When the U.S. Open draw revealed itself almost exactly two weeks ago, it had the cruel idea to pit Rafael Nadal against Roger Federer in the semifinals instead of the final. Juan Martin Del Potro had other ideas.
It will be Nadal against Del Potro, instead, after the Argentine upset Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(8), 6-4 during quarterfinal action on Wednesday night. The two former champions of this event will be facing each other for the 14th time in their careers on Friday when they battle for a place in the title match. Nadal leads the head-to-head series 8-5, but Del Potro is 5-4 against the current world No. 1 on hard courts.
They have squared off only once since the end of 2013, with Del Potro prevailing 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5) in the semifinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics on his way to the silver medal. Perhaps their most memorable–but also more in infamous than famous–encounter came at the same stage of this same tournament in 2009, when Del Potro destroyed Nadal 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 and then stunned Federer in five sets to capture his first and only Grand Slam title.
Given the circumstances, a return trip to the U.S. Open final would be even more improbable–and not just because Del Potro no longer has the same backhand he once wielded prior to multiple left-wrist surgeries. The world No. 28 was all but left for dead earlier this fortnight when an illness plagued him in his fourth-rounder against Dominic Thiem and led to losses of 6-1 and 6-2 in the first two sets. Later saying that he refused to retire only because he did not want to disappoint his throng of supporters, Del Potro found another gear and eventually triumphed 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4 in hard-to-believe fashion.
The former world No. 4 preceded that result with routine defeats of Henri Laaksonen, Adrian Menendez-Maceiras, and Roberto Bautista and followed it up by ousting Federer in an entertaining but not exactly a classic four-setter. Del Potro fought off four set points in the third-set tiebreaker against Federer, eventually took it 10-8, and promptly took complete control in the fourth.
Nadal’s trouble at this event came in rounds two and three, when he trailed Taro Daniel by a set and a break and Leonardo Mayer by a set and 15-40 early in the second. The top-seeded Spaniard eventually won both of those contests in four. He also coasted past Dusan Lajovic, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Andrey Rublev while saving six of his best sets for last–hammering Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 and Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
“He’s the No. 1 player of the world and he’s playing so confident this tournament,” Del Potro assessed. “He’s a lefty, so he has (a) chance to find easily my backhand. So I don’t know what’s gonna be my strategy for that match. But for sure I will try to make winners with my forehands and don’t run too much, because my legs are tired. (It) will be (an) interesting match to play.”
“When he’s playing well, it’s difficult to stop him,” Nadal said of Del Potro. “Probably the forehand is maybe the fastest on the tour. If he [is serving] well and [hitting] well his forehand, he’s a player that [has] the chance to win against, of course, everybody. I have to play my best tennis. I need to be very focused with my serve and play aggressive, because if you let him play from good positions with his forehand, you are dead.
“I need to play against his backhand, and then open the court, no?”
Yes, that is correct. Del Potro’s backhand came up big at crucial moments against Federer, but it will be under attack on a consistent basis from Nadal’s heavy topspin. The underdog will have no choice but to come over it with two hands more often than not. It’s a shot that can still be effective but is prone to break down when it comes to this post-surgery, not-as-healthy version of Del Potro. And when the deuce court is open, perhaps no one in the sport–except maybe Del Potro, himself–has a better inside-out forehand than Nadal.
This has been an energy-sapping fortnight both physically and emotionally for Del Potro, so the end may be near.
Pick: Nadal in 4
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Nadal in 4, wins the title. His year has been insane! THREE grand slam finals (not likely) and 2 masters 1000’s, with one 500 and 8 finals!
CORRECTION:
Nadal in 4, goes on to wins the title. His year has been insane! THREE grand slam finals (most likely), 2 grand slams (most likely) and 2 masters 1000’s, with 1 500 and 8 finals!
Del Potro in 5, crowd and serve and it’s Del Potro at the Open
Not impossible, but unlikely IMO. I think that Delpo’s wild ride may end on Friday. Rafa should be fresher and also more relaxed now that he has secured the ATP pole position at least for another few weeks. Also, Roger made Delpo look good because of his many untypical lapses. This match should’ve gone to a fifth set. But I guess, Roger’s heart wasn’t in it anymore…
Interestingly Roger said in his presser that in the semis Delpo has better chances against Rafa than he himself. Now, that is a very revealing remark and supports my impression that Roger’s heart wasn’t totally committed to the match against Delpo.
littlefoot, I did not listen to the Roger presser, else might have kept away from Roger and saved some money or would have bet Delpo instead.
If you would have shouted loudly about this roger’s presser remarks…myself and other bettors of fed might have backed out of a roger bet.
Littlefoot, next time please come forward with all the info. you have well before the match starts if possible as the smallest latest info./news can affect the outcome of a match and the bettors money.
Roger, first of all I never bet. And Fed himself divulged that crucial bit of information about his mindset only after the match against Delpo! He never gave the betting community a fair chance, lol!
Huh? The remarks littlefoot quotes came in Roger’s POST match presser. Fed would never, ever talk like that before a match. He plays his cards close to his vest.
True!
Well I dont agree. He had no business losing the 3rd set. He had 4 set points. Had he won that 3rd set he would have won the match. He simply got tight seeing a beauty of Delpo rocket FH both at 5 all in 1st set and in TB of 3rd. The smash miss in 4th and volley miss in 4th to set up break point was also tightness, not lack of commitment. Ofcourse the tightness can come from lack of trust in your ability to win at that time. There is now no doubt after reading the presser that he would in no way have beaten Rafa and that is a lost oppty for Rafa.
Sanju, I agree: Fed had no business to lose that third set – but he did. And managed to waste four set points along the way. Therefore the end of the third set is Exhibit A for my argument.
I’d have to agree with this, all things considered, Delpo has a better chance than Fed.
Del Po in 4.
In 2009, it was really ‘infamous’ encounter – Delpo “destroyed” Rafa, who had a right abdominal muscle injury. He got injured in Cincinnati and the tear was getting worse at the US Open. (After the USO, he withdrew from the Thailand Open.)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/6147641/US-Open-2009-Rafael-Nadal-suffers-injury-scare-in-defeat-of-Nicolas-Almagro.html
Nadal should really win against Delpo.
He will constantly attack his backhand, nobody dies it better.
I just don’t see Nadal losing.
Rafa is not gonna let this one slip away. He is going to win this in 3 or 4 competitive sets. I will give my reasoning a bit later.
vamosrafa, why don’t you give your reasoning now as people can bet on nadal confidently and big.
Nadal had hiccups in the 1st 3 rds (just like Federer had) at the start against lajovic, Daniels and Leo Mayer. These could be the tremors before the real earthquake comes in the form of Delpo!
There are many indicators pointing to a Delpo win…but I want nadal to win…because all my research is pointing to a Delpo win in 4…same way as Delpo won against Federer.
If you can detail your strong reasoning for a nadal win now and here, will help me shift my bet from Delpo to nadal.
Other factors working in favor of Delpo are:-
1) Delpo is a natural hard court player. His playing style is more suited to hard. nadal’s playing style is suited to Clay and will not work against a strong, genuine hard court player and definitely won’t work against a GIANT hard court player like Delpo who has the:-
i) hard court game
ii) Greater physical strength and reach than Nadal
iii) Is in better form and confident than Nadal…having beaten Thiem and “Roger Federer the Goat”
iv) Is highly motivated to win his 2nd US Open Title
v) Has the support of the Argentinian fans, who may be in the 100’s but are more vocal and passionate than the 1000’s of Americans/Spanish fans!
vii) Has the bigger weapons and more weapons on hard than Nadal
vi) Has won the last TWO (2) H2H matches against NADAL that too on hard courts!
vii) Delpo seems to be in good health and has recovered from the Viral sickness…indicated by his fine win over “Roger Federer the Goat”.
viii) Nadal hasn’t really been tested so far in this tournament {but still struggled initially in the 1st 3 rds against low ranked players…one of whom was his fan and melted like Ice (Rublev)!lol but Delpo is not Rafa’s fan. Interviews show that Rafa is kinda scared of Delpo!} but Delpo has been tested by Agut, Thiem and Federer…thus making Delp more confident and dangerous to all the top players in the world!
The only negative I can think of for Delpo is that:-
1) Delpo mat be a bit extra tired having played 1 set more than Nadal. Delpo
played 18 sets to 17 for Nadal. Not a big factor I think.
2) His backhand may be 10% weaker than Nadal’s. But Delpo’s Nadal stood the test against Federer and should be ok with nadal as Delpo will make nadal worry more about Delpo’s powerful serves and forehand missiles.
vamosrafa…how many more reasons do you need to understand that Delpo has too many advantages over Nadal to win this match comfortably!
3) Nadal has 1 extra days rest.
I gave you 8 strong reasons above!
What is your reasoning in favor of Nadal…besides the above three(3)?
Max. handicap points on Delpo (+4.5) and Over 39 games may be a good bet, IMO.
Hi Roger,
I think, over 3.5 sets (or over 37.5 games) is a bit safe bet because both Nadal and Delpo might win at least a set. IMO.
I’ll try with low stake of correct score for Delpo (3-1) with nice odds.
Julius, over 3.5 sets looks good.
all you care about is betting ? Is this a bet website ? What is wrong with you ?
Oh so sorry, I’m not aware that discussion about betting is prohibited here.
I agree, maybe he loses a set at most.
He will come out really hot and not allow Delpo any eit rhythm. Plus, Rafa’s best shot goes against Delpo worst. Plus Rafa will make it so physical. Rafa wins in 3
Delpo is prepared for it and anticipates it. He said it in his presser that match with Rafa will be harder than against Roger and that Rafa is lefty and he will attack his BH relentlessly and make him run and tire him. He knows what to expect.
I am a huge RAFA Fan but this guy Delpo makes me so nervous. We said the same about his chances against Fed but the result was quite different. Delpo can make this a contest and if his forehand and serve hold up, we are in for a real cliffhanger..Hope Nadal attacks the backhand and breaks him down but it is touch and go. Delpo is serving Missiles..
My point is DElpo had wrist injury even during OLympics last year and Rafa could use that same game plan yet he narrowly lost. So its not a given. Delpo feeds on adrenaline and that he will get in plenty from crowd. Ofcourse we cannot forget that Rafa came back to OLympics just from injury.
For the first time I have doubts about Rafa against this Delpo. Rublev was not a fair yardstick, too far down Rafa’s level. Rafa’s serve has not been tight enough this NA HC swing, too easily broken. Delpo only needs to nick a game a set or a TB point or two and it’s game over because Delpo’s serve is going to be difficult to break.
I hope Delpo has an adrenalin crash, really do. If he plays at the level he plays against Fed, he will pull off an upset. I say upset because Rafa is coming in as the favourite.
I am willing myself to be positive but……….
RITB, I understand and share some of your doubts. Rafa really hasn’t been tested so far. But he’s healthy, well rested and supremely motivated for sure. And he has the monkey of having to defend his No 1 ranking against Roger off his back. Some of the pressure should be gone.
And their last encounter in Rio should not be overestimated. Rafa was still not healthy then, and was also tired because of playing singles and doubles – and winning the Gold Medal with Marc 🙂
Tomorrow will be a whole new chapter in their modest rivalry.
@littlefoot, I will not watch the match live, my nerves will not take it. A lot of these players appear to develop a second wind when they see Rafa across the net. I bet Delpo will be scurrying around the court like a spring chicken.
Vamos Rafa!
Yes, Rafa seems to have very often a very uplifting effect on his opponents. Rublev just didn’t get it, lol!
I’m not very good at watching life either. I prefer the canned version myself, when I’m rooting for a player.
I will watch live but mute it, so that I won’t need to listen to the commentators’ blah blah blah the whole match. Watching live without any sound works for me, I won’t be as nervous even though I may shout at my tv screen when Rafa frustrates me.
Delpo will have the crowd. The usual noisy Argentinian contingent will be complimented by Fedfans. Just as well Rafa has experienced this in Paris………
Yup, but he can deal with that for sure! And the roof will probably be open.
Rafa will not lose because he’s flustered by the crowd 😉
Rafa can handle that as he has played in DC away ties often. I doubt Rafa will be affected this time, after what he had gone through at RG in 2009.
I know Rafa will lose the first set bcos of nerves and adjusting to the crowd support for Delpo. New York just loves this guy a lot this year more than ever, and I understand. Rafa has already complained about the noise, lol!
However, I expect Rafa to regroup and execute his strategy with full aplomb and win the final three sets in a tight encounter, expect perhaps for the last set where Delpo will feel tired form all that running, lol!
Rafa wants this, he really, really, really wants this!!!
Vamos, Rafa!!
This is a 5 set match, don’t forget. Rafa is playing far between than what he was during Olympics.
On paper should be Rafa, but seeing Delpo coming back to SLAM semi is certainly not to be under estimated. this is the only slam he gets to semi, plays his best and he does not have mental block here.
Either Rafa in 4 or Delpo in 5.
Rafa will attack his back hand till it breaks down. I am relaxed.
Also, this is a virtual final. There is more pressure. Deplo wont be as relaxed
All those mentioning the Rio encounter, sure it is important to consider it but circumstances are different. Some people have already highlighted the differences above so I won’t repeat those and only add a different one:
-Rafa had employed a very different serving tactic in that match. If anyone remembers, he was in the phase of experimenting with an abnormally wide positioning on the ad court! I never liked that strategy and no wonder Rafa reverted to his usual positioning soon after. In that match, that positioning allowed him to avoid Delpo’s forehand return but his first serve’s ability to win free points was heavily compromised IMO.
The conclusion I am making from the above is: Rafa’s serve will be much more effective. Delpo also hasn’t played Rafa with the latter’s improved 2nd serve. I expect Rafa to serve really well and take advantage.
I agree with vr. We need context when it comes to Rafa losing to Delpo in Rio. We have to remember that Rafa just came back from the wrist injury. It would turn out to not be the best decision, because he aggravated the wrist and ultimately had to pull the plug on the season.
This is a healthy Rafa. That is a huge difference. His serve is much improved. He knows how dangerous Delpo can be. The crowd will not affect Rafa. If it was Fed then he would have been dealing with that. I remember how pro-Fed the crowd at the AO final was throughout the match.
It will be a tough match because Delpo has gotten on a roll now. He’s had two really tough matches and won. That should give him confidence. But this is not going to be the 2009 USO. If Delpo or anyone else thinks so, they are making a big mistake.
nearly all of Rafa’s forehands falled into servebox in that olympic SF and still lost in 3rd set TB with a huge net approach mistake . this Rafa wont be even on edges i think .
Rafa should also probably have won the Rio match!! He had control of it then went into his shell playing safe after making a couple of mistakes on the forehand…
His serve forehand and backhand are all better now and he has moya
…
I wasn’t surprised when I woke up and saw delpo had won. Before the match I was thinking of his match against nole at Wimbledon when he was on one leg after beating ferrer. He took nole to the limit that day and I honestly wonder if being injured or otherwise disadvantaged doesn’t make him more dangerous as he plays on sheer heart with the crowd going wild for him.. And man does delpo have a big heart!!
Frankly, I wasn’t surprised either. I had a hunch that Roger in his slightly diminished state might not be that eiger to face Rafa who apparently managed to play himself into form. Maybe, Roger would’ve converted one of his four set points in the third set if Rafa had lost or at least struggled some more.
Roger is susceptible to these thoughts. It’s not outright tanking. But as he himself has admitted now and then, his motivation can take a real dive when he assumes he might run into difficulties in his next match.
If Rafa was not a lefty, I would say this match will be close. I see Rafa simply playing against DelPo the way he used to play against Fed- pound that lefty forehand repeatedly to DelPo’s backhand over and over and over. Except what makes it even harder for DelPo is that Fed at least can step in and take the backhand early, ripping winners. Del Po doesn’t have that anymore- just a slice! That combined with how tired he will have to be by then, I just can’t imagine Rafa losing even a set… The only way DelPo can win is if, similar to his match against Fed, he serves absolutely lights out and gives nothing to Rafa on his serve, and if Rafa’s level isn’t that high and/or he hits too many UE. As long as Rafa has a tidy match, I see Rafa winning the title in 6 straight sets. I predict that it will end up being the easiest major win of Rafa’s career. The guy deserves an easy run at the title given how many times he’s fallen in hardcourt finals the last 3-4 years. I hope for the sake of the sport that the match is competitive. I just don’t see it happening. Although I never in a million years saw him beating Fed in the condition he was in after the Theim match, so maybe I shouldn’t sell him short?
Dont sell him short. He will give Rafa all that he has and throw the kitchen sink and more at Rafa. I think hardly anyone picked Delpo over Fed here as he had flu and went to 5 and he said in presser, earlier win was enough :-)..but he proved all wrong. He loves to turn up against Rafa, Roger, Novak at slams
That’s precisely why I just would be so shocked for Del Po to make the final- if he is really as sick as he is, he just can’t possibly have enough left in the tank his next match. I hope we get a 5-set classic, but I can’t help but be skeptical!
all agreed with Kevin
Enjoy for some time :-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BBtiVdnAFg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igq3I1fFUPU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igq3I1fFUPU
one point everyone is missing….Delpo just cannot serve the same way against Rafa as he did in the quarters. Remember quarters was indoor!
Semis will be outdoor, no chance of rain. With some wind, that level of serving from Delpo is highly unlikely. This means more rallies and more chances for Rafa to attack his bh.
Santu, why can’t it mean this way?…More rallies=more chances for Delpo also to attack the weak forehand with his powerful flat forehands, besides more chances for Rafa to attack delpo’s bh also?
Delpo beat fed in rallies besides in the serving department, right? It is going to be attack & counterattack the whole match. The FH’s of each will attack the weaknesses of the other! It will be a battle of the FH’s here. If Delpo doesn’t tire out or get injured or sick, I give him a 51% chance of winning.
To break the resistance of wind you need power and Delpo has loads of that in his forehand, right?
This should be a close fight ending in 4 or 5 sets.
Sanju who are you betting for finally and how much $$$?
I dont think Rafa will let him use his ferocious fh. He will continue hitting to his bh until it breaks down. what he did to Fed until 2017.
Exactly what I think will happen, atul. Del Po’snonky chance is to continue serving lights out, and dictating most of the points in his service games. If he can get a high percentage of first serves in, then Rafa would mostly not be able dictate and go constantly to DelPo’s backhand. However, if Del Po doesn’t serve well, then that will allow Rafa to attack the second serve and return it well to Del Po’s backhand. I really think the quality of this match will likely all come down to how well Del Po serves. If he can’t serve well, it’s hard to imagine him beating Rafa, especially in the condition he’s in.
Ricky says Rafa in 4. That’s probably as good a prediction as you are going to get. As a gambler you know that nothing is 100% guaranteed. Whichever guy plays best will win.
Btw, Rafa is an excellent wind player, regarded by some as the best ever. The roof over Ashe has hurt him some, even when it’s open. The court is now less windy. Before it was a very tricky court with odd swirly breezes sweeping through. Rafa didn’t like that any more than the rest of the field did, but he handled it better than most.
I never bet or gamble 🙂
OOP for Friday:
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/p_schedule18.pdf
Thanks for the highlights Sanju, loved all except the 2013 FO semi, reason being the net incident which tainted the match for me, and the Novak fans on another certain forum parroting about how unlucky their guy was not to win that match, just cringe now everytime i see or here about that match now ….
Djoko has had misadventures with overheads over the years – that one is one of the more infamous. Rafa says he was a “little bit lucky” there. Rafa also says “a match is a lot of points”.
It was revenge after the 2012 AO final where nadal missed the backhand and crashed.
I say it was fair.
Exactly my point. Novak snatched a very close one that could go rafas way had he not narrowly missed the bh in ao12 . .same for Rafa here…
Similarly rafa has beaten Roger over many close ones in a slam over the years so he deserved the final top this time. It always can’t go one person’s way amongst top players.
Alison Hodge says AT 6:54 PM: “…the net incident which tainted the match for me…”
===
You shouldn’t let yourself be intimidated by Djoko fans who don’t know the tennis rules.
To add to my post AT 8:02 PM,
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DJJatskXgAEZdYK.jpg
Ive made my point, really hate that match, end of ….
Delpo in 4. I have no doubts. Nadal’s partially “parabolic” balls are a clear advantage for Delpo, a solemn invitation to his strong and lethal forehand. Rafa has no chances against him, but we will see…
”Rafa has no chances” sentence is clearly the most ridiculous one i have read in 2017 . Congrats .
I can’t see Nadal losing this one with so much on the line. He will push Delpo to the absolute limit to win it in terms of defense and offense.
Nadal blinked in the Aus Open final with a lot on the line, i don’t think that will happen again here.
This is really a final also and we know what Nadal is like in finals.
Nadal in 4.
Juan Martin Del potro might win in 4 sets or 5 sets but if Rafito wins this match not only will R. Nadal win the title but he deserves to win it.
Your arguments did not help me decide who ti put my phone bill/water bill money on. I think I’m just betting over 41 games then since everyone says it’s tight.
Nadal in 3
I am strongly backing Stan’s prediction of Juan Martin Del Potro to win in 4 sets or 5 sets. If DelPo wins this SF, he will definitely win the 2017 US OPEN title.
I have listed 8 strong points why Delpo should win the 2017 US OPEN in one of my above posts. Check it out and respond/discuss in detail here 1st b4 betting!
BB = Delpo +4.5 handicap points, over 39 games or whatever number your bookie gives
As with an additional days rest (saturday), Delpo should be able to beat Kevin Anderson in 4 or 5 sets in the FINALS and become the 2017 US OPEN Champion for the 2nd time.
Tomorrow Kevin will beat the clay courter PCB ( who has looked good beating low level qualifiers and brain washing many bettors here to bet and lose money on him…just like somebody was brainwashing all of us to bet on CoCo Vandeweghe…who was smashed 6-0,6-1 by Madison Keys. Same can happen to PCB or over can hit as all spanish dogs are great fighters…who will fight hard until the end!) in 3 or 4 or 5 sets (it all depends on how much PCB wants to fight b4 he loses like in the previous 2 easy H2H match loses!lol). PCB losing in 3 or 4 sets is most likely. Over can hit but not betting on it or bet just small on it.
BB = Kevin ML,-1,-2,(can try -3,-4 or more in LB)
I hope this helps Uncle SAM(lol) in making up your mind to bet…with your phone bill/water bill money!
WARNING:-
Just as Cigarette smoking & drinking alcohol is Injurious to health, betting blindly without doing your own 100% thorough research is dangerous for your pockets/Bank Balance!lol
Just as you own the Cancer caused by drinking Cigarettes (after smoking/drinking Cigarettes & Alcohol much against your doctor’s, Family, Friend’s and Relatives advice), own your betting profits as well as your losses without blaming the Cancer (lol or anyone!)!lol
Roger Moore, in WTA, What’s you pick? I’m rooting for Stephen Sloanes to win over Madison Keys. Is it good or what do you think?
even with an injured wrist , rafa was so close winning at the olympics last year . this delpo is better than that delpo ; but this rafa is better at least 5 times than that Rafa . Best player to create the game on playing opponent’s backhand on tour . He is THE specialist on that . I’ll go with Rafa in 4 , wont be easy but wont be tough as hell either .
The term, “at least 5 times”, is exaggerated. IMO. If he’s really 5 times better, then, you should have picked, Rafa in 3 (or scoreline 6-1 6-1 6-1).
I mentioned 2016 model Rafa . yes he is 5 times better now and yes still he may lose a set . that is not exaggerated , delpo is playing decent as well but if you still want a bet option , go with over 3.5 set betboy 🙂
Augusta08 im not intimidated and i know the rules, i just get highly irritated, when in actual fact Rafa shouldve won the match in the fourth set, match had no buisness even going to a fifth anyway ….
Try to be happy that Rafa won his 8th RG title.
3, 4, 5 sets, dont care, just want Rafael to win this match, and then the title ….
Augusta08 dont worry im delighted 😉
Hope Rafa can put aside his nervousness..and give his best and then everything will come naturally for him..also hope he don’t have to go to 5th,just in case he needs energy for the final…
Should Rafa beat Delpotro , i certainly wont be taking Anderson or PCB lightly either ….
Strange we rafans right. Most rafans never gave delpo a chance against Roger including me but most of us are worried for rafa against delpo.
Same if it was Roger against Anderson or busta he would be told no need to even play the match 🙂
You here all the time how crap Rafa is on every surface all bar clay, yet he has 5 GS off clay, thats why id love him to win this USO to shut a few people up ….
True that and apart from Roger and Novak no active player has more than 3 slams
An ex-player’s take on why Federer lost to Delpo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10sjW3FC2zQ
Consciously not but sub consciously maybe. But its difficult to say. Its left to interpretation. Only Fed knows the truth. Only thing I can see is Fed not winning a TB having 4 set points and few on his serve is wierd and almost impossible.
Did this guy just say Anderson will beat Rafa?
For the avoidance of doubt, I wanna say here and now this guy is not me, @RITB. I have voiced similar sentiments about Fed’s loss to Delpo on this very forum that some people might think this guy is me. Nope, cross my heart and hope to die………
Further proof: this guy presents his case much more eloquently than me, more persuasively too.
For me, the clincher were Fed’s own words post-match, when he said Delpo stood a better chance of beating Rafa than him in his condition. Seriously, that right there does not need further elaboration.
He also said Rafa very focussed this tournament, practicing very well and playing very well..used words like Rafa well within himself 🙂
@Sanju, that jumped at me watching Fed’s post match interview, particularly the detail about how well Rafa was practicing and playing within himself. Sounded to me, at the time, like Fed had been scouting Rafa…………
Yes that caught my attention too..his minute details about Rafa, his focus, his practice, the hours he putting in …I mean I am sure news travels fast but still openly saying it as well as openly admitting DElpo has better chance of beating Rafa than he himself was so unlike Fed. Either he has mellowed with age or just being brutally honest.
I thought what the video guy said about Fed targeting Delpo’s FH was also interesting. Watched Delpo’s post match interview and he said he expects Rafa to find his BH easily with his lefty FH………
Delpo said his BH held up pretty well in the Fed match, will be interesting to see how it fares against Rafa……..
Who will think its you? I thought you were a lady..is my understanding incorrect?
Yes, @Sanju, I am a lady, although some not so nice people might disagree! ?
The context is that this guy is saying exactly what I said post the Fed/Delpo match it’s uncanny. I said Fed lost because he wanted no part in playing Rafa in the semi and one poster, @Kevin I think his name is, took particular exception to my opinion, to the extent of telling me I know nothing about sport, an assumption I found rather strange given he knows nothing about me. Anyways, I’m glad I am not the only one with this opinion, and this guy not only knows sports, he has played top level tennis professionally so @Kevin cannot accuse him of being a sporting numbskull at least! Still, this guy’s take, and mine, are just opinions, not fact.
why do you think this guy said Anderson can beat Rafa? Didnt he say that? He said Nadal will beat Delpo and win the final but in same breath also added Anderson can beat Rafa
I thought he said Anderson would win his semi @Sanju, I don’t think he opined on the final.
RITB, I completely agree with you. Roger atm doesn’t feel up to taking on Rafa for whatever reasons and he hopes that Delpo has more left in the tank and can take out Rafa. That’s why I call his loss to Delpo a tactical loss 😉
Short of screaming, “I tapped”! in that post match interview, Roger couldn’t have made it more obvious……….
When did I ever say anything about you not knowing anything about tennis? I said that you just not have played any competitive sports in your life IF you really think that any professional athlete doesn’t want to win against the best. And I stick by that statement. You’re trolling of non-Rafa players is precisely what makes me and others frustrated with these types of sites. Why can’t you just chear on your player while respecting the others? Suggesting that a player purposely loses because they don’t want to face a certain player is not only disrespectful, but it makes the assumption that the sport of pro tennis is just a joke, and there’s no actual value in competition and winning. If what you suggest is true, then why the hell would Federer have won the 5th set against Wawrinka in the AO semis this year? Surely he should have just lost the 5th set on purpose because he was afraid to face Rafa, right? You lost any credibility as a tennis fan when you suggest that a player purposely lost because they don’t want to face someone they have beat 4 times in a row. Roger and Rafa have ALWAYS wanted to face and beat each other. Anyone at the top of their sport has immeasurable competitive drive. They may say, “Oh, I don’t want to face ____!” But there is no way that Rafa, Federer, Djokovic, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Messi, or any all-time great athlete, doesn’t want to beat their biggest rivals. That’s how competition works. And it’s really disappointing to see your bias toward one player cause you to disrespect what these guys do and have done. I will apologize for one thing, though- I did assume that you were a male, and I apologize for that. I shouldn’t assume that all people who troll Federer or Nadal are just insecure men…
@ Kevin, How do you know I have never played competitive sport? You know nothing about me to make such sweeping conclusions. Stay in your lane, stay out of mine.
You’re right. I should rephrase it- I wouldn’t be surprised if you had never competed competitively in sports if you really think that a top athlete doesn’t want to win, no matter who it’s against. There is no point in playing a sport if you don’t want to win, and these guys are the best of the best. Also, this is a site for people sharing opinions- there is no “your lane” and “my lane” on here. You have the right to troll the player you don’t like, and I have the right to call you out for it. Simple.
Be more careful with your phrasing next time. Do not make assumptions about people you know noting about. It makes you sound like……..a troll. Oh wait, that is exactly what you have been doing, trolling me.
Troll on…..
You are right, RIBT. I did show some troll tendency there. I was a little hypocritical in that sense. If you can’t tell, I am so fed up (no pun intended) with the lack of respect that many fans of Federer and Nadal often have for the other guy. I get it- the two of them have been equally deserving of the “GOAT” title for a long time, and that makes fans of each guy really insecure. Of course people want their favorite player to be considered the greatest. But with that insecurity often comes disrespect and mean-spirited comments. I just don’t understand why fans can’t be competitive with each other without being so damn sensitive and insecure.
I think it’s actually kind of a cycle- the tennis media has largely adopted this story-line that Federer is the ONE and ONLY greatest of all-time, and I just think that is wholly untrue. I’ve said this on here too many times to count now, but one can absolutely make an argument for either Fed, Rafa, or Novak being the greatest player ever. Since it is so close and it’s like splitting hairs, I’ve always taken the stance that we have a 5-man Mount Rushmore of Men’s Tennis, which (imo) includes the Big 3, Sampras, and Laver. I wish that the sports media at-large would adopt a more balanced approach to discussing the greatest players ever. Anyway, since the media so widely proclaims Federer as the undisputed goat, well then of course you’re going to have Rafa and Novak fans up in arms, as they rightfully should be! And that’s where the ugliness of social media comes in. Non-Federer fans see him on media, especially social media, being called the lone-goat, and some Federer fans do it in an overly bragadocious way. That only triggers a very angry, defensive response from some of the Rafa/Novak fans. And then it just becomes an all-out social media shit-talking and trolling battle between the factions. And it’s so pointless! It does nothing but make people hate the other two players and their fans. And I just wish there was a way to get people to drop their weapons (smart phones/keyboards) and start discussing these three guys for what they are, unquestionably- the 3 greatest players who ever lived. However, I’m not so naive to think that that will ever happen. It would take a massive effort on the part of the sports media, in tandem with the die-hard fans who are more mean-spirited than others. I wish there was a way I could start this process…
As for your comment, RIBT, I have obviously seen far worse trolling of the Big 3 than what you have said. It isn’t even the actual basis of what your arguing that irks me. It’s the way you say it. I’ve seen you make good arguments, but then include disses against Federer himself. That’s why I reacted the way I did to you. There is a big difference between having some doubt deep down entering a tournament about whether or not you would be able to give your all against the best. It’s another thing to suggest, without evidence, that Federer was just “afraid” to face Rafa. Him saying that he wouldn’t fancy his chances against Rafa right now is not evidence that he purposefully lost his match against Del Po because he was afraid to face Rafa. Just like I should not have assumed you never played sports, you should not assume that Federer purposely threw a match. Sure there will always be people who have experience in tennis (like the guy in the video you’re discussing) who will say that they suspect that Federer threw the match, but what about the experienced ones who would suspect that throwing a match is something that is not in the DNA of Federer, Rafa, Djokovic, Murray, etc.? Overall, the bias and insecurity of some Big 3 fans just really bothers me, and as you can see, it fires me up. I’m willing to truce with you and admit I showed hypocrisy in suggesting you have never played sports. I do wish, however, that the die-hard fans of the Big 3 would make more of an effort to just root on their guy without disrespecting the other 2. I choose this site because that aspect is way better on this site than other ones. Everyone can point fingers at which fans they think are the worst, which of the three are the best, but everyone should know that all three of them are amazing champions, and the truth is that there are so many factors at play that it is truly like splitting hairs in trying to prove that one of them is “better” than the others. It’s so insanely subjective that I believe it is way better to just call them the “Holy Trinity” or some silly name like that.
I really do apologize for making assumptions about you, RIBT. It was wrong of me. I would like to think that others on here can attest that I am not a mean person on here, I just get really passionate and frustrated by the ultra-bias that sometimes comes out of die-hard fans of the Big 3.
@Kevin, apology accepted. Thank you.
Here is why I reacted the way I did:
1. This is a tennis forum to discuss professional tennis, WTA and ATP. This means we the posters/fans get to discuss the professional tennis players, any players, and their game. How am I trolling Federer, or any player, if I am discussing them on a tennis forum? You cannot call it trolling just because you disagree with my opinion on a player, I do not get that. Otherwise we may as well not discuss tennis players, in which case what is the point of the forum? You may not agree with my opinion and that is fair, you are entitled to a different opinion but saying I am trolling Federer sounds like an attempt to shut me up and that is not on.
2. Questioning my sporting nous was an attempt to discredit my opinion on whether Fed “tanked” or not. I think this was unfair. Again, this is a tactic used by people to silence others, especially women and that is not fair. Attack my opinion, don’t attack me. I presented my arguments on why I thought Fed did not want to meet Rafa in the semis, please present your arguments on why I am wrong. To say I am wrong because “I do not play sports” is a diversionary tactic which does not enhance the discussion about the topic at hand at all.
You have every right to disagree with me and I welcome that. That is the reason I post here, to engage in spirited discussions with other posters and believe it or not, I actually enjoy engaging with those who disagree with me more than with those who agree with me all the time!
Lastly, may I suggest you do not take the “insults” we lobby at players too seriously? It’s banter. I am not a Fedfan but that does not mean I hate him. Even if I did, what difference does that make to Fed? Does he even know I exist, let alone change his life because I said something awful about him? No. I am a Rafan, I appreciate that there are tennis fans out there who do not like him and that is okay. I will not try to censor what they say about him. I will respond like a Rafan! It’s all part of the fun, at least I hope.
I do no think you are a mean person, I just think you misunderstood me. If I say something mean about Fed, Djokovic or any other player, I am not being a “hater”, I am merely provoking discussion from other fans.
Please do not feel constrained in engaging me, fire away, I will fire away in kind!
Enjoy the rest of the Slam, keeping fingers crossed Rafa wins tonight!
After all that, what did this guy really say, sounded like noise and a butt heart fan to me!! Federer lost to a better player on the day, hey, it happens!! Whats the point of all this analysis!! And if Rafa does not play well he will lose too!!! Simple!!
Federer is 19 GS Champion, he can afford to lose GSs!! He is not entitled to them, give me a break!! I would like Rafa to win his 16th, but if he plays like crap and loses, then thats too bad!! But he is not entitled!!
Just looking forward to a great match, and that Rafa brings his A game, thats all!!!
painful video to watch at the beginning… between the coughing and picking at nose… but finally makes his point.
‘painful video to watch at the beginning… between the coughing and picking at nose’ Lol, indeed!!!
what video
Enjoy guys…precursor to what may come tonight 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l76_wU3_sTk
Vamos Rafa! It won’t be easy, though… Delpo is playing great and is on “adrenaline injection” but I hope Rafa uses his weapons well to beat Delpo. Hope Rafa’s forehand works perfectly, hope Rafa serves well, hope it’s nice and hot out there, hope Rafa wears Delpo down and hope Rafa finishes in 4 at most!
Great achievement to be in USO semis again! We love you Rafa! ❤️
Vamos!
While Roger’s presser was very honest I don’t think he mellowed, lol! It’s a skilful mind game IMO, which signals Delpo: “you can do it”, and Roger also says to Rafa: “beware of Delpo!”
Rafa’s winning this one. Someone mentioned this here on tenngrand (may be Atul ) that Delpo’s serve won’t as effective because it will be an outdoor match. This is important! It becomes even more relevant when you look at Delpo’s ball toss. He has a high ball toss and Aurthur Ashe stadium can complicate things further regarding the wind. Delpo will still serve big and win free points but it won’t as effective.
Rafa will target Delpo’s backhand and look to step in to create opportunities for his forehand DTL. He will be better than Federer in spreading the court and moving Delpo around.
DON’T BUY into those ‘delpo will be really tired’ theories! Delpo has huge energy reserves and he will be there big time! He played 3 hours with DJokovic in Indian Wells 2013 and everyone thought he would be a spent force for the final against Rafa. He came out firing and was up a set and a break before Rafa staged a comeback! He also did the same in the Olympics final.
Delpo will obviously look to use his forehand to keep points short. His backhand slice will NOT be as much of a neutraliser against Rafa though. Rafa will use those slices to work his way into the rallies and drain Delpo.
I expect Rafa to win in 4 sets.
First set will be key for Rafa. If he wins it its gone for Delpo. If he loses it, it will be tough night for Rafa. I just hope Rafa serves well and surprises DelPo by charging to net with wide serve on Ad Court often enough just to keep him honest
Anncone has predicted Rafa win USO.
Because he is winning it. No question. He would never let this good of an opportunity slip. I just can’t imagine it. There were question marks around Federer through much of the tournament. Rafa is fine, he just started a little slowly in his first few matches. Especially since this is a slow hard court, best of five, open roof. This is Rafa’s title. And he better freakin’ take it haha!
All this extra favoritism is freaking me and making me nervous
Delpo had a whopping 43% unreturned first serves against Fed! Not gonna happen today.
Great post Kevin, thats why ive never really been all that concerned with all things GOAT, reason being theres too many different caveats to the topic, i love the idea that theres a number of all time greats instead, with different areas of greatness in the sport ….
Thanks Alison. It just seems so absurd to me to be able to declare one of those guys to be definitively better than the other two, all around. There are so many variables- court surface, indoor/outdoor, competition level, game style, evolution of the game, majors won, masters won, overall titles won, consistency, ranking stuff, and on and on and on. It just frustrates me when people just look at it so narrowly, like “Roger has the most titles, so he’s the goat!” or “Rafa has dominated the overall head to head with Roger, so that means he’s the goat!” Or “Novak has a winning overall h2h against both Fed AND Rafa, so he has to be the goat!” To me, those are the arguments of people who really don’t have a true appreciation for the sport, but just NEED their guy to be considered the best, no matter what. Because there are endless variables and arguments that people use for why one of them is “better” than the other two, why not just accept that it’s so close that it’s truly a matter of who you like better, and then just appreciate and marvel at how amazing the three of them are in their own unique way? But again, because these guys are so passionately loved, it makes sense that a lot of people just cannot accept that their guy can’t be objectively the best ever. It’s a reality that is sad for me, but just the way it is…
Oh, btw, Rafa in 4, maybe even straights… Vamos Rafa and Del Po!
Great post, Kevin, thanks. I am a bit different, I think. Never bought into the GOAT thing. Well, Rafa is probably the GOAT on clay. Roger, certainly at the current Wimbledon (which is quite different from Wimbledon 12 years and more ago, I’m told). At his best Djokovic might well be better than either on hard court. What I do know is when they are playing their best against each other they produce epic tennis and you never really know who’s going to win. Also tennis players are judged over the length of their careers, and none of these guys is done yet.
Keep your mind sharp and focused, remain confident, be strong and show your warrior spirit, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DJOf0U-XUAA3rZY.jpg
A lot of “experts” who have picked Delpo to win against Rafa are picking him to win in 5. I don’t get that, if he is not as fit as would like to be. In his post Fed match interview, Delpo expressed xo corns about his legs. If he has doubts about his legs he will want to finish the match quicker so I do not see how he gets to 5.
If one is picking Delpo, makes more sense to me to say he wins in 3 or 4 at worst……..
“Expressed concerns”
I agree with you, RIBT. Sure, Del Po has shown great toughness in the last couple years in long, epic matches. Not today, though, imo. Not after all he’s been through this tournament. Not against Rafa. If he were to pull off a win, he would have to just blow Rafa off the court in no more than 4 sets. I just don’t see that happening, though. I think Rafa is destined to win this tournament. Sorry if that freaks out the big-time Rafa fans on here, but that’s just how I feel! The stars could not have aligned any better for him to get another US Open title, and I just don’t see him passing up that opportunity. If he’s going to lose, someone is going to have to redline their game and take the racquet out of his hands. He will not lose as long as he’s in control. And I can’t imagine him not being in control at this point in this tournament.
This match will end in 4 or 5 sets, R. Nadal might win but i believe Juan Martin Del Potro will be the victor.
Over games.
Over 3.5 sets, likely in 5 sets.
Del Potro to win.
If R. Nadal wins he deserves the trophy.
Enjoy the match ok!
R. Nadal vs Juan Martin del Potro
Cant tell which player you want to win. lmao
He wants Delpo to win.
I want Juan Martin Del Potro to win but i placed some bets and when i bet i play multiple slips targeting a higher odd that covers my total stake plus profits, so when i bet i stick with the matches i trust and matches that are hard to predict i play different options and in my last slip(4th slip or 5th) i contradict my original pick because that’s the best way to bet.
E.g if you want to win 6000 or 600 everyone has a number maybe 6 million.
Instead of using 1000 or 100 to aim for 6 odds in 1 slip, i use 4000 or 400 sometimes 4 million depending on your currency to aim for 10 odds playing 4 different slips.
I don’t contradict my picks in my 1st, 2nd or 3rd slip but in my 4th or 5th slip i play the opposite of a match that is hard to predict.
For example Kevin Anderson vs Pablo Carreno.
1) I knew the match won’t end in 3 sets so i went with the over 3.5 sets.
2) Over games.
3) I picked Pablo to win a set.
4) I picked Pablo Carreno to win.
5) Then in my 5th slip i contradicted my main pick by picking K. Anderson to win just in case P. Carreno loses.
I placed this bet with other matches, some are successful, some haven’t played yet, the will play soon and 1 or 2 matches will play tomorrow.
I hope this was helpful.
Vamos Del Potro!
It’s nice and sunny in NY, no wind! Hope it stays that way for the other semi! The forecast looks good!
Vamos Rafa!
Ricky pretty much got the first semifinal prediction right. Hope he gets the second one right as well!
Go Rafa!!!
Very funny!
Del Potro will win in 4 or 5 sets, if Rafito wins i still win but i want Juan Martin Del potro to win.
If Rafans beg me & apologize for everything they have done to me then i will change my mind.
I used to like Rafito a lot but my likeness 4 him has reduced because of you guys.
If R. Nadal wins the trophy(he won’t) all is good, nothing will change but you guy’s need to apologize me ASAP please do it.
I think JM del Potro might give Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal a match.
If R. Nadal wins(he won’t win) but if he wins, i want him to win in 5th set so that i can enjoy the match.
If Del Potro wins i hope he wins in the 4th or 3rd set, i don’t think Del Potro can win in 3 sets but i hope he wins no matter what, if he wants to win in the 10th set let him win, as long as wins he can lose the final if he wants but plzzz i am begging you defeat R. Nadal, his fans made me cry and the need 2 apologize.
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NEED to apologize? A bit conceited of you to say that.
You’re not better than everyone else. Quit acting all high and mighty, and get of your pedestal.
Furthermore, what else did you expect after you repeatedly told people Rafa doesn’t even stand a chance against Federer, who couldn’t be stopped in winning this year’s US Open, and would crush Nadal in 3 sets.
If your mind on rooting for Rafa can be swayed by something so trivial, you really shouldn’t be a fan of Rafa in the first place, and should just stick to Federer.
You don’t deserve an apology, so I’m definitely not giving you one.
You don’t even know when someone is joking wow! My Goodness!
Here i am thinking that i am discussing with someone who understands.
Please lighten up and laugh a little ok, stop acting like…
I was joking, i know you guys won’t apologize just playing b4 the match starts.
LOL I can’t really tell when you’re joking and when you’re not, your comments always seem really extreme so haha my bad XD.
That’s Ok! But why are Rafans not friendly people?
And what does xd mean?
Hmmmm this will be difficult to Rafa. Love both players haha, but have to cheer for Rafa for this one. Even if Rafa loses, he will still be No.1 so that’s a relief!
Both players have been looking good, here’s to a good match between them!
azurite.
Just try to ignore Stanley. He’s instigating and being a troll.
Let’s enjoy the match!
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Please win it this match in 3 rafa just so u can shut Stanley one more time…He’s still not learned his lessons…
Sigh, He’s probably just really frustrated/mad his favorite player Federer didn’t win like he predicted and so wants Rafa to lose, hence being rude to us.
Yeah azurite!…We all know what Stanley’s doing…the thing is..he shouldn’t whined if some of us ‘give’ back to him some…give an honest opinion,that’s okay..but if you’re just trolling & baiting…then u just have to accept the consequences after that…
@Mira Andi
Please stop mentioning my name, i mean it. Please stop!
@Mira
Please be careful! I am begging U.
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Ohohohohohoho!….rafa in black!..this is the 1st time he wear black in this tourney right?In 2013 his night gear also black/grey…hope this time it will bring Rafa & us the same luck…Please God!let rafa win!!
2nd time, he wore it against Taro Daniel as well.
Vamos Juan Martin Del Potro!
Lets ball!
Oh really azurite?Hehe..i didn’t see that match…well,really really hope the luck of 2010,2013 will appear once again tonight & hopefully in final…C’mon Rafa!!Let’s do this!!
Haha this is really a tough one…I’m actually quite nervous that Rafa can lose…but Rafa is much better than he was post 2015 and I believe he has a good shot.
You should be nervous, Rafito will definitely lose in 4 or 5 sets.
Del Potro will destroy him.
hmm the Delpo forehand is just scary.
Nadal starts off with a hold, but it definitely wasn’t as easy as I would’ve liked.
Nadal missing first serves.
Really really well constructed point from Nadal at 15-0
This match will be decided in the 5th set.
Del Potro will win and you guys will some hug & kisses especially the ladies, i just want you to know that i am here 4 U always.
Hmm I agree that It’ll be close, but will delpo have enough stamina to last so long?
*sigh* break point already, Nadal needs to start hitting some 1st serves in and cut down UFE.
Rafa not serving well today at all. Groundstrokes not bad.
R. Nadal first serve missing too much. Delpo already pressuring.
R. Nadal is struggling and might lose in 3 sets if he is not careful.
Please lose in the 5th set, i want to enjoy this match.
He’s definitely struggling. This is too difficult to make any predictions yet imo.
Nadal is still playing well though. I think right now, the two are playing at an incredibly high level.
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Dang del potro breaks. Net cord in his favor today haha. Already happened twice.
That was just bad luck in that game. Delpo won two points thanks to the net in that game! Rafa not playing bad and will get better once he settles a bit. He needs to serve a bit better and hit the forehand harder.
wow, Juan Martin ‘delPo’ del Potro gets the break. Nadal in trouble. Nadal’s forehand to delPo’s sits perfectly for him and Nadal knows it.
Delpo isnt intimidated by Nadal, both Spanish speaking.
I wonder why Rafa doesn’t come up to the net often. He’s certainly talented at net play.
WHAT. A. RALLY.
Insane gets from Nadal, bad miss from Delpo.
Nadal standing way to far back, cant get depth on return, easy put aways for delpo.
Del Potro thinks he’s defending his title.
LOL.
I think nadal is starting to get a bit more comfortable. Both players nailing FHs.
This is looking to be an amazing match.
Rafa tight..playing short
Not serving well…First serve percentage low
Yes, he really needs to start hitting his first serve.
Great defense from Nadal though.
Delpo cracking winners from anywhere in the court from his FH
Rafa getting slightly better..initial nerves settled I feel
Nadal stepped TOO FAR back in that return game at 3-2 . It is okay to step back but not that much. Rafa got a bit hesitant to go for the Delpo forehand after seeing some winners early on. He is now going to the Delpo forehand again in this match and I like that! Much more aggressive game from Rafa. 4-3 Delpo
He’s standing so far back, I can’t even see him on screen sometimes. I don’t even think he can go farther back. HE definitely needs to be closer, ESPECIALLY on second serves.
Yeah, my sentiments as well. Rafa seems to be playing more freely right now. Might be a little too late for this set though as Delpo is serving very well…
Rafa cracked 3 winners off his FH in that game..hopefully will pick up now
Shaping up to be a great match. Rafa settling down a bit, but if delpo can keep hitting the serve and stay consistent on the BH, he will be tough to beat. If he starts really grooving his FH, then watch out.
It’s good to see Rafa’s body language is still positive despite 1 game behind Delpo…And he so used to be in high profile’s match like this…ithink he will find a solution to Delpo’s question sooner or later….Insyaallah…
Nadal needs to change return or this is not going to be pretty. 4 straight errors from Nadal. Not good.
Well done Del Potro!
You guys are in real trouble but i want a 5th set and a Delpo win.
Vamos Juan Martin Del Potro!
Here is balling, come on.
Rafito is in trouble! But the match Isn’t over, too early to celebrate.
OMG ! HOW THE HELL DID RAFA GET TO THAT DROP SHOT!! WOW
IKR!! I got so worried when I saw delpo hit that shot, but omfg nadal!!!!
wow. breathtaking play from both, and amazing get from nadal to go 30-15/
2 aces in 1 game when you’re behind?That’s confident!
Wow, what a shot from Nadal off that drop shot. Rafa serving a bit better this game.
This match is amazing so far! Awesome stuff from both guys. Totally making up for the Fedal miss.
Did delpo play this well against federer? I didnt’ get to see the match.
Delpo please hold your serve let’s take the 1st set.
Much better serving and hitting from Rafa now. Delpo’s first serve % is 79 at the moment. It will drop and Rafa will have his chances.
9 winners from Rafa and 10 winners from Delpo so far.
Hahahahaha Very funny stuff right there?
Trying to console himself, your guy is going down today no matter what.
Even if it’s in the 5th set, my Rafito is going down.
I agree that Del Po will win Stanley but I don’t get how you can keep saying stuff like that after you were so sure Roger would win the tournament. I was just taking it one match at a time with him and I knew a 100% del Po would be tough (just didn’t think del Po would be 100%). I don’t know if you mean to but you’re just giving off a sort of trolling vibe with statements like this.
The height Nadal gets on his shots dont trouble Del Potro.
just amazing stuff in this match.
Del Potro is seeing it like a beach ball.
DTL BH winner from Delpo
Im the US Open Champion GTFO Nadal!
Urgh!Rafa should unleashed his trademark FH DTL when that side was empty!
Rafa has himself to blame for this state..not pulling the trigger soon..happy to rally
Nadal’s returns are just bad! Costing him so many points.
The ball boy killed the moth. few animal activists wouldnt be hapy about that.
Bad miss from Rafa on a 2nd serve to give delpo 2 set points. He can’t afford misses like that.
If Delpo holds this level, Nadal cant win. Serve and groundies are too big.
I tend to agree. Rafa has to start playing more aggressive. First game of the set is a good start.
Damn…
Del Potro is on fire.
First set Delpo.
Nadal needs to work on ROS to win next set.
Urgh!…Rafa should make Delpo run more & more..make him & tired legs suffer a little bit…but no!he just happy to rally…to Delpo’s BH that is!
Two more sets to go.
Del Potro will win in the 5th set or Rafa will win it in the 5th.
Hopefully it’s Delpo.
Rafa can do way better if he hits more first serves, and hits better returns.
Yes, should make him run. Even though Delpo wins the long point, Rafa will benefit with that investment. I thought he was unlucky with 2 netcords, but Delpo looked the better player. Rafa is not RETURNING WELL
agreed. rafa needs 9+ shots rallies. Loads of them!
Pretty good start from Nadal in the second set.
Finally! A DTL FH!
DF from delpo gives a small opening for nadal…
but Rafa misses return. Cmon nadal wtf are those returns…
but AMAZING DEFENSE for BREAK POINT!
Rafa’s come out determined here. He will play better now.
Rafa FORCING Delpo to finally go for DTL backhands
World class counterpunching from rafa! Break point
AND HE BREAKS!!!! RAFA!!!!
what amazing defense from Rafa….insane play from both players. I think Rafa is playing better than AO imo. Delpo also playing amazing.
Rafa shouldn’t be intimidated by Delpo’s FH! He should move closer to the baseline and should approach the net more. He should attach Delpo from both sides not only BH to make him run more which will bring more UEs from Delpo’s racquet!
Vamos Rafa!
Rafa is playing amazing right now. Maybe even better than 2013…?
Love hold from Nadal when he needs it!
Rafa has really turned up a gear to start this second set.
What. A. Match.
Rafa has hit 7 winners and ZERO Unforced errors in set 2. Unplayable at the moment! Serving well now and reading the Delpo serve better.
Delpo starting to make some errors now. His level has dropped from 1st set.
yeah mainly because he is hardly getting any short balls and is being moved from corner to corner AND his big serving died down a bit. Rafa’s making better contact on the returns as well. Delpo has made some loose errors but expected.
omg that fh from Nadal!
Nadal is on ABSOLUTE FIRE in this second set. Delpo serving has dropped a bit.
NADAL! DOUBLE BREAK UP!
YESSS!!!Woohooo!!…2nd break point!…C’mon rafa!!!
Rafa’s been faultless. Ruthless from him! Delpo is a bit off now but main reason is Rafa.
This set is all Rafa! 5-0 up!
Yesss!!..5 0 now!!….Thank u God!!Thank u!!
Ridiculous depth on Rafa’s groundstrokes this set.
11 winners, 0 unforced errors!!! Absolute masterclass.
This is the best Rafa has been all year IMO.
Best 25 minutes for Rafa . Some slinging forehands, counter punching from BH side and very good serving Just looks dialled in. This should calm him now.
It’s all Rafa right now! Love it!
However, Delpo will again be dangerous in the third! Rafa has to stay focused and strong!
Vamos!
yeah delpo level a bit down in this set. I expect him to raise it again in the third.
That is what Rafa Nadal does to you when he is playing his aggressive best!! unplayable this set!!
Yes!!..Oh my God!!…So so good to see how Rafa still motivated & very passionate after he lost the 1st set…Keep doing this Rafa!..C’mon!!
ITS A BAGEL!!!! RAFA TO START 3rd with serve!
I want Delpo to win in 5 sets not 4, please win in 5 sets, allow Nadal to win 2 sets then smoke him back to spain.
6-0 , need to keep the foot down . Beautiful tennis. Aggressive returning.
Not sure if Delpo was playing possum a bit at the end of the set, or if he’s finally out of gas. If latter, then this won’t last much longer.
LOOK at those returns from Rafa! he is well inside the baseline to return second serves. THIS is what he was practicing earlier today!
13 winners, 1 UE! , only 2 points lost on serve!!
One of the best hard court sets of the year in my view.
Anyway, Rafa must stay alert and try to maintain this intensity. It will be really tough to sustain this level but if he stays even close, he will be able to win.
Delpo will try to relax and hit bigger and better now. Rafa must be careful.
Rafa played great, but Delpo made it a bit easy for him. He has stopped hitting his FH with pace; shanked a few and maybe lost confidence. This first serving game is key for Juan.
You guys will be disappointed in the 5th set.
I will talk to you guys later, i have a lot to do tomorrow so enjoy the match and watch how Delpo wins in the 5th set.
Goodluck Juan Martin Del Potro!
I really wish U the best, plzzz defeat R. Nadal in 5 not 4.
or you know rafa can actually win. He’s on f**king fire
Nny!..Where r u?Come out now!That’s okay!…If Rafa maintain this level,i think Rafa will win today insyaallah!
MA,
I am here watching! I was so tense in that first set that I didn’t want to even post! Then I have just been replaying Rafa’s great shots! I am loving seeing Rafa playing like this!
Hey Nny!!…Yeah!we’re all tensed too in the 1st set..but hey hey hey!..look at what your darling’s doing now Nny!!…I don’t think he will back down from this NNy..he’s already see the finish line…and u know what?I think he wants to give something special to his Uncle Toni,knowing this is the last time they’ll be together…just like at the FO…
Delpo looks tired. His shots are also getting more erratic.
Nadal playing lights out as well.
Nadal has won 8 straight games in a row.
2-0 in second.
Just absolute LIGHTS OUT from Nadal. On another world.
This is FAR better than the Rafa of AO. Not sure what has gotten into him. Delpo must hope his level falls or this will be over real quick.
Nobody can stop this version of Rafael Nadal in my opinion.
YESSS!!OH MY GOD!!!….Break now!!…Love u Rafa!!!…C’mon!keep doing this!!
Nadal is a machine. One in a billion competitor.
WOW!!! ???
Bravo Rafa!
Awesome from Rafa to break. On fire, but I think Delpo has dropped a couple levels. The zip on his serve and FH has gone away. He has to stay aggressive to have a chance here.
Wow nine straight games. Delpo has to hold here or he’s done.
Once again Thank u God for amazing perfomance from rafa so far…Thank u for giving him confidence and self belief…This positivity that make it everything happen so brilliantly tonight..
Once Nadal gets momentum on the comeback, its like a freight train.
From returning serve from close to the line judges to doing it from inside the baseline. Delpo getting COMPLETELY different looks. Rafa THUMPING returns. Set 1 , delpo was getting sitters !
Delpo looks a bit resigned now.
However, I’ve seen Delpo literally rise from the dead many times in the past so Rafa must keep this intensity up!
There go the Argentines! I think Delpo needs more than that!
Hey did Delpo got injured or something in set 2.
Missed the 2nd set due to some work after watching the 1st and watching here in the 3rd Delpo seems to have lost his pace on his serve, his BH, his FH. I mean what went wrong. Rafa is still playing at almost the same level as in set 1 apart from changing a bit of dynamic on the ad court.
Quite perplexing to me. Hope that Delpo is alright. Can’t see him sustaining anymore physical issues.
no, Rafa was unplayable in set 2. Would have crushed anyone on the other side.
Are you kidding with this? Maybe you should actually watch that second set and see Rafa take Delpo apart! Rafa playing at the same level? Like standing on or inside the baseline to return serve? Like hitting his DTL forehand with perfect precision?
If Delpo is tired, then it’s because of Rafa making him move and wearing him down!
vr,
Thanks for saying it! Yes! Rafa was unplayable!
Give credit where credit is due!
Nny..i think Delpo more drained mentally than physically..he’s already admit that playing rafa is not easy…that’s already put a pressure on himself i believe..
Like I said didn’t get to see the 2nd hence perplexed. Especially by that scoreline of 6-0. Service games is mostly in servers hands no. So losing 3 on the trot made me think that somethink wrong might have happened to Delpo that really affected his service games. That’s why came here to ask.
he missed some first serves and Rafa was sending cannon balls to his feet and punishing with his groundstrokes.
Rafa’s second set was the best I’ve seen him play on HCs in the last three years…
Finally a game for delpo. Barely, but it’s a start.
damn Rafa getting tight now
Looked at the stats just now, Delpo’s 1st serve % dropped down to 50%. Seems like that coupled with Rafa’s more aggressive approach did Delpo in.
Not the first time Rafa is hitting more forehand winners than Delpo. I remember their wimbledon 2011 match and Rafa ended up with considerably more forehand winners.
It’s not about the forehand. It’s his serve and BH that seem to have gone completely downhill from set 1. He uses those 2 shots to set up his FH. His BH is way underrated of a shot
Yeah, but you can’t ‘set up’ points with your backhand when the depth of returns and groundstrokes is suddenly MUCH higher.
Can be true for the other way round also no?
Very gingerly there from delpo after that BH. He may have re-injured something here. Still 30-30.
Rafa’s level has dropped somewhat, as expected. Still hitting the ball very aggressively though! Just missing a bit now.
The ESPN commies said they think Delpo
may have done something to his hip.
Delpo is fine! He is always dangerous…Rafa should not be fooled..,he must not lose focus! Rafa should not stay away from attacking Delpo’s FH! He must move Delpo around…
Nny…if he’s done something to his hip,i wonder why he still not call for the trainer for treatment or something?
MA,
I don’t know. He may just be tired with all the matches catching up to him and Rafa pushing him physically.
Rafa really has to stay focused here.
Yeah!agree with you Nny!…Like my answer to u up there,he’s more tired in his head than physically…and if Rafa keep pushing him like the last 2 sets…i don’t think he has a chance to come back in this match…
why is rafa playing tight on BPs..both BPs early on and now he did he same
Nadal stats after set 1:
23 winners, 4 UE…
Oh god..this is horrible
lol silly miss from Rafa there but he is OWNING the court right now. The depth on his returns and shots is ridiculous.
Delpo needs to hold and serve first in the 4th otherwise its definitely over.
damn Rafa will get broken now
Nice serve & volley , 15-15
Sanju, no, I think he will close it out.
Nadal is class, beautiful backhand volley
Delpo UNLEASHING his forehand.
Yep, Rafa’s tight at the moment. Needs some good serving to close this one out.
YESSSS!!WOOOOHOOOO!!….2 1 now!!C’mon Rafa!!1 more set please!!!
Reporting from ashe. One more set rafans! Hang in there. Hope delpo does not get a second wind. Woooo hoo. Neat lawnmower at the end?
wow! Enjoy vmk!!
So, what did I keep saying about Rafa’s second serve?? He has won 71% of them tonight. I knew he would be formidable on 2nd serves as soon as his forehand gets consistent.
Totally agree with Natashao.
Rafa’s shouldn’t be fooled. Delpo may be wary but he has huge reserves of energy and he can start playing at a high level any time.
I think Rafa played a very agggressive 3rd set. He made mistakes, but he has just put Delpo on the run all the time. He has been really aggressive, has been going for his shots. His ROS is very very aggressive. Rafa has got broken only once where he was unlucky twice. Otherwise he would have not even have lost a set. Should close this out in 4th now.
Rafa needs to be careful here. Dont go to DelPo’s FH even with aggressive BH CC.
Agreed. Delpo really going for his forehand DTL so damn flat.
Delpo serving first is massive. Losing 6:0 and letting Nadal serve first in the 4rd cost him the 3rd set.
Rafa is sensing it now. He went for that break of serve.
Rafa is too smart to let up on Delpo. He knows better.
Delpo slices are prize meal for Rafa. Against Fed, he could force fed to hit a slice and have a go at his inside out forehand but this is such different patterns.
YESSS!!!WOOHOHOHO!!….Broke now!!C’mon Rafa!!Finish it!!!
Even on a hard court, vintage Rafa forehand trumps Delpo’s forehand.
Also, when Rafa gets his ROS balance this right, he is like an unstoppable freight train.
Yes some beautiful patterns. Very aggressive . This Rafa is better than 2013 USO Rafa.
The Rafa we have seen set 2 onward, oh yeah! This is better than 2013.
People who post here regularly know I don’t say this often at all and I don’t exaggerate . Seeing this Rafa Nadal, I don’t think anyone can beat him on this court!!
It is the same story . 2010, 2013 Rafa was also well above the competition in those slams and he is doing it again in 2017 after a shaky start. People were talking about him getting weak opponents but his performance against Dolgo was a clear indications he was peaking at the right time.
What has impressed me most is how he has turned the tables in return games. He was returning from close to the line judges and suddenly he was inside the baseline, making very very aggressive returns.
2010, 2013 Rafa versions were not returning anywhere to this level.
I know this is one match and he needs to replicate in the final but I have confidence he will do it.
Nadal in 4 was the popular prediction so looks like the first set was the one Del Potro wins.
Nadal looks more hungry in this match than ive seen him in years.
Del Po looks burnt out. Understandable. Rafa taking full advantage. This set will be something like 6-2
YESSS!!WOOOHOOOO!!Double break!!…C’mon rafa!!..just 2 more games!!…U can do it!!
Delpo looks resigned now and he must be feeling jaded. Sure, he could have made the scorelines closer (quite likely not in set 2 though) but I have zero doubts the result would have been the same even if Delpo were 110% fit!!
Yup that’s true.
But would have got to see a much better match.
Anyways hope he builds it on from here for the rest of the season.
Rafa a game away from the final!
This is the RG Rafa mastering the hard courts in the same manner! The King of USO!! Rafa playing amazing tennis! Totally dominates the court! Real beauty for us Rafans!
Vamooooosss!
Yeah Natashao. This Rafa is playing at such a fast pace and returning so aggressively. RG Rafa was unplayable from the baseline but obviously a higher % ROS strategy.
Dont worry, Djokovic will be back to give him a spanking.
Wait till January…after that we will see..if you think Djoko will take a break of 6 months and dominate season like Rafa did in 2013 and Fed did in parts this year..you may not be right..he well may but cant be so sure
hahaha what’s with these casual misses from Rafa ?!
I remember saying that Rafa could play himself into really good form in this slam. He hasn’t looked good coming into the USO, but I thought he could get himself together!
Rafa wins!!! In the final!
???
That’s okay!…we can forgive that stupid error from rafa considering he’s gonna serve for the match now…C;mon Rafa!!…U can do this!!
Ok. This game was an off type with lost concentration but next Rafa serves for the match and for the spot in the finals!
Vamos!
2 match points!
What will Rafa be paying to beat Kevin Anderson, 1.05?
YESSSSSSS!!!WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!……THANK THANK U THANK U GOD FOR THIS WIN!!!….ALHAMDULILLAH!!
NNy & rc!!….Another final!!
Vaaaaaamoooooos Rafa !!!!!! ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
Rafa reached his 3rd GS final this year!!! Wooohooo!!!
HE DOES IT! RAFAEL NADAL BEATS JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 FOR A SPOT IN THE US OPEN 2017 FINALS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2013!
Vaaaaaaaammmmmmooooosssssss!
Rafa is da man!
Rafa, The 2017 USO Champion. Congratulations!
@ Jim, lol!! Can i have a peak at your crystal ball?
Really happy for all all you Rafa fans! I know you don’t want to truly celebrate until the trophy is in his hands, but I think we all know the outcome of this tournament… 🙂
Lol!
Very good win. Rafa just took life out of DelPo. I dont think he lost because he was tired. He just was shell-shocked.
Rafa had started to hit his shots better in the second half of set 2 and he was really unlucky to get broken. Once set 2 started, he just moved to a higher gear and Delpo was jusy suddenly getting completely different looks. Within minutes, Rafa had a stranglehold over Delpo and then literally sucked life out of him.
The big man is a huge player and could have competed harder if hr were fresher but boy oh boy, you can’t handle this version of Rafa.
I TOLD YOUZ guys the Cincy result is not relevant and the Toronto match was a one-off. Rafa just needed to build momentum in the early rounds and use the format of slams to his advantage. He really played himself into form.
This version of Rafa was incresible to watch. I am so happy I got to see how secure he can look on his 2nd serve when his groundstrokes are working this efficiently!
I repeat what I said before the first round:
I don’t see why Rafa would NOT do really well at the USO. I had full faith in his abilities.
Now, there is a final to be played and Anderson can be really dangerous but Rafa will be ready and I confident he will get in done in 3 or max 4 if Kevin is on fire and Rafa a bit nervous.
Poor Anderson…. But what were the chances that if he made a slam final he would get to face anyone who he could never beat in best of 5? I just PRAY that we get THIS Rafa and a fully-healthy Fed in the rest of the season so we get a full-blown BATTLE for year end #1!! Omg, what if it all came down to WTF like last year? That would crazy… If Rafa somehow doesn’t maintain this form, or Fed never returns to good health/form, it could end up being a very boring remainder of the year… I can handle a decimated draw for one big tournament, but not the whole second half of the season…
I’m sure Fed WILL return to good form for the rest of the year. He just didn’t have time to recuperate fully and prepare properly for the USO. He doesn’t do the long hard practices Rafa does during tournaments but he does need some prep. As he once said wryly, “I had to work at my genius”.
Did anyone notice Rafa playing real fast . I bet it was less than 20 seconds on an average for time to serve.
I mentioned this! He was playing at such a quick pace overall!
Yes, I did, but more so his groundies, he was so super aggressive too!!
Incredible match!! Perhaps for Rogers sake, its a good thing that he lost! Rafa would have really swept the floor with him!!
When Rafa plays his best, this statement can never change
no opposition can match him.
The final will be similar to RG, easy three sets. 16 slams confirmed.
Anderson will beat Nadal. In a dream the night before he actually loses in straight sets of course.
You guys are so full of jokes, lol!!
Haha, more like he’ll be having nightmares about what will inevitably happen! I guess maybe we should give Kevin a little more credit? He did push Rafa hard on a slower hard court in Paris 2015, but that was best of three and 2015 Rafa… Goodnight Kev. He should really proud of making the final. He showed real composite in the latter rounds considering he had never been past the QF.
Yes indeed. Nadal will finish him swiftly but Anderson will lose with grace. Love that guy he works so hard and deserves this. He was 80 in the world after Melbourne this year!! EIGHTY! Now he will be top 15.
Kevin was very, very happy to win his semi. He was kind of acting like it was a final, thanking his team & family at length. He is a nice guy and a class act.
Lol!
Rafa really brought it in this match!
After the first set, Rafa was a boss!
Loved watching this kind of tennis from Rafa!
?
There you are! How are things down in FL? Been worried about you.
Very aggressive Rafa set 2, 3, 4..muscular, very agile, very powerful and very intimidating..and he was stepping in the court so much..why cant he be this aggressive most times
Beast mode from Nadal. Unbelievable level.
Guys lets not get ahead of ourselves please..Rafa has to play the final to win..The trophy is for the guy who wins the last point …Dont count Anderson out. Anything can happen. Remember AO 14..let Rafa play and win..
Noooo, I want to forget AO 14! /sigh But I guess we should remember that plenty of low moments go along with the highs. As Rafa says, “life can’t always be perfect”.
That was Stan though. Nadal that day still probably would’ve beaten Anderson.
Wooohooooo! Vamos Rafa!!! SO HAPPY. (I could be a teeny bit happier since my tivo cut out after the 3rd set! But I did notice in time to catch the end of the match on my hubby’s set up).
Really hoping NNY is ok, have not seen any messages from her yet today – not that I’ve read everything….
she did write a couple of comments! She is ecstatic just like all of us Rafans 😉
Nadal was awesome tonight. Godly forehands galore. I don’t hesitate at all in saying that if Anderson beats Nadal it will be one of top 5 craziest grand slam upsets ever. That said, Nadal in three.
AO is different, that is the unfortunate land for Rafa.
how many times he lost unbelievably.
first in 2011 to Ferrer when he was supposed to get 4 slams trophy.
second to wawa whim he never lost before.
Third to Nole after leading fifth set.
fourth to Roger again after leading fifth set.
In USO, this won’t happen, this is not Melbourne nor Miami.
This is the land which brings much more luck to Rafa, he won’t encounter unthinkable situation here.
I strongly feel the 4 tough losses at Australia will be repaid and made up for in some way.
See Roger and Novak at French…they both lost like 3 finals n few semis before finally winning it.
I know rafa won already at Melbourne in heroic fashion but his 12 n 17 final losses were very very unbelievably close n a point here n there n it could have turned. Against djoko the bh sitter miss and against Fed too the booming fh that misses by a mm that have fed the break back.
More importantly, it’s Anderson lol
Delpo has a bigger game than Anderson. He was schooled. Just saying. Anderson gave a victory speech by just reaching the finals. He knows what’s coming. This is Rafa Nadal freight train.
What a player. #GOAT
Yes he climbing the stands towards his box was too much after semi 🙂
For Kevin Anderson to beat one of the greatest ever in a major final would surely have to be the single greatest upset in men’s tennis history… Which is why it won’t happen. It would take either Rafa getting injured, or having the epic collapse of form ever. And we don’t want either of those! I will say that Rafa woukd presumably had an even easier final had it been PCB. But in terms of the striking difference between the caliber of Rafa vs. Anderson/PCB, it really doesn’t matter who he faces in the final. I think that Rafa getting that coveted next hardcourt title will mean so much to him. I knew he was licking his chops coming in having seen Fed in the Montreal final. He had to have known that he had a great opportunity. And then when the draw broke so widely open, he had to have known this was his tournament if he wanted it enough. And he showed tonight just how much he does want that title!
The only thing I think Anderson will do better than Del Po is keep the energy up. I felt Rafa took some energy out of Del Po with his play but Del Po was also wiped. Anderson hasn’t had super long matches leading in and will have a lot of adrenaline. So I think he will be more hyped and energized and ready to give it his all. Problem for Anderson is his all will almost certainly not be enough.
I think Rafa would have easily beaten fed today too given the form he was in today. Not so lopsided but tighter sets .
In the form Fed was in the past two weeks? Hard to imagine Rafa not winning. It doesn’t matter, though. Fed wasn’t good enough to progress, and Rafa was!
Yes in current form of both …
Yes that is very likely. I didn’t realize it but Fed really made a LOT of crazy mistakes against Del Po. Not to take anything from Juan Martin but I think if Fed was playing close to his best he would’ve rolled in that one. JMDP earned it with his incredible serving but he still got a lot of help from Roger.
So lucky rafa is how much ahead in live ranking points ? 1200 types right ?
1060 points to be exact. Will be 1860 after he beats Anderson.
That’s for the race to London though. In the actual rankings it’s a tiny bit more than that.
Sanju, if we’re talking about 52 weeks ranking points, then after this SF, Rafa will have 8665 points for reaching the final; Fed has 7505 points for reaching QF and lost there. Rafa can add 800 points to make it 9465 points if he wins the USO title.
In terms of race points, Rafa has 8565 and if he wins the title 9365; Fed has 7505.
The difference of 100 points for Rafa (bet. ranking and race points) is because of Rafa’s points from Beijing (90) and Shanghai (10) last year. If Rafa wins the title here at NY, he will have a good chance of finishing 2017 as YE no.1. I hope he does achieve both.
He will have a very good chance, for sure. Fed will have to manage to win most of the remaining tournament this season. Let’s see where he’s at come Shaghai. I hope it comes down to WTF, personally. WTF Finals Final, Rafa vs. Fed, winner take #1! 🙂
Thanks lucky and Benny. 1060 is too small given feds fav part of season. Rafa has to make it 1860 difference to have a safe buffer. Fed already left uso saying he HAS to win Shanghai. He knows if rafa does well there and he does not it’s curtains for no 1.
Let’s not discuss hypotheticals. He handily beat the guy in front of big and is likely to do so again in the finals. #16 would mean GOAT debates will start again.
When did the debate ever end? 🙂
It never does and never will!!
This Rafa Nadal was much better than the Rafa we saw at AO. I always end up finding some faults in Rafa’s performance but there is nothing I can say about today’s performance after set 1. Totally satisfied with all areas of his game!
I have also noticed the improvements in his backhand slice. That shot has not improved at the rate of his 2nd serve improvement but I’ve seen progress. He is getting better length and a bit more bite let it skid through more on a consistent basis. The Rafa slice has always had LOADS of backspin but it used to sit up too much and not skid through. He is doing a better job now.
Agree VR!..It’s the same for me!…This is the first time i felt sooooo satisfied with Rafa’s perfomance since that final at RG…this is the Rafa that we saw in that final[the last 3 sets i mean]…Hopefully we’re also can see this version of Rafa this sunday….
Yes noticed that. It stays very low now. Earlier it had good net clearance.
Nadal 1.12 to beat Anderson. Quite generous odds if you ask me. I thought he’d be 1.05-1.08
@sanmadrids 44m44 minutes ago
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rafael nadal is such a clay court specialist that he’s made it to two hardcourt slam finals this year
@hbryant42 46m
23 major finals for Nadal, 10 on clay, 13 away from it. He’s no specialist, which really goes without saying.
It means a lot. It has been an amazing season of course after a couple with injures and troubles you know? To be back here in front of this amazing crowd, on this amazing court and to have the chance to fight for another title is so important to me.
I changed a couple of things after the first set. I was playing too much to his backhand and I knew that I had change and move him more and be more unpredictable. It worked really well and I am very happy.
When the rounds are coming, you know you have won a few matchs and you have confidence and know you are playing well. The last three matches have been very positive and this one was the best.
It will be very tough against Kevin. He has an unbelievable serve and is a great example for the kids in the way he has come back from injury. I have known him since we were 12 so I am very happy for him.”
yup, called it at 5-3 that he has realized he is not attacking Delpo’s forehand enough and will change it. Some fellow Rafans agreed and we saw him move Delpo around ruthlessly.
Rafa is the huge favourite but he will never take Kevin lightly. Don’t wanna let something like Querrey-Nadal Acapulco final. Rafa’s playing FARRR better and this is a best of five, slam final. Let’s see what Kevin can bring to the table. I haven’t seen Kevin’s single match this tournament.
Can Anderson win a set? Looking forward to the preview…
Ricky will pick Rafa in 3.
I think so. 1.12 with the bookies = Nadal 3:0
Needs to be at least 1.30 for the underdog to have a strong chance at winning a set.
Rafa is best on clay, no argument about that.
On hc, he has made very good achievements as well.
Most likely 4 slams trophies and 4 runner up trophies.
That’s second best compared to Fed and Nole.
But when Rafa plays his best at HC, he mastered Fed and beat Rafa, overall 45;55 to Nole.
Rafa’s problem is he cannot be as consistent as these two throughout.
yes! Rafa has struggled to play his absolute best on hard courts consistently but when he gets the balance right, his aggressive best on hard courts trumps everyone else’s in my opinion. I think indoor hard court is the surface I will say Federer’s and Djoker’s best trump Rafa’s.
I agree with VR, about Rafa’s aggressive best on HCs trumps everyone else’s; it’s on indoor HCs that Rafa struggles more.
I think Rafa has also improved his BHDTL in addition to his BH slices and second serves. He’s hitting BHDTL with more depth now and is able to change direction of his shots better now with that BHDTL added to his arsensal( when in the past he hardly hit that, preferring to run around his BH to hit his FH DTL). I like the way he changed the pace of his shots too by slicing, not giving Delpo to much pace to work with.
Overall, a very intelligent play by Rafa; I’m glad Rafa was able to contain Delpo’s power game and not let Delpo dictate play after losing the first set. I know Delpo might be under the weather, but Rafa was relentless for most of the match and never allowed Delpo back into the match.
Well done Rafa, one more match to win here, go get it! Rafa has now reach at least four finals at each slam, well done again! He has reached 23 slam finals, two more than Djoko.
Anderson is the lowest ranked player in USO history to make the final. he may not win but reckon he’ll give his best until the end and his best is pretty good.
Anderson has been a top-10 player:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/kevin-anderson/a678/rankings-history
The news articles are using his current ranking to sell a story then. making him out to be a nobody.
And beat Nole, I mean.
Just want to point out how lucky I am to have gotten to not only have seen the Men’s champ play at the US Open, but maybe even the Women’s champ (if Madison wins). I am so grateful. I’m still grateful I also got to see Fed play, even if he went out in the QF. Same with Del Po! I couldn’t be luckier…
lol you are SO lucky kevin!!
Oh God Kevin!…I think Rafa plays this incredible because he knew you’re there and put up a special perfomance just for u!!Hahaha…Nonetheless IF Rafa win this sunday,don’t u EVER wash the clothes that u’re gonna wear that day Kev!..It’s certainly gives us Rafans a very good luck!hahaha…
Anderson has taken a set off Nadal before but a grand slam final is a different ball game.
I know that Andy Murray is not Rafa, but I did just realize something I thought I should point out. Kevin Anderson does at least know what it takes to beat a Big 4 guy at the US Open. Won’t make any difference, but it makes me wonder if I should maybe give him a little more credit than I’m giving him?
I don’t think we should be shocked to see Anderson take a set. Any more is an extremely shocking result.
Anderson is playing really well. He is hitting big serves consistently and hitting big off both wings. It will not be an easy match. Guy is only broken 5 times so far in 6 matches. Played a good match to take Querrey out.
IMHO, he is playing better than DelPo.
Congrats to R. Nadal!
I wanted DELPO to win in the 5th set but maybe next time.
Even though Juan Martin Del Potro lost, i still won but it would have been better if he had won.
This is not the same Rafito that played Australian Open, Wimbledon etc.
Maybe it’s because some great player’s are missing.
R. Nadal might be taking something cos his balling, this guy is a fighter just like me and he deserves to win it all.
Goodluck to Rafito!
Goodluck to Rafans!
If Kevin Anderson wins, i will be disappointed in R. Nadal for obvious reasons.
Congrats!