ticking on his solid career and this recognition, plus his years of success at the Aussie Open, will all play a part in the end result. Ferrer in 4: 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 7-5.
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(30) Pablo Carreno Busta vs. Denis Istomin
Ricky: Almost no one follows up a monumental, career-defining performance with a win in his next match. Sam Querrey managed to do it at Wimbledon last summer, when he stunned Djokovic and then rolled over Nicolas Mahut before falling to Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals. Still, Querrey is an aberration to the rule. And he is also far more proven with far more Grand Slam experience than Istomin. The Uzbek also endured a much greater physical test in his 7-6(8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 upset of the world No. 2 on Thursday. They played for four hours and 50 minutes–something Istomin did not need heading into a date with a baseline grinder like Carreno Busta who has cruised though two rounds. Istomin will be gone, but he won’t be forgotten. Carreno Busta in 4: 7-6(4), 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.
Pete: Istomin stood toe to toe with the great Novak Djokovic for 288 minutes and ultimately defeated the six-Australian Open champion. Winning two tiebreakers, coming back from a two sets to one deficit, hitting just three double-faults in 29 service games…take your pick, Istomin accomplished all of that in advancing to the thrd round to match his best-ever result at this event. Next up is Carreno Busta, who lived up to his No. 30 seeding by winning his first career matches in Melbourne in this, his fourth appearance. The Spaniard swept aside upstart Brit Kyle Edmund with surprising ease and has spent 39 minutes less time on court in his two matches than Istomin had to play in Rod Laver Arena against Djokovic. The veteran Uzbek recognizes that he has quite an opportunity to keep his feel-good story going for a bit longer and will prevail. Istomin in 4: 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
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who ya got?
Tsame with all RD’s picks especially:
“Nadal has been solid through two matches, but not to the extent that I’m changing my pre-tournament pick. “
I no longer predict Rafa’s matches because I feel I jinx him by doing so!
Dimi in 4
Istomin in 4
Ferrer in 4
I can’t pick against Rafa. I think he will find a way to win this match. I know about their fist meeting last year and how Zverev had match point and took the loss hard. He will come out looking for the win. Rafa is not where I would like him to be for this match, but I am hoping that he will show that mental toughness and his savvy and smarts to win.
Dimi and Gasquet is a tough one. I think it could go either way. Dimi is playing much better now and I think he will get the win in 4 or 5 sets.
I don’t think Istomin will be able to capitalize his upset win over Novak. PCB in 4 sets.
RBA in 4 sets.
I hope Rafa has enough to beat Zverev, if he does he’ll be a candidate for the title imho.
For the other matches Gasket, Ferrer and Istomin
Shireling true, but i think Raonic would be the key match, assuming he gets past Zverev ….
Dimi on 4; Istomin in 4 and RBA in 4.
Dimitrov in 5 PCB in 4 Nadal in 5 Ferrer in 4
Careno Busta in 4
Zverez in 4
Gasquet 4
Ferrer in 5
Master class performance from Federer, nothing invested either way, but when he plays like that he can beat anybody, really expected a stiffer test, you win Hawkeye 😉
RC Curious to know whom your pulling for now with Novak out ? ….
Yeah Hawkeye wins. Frankly I’m disappointed with the way Berdych played; he looked the no.17 whilst Fed the top ten player.
Fed came well prepared, bringing his best to the table (didn’t want to be knocked out at R3 again) whilst Berdych looked lost out there. Berdych fared worse than Rubin, the >100 ranked player. Berdych had better tennis than this but right now he’s no where near that. He’ll most likely be out of top ten by the end of this AO.
Fed wouldn’t beat Murray even if he played high level tennis as today! Most of us predicted Fed beating Berdy considering the current form of the Czech, but Andy is a different beast! I think Fed could end up losing to Nishi, provided Nishi would not suffer any injury.,,he sure looked ok vs Lacko but that does not mean anything.,,you never know with Nishi…
Thank you. Thank you everybody who are good sports with their very kind congratulations but really it was nothing.
Join Me everybody in My next flawless pick.
Fed over Nishi in 4th round (likely in three no more than four).
Why? Because he BEL18VES.
Climb aboard the FedExpress!!!
#SeatsAreSellingFast
#BetweenTheEars
#Humb1e
Good to see Hawks jumping on Fed’s bandwagon! I always appreciated Maestro’s tennis, master class indeed…but he will end up losing to Andy anyway.,,
HE You still confuse me, you say your a fan of one player, but seem to root for another, i dont get it and i probably never will, (SCRATCHES HEAD) ….
Well I just hope that you not comparing ‘cheering’ with ‘predicting’.
Don’t you?
Or do you.
No you did.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8kUvhHynPc
#NeverGetsOld
OK. Good.
You can stop scratching now (unless its dandruff for which I cannot help).
And Alison, I’m sure that Giles feels the same about you haha.
Ricky: “No one (or at least not Zverev) will soon forget their only previous encounter. At last season’s Indian Wells Masters, Zverev butchered a forehand volley at match point on his own serve at 5-3, 40-30 in the third set. Nadal ended up prevailing 6-7(8), 6-0, 7-5.”
So Zverev beat Taifoe and Hasse – big deal. Still he was bageled by Rafa in the 2nd set at IW which is much more impressive than leading 5:3 [40:30] in the 3rd set which he couldn’t pull off and was broken twice more for Rafa to take the match 7:5. The first set was very close and Zverev edged that 10:8 in the TB. Let’s assume Zverev had won that match with the same scoreline, we would only hear about him beating Nadal and no mention would have been made of Nadal’s missed match point at 5: 3 [40:30] in the 2nd set.
I’m not making any predictions because this is a different match on a different day in best of 5 sets, almost 1 year later. I know Rafa will have to play at his best if he wants to come away with the win because Zverev has a big weapon with his serve and he is quick around the court. Let’s wait and see what happens.
Fed playing like this will beat Nishi. Nishi doesn’t impress me this AO. I’m a bit disappointed with both Stan and Kei for having to work so hard to beat their early round opponents.
I like Rafa, Murray, and Raonic for finishing off their opponents asap. Rafa’s opponents were not that easy to dispatch away – F Mayer an unorthodox player; Baggy could serve well and a clean ball striker. Next up Zverev, big server and hard hitter and a fast mover. I hope Rafa is well prepared for that.
I think if Rafa can navigate his way to the SF, he will reach the final. Fed vs Murray will be interesting if Fed continues to play this way. Murray is 100 times better than Berdych, he can anticipate where Fed’s hitting, fast enough to reach any ball, returns well; Fed won’t have his way against Murray.
That can be expected from Stan. The man beat Daniel Evans in five sets saving a match point in the U.S. Open third round last year and look what happened at the end of that tourney.
Fed had a cuppy cake draw to quarters. Rafa not so much.
Said it before the draw.
#NothingNew
#RandomOrder
https://rutube.ru/video/453f2c9ccec1e567613db4a0dd90402f/
Nadal vs Zverev IW 2016
Hawkstradamus wouldn’t have predicted Fed to have any slam deep runs in 2013 when he lost confidence.
However, now Fed is walking his talk and has been for last two years since recovering from doubts after his back problems making semis or better in last 10 slams entered.
Rafa is finally talking the talk. He needs to walk it and show that he truly believes before Hawkstradamus can.
Only Murray has a ‘potential’ real chance in QF to beat Fed unless Rafa ‘potentially’ finds his way to the final at which point Rafa will have walked the talk and Hawkstradamus would pick Rafa in that ‘potential’ match up.
Hawkstradamus can and will still cheer for him all Hawkstradamus’ wants and continues to do but He doesn’t owe that to anyone.
Vamos Rafa!!!! You are GOAT and Hawkstradamus’ favourite player of all time. 17 isn’t all that matters!!!
(still no good?)
I think Murray will beat Fed. This is a very different Murray. He is now #1 and has three slams and is playing some of his best tennis. He also has Lendl back as coach. I noticed that with Lendl in his camp, Murray doesn’t indulge in the cursing and the angst on court as much. He keeps it together and I think it works well for him.
I did not see Fed and Berdy, but am not surprised by the result. I thought Fed would be ready and Berdy isn’t able to break no it when it counts these days. He may well drop out of the top ten soon,
But Murray will be a bridge too far this time for Fed.
I am focusing on Rafa’s match with Zverev. Rafa will need to come up with the goods in this match. I think if he can get past Zverev and keep playing well then good things may happen.
I think Rafa will win in 3,4 or 5…
Berdych is in awful form at the moment so not a very strong form line, however, the long break from the game has done Fed a world of good. He’s playing within himself and staying on the ball like he did 10 years ago. Fed conceded that the last 5 years he was playing ahead of himself and watching his opponent too much.
I’m not sure if Fed can beat Murray though. Murray is on fire and playing a very fast game of tennis which will most likely force Fed to rush again. I wouldn’t say never though, vintage Fed could be back for a while. That match could be final.
Full credit to Murray who is at his highest career level and taking advantage while the Top 3 nowhere near it.
Until now.
This 3rd round Fed is good enough to beat Murray’s best IMO. Perhaps even in straight sets a la Wimbledon 2015 all over again. Certainly would not be a shock.
Book it.
Don’t think so. Murray is playing many times better than Wimbledon 2015. On grass Fed’s fast pace attacking game is harder to counter and imo only Rafa of 2008/2010 could handle it. Fed couldn’t bring that game in the final vs Djoko, because Djoko was way more aggressive than Murray and won’t let Fed had the edge.
Murray will have to be better than “many times” better because Fed destroyed him just like he destroyed Berdych.
It might be closer but the song remains the same.
Book it now and thank Hawkstradamus later.
Fed w 40 winners 17 UE that’s fantastic. Berdych had 26 winners 14 UE so he didn’t play poorly but Fed was on another level in this one. Really excited for his next match with Nishikori.
I’m not as terrified of Zverev as a lot of people seem to be. Yes, he’s in good form, and he could potentially upset Nadal. But I don’t see it happening just yet. I think it’s been mentioned already, but I find too much emphasis is put on how close Zverev came to beating Rafa at Indian Wells. Let’s not forget that Rafa choked away that first set tie breaker, and then bagelled Zverev in the second. Zverev may have hideously choked on that MP in the third set, but in reality, he was lucky there even was a third set. Rafa should have won that in straights.
I’m not as terrified of Zverev as I am of Rafa.
Rafa wins if he plays at a high enough level but, while he’s playing better in the first two rounds, it’s not yet good enough for R3.
He still has internal doubts that are holding him back.
But, who knows. Maybe he can rise to the occasion like Fed.
Arthur,
I really appreciate your thoughts on Rafa’s upcoming match! Great perspective! You make a good point about Rafa letting that first set go!
I still think it’s going to be tough because Rafa is not where he needs to be with match play and his game. But he has shown the ability in the past to dig deep and rise to the occasion. I hope he can find that for this match!
A. Zverev is a better player than he was a year ago. I’m not at all sure that Rafa is currently. I think Rafa will improve . I also think Rafa is trying to become more aggressive as Moya is coaching him to do. That will lead to more errors, as we’ve seen, and, imo, some unusual uncertainty in his footwork. Takes time for pattern changes to get into muscle memory.
Arthur, I totally agree with you. My thoughts exactly.
Murray is now the odds on favourite. (For some here, that means he’s doomed.)
Raonic and CB are co-second-faves at about 8:1.
Then Rafa next slightly ahead of Maestro at 11 and 13 respectively.
Rafa is a reasonably strong favourite against S2V.
They are replaying the Fed/Berdy match now on espn.
I can get a look at it for myself and see how good Fed really is.
I am also pumped that I will get to see Rafa’s match! It’s the third day match. There are two women’s matches ahead of him, the first starting at 7:00 pm. So even if it’s a few hours later I will still be up.
Good luck, Rafa!
Keep your mind focused, stay confident, be strong and show your warrior spirit, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2pKuQVWIAI_nPi.jpg
Now you’ve jinxed him and all hope is lost.
Has anyone noticed that there has not been a single time violation on any male player so far? I’m yet to see one and many are well over 20 seconds routinely.
I suspect it has been relaxed. Hope so. Would make a big difference to Rafa to remove that pressure. It was first enforced in ATP events and a year later it was called much stricter in slam events by mid-2013 and coincided shortly thereafter with Rafa’s eventual decline exacerbated with injuries.
#SomethingsAfoot
homer pete
Fed is playing like he hasn’t in 10 years ago so making comparisons with Murray are almost futile. When you have a big break you view the game differently, this is especially the case when you employ the craft like Fed does. However, you also view the game differently when you become number one and when you’ve previously been viewed as slightly inferior to the top level.
It should be an enthralling contest should Fed make it past Nishikori which I expect him to do.
This has been very frustrating to watch Rafa give up the early break and then try to play catch up in the first set.
Exactly, I just can’t stand Rafa starting slow always! And why always go to Zverev’s BH? Haven’t he and his team studied Zverev’s strength and weaknesses?
I’m so sick of it, Rafa always being bullied by big server plus big hitter! Why can’t he just steps in more often instead of playing from so far behind the baseline?? He’s reverting back to his clay court game on the HC, sad to see.
?
I want to scream st espn for pulling away from Rafa’s match! So we missed Rafa getting the break in the second set! He has turned it around, but we did not get to see it!
Rafa seems to have taken some time to get a handle on Zverev. Because he was letting Zverev dictate too easily.
Now they switched to PCB and Istomin and split screen with RBA and Ferrer.
Rafa up 4-2. I was going to pull up the app and watch it, but they just said that they will go back to Rafa.
Rafa always relishes giving chase from behind in the score; very strange mentality. It’s like he enjoys coming from behind to beat his opponents. I certainly hopes he can beat this opponent.
Luckystar…i agree with you..rafa always sent the balls to his opponents BH..4,5 times in a row and unfortunately his opponents know his game style and just stand there and then boom came the winner of 155kmh like Zverez did in the 1st set..But still,i think he will prevail today..it’s just the matter of how many sets and how success rafa manage his nervousness and anxiety..from his body language,things look pretty good so far..
Come on Rafa!
Great forehand!
Yes! Rafa is feeling it now! He is hitting more aggressive and using his forehand to good effect.
I think there is something to be said for Rafa needing to come from behind.
5-2 Rafa!
Come on Rafa! Go get him!
Set point Rafa!
YES!!!
Rafa wins the second set!
That forehand is cracking now! Rafa had Zverev talking to himself and very frustrated!
Rafa has found his mojo!
The youngster played ok in set 1. Thought Rafa was a little unlucky to lose it. Seems he should be fine now
I saw first serve stats in the first set showing Rafa with 81% and Zverev only 44% yet up a break.
I think that Zverev came out very aggressive in Rafa’s first service game to try to get that early break. Then he was holding easily and Rafa was trying to figure out where to stand to return Zverev’s serve.
Rafa seems to have come alive now. I hope he can keep it up.
Oh My God!I can’t believe Alex can give rafa a stern test like this..his defense is awesome!And he play crazy crazy tennis atm..just wow!!
I think this 3rd sets is very crucial to both players..hope rafa can bagged this 3rd set..
I agree that the third set is crucial. I don’t want Rafa to have to win in five sets.
Stats for the match
Winners
Zverev – 24. Rafa – 16
UE’s
Zverev – 32. Rafa – 14
1st serve points won
Zverev – 76%. Rafa – 75%
2nd serve points won
Zverev – 50% Rafa – 71%
Nny..if rafa can win this match,it certainly will give rafa a very big boost and confidence to spar with Gael or Milos in later rounds..he needs this match..
Mira Andi,
Yes! I absolutely agree with you! I want to see Rafa get this win!
God!it’s so hard to break this kid!He always got a free point by his serves alone..rarely make mistake with his shots and his defense is awesome…But rafa is a very patient guy…
Nny..what makes me feels very good is that rafa’s body language is very very positive atm..that means he’s not nervous and still full of confidence..and we all know that he’s going to find a way to win till he find it..
Mira Andi,
Yes, Rafa’s body language has been very good and that gives me encouragement.
This is a real battle in the third set.
Nervous time!
Hey Nny…take a look at this,,https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/8e/cb/d58ecb74362f918c6afe963c6e61943d.jpg
C’mon Zverez, this is your breakthrough tournament.
Phew. It’s too close for comfort.
Nny..R u still there?
I am still here.
So sad for Rafa. Why does he keep hitting CC to Zverev’s BH I really don’t understand; it’s a lack of good thinking out there. Perhaps R3 is all that he can achieve in the slams now, very upset with this. This Zverev is beatable but Rafa just let all the opportunities slip away!
I am very upset that Rafa lost his serve at 5-5 to give Zverev set point and the third set.
I can’t take this anymore. Rafa needs a win here to get himself going and get a decent result. He needs wins like this is tough matches to get confidence.
I am sick of seeing Rafa come up short in these matches. He has to keep winning. This stop and start in tournaments and not going deep will not do him any good.
I don’t see Rafa winning the next two sets. I felt he needed the third set.
Yeah. The tiebreak was also very poor quality.
He is past his prime. Well past.
The opponent is not even playing that great, still he is struggling
Nny…I’m very disappointed with his TB…he wasted a very valuable point and play very passively,as if he’s not confident enough to find a winner…He should inject a phase and keep on the pressure to alex..But..urgh!!
At least a promising start to the 4th set
Rafa fought like a demon to hold his serve.
4-1 Rafa
He’s still in there fighting.
Nny and MA
Sorry, you two I meant to be here earlier but I was too tired after work. But am awake now! There’s 3 very exciting matches on. None more exciting that Rafa v Sascha! The ultimate Spanish Grinder contest: Ferrer vs RBA. And Istomin still hanging on in a 4th set.
Rafa is going to win this set, I think…
This is how I thought it would go tho.
And in the end Rafa would have the most left.
You two must be in agony…
rc,
Yes, this is agony. I am trying to stay awake, but it’s after 3:00 am. My cell phone needs to be charged so I won’t be live blogging.
Rafa needed a second break here. Even if he wins the fourth set, I am not sure if he can win the fifth.
RC..hey stranger!Talk about agony!!I pulled out all of my cat’s fur!!And the poor cat has no fur anymore!!ho ho ho..
lol MA… Because of that snow week I worked an extra day this week.
@#$% Istomin !!! in the 5th just broke PCB. And his cheering section will pull him through…okay. Done with that match. Back to Rafa….
Vamos Rafa….serve this set out!!
15-15
Rafa doesn’t have a FH DTL the whole match!
30-15 Rafa
Oh dear, Sascha is too fast…drop shot fail. 30-30
But Rafa makes it !
YES!!!!!!Rafa win 4th sets…WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!
Going 5 sets……
RC…i’m very amazed that alex can stay and play at the high level with rafa this long..and he’s only 19!!!Just wow!!
Yeah…the kid is a fighter. But Rafa has the experience in these situations
And my computer is slow, MA…won’t let me type.
Sascha is under pressure serving first…Rafa with a winner
Gosh….it’s Rafa with a bp! first game
Rafa breaks !! to start the fifth
Sascha looking down…defeated, I think.
I am not too confident still
Alex start to waver…
Need a double break cushion.
Hahaha….Ferrer and RBA…10 minutes per point, seriously. Grueling match..
Rafa held to 2-0. But incredibly Sascha looks fairly calm – holds. 2-1
RC..rafa on the verge to get break back now!!
My God!This kid is so tough!!
Ah…poor Ferrer. Hard to watch him lose to RBA. RBA will serve for the match in the 4th set. This will be his first win over Ferrer. Or NOT…lol Ferru fighting back has 2 bp’s…Ferru gets a break back. They’ve been at it for over 4 hours in the 4th set!
Back to Rafa
Arrrgh…Sascha broke back while I was watching RBA
Rc..i can’t watch any match other than rafa’s…and it’s killing me now!!!
Rafa with another bp!!
I tried to go to sleep but I can’t! My phone isn’t fully charged yet. I am recording the match in case I fall asleep.
Rafa broke back! But my nerves can’t take it! I know that Rafa needs a win like this to help him get back. A tough five set match against a young up and coming kid, where Rafa’s back has been against the wall and he has to come from behind. These are the kinds of match wins that will help him with belief and confidence.
Please Rafa find a way to win this!
I;m calm MA. I just want Rafa to win. but this is good! Both are killing it.
Sascha bending over….calling for the trainer….
The fittest guy will win!
Meanwhile RBA won 🙁
I picked RBA to win. But I also picked PCB to beat Istomin. But I am happy to be wrong about that one!
Rafa breaks him!
Alex cramping now..
3-2 Rafa
And Sascha is cramping.
Cramping rule is enforced…no MTO
Poor kid…he’s not fit enough to go toe to toe with Rafa for 5 sets…and that’s what I guessed. Rafa not at his Rafa best but his endurance and fitness is supreme.
4-2 Rafa
RC..i want rafa win so bad but feel very sorry for alex..he’s such a very talented young player..
Have to love Sascha. He’s still giving it his best. And not crying about it; down but not out. He’ll lose respectfully. Gosh I like Sascha.
But Rafa with another BP.
And deuce
hahahaha Rafa gets another Bp
Rafa was really looking like the old Rafa to get that last Bp
Sascha has guts. But Rafa is vintage Rafa and has another Bp.
That’s gotta be it!! Unbelievable dogged never say die for Rafa….
YES!!!Another break!!!!!WoooHooo!!
5-2 Vamos! Rafa just needs to serve it out. But I love Sascha too!
I can’t breathe!
I am crying!
Rafa did it!
Come Here…Nny, I give you a hug.
You too, MA.
That was huge..
11 aces for Rafa…..woot
Rafa, Rafa, Rafa!
He needed this so much!
I am exhausted but it’s okay!
He’ll need those aces. I picked Rafa to lose to Milos. And Milos is up 2 sets to love vs Simon.
Congrats to both Rafa and Sascha for a great match!
Yesssss!
Vamooooooossss!
Phew! A sigh of relief! So Rafa wins in the end,so glad! I’m so worried that he would lose another heartbreaking five setter, happy that he came through in the end.
This match is like that Rafa/Hewitt AO2005 match, a up and comer vs a veteran and in the end the veteran wins/won through experience. Congrats Rafa!
Rafa looked like he could go another 5 sets!
Very nice words about the match in the interview too.
Sascha should listen to wise Rafa and take heart.
Nny and RC and ALL rafa fans here…U GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!!Love u guys!!!!
MA,
It was wonderful sharing this with you!
I am so proud of Rafa!
Nny…Same to me here..i wish amy is here to share this with us..i miss her!Nny and ALL Rafa fans here…check this out!
http://addictionrecoveryquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/keep-calm-and-keep-believeing.jpg
Three down!!! ✌ ✌ ✌ Vaaamooos Rafa!!!
Thanks Ricky, for picking Zverev.
??
He’s got probably Monfils next. But maybe Kohls.
Allez Simon…get a set pls.
Rafa, you da man!!! Vamos!
Love the snarl at the end of the match. Can’t believe how great Rafa looked at the end.
Yay! Simon wins a set and Milos blowing a gasket hehehe
It was time somebody broke him 😀
I thought the other Gilles would do that lol
Gillou!!
So proud of our Rafa! Now he needs to rest and focus on Milos!! He is able to beat Milos if he is agressive and serves well! And please Rafa attack Milos on the backhand side! That is his main weakness!
I thought Rafa served great! As I previously said, Rafa’s body serve is such a beauty! His Fh is gaining speed and precision, so beautiful to watch! And Rafa is in great shape! No physical issues! Please stay that way!
Vamos Rafa!
Huh, I forgot about Monfils ?
The good news is that Gillou is getting under Milos’ skin. His face got beet red when he was broken twice and Gillou won the 3rd set.
Allez Gilles… Chapeau getting a set!
Rafa vs Zverev match stats:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2rwlIxXAAAx3Iv.jpg
Wohho rafa through. Never mustered the courage to see the match as knew it was huge banana skin.
Hope rafa was good and this 5 setter did not take much out of him ? Hope he has enough in tank for further matches…any thoughts?
I used to have a nickname for Simon: a bloodsucker! He goes under opponent’s skin sucking his blood until he surrendered… ?Too bad Simon is not in good form right now, otherwise he would make a thrilling five-setter out of this…
Epic from Nadal. But GASQUETS gona WIN!!
Hello! It was a very tough match for Rafa. He still has many problems on receiving serve, I am worry about it. He stays too back on the court, and his return is , many times, too short, easy to atack by his opponent.
Rafa must be more agressive against powerful Raonic. In other way, he will have just a few chances.
Vamos, Rafa! 🙂
https://forumul-pariorului-maniac.ro/
Hi, Nic! Welcome! I share your view on Rafa, in fact I said the same thing about the need to be aggressive against Raonic! But what I noticed in thiis match, some of the balls lending short during the long rallies lead to Zverev making an error because it disturbed his rhythm.. Aldo Rafa’s slices even when lending short were very effective!
Rafa meets Monfils next, not going to be easy as LaMonf is in great form! Will be entertaining mach to watch as long as Rafa wins! ?
How can he stand on the baseline for a great server like zverev. Zverev serve was rocking
Yes some returns landed short but zverev won only 42 percent second serve points and rafa 60 percent
That. Was. Awesome. VAMOS RAFA!!!! ? ?
Istomin backed it up!! Yes!! That’s awesome stuff from him to have the stamina after that taxing Djoker battle to take it in five. Great stuff from the Uzbek.
Go Rafa go! Rafa has the toughest quarter. Actually Nole’s quarter is the easiest but he couldn’t capitalize. Did Rafa hit any FH dtl? I watched only the first set and thought Rafa looked ready for a fight. Rafa’s CC FH is fine but he really needs fh dtl too. Anyway for me it is one match at a time.
AO is lucky with both Rafa and Federer there to hold out hope to their millions of fans. A Fedal final would be like time travel to a magical past. But I do not think Fed is getting past Muzz unless the Scot’s rolled ankle is really bad.
I did not see match but saw highlights and saw fh dtl from set 3 onwards
The cc fh and i/o was great too
Rafa seemed quick too
His serve was good too
He said he made adjustments from 3rd set and started settling and just said to himself don’t care about result go for it and fight
Thanks Sanju. Love to hear so many positives about our Rafa. I always watch his body language and its been good this year.
Zverev is the real deal and I think he will win slams starting 2018 or 19.
Murray played a match against Sam querrey and seemed fine
Vamos Rafa! Tu puedes!
Amazing stuff but,what a hellish draw (unlike you know who). Monfils next!
Why is everyone so sure Fed is getting past nishikori ? If match goes 4 sets and beyond it is anybody’s match
Agree with Sanju. Fed looked awesome in his last match but Berdych has been playing like crap for a while. The conclusion of the Nishi match is not foregone.
Fed fans think he is back and are confident he is going to win the whole thing!
Rafa fans on the other hand are never sure! Our Rafa has always sprung surprises on us, both good and bad!
Agree on the rafa fans statement..we all love him and wish him well but always fear he will lose and maybe he has given us reasons to behave this way…however I still feel we should show more faith in Rafa…
I made a comment few days back that if Federer had drawn zverev he would be picked to beat zverev despite being beaten by him 2 weeks back..however Ricky and many others picked rafa to lose to zverev…
Fed used to be favorite at RG despite Rafa’s successes there!
Both Fed and Nole look invincible as their perfect bodies make it possible for them to play for consecutive seasons at a high level. Both have benefited from weak eras and because of that were able to sustain what appeared to be scary dominance for a long stretch of time.
After Fed went past his prime, I expected Rafa to dominate but Fed’s decline meant Nole could get past the semi. So Rafa never had a weak era to dominate and also his body keeps letting him down. A good part of his prime has been spent on the sidelines recovering from injury.
So we Rafa fans are always anxious and uncertain.
Berdy had no plan b…nishikori will have a plan b
Berdych hit 26 winners and 14 winners those aren’t even bad stats. Fed just hit 40 winners and 17 unforced errors so that’s why I think Roger will take down kei. Andy will be a huge challenge though.
Fed fans think he is gonna win the whole thing…really ? I don’t think Fed hinself thinks the same…did he not say in his interview post the match not to be surprised with a hiccup…I bet nishikori and Murray and Stan etc have not decided to hand favours to him 🙂 …getting past Murray will be ultra tough for Federer as Murray is high on confidence and is far more match fit than Federer…and that match ain’t getting over in 3 …the longer it goes the worse for Federer. ..
The quality of tennis from Dimitrov right now is truly unbelievable. If Djokovic had made the fourth round, and Dimitrov played like this against him, the Bulgarian would’ve had a terrific shot. He’s got an even better shot now that he will be facing Istomin. Just 15 winners 4 unforced errors in the second set. Great performance from Grigor.
Where are people getting the idea that Fed has an easy draw? In this order- Berdych, Nishikori, Murray, Stan, and then either Rafa or Roanic… Last I checked, that is by far and above the most difficult draw to get through of all time! Please tell me what could be any worse than having to get through Stan, Murray, and then Rafa/Roanic back to back to back?
Difficult, certainly. But hardly the most difficult of all time! Even two years ago it would have been a routine slam draw for Federer and one he would have been the massive favorite to go through and win the whole thing. But, while Nish’s health is always a question he is a much improved player. So are Raonic and Stan and even Murray, for that matter. But Fed’s record vs all of them is excellent. The big question is how match tough is he? It is a huge challenge for a 35 yo guy playing his first real tournament after a six month layoff.
Kevin your idea of a good or bad draw is not correct. To win the title you have to get through tough opponents in the quarters, semis and final. What makes a draw easy is having easy earlier rounds with gradually increasing difficulty so that when you meet the formidable players, you are peaking into form and fresh whereas the others maybe tired or injured due to earlier round battles.
Thanks for saving me the effort.
Fedfans like to forget that.
And Berdych tough? Against fed any time recently?
Not to mention not having to face Djokovic even if he’s not at his best.
Love rafa’s fighting spirit. Great fight for the win.
He’s steadily improving and is 80% where he needs to win Australia and rising.
His body language showing the belief is there.
Great signs.
Vamos!!!
I’m a huge fed fan and I’m the first to say Fed got an awesome draw. That’s why I’m actually confident that he can do some real damage here. Five straight against Murray doesn’t lie. And if he plays like he did against Berdych, Nishikori is going down.
Fed had easy early round matches. That is where he hit the advantage. That gave him time to work off the rust. Rafa having to face someone like Zverev in the third round is as tough as it gets. But this win was very important for Rafa. It’s not going to get any easier. Monfils is playing great tennis and is not the athletic clown of the past. Rafa will have to continue to play well. One match at a time!
I said that if Rafa was going to beat Zverev then he would have to dig deep and find something special. That is exactly what happened!
I don’t think it’s a given that Fed will get past Nishi. Nishi being do injury prone is what has done him in. Murray is not going to let Fed have his way this time.
Hey Nny!I heard you’re a very happy human being on earth today because of a certain spaniard..is that true?If so,may i be happy together with u?He he..
MA,
I am exhausted, but very happy! It was tough to get through it, but I am so happy for Rafa.
He needed this win. I am not saying that it solves everything, but it was a crucial win against a rising young player who is a future slam champion.
Those who predicted Rafa in five sets, well done! All I knew was that it would be a difficult match. I sensed that Zverev would go the limit and push Rafa. I am so very proud of Rafa for digging deep and finding a way to win. That is the Rafa we know and love!
Rafa doesn’t have it easier moving forward. I saw some of Monfils/Kohls and this is a very different Monfils that Rafa will face. No easy matches! That’s why Rafa needed to win a challenging five setter the hard way!
I was privileged to share it with you as we live blogged! You have a great spirit and it is a joy to go through this with you!
Hey Nny…he he he…thank u for the nice words Nny!Hey..u’re the 2nd person who thanked me today..Okie on TX just thanked me because i saved her from a heart attack!!he he..Nny,honestly..that’s why i’m here..acted like a crazy person,not only it’s my nature but wanna distract u from the pressure..It worked,isn’t it?he he.. I’m also wanna thank u for putting up with my craziness,it’s awesome to live blogging with u Nny…hey,i got something to cheer u up Nny…http://quotespics.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Good-evening-a-special-coffee-for-you.jpg
Zverev is young and a newcomer. He is improving all the time and Rafa is not familiar with his game. But Monfils is a veteran so unless Rafa is having a bad day at the office, Rafa should win this.
Fed said it is easier to play the guys he knows, even the formidable guys, because he knows what to expect. So there are no early surprises.
Rafa has a great team and I am sure he has the strategies against a known player all worked out. If his body is ok, the match is in the bag.
I agree that Rafa knows Monfils and there are no surprises. He did play Zverev last year st IW in a memorable three setter, so he did have some knowledge of his game. But Rafa has more history and familiarity with Monfils.
I guess what I was saying is that I think this time it may not be as routine or predictable as in the past. Monfils never had the mental toughness that Rafa did. He was entertaining to watch, but lost focus. He is playing more disciplined tennis now. He always had the athleticism and talent, but not the focus and concentration.
I am taking nothing for granted. But after this win, Rafa should feel confident about his game. I looking forward to the match and am very happy that Rafa is still in the tournament!
I suppose I exaggerated just a little saying Federer’s draw is the most difficult draw ever… 🙂 I do, however, think it’s crazy to say his draw is “easy” or a “cupcake draw”, especially when the guy has been out for six months. Four consecutive top ten players just to get to the final, including two before the quarterfinals, three of which have either recently won a slam or beaten Fed in a slam before… I just don’t see how that’s an “easy” draw.
Although I was definitely concerned about Zverev for Rafa, I honestly believed that Rafa would come through that one. We all have seen Zverev’s talent and potential, but I felt like he just doesn’t yet have the mental toughness that is required to beat someone of Rafa’s caliber at a slam. I really believe that he can, and quite possibly will, win this tournament. It will obviously not be easy, but I think he is playing at a high enough level to impose his will. Roanic will be a tough ask, but I really believe Rafa can take him out, especially if he can clean up the unforced errors a little. If he can beat Roanic, I would have to pick Rafa to win it all at that point.
As for Fed, he can obviously beat anybody if he plays at the level he played at against Berdych. I just don’t know if he could sustain that level through Murray, Stan, AND whoever he would theoretically meet in the final. I think we can conclude that Fed certainly has the ability to still win Wimbledon or US Open, but not so sure about this one. Limited match-play and age 35 may prove to be too much for success in Melbourne. That being said, if we got a Fedal final it would be truly amazing, especially since they both are coming back from injury lay-offs.
I’ve actually been following the discussions on this site for a while now, but always felt a bit intimidated to join in haha! You guys go hard at each other! 🙂
Kevin,
I really appreciated reading your thoughts! Well said! I hope that you don’t feel intimidated and continue to post. We can get intense here at times. Passions run high. But in the end, we do get into some great discussions.
You should feel welcome here. We need more opinions and perspectives.
I hope to hear more from you!
Welcome Kevin! Don’t worry, we will all be nice to newbies like you. You must be a Federer fan? Allez Fed!
No worries Kevin. This site is heavily skewed Rafa.
I picked Fed to win it all and so far so good.
I think he can get by Murray and should get his 18th as long as Rafa is not in the final which could also happen but I think Zverev-Monfils-Raonic is a tough ask.
Feds first three rounds were two qualifiers and Berdych which for a 17th seed named fed seemed pretty good. Nishi came in with a suspect knee so I didn’t even think he’d make it.
No doubt Murray will be a challenge but if Rafa does lose before the final that match will be the virtual final.
Fed looks great btw. I said he’d play himself into form and that’s what he’s doing.
I also meant to say that we need fans of more players here like on tennis-x so yeah welcome. Problem with that site is that the moderator is quite biased.
Kevin,
One poster, who is a Fed-lover, has made huge efforts during a long time to make this site to be dedicated to worship Fed as his beloved & notorious tennis-x is. (I don’t visit tennis-x, I have read what tennis-x-lovers have written on the GS about it and some links they have posted). He welcomes efforts to help him.
Kevin please forgive her.
She only has opinions on other posters but never a single original opinion on tennis.
She’s quite funny to read once you get used to her. 🙂
Kevin, be careful what you believe.
He is well known for making up stories (aka ‘original opinions’).
Kevin has been here less than a day and has already contributed more original opinion on tennis than Augusta. Too funny. 😉
Is this really necessary? Must you do this with a new poster?
Can’t you just be gracious for once and leave this petty crap alone already?
Unbelievable! This guy is going to be scared off before he gets a chance!
That’s her goal nny.
Kevin,
I didn’t know that he keeps statistics on posters. That’s news to me. Hilarious! 😆
Augusta- I know this is hard to believe, but I am a Rafa fan AND a Federer fan! My personal favorite player is Andre Agassi, but he doesn’t play anymore, so I’ve had the luck of being able to just enjoy this “Golden Age” of men’s tennis that we’ve had for the past decade or so. It’s always been interesting to me how a lot of people seem to believe that everyone must specifically be “a ______ fan”, thus making you automatically NOT a fan of the other players… I will say, however, that I am a big fan of underdogs! And Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have actually arguably been underdogs for the past couple seasons, so I have rooted for them a lot in the last few years. I am also a big fan of Nishikori. For me, he has one of the most exciting game to watch (when he’s healthy). In recent years I had definitely rooted less for Djokovic because he was expected to win everything. I think one reason I like to root for Federer is because he reminds me of my man Agassi when HE was 35 and was still managing to contend for titles. And one of the main reasons I root for Rafa is because he has, in my opinion, the biggest heart and desire to fight that we’ve ever seen.
So, as much as the people on this site seem to want everyone to be either a Rafa fan OR a Federer fan, I’m just not going to play that game. 🙂 It may sound boring and/or cliche, but I try my best to just enjoy the fact that we have gotten to watch arguably the 2 (soon probably 3) greatest tennis players of all time play in the same era… I know, I’m lame! 😉
Same dude. Fed is my all time favorite but I would love to see rafa make the final even if it would probably be tougher for fed.
Now that Murray is out, Fed’s draw is no longer that tough! Unless Stan (I assume it’s him in the SF) is playing his hard hitting, overpowering and relentless tennis, I think Fed will beat him (and Zverev) to reach the final.
For Rafa, we shall see how he does vs Monfils. After seeing how Rafa handled big serving and hard hitting Zverev, I feel he’s better prepared for Raonic should they meet. I think over five sets, Rafa can have more time to problem solve on court.
Rafa played a tentative first set vs Zverev; but, it’s so good to see how he problem solve his way to a win in the end, and that’s why I like Rafa’s tennis, as he plays a thinking game.
Those with raw power can look to overpower others with their power – big serving and hard hitting – but it’s how one neutralizes their strengths to beat them that’s the thrilling thing to see. Fed beat others through fast pace of his attacking game; Rafa beat others through neutralizing their strengths and exploiting their weaknesses.
lucky,
I think you gave a solid analysis of both Fed’s and Rafa’s prospects. Fed does have it easier now that Murray is out. He was the one I thought would beat Fed and get to the final.
I don’t know if Stan can do it. He is not yet at his best. He has the power game when he’s on, but I don’t know if he will produce that kind of tennis. Fed will deal with Zverev, who will not be able to take out both Murray and Fed.
Rafa got a lot out of that match with the other Zverev. I do agree that it was good preparation for Raonic. It is true that a best of five set match gives Rafa more time to problem solve. That was what he did against Zverev. That was good to see!
One match at a time for Rafa.
Rafa’s post-R3 interview with Australian Open TV:
https://youtu.be/Coq7kggXL0M
Thanks for the welcoming! Now I don’t even know what to make of this tournament with both Murray and Djokovic out before the quarters… A Fedal final seems even more possible now!
Kevin,
Please just stay around and contribute to the discussion. This is turning out to be the most unpredictable AO ever!
I would love to see a Fedal final! But Rafa has a tough path to get there!
and Serena vs Venus too!!!
Ricky,
Yes!
Personally Fedal final will be vintage but my prediction is federer Dimitrov final. I think it’s Dimitrov’s time.
I think Rafa has a tough road to get there. Monfils is playing some of his best tennis right now, so I think it could be a more challenging match. Then he will be facing Raonic, who is looking good.
Rafa will get a boost from his win over Zverev. That is what he needed. He had to raise his level of play. You can never count out Rafa completely if he is on his game.