Australian Open Day 6 picks, including Nadal vs. Monfils and Raonic vs. Dimitrov

January 17, 2014 Ricky Predictions 224

pre-game photo

The Grandstand’s Ricky Dimon and Hasan Murad preview and pick the best men’s singles matchups on Day 6 of the Australian Open. This is the sixth of 13 installments of expert picks during the season’s first Grand Slam.

(1) Rafael Nadal vs. (25) Gael Monfils

Ricky: With Juan Martin Del Potro out of the tournament, this will be Nadal’s toughest test ahead of the quarterfinals and possibly prior to the title match (maybe not if he goes up against Andy Murray in the semis). Monfils is healthy and in rare form at the moment. He reached the Doha final (lost to Nadal in three sets) and has bullied his way past Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock so far in Melbourne. The Frenchman won 86 percent of his first-serve points against Harrison and 84 percent against Sock while facing–and saving–only one break point in two matches. With Monfils serving like this, a competitive, entertaining night session is in store. Nadal, however, conserved energy by making short work of Bernard Tomic and Thanasi Kokkinakis. Fully aware of more dangerous competition on the other side of the net, the world No. 1 will likely raise his level to an even greater height. Nadal 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4.

Hasan: It was almost two weeks ago when Nadal and Monfils competed in the Doha final. Then, the world No. 1 fended off Monfils’ salvo of groundstrokes to inflate his head-to-head series lead to 9-2. This will be just their second match in Grand Slam play after Nadal outshined Monfils 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in a physical fourth-round battle at the 2009 U.S. Open. Both men have been in superb form of late. Following a virtual walkover in the first round against Tomic, Nadal was very authoritative in a straight-set victory over the promising Kokkinakis. In his two matches so far, Monfils has derailed two young Americans in straight sets. The flamboyant Frenchman is playing consistently well enough to test Nadal, but the top seed looks ready to take on any challenge right now. The Spaniard is effortlessly changing direction with his forehand and with his serve working efficiently, Monfils will be outplayed. Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

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(11) Milos Raonic vs. (22) Grigor Dimitrov

Ricky: This has the potential to be a future Grand Slam final matchup. For now it comes in the third round, a stage which Dimitrov has never advanced past in his entire career. Raonic, on the other hand, has accomplished that feat four times–including twice in Australia and also in his last major appearance at the 2013 U.S. Open. It’s hard to see Dimitrov dominating this encounter simply because it is so difficult to break and win routine sets against Raonic, and any competitive match should favor the Canadian. That’s because of his superior ability to win free points at the critical moments and his Grand Slam experience. Raonic 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Hasan: Two of the most promising young players on the tour have split their two previous career meetings. This one will indisputably be their most important to date. The 11th-ranked Raonic did not lose serve in his relatively straightforward 7-6(9), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Victor Hanescu after a shaky four-setter against Daniel Gimeno-Traver in which the Canadian dropped three service games. Comparably, after struggling through his four-set win over American Bradley Klahn in the opening round, Dimitrov put up an outstanding display to dismiss an in-form Yen-Hsun Lu in three entertaining sets. The world No. 22 is the more complete player of the two, but Raonic has the advantage of being very reliable on his serve–especially in tight situations. Dimitrov’s lack of physical fitness might just be the separating factor at the tail end of what promises to be sternly-contested clash. Raonic 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-4.

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(10) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. (18) Gilles Simon

Ricky: Simon is like Tommy Robredo; you can doubt him at your own risk. The guy was not even supposed to show up for the Aussie Open after being relegated to crutches due to a Kooyong Classic ankle injury. Simon has simply laughed in the face of such a notion with two straight five-set stunners–one over Daniel Brands 16-14 and another over Marin Cilic after trailing two sets to one. Tsonga leads the head-to-head series by a modest 5-3, but he has won five of their last six hard-court encounters. The higher-ranked Frenchman is a proven force Down Under, having finished runner-up in 2008 and in addition to three more quarterfinals (including one semifinal). Cooler conditions will help Simon make it competitive, but a more well-rested and confident Tsonga should eventually overpower his countryman. Tsonga 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.

Hasan: Simon has defied odds in both of his five-set tussles in the previous two rounds. The intrepid Frenchman saved seven match points against Brands and perhaps more amazingly beat an even better opponent in Cilic. As laudable his heroics have been so far, the Simon’s journey may conclude in his next match when he takes on a compatriot who did not drop a set in his wins over Filippo Volandri and Thomaz Bellucci. Tsonga leads their head-to-head series and is playing solid tennis right now. His attacking game will be too much for an energy-sapped Simon, whose inspirational run will come to an end. Tsonga 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.

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(27) Benoit Paire vs. Roberto Bautista Agut

Ricky: This is not quite reaching Tomas Berdych vs. Kevin Anderson levels (Berdych 9-0), but it will be getting there if Paire loses again. The Frenchman is 0-4 lifetime vs. RBA and 1-8 in total sets. They just faced each other in Auckland and RBA cruised 6-3, 6-4. The question is, however, if this is the dawning of a new Paire. The Frenchman showed uncharacteristic desire and fight to battle back from two sets and a break down against up-and-coming Nick Kyrgios. With the same attitude, Paire would have a chance to capitalize on an opponent coming off an emotional, career-defining win (RBA upset Del Potro in five sets). The thinking here, though, is that a positively on-fire RBA will have too much confidence in both his own game and his ability to beat Paire. Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(5).

Hasan: For a low-profile player it is onerously difficult to beat a top-five opponent at a Grand Slam, but it is perhaps even more challenging to replicate the high standard in the next match. It will be uncharted territory for Bautista after his blockbuster encounter against Del Potro in the second round. Stupendous shot-making bolstered by impressive fighting spirit allowed the Spaniard to clinch a 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory in nearly four hours. Paire’s previous match did not feature a high-profile opponent, but it still oozed drama. The Frenchman bounced back after finding himself two sets down against Krygios. Although the Australian teenager was afflicted with cramping in the final set, Paire did well to battle his own erratic game and stay composed to seal the match 6-7(5), 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Having beaten Paire comfortably in Auckland last week, Bautisa will like his chances to maintain his perfection in the head-to-head series. Bautista Agut 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(4).

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224 Comments on Australian Open Day 6 picks, including Nadal vs. Monfils and Raonic vs. Dimitrov

  3. Thinking the canadian missile will serve his way through, as well as Paire beating Roberto, slight chance he can keep this play up much longer.

    Reply

  4. RBA will have the classic letdown after the big upset win. Paire in four.

    Milos’ serve will intermittently go walk about and Dimi will covert. Dimi in four.

    Simon will kill one threat to Fed. Simon in five.

    LaMonf being LaMonf. Nadal in four (losing the first set in a tiebreak).

    Reply

  6. All matches will be interesting. I think rafa will put up a masterclass tomorrow. RBA might suffer from a meltdown but playing paire in the next rnd is just what he needed.

    If simon beats tsonga in FIVE ,the world might turn upside down!

    Reply

  7. I think Rafa will beat Monfils in four sets. Raonic over Dimitrov in four sets.

    Tsonga is not losing to Simon. Tsonga in four sets.

    There is a risk that RBA could have a letdown after his great win over Delpo. However, it could also go the other way and give him a big boost in this next match. I am going with RBA in four sets.

    Reply

    • vamosrafa,

      I went back and forth between three sets and four sets. You may well be right, but since Rafa hasn’t been tested yet I thought that Monfils might get a set off him.

      It’s not like I am doing that great with my picks so far.. 🙂

      Oh well, it’s all in fun.

      I did see when I voted that ‘Nadal in 3’ received the highest votes.

      Oh and I noticed the typo in Ricky’s prediction for Tsonga-Simon. I will be shocked if Tsonga doesn’t make it through. But you never know.

      Reply

  9. It’s going to be a very late night for me. Rafa is the second night match. So the women’s night match starts at midnight my time and then it’s Rafa. But I don’t want to miss this one. I can always sleep in tomorrow since it’s Saturday.

    Reply

  10. ^^Yep, NNY7. It’ll be at least 2 am, give or take, when his match starts. If the Azarenka-Meusburger match goes 3 sets, it’ll be even later. Last night, Novak’s match had the same time slot and it started after 3 am I think. I kept falling asleep and missed a lot of it. I won’t be falling asleep during Rafa’s match. There’ll be a lot of good matches to keep us awake before that. I’m looking forward to Roger’s match, and I want to see the Andy vs Feli match. Dimitrov vs Raonic should be entertaining, too.

    Reply

    • Jpacnw,

      Yes, I am thinking along the same lines as you regarding the start time for Rafa’s match. But I am not going to miss this one!

      I also agree that there have been some great matches to keep us awake and watching!

      I got to see a good part of Andy vs. Feli, then the latter part of Dimitrov/Raonic. Sharapova just won her match. Now it’s Azarenka. I will be hoping for two sets, but prepared for three.

      Reply

    • Judy Bowl, I like that. I had that matchup on my radar since the draw came out. I hope Monfils can make tonight’s match exciting. I’m going to have to stay up almost all night to watch it, so I need it to live up to expectations. Dimitrov and Raonic will be fun, but I can’t see this matchup ever being a grand slam final. If it ever happens, it would be at Wimbledon. Raonic’s serve and Dimitrov’s variety both make them excellent grass court players.

      Reply

  15. It’ll be interesting to see if Bautista-Agut can keep his level of play up against Dimitrov. Some of these match-ups sure aren’t turning out how I thought they would.

    Reply

  16. I watched the last part of Dimitrov vs. Raonic match. Dimitrov is good though he choked on so many match points. He deserves the win. He has much more an all-around game than Raonic. I won’t worry about him in Rafa’s way until they get to that point.

    Hawkeye, congrats to your prediction. I think you’re the only one who picked Dimitrov.

    Reply

    • Thanks yes it pretty much went as I thought. Dimitrov was very impressive. Mentay very strong, impressive serving, ROS and point construction and simply just more consistent than Milos.

      Milos only served 59% and had 49 UFE. He has improved his game but still much room for additional improvement. He will get there.

      I thought RBA would have a let down. Dimi will beat him if he can keep his amazing level.

      My Simon pick doesn’t count as it was an antijimx! Allez Ali!!!

      Rafa was simply amazing.

      Reply

  17. RT @NeilHarmanTimes: “I think we may have a new lady star on our hands, as opposed to a rock on a finger. Take a bow Garbine Muguruza”

    #PoisonPen

    Reply

      • My hashtag poisopen is a reference to Neil’s “rock on a finger” gag, an obvious reference to Woz’s recent engagement and large ring she now sports to advertise the fact. I knew some people would not “get” the humour in that line and criticize him for it and sure enough, the critics have circled:

        RT @NeilHarmanTimes: “Sometimes in this Twitter lark, you think you have written something funny and it doesn’t come out that way.”

        I find it sad because Neil is not at all nasty, it’s just that some people do not get his Brit sense of humour.

        Neil shoulda gone with, “Caro caught between a rock and a hard place”. (add emoticon as desired).

        Reply

      • Ricky Dimon says:
        January 18, 2014 at 7:30 am

        Nel’s tweet read: ““I think we may have a new lady star on our hands, as opposed to a rock on a finger. Take a bow Garbine Muguruza”

        Reply

    • vamosrafa,

      No, I am here and wide awake watching this! I was not about to miss this!

      Rafa’s movement is absolutely phenomenal! Just so wonderful to see!

      Reply

  27. RT @juanjosetennis: “How Nadal generates so much pace while completely out-stretched and 5 miles behind the baseline is just a cosmic mystery.”

    Reply

  28. Chris Fowler and Patrick MacEnroe have been going on and on about how Rafa will serve and then immediately move forward into the court toward the net, very aggressive play!

    Reply

  31. Chris Fowler saying Rafa is at his most ruthless. Indeed. I’m liking what I’m seeing. And yes, here in the USA we’re watching. It’s 0227 am on the west coast.

    Reply

  33. RT @juanjosetennis: “Ppl mock Nadal’s pre-match assertions that everybody is dangerous & he’s not the fave, but that thought process leads to displays like this. For Nadal, the best way to face tennis matches is to force himself to be great by recognizing the potential for disaster. No coasting.”

    Reply

  36. Ed, he just rolled it slightly but it must have given him a pink, but he seems to be doing ok for now, i guess when things cool down he will know how bad it is!!! But this is just unreal……Rafa’s unlukiest slam!!!!

    Reply

  37. It’s not his ankle. It’s his foot, but unknown how much pain he’s in or if it’s just something that he’s been able to shake off.

    Reply

  39. I almost stopped breathing when Rafa touched his foot. Chris Fowler noticed it immediately. Then he said that Rafa wasn’t talking that much to his box and that was a good sign. Rafa was limping a bit when he went to the sideline. They showed Uncle Toni looking concerned.

    I started having such an anxiety attack! This slam has been unlucky for him. He didn’t call for the trainer. I wonder if he will take some anti-inflammatories.

    Reply

  40. Pity. Concern for Rafa’s sucked the air out of the stadium. Hope Rafa can shake it off and he is not doing himself serious harm by playing on.

    Reply

  41. RT @juanjosetennis: “Nadal is not going for drive backhands anymore. Slicing as much as he can. Perhaps not comfortable pushing off the right foot.”

    Reply

  42. At the change-over, right after it happened, when Rafa was seated, the camera had a low angle and while Rafa’s head was bent down you could see he was grimacing badly.

    Reply

    • ^^Is that a good thing I wonder? I suspect Rafa’s being brave but he is in pain. I think he should call a trainer just to be on the safe side. But Rafa knows best, I trust him.

      Reply

  45. Jpacnw,

    I didn’t see that. But he did limp off the court initially and appeared to be hurting. I really hope that he can manage to win this match in straight sets and then take care of that foot.

    Reply

  46. I guess we were all holding our collective breath! I am also encouraged that Rafa did not call for the trainer.

    I am going to watch when he hits his backhand and see if I can notice him favoring that foot.

    Reply

  48. NNY7: I made a point of watching his face instead of his foot or whether or not he was limping. It was only a few seconds, but it was obvious he was in real pain.

    Reply

    • Jpacnw,

      I am recording this match, so tomorrow I will watch it again and look at Rafa on the changeover.

      I am sure you are right that he was in real pain.

      Reply

  49. RT #SteveTignor: “Looks like things are OK on the foot front. Nadal wins first 2 sets over Monfils 6-1, 6-2. #ausopen”

    Hope so, Steve, really hope so…………..

    Reply

      • JCKNY and vamosrafa,

        I agree with both of you. There is so much to like about what we are seeing from Rafa here.

        I also agree that the only reason Monfils is hanging in there is that serve.

        Reply

  54. Pretty overhyped match!
    Rafa’s level has been high, but Monfils is raking up too many UE’s and missing some easy returns. Probably going for too much instead of keeping it simple.

    Reply

    • well, the first set featured long rallies in which both players were hitting the ball consistently well.. rafa’s intensity was just so high that it took a lot out o monfils mid way through the second…since then, monfils has started making more errors…

      Monfils aiming for lines and corners so much ! Rafa is so damn good at the moment

      Reply

  55. RT @juanjosetennis: “Maybe it was just a little ankle tweak – the kind that gets better as you keep walking, running. We’ll know soon enough.”

    Reply

  57. 2nd set UEs Rafa 2, Monfils 32.Says it all.
    Monfils either lathering the ball out of court or giving Rafa lovely short balls.
    #SoHardToBeAFan

    Reply

  61. They showed the winners and UE’s and Monfils had something like 48 UE’s. Rafa had only 17 I think. In the third set is where the winners went up and the UE’s went down for Monfils.

    vamosrafa,

    You are correct about the winners vs UE’s for the third set. I didn’t remember the numbers exactly. So Monfils has lifted his game in the third set. Rafa is now moving into the net a bit more. I also agree with you that Rafa’s intensity took a lot out of Monfils.

    Reply

  65. RT @juanjosetennis: “This stopped being interesting a while ago. All I’m interested in is the post match interview, and the answer to “what happened w/ ankle?””

    Reply

  67. Phew, thank you Jim courier for not asking Rafa about his foot, save that for the presser when Rafa has had a chance to talk to his team and maybe an assessment.

    Nishikori next, Vamos!

    Reply

      • Ricky,

        Early in the second set Rafa moved after hitting the ball and then something happened to his foot. He immediately grabbed his right foot. The game was over, so he limped to the sidelines. Then he came back out and for a little bit it seemed like he was favoring the foot. But he never called for the trainer and kept on playing.

        Of course, we all freaked out.

        Reply

  71. Serena, Vika and Maria say that their favourite shot in tennis is Rafa’s f/h. Vika says because it’s so pretty. The way she said it, it’s not only his f/g she likes.

    I posted the links on the Rafael Nadal thread.

    Reply

  73. I can’t wait for Rafa’s presser. It’s just after 4:00 in the morning and it’s time to get some sleep!

    I am just glad that Rafa won it in straight sets playing impressively and can now take care of his foot and get ready for round four with Nishikori.

    Reply

  75. The timing is great for Dubai. The morning matches start at 4 am Dubai time and the evening matches start at midday. I don’t often wake up for the start of the morning session, because they usually have the girls playing then. I usually start watching at about 6 am.

    Reply

    • Sanju,

      They posted some tweets on vb and also a quick response from Rafa about the foot injury. Apparently he twisted his ankle because of a bad movement. He said it could have put him out of the tournament, but it turned out to be not as bad as he thought. He was able to continue playing.

      So it seems that he is okay! Which is great news! 🙂

      Reply

  78. the video above was concerning..but maybe it was just a pull/twinge and got over..anyway athletes panic at the smallest tweaks mid match

    Reply

    • I meant maybe we will see a confirmation of it in the next round. However, you never know with Rafa especially at Australian open

      Reply

      • Whats about Rafa n AO? He got injured just once in 2011 there..why is it called unlucky?

        I think Wimby is his waterloo ..rem past 2 years?

        Reply

      • Rafa said that he’s okay. They had comments from him posted on vb.

        He’s got a day to recover and get some therapy. So I think he’s going to be fine.

        Reply

    • Yes, @atul1985, I also am waiting to see his performance in the match against Nishi. However, I am comforted by the fact that he appeared to have run off the niggle by the time the match ended and he appeared normal in the presser, not unduly worried.

      Reply

    • Waiting till Monday is too much tension..lol

      Hope some news comes tomm in practice sessions.

      RITB..you saw the match? Did you find his movement and backhand affected in set 2 n 3?

      Reply

      • Yes @sanju, I saw the whole match. He did not twist his ankle as is being reported by some outlets. He landed on his right foot backpedalling and must have jarred something in it. The look on his face was awful. Next couple of games he appeared to be limping and favoring his right foot. I could see he was slicing more instead of driving his BH through. Then I think Rafa just made a decision to not think about the foot and focus on the game and as the second set wore on his movement improved and he began chasing down shots landing on the right foot without any apparent pain or inhibition.

        His demeanor in the presser leads to me to believe everything is under control. Mind you, I became so concerned by his foot I did not pay that much attention to the game! However, the reactions I am reading on twitter and the net are that Rafa was as close to his USOpen level as can be. Very impressive. Also in the presser, Rafa paid himself some compliments on his level of play, highly unusual! I think this is good for his confidence going forward.

        Reply

  83. I saw the video above too..I too did not see him twisting.. The shot from Gael landed on baseline and Rafa just had to push himself back..not sure how can that trouble his foot..but then I don’t play tennis, so I don’t know 🙂

    This reminds me a bit of the DElpo match in 2011 at Wimby where all of a sudden he experienced something in foot..but he lost the next set in that one.

    Reply

    • Remember he has a congenital foot problem for which he has to wear special insoles? I am hoping the problem is with the insoles and they can be adjusted quickly.

      Reply

  84. that was some message sent by rafa!!!! I have missed the third set! but the first two was awesome!
    any update on the foot and ankle

    Reply

  85. What absolutely stunned me was how early he was hitting the ball, hitting it on the rise and deep, like most HC specialists. He totally asphyxiated la Monf.

    Reply

  86. And I also noticed his court position when receiving serve. He was crouching inside the Melbourne sign and stepping further in for the follow up shots. I remember one Oz open @deucy jokingly saying someone get a cattle prod to nudge Rafa forward because he would stand literally close to the hoardings such that spectators could prod him if they wished!

    Reply

  89. And all of a sudden, Rafa’s path to the semis doesn’t look that bad anymore. If there was a draw conspiracy going on, the reality of matches played, has clearly deflated it, lol!

    Reply

    • If that question was directed at me, it’s because littlefoot beat me to it. But then, I was the one saying all along that tough draws do open up. That’s why there can’t be conspiracies to fix slams, because the players have to get through.

      I guess when I first said it, some people weren’t reading. I said that no conspiracy can stop Rafa. I also said that Rafa has proved that he can play on fast hard courts.

      Pay attention!

      Reply

      • i completely remember these points by you,NNY! rafa can not only play on fast hard courts,he can also blow away his opponents on fast hard courts ! vamoss

        Reply

  91. After barely 4.5 hours sleep, I’m back. 😀

    A question from everyone: How do you think Rafa’s performance compared with his US Open’s level? I saw his 4th round 4-set match in US Open live last year. In my opinion, he plays even better now, compared with the US Open.

    He did hit some balls short or let it hanging. Monfils didn’t take advantage, as the commentators pointed out. Djoker probably will. But other than that, Rafa hit freely from both wings and paint the line/corner on so many points. He ran Monfils rugged from the first two games! Rafa’s intensity from the start was unreal.

    He’s well prepared and he really really wants this AO title. Vamos!!!

    Reply

    • He is playing ridiculous right now, but I would still take USO2013. He was playing just as well then and also had an aura of invincibility after Montreal and Cincy. Everyone knew he was unbeatable.

      I think people (Djokovic and maybe 2 or 3 others) believe he can be beat right now. Do even if its not Rafa’s fault, I think that technically makes him “less good” than he was in New York.

      Reply

      • Those people (including you?) probably thought of Rafa at his level after USO2013. But Rafa clearly was tired and not as motivated after USO as he is now. He has raised his level this year. Maybe because the knee treatment has made him feel a lot more comfortable and thus, more confident. And Rafa is clearly hungry for this title. He had his predatory glean in his eyes. Any players who watched the match should be able to see it. Rafa sent a message.

        Reply

      • Rafa’s movement is better than it was at the 2013 USO. He’s moving better than he has in the last few years. Whatever they did to his knee is working. Also, I think that now he is being even more aggressive.

        Bottom line, I agree with vamosrafa!

        Reply

      • I think NNY’s observation is spot on. It is rafa’s movement that has something special about it in this tournament (rafa also praised his movement in the presser). The way he is fluently moving is at least as good as ever ! And i think, it is this movement that is allowing him to be a tad more aggressive ! even with his backhand…. Rafa’s court positioning has been exceptional in his matches so far…

        I know the sample size is small …but the feeling I am getting about his game and his chances, is similar to the feeling I got in all of his winning runs in hard court majors.in the past… I remember when rafa blew away Haas and Gonzalez in the 2nd and 3rd rnds of 2009 Oz, I was secretly quite confident about his title chances…similarly ,his brilliance in the first 2-3 rounds of USO 2010 were enough to convince me rafa is ready to win ! got the same feeling at USO 2013 when rafa swept away dutra silva and dodig in the 2nd and 3 rd rnds…

        I know its not wise to be so confident so early but it is the years watching,following,analyzing rafa’s matches so passionately and meticulously that I am able to have this feeling/positivity or whatever 🙂 …just stating my feeling..may well be wrong ! and it might change in the next few rnds i rafa deviates from his brilliance (HOPE NOT)

        p.s, I am sure some of the other rafanatics get such confident feelings, no? …for me it is not about the scorelines, it is THE WAY rafa is playing …that takes into account every single part of his game

        Reply

      • I’ve had the same feeling. I don’t know the game as deeply as you do but I have the same feeling, clearly about Rafa right now. Had it a few times in the past. I am soo looking forward to see him in the final. I’m sure he’ll be there. And if it’s Novak on the opposite side and Noval plays with confidence it will be a match to witness. And it won’t go near to six hours.

        Reply

      • glad you feel the same way ,choloro 🙂 your knowledge and insights about rafa’s game are great and you are a very regular follower too ! yes, the final will be massive

        Reply

    • This Euro Sports video shows every Monfils’ highlight shots. If you watch only this video, you can be excused to think Monfils won the match. LOL.
      The video on Aussie Open’s site I posted below shows all Rafa highlights.

      Reply

    • vamosrafa,

      You are not alone! I am getting the same feeling. Also, these feelings started when I first saw Rafa at Doha. Even though he hadn’t been able to practice and was still rusty, the one thing that stood out immediately was his movement on the court. Also, he did come out very aggressive except for the match with Kamke when he seemed to retreat to some defensive play. So this started for me with his first tournament.

      Rafa has gained some speed. He’s moving faster than he did last year. The drop shot tactic hasn’t been working, because he is fast enough most times to get there and hit a winner. He didn’t have that speed last year. We know that the knee was bothering him somewhat, because he mentioned it at times. So he couldn’t move as freely as he might have wanted to do.

      Now he is moving with a great deal of confidence and freedom. As you said, this frees him to be even more aggressive. It was quite something to hear PMac waxing poetic about Rafa serving and then moving into the court to hit a great volley and close out the point quickly. He was more complimentary than I ever remember. .It’s gratifying to hear the guys on ESPN giving Rafa his due.

      I acknowledge that the sample size is small, but not when you factor in Rafa’s performances at Doha. It is more of a continuation of it. I also wondered why Rafa didn’t seem as rusty in these early matches and I remembered the great match play he got at Doha. Then he said that he would have the time to practice a lot before the AO. Obviously, he has been working on key aspects of his game since he won Doha.

      I can’t help but feel very good about the way Rafa is playing now.

      Reply

      • feeling much more confident now as I have plenty of faith in your observations ! To be honest, I too have been really positive about rafa’s prospects since Doha ! His movement and court positioning and willingness to dictate from both wings was manifest in his matches in Doha ..he was just inconsistent there..I was just waiting for him to improve on that in the earlier nds here and he was done that ! hence, I am now getting that feeling…

        Another good thing is that rafa’s opponents are giving him such nice rhythm ! Nishikori is a tough player but I am sure rafa will play remarkably well and get more rhythm. The quarters against Dimitro/Agut will also serve the purpose. This is ideal preparation. No rhythm-disrupting giants or big servers in rafa’s path…

        BRING IT ON !

        Reply

  94. I hope that Rafa has answered any doubters with how he is playing on this faster court at the AO. He looked totally comfortable out there.

    Here is a tweet from someone named Genny quoting Rafa on what happened.

    “Rafa on the rolled ankle: “Yes, I twisted it, I’ve made a bad gesture and got scared, but I’ve soon realized it was nothing,…” (1/2)
    “… a little pain at the beginning but it has gone away as the minutes went by” http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/st … type=story …

    Here is the English translation from vb forum member nou,amic from Juan Jose Mateo’s report in El Pais.

    “he ended up winning the match 6-1 6-2 6-3 in spite of going over on his ankle in the second set and limping back to his chair where he sat cursing his luck. “A little bit more and I was out of the tournament, but I was able to return to playing normally,” he was to say afterwards.”

    Reply

  97. Q. Is this the best Nadal you’ve ever seen in the last years?
    GAEL MONFILS: ” Definitely today was in great shape. Much better than Doha, for sure.
    For me, yeah, I would say today was one of the best I haven’t seen for a while.”

    Reply

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