Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will continue their Indian Wells campaigns on Friday. They are set for respective quarterfinal contests against Kei Nishikori and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
(4) Rafael Nadal vs. (5) Kei Nishikori
Nadal and Nishikori will be squaring off for the ninth time in their careers when they battle for a place in the BNP Paribas Open semifinals on Friday. The head-to-head series stands at 7-1 in favor of Nadal, but the last two meetings have not gone particularly well for the Spaniard after once standing at a perfect 6-0 against Nishikori. At the 2014 Madrid Masters, Japan’s top player led by a set and a break before retiring with a back injury in the third. Nishikori finally beat Nadal for the first time at last summer’s Montreal Masters via a 6-2, 6-4 decision.
Both players saved match point in the Indian Wells fourth round to book their spots in the quarterfinals. After battling past Gilles Muller in three sets and Fernando Verdasco in straights, Nadal outlasted Alexander Zverev 6-7(8), 6-0, 7-5 on Thursday. Nishikori took care of Mikhail Kukushkin and Steve Johnson in two sets before overcoming John Isner 1-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) despite failing to generate a single break chance. There is no reason to take Nadal’s 7-1 lifetime record against Nishikori into account for this one, as this is not the Nadal of yesteryear and Nishikori really should have won each of their last two showdowns. The No. 5 seed will likely be allowed to play offensive tennis just about from start to finish in this one and that should give him an edge.
Pick: Nishikori in 3
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(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (7) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Djokovic has shown recent signs of vulnerability, but he appears to be back in total control heading into the Indian Wells quarters. The world No. 1 retired from a Dubai quarterfinal against Feliciano Lopez because of an eye infection, needed five sets to get past Mikhail Kukushkin in a Davis Cup tie between Serbia and Kazakhstan, and lost a set in the desert to Bjorn Fratangelo. Since then, however, Djokovic has picked up the pace. He took the last two sets against Fratangelo 6-1 and 6-2, beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 7-5 in the last 32, and had no trouble in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Lopez on Wednesday.
Next up for the top seed on Friday is a 21st career clash against Tsonga. Djokovic is leading the head-to-head series 14-6, including 12-1 in the last 13 encounters. They most recently faced each other last fall in the Shanghai title match, with Djokovic coasting 6-2, 6-4. Tsonga is through to the Indian Wells quarters for just the second time in his career thanks to straight-set beatdowns of Vincent Millot, Sam Querrey, and Dominic Thiem. The ninth-ranked Frenchman has never advanced to the semis of this tournament. Tsonga has been known to go on incredible hot streaks, but this one can likely be chalked up to lackluster competition and a worn-out Thiem. Going up against Djokovic will obviously be a much different proposition–and one that is likely to end poorly for Tsonga yet again.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
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who ya got?
After beating Zverev I favour Nadal in three.
I don’t think anybody picks anyone other than Djoko for the other match..
Well, you’ve got the Muller, Verdasco and Zverev picks woefully wrong, so I guess you feel like you may as well carry on.
i didn’t pick Verdasco, but thanks!
WOEFULLY???? hahahaha. Muller almost won and Zverev SHOULD have won. Have you actually watched tennis this week or do you just not know the definition of “woefully”?
Rafa SHOULD have beaten Zverev in straight sets. Rafa had 2 set points in the 1st set.
no, he SHOULD have lost the first set 6-3. He was lucky to get it into a tiebreaker.
Rafa SHOULD have won the first set TB, but he made an unforced error on his second set point. Zverev was lucky.
¤¤ Nadal held a set point in the opening set tie-break, but squandered the opportunity by overcooking a forehand. Down a set, the Spaniard rebounded, winning the second set going away, 25 points to nine.
“First set I had big chance with not a difficult forehand down the line that I missed,” Nadal noted. “But after that, I think I played a great second set. But sometimes when you win a set that easily, it’s dangerous for the beginning of the next one. The beginning of the third he played aggressive, and I think I lost the rhythm a bit, so I was in trouble.” ¤¤ [Source: ATP]
Zverev was lucky to get a service break in the 1st set – Rafa made 2 UEs and double-faulted.
Nadal should have lost to Zverev in 2. That was obvious. Muller probably should have beaten him too.
Uh, you picked Zverev in straight sets… That is woefully wrong.
Nadal has been lucky in pretty much all of his matches… he is not playing well at all. Nishikori should win easily.
—Nishikori finally beat Nadal for the first time at last summer’s Montreal Masters via a 6-2, 6-4 decision.—
===
.
Finally brought happiness to the AntiRafaBrigade. LOL
That win, augusta, didn’t even make a Kei fan celebrate. Rafa was halfa Rafa in 2015. He was coming off a confidence boost win on clay in Hamburg but imo, Rafa was — hafa Rafa.
I pick Rafa in 2. Kei may never get back to his 2014 best. Very surprised he beat Isner. And a nice win over Kei should give Rafa another boost of confidence going forward! Which does scare me – but it’s good for tennis.
Zverev lost that match mentally. He could’ve won for sure. He was better player in both the first and third sets for most of the time (until the meltdown in the final stages of the match). Also I’m picking Nole in straights and kei in three.
It’s true that Zverev lost that match mentally. It’s true that he played better in the first and third sets, but you have to play until the last point. Zverev went away in that second set and allowed Rafa to get back in the match. The top players will make you pay if you don’t stay in the game.
It’s not always the one who plays better who ends up winning the match. Zverev learned a lesson. He lost his focus and did not close out the match. Rafa capitalized on his meltdown and that’s the way it goes.
NNY!!!!!!!!!!!! Give e strength!!!!!!!!!! That’s why I took a break from tennis forums for a few weeks because even when Rafa wins, you have to pour cold water on it.
When Rafa bageled him it’s because Zverev went away in the 2nd set. How was Zverev better in the 1st and 3rd sets? OK, Zverev was better in the first 3 games because Rafa couldn’t read his serve but Rafa did have 2 set points. In the 3rd set, Rafa was broken twice and Zverev was broken 3 times although he had a match point but after that Rafa won 15 out of the last 16 points.
Vamos Rafa!
Inspite of continually being put down.
nadline,
Give it a rest already. You are becoming boring beyond belief! Also, quit blaming me for you leaving this forum. If you can’t take people having their own opinions, that’s your problem. Here’s a news flash – the world does not revolve around you! If you can’t handle different opinions or just want to be around people who say whatever you want to hear, then a tennis site is probably not the best place for you.
You always make the same absurd accusations at me, no matter what I say. If I don’t say that Rafa played a brilliant match and was amazing, God-like and dominating from start to finish, then you whine and have another hissy fit.
I will continue to say what I think and Ann if your personal attacks and baiting, will not stop me. I have a right to come here and express my opinions and you do not get to censor what I say!
Sorry for autocorrect on my iPhone garbling a sentence in my previous post, but I believe that my point has still been made. I am not about to edit or sugarcoat my thoughts on rafa’s matches because of someone else’s excessive sensibilities.
I repeat what I said previously – enjoy Rafa’s win and stop carping about how I think it happened! He won! Enough said!
I guess when I stood up to defend Rafa against the shameless attacks on him by that French woman, those comments from me were conveniently ignored because someone wishes to see only what they choose to selectively see.
Nativenewyorker (AT 5:51 PM),
—when I stood up to defend Rafa against the shameless attacks on him by that French woman…—
===
.
Rafa will take legal actions against ‘that French woman’.
CNN, March 15, 2016: ¤¤ “I am going to sue her…,” Nadal said at the Indian Wells tournament.
Benito Pérez-Barbadillo, Rafa’s PR manager told CNN: “Rafa was very clear … he will definitely take legal actions. His lawyers are studying how to proceed.”¤¤
the kid played an incredible match. but as all kids do against the big names he lost it mentally at the crucial points. nadal was very lucky against verdasco in the second set tie and should have lost that at least the set. against zverev 5 years ago he would have blown this kid off the court. Nadals game is so mentally reliant that CONVINCING his opponents for years they had already lost before stepping on the court was enough. Nadal will NEVER win another grand slam for the rest of his career, maybe not even be a finalist.
why not?
PAUL M (AT 4:20 PM),
Rafa blew ‘this kid off the court’ in the 2nd set!
Rafa at his post-match press conference: “I think I played a great second set. But at the beginning, sometimes when win a set that easy it’s dangerous for the beginning of the next one, no? The beginning of the third he played aggressive, and I think I stopped a little bit the rhythm, so I was in trouble.”
False. He’ll make another final at the French at some point and could win another as well.
I agree with Benny. You never write off a great champion and never say never!
Agree with Benny – but I wouldn’t limit it to FO. Rafa’s shown he’s good enough at any GS. He’s a contender until he hangs up the racquet, imo. 30 is the new 20. Mileage shmileage.
PAUL M (AT 4:20 PM),
“Nadal will NEVER win another grand slam for the rest of his career, maybe not even be a finalist”
hahaha…did not know we had a poster with scrying abilities here…where do you keep your cristal ball?
I have no doubt that Rafa will have a challenge against Nishi. But I am going with Rafa to win in 3 sets. I think he’s been more focused and has handled the crucial moments of his previous matches well. He could well have lost to Zverev if he didn’t forget to play the last few games. But I think it was a good victory for Rafa.
Rafa will have to play better against Nishi. He needs to serve well and not give away breaks of serve. Rafa will need his forehand to be firing consistently. He has to be aggressive and not let Nishi take time away from him. A tall order, but I am going with Rafa.
I don’t think there is any doubt that Novak will handle Tsonga with ease.
Not with ease, imo, Nny. Well, I hope so – but Nole makes me nervous. I’ll pick 3 sets and keep my fingers crossed. Nole needs a strong win. But I’m not convinced he defends his title in IW or Miami. It’s a lot.
rc,
Fair enough. I know it’s best not to take anything for granted. Some of it depends on Tsonga. But I just think he doesn’t have the mental strength and variety to go up against Novak. But it is best if 3, so you never know.
Zverev was the best player in set 1 & 3.
Got bagelled in 2 though
if Rafa repeats his performances against his previous opponents I will be able to relax at last and enjoy his matches once again. Until that happens I’ll need a stiff drink for this encounter 🙂
i’m going to have faith in him beating Nishi in a grinding 3 sets with the inevitable TBs.
A bit undecided about Tsonga. He played a good match against a depleted Thiem but he will be punished if he presses too hard and plays his habitual ‘bull in a china shop’ game. OTH Djokovic has been guilty of being lackadaisical in earlier rounds so Jo-Wil might snatch a set from him.
Djokovic in 3
he has a much better chance vs. Nishi than vs. Isner, thats for sure
Agree with that.
Yes, I agree too. At least Rafa can get the ball in play with Nishi.
This is true. Also how does john win 6-1 in the first and lose two tiebreaks?! I would’ve expected the opposite with kei winning easy and john coming back with two breakers. He seems to not have been doing that well in TBs recently.
Raf/Isner h2h 6:0
Just saying.
Rafa vs Kei h2h 7:1
It’s the score at the end of the match that matters.
Rafa has said that he does not like to play Isner, for obvious reasons.
The h2h doesn’t mean that those victories were easy.
just saying, since Zverev is labelled as the better player on that match
I agree…people seem to forget Rafa destroyed Zverev in the second set…I don’t think Rafa played worse than Zverev in those two sets…he just does not have a powerful serve like Zverev to bail him out of trouble…
^^^Not ‘people’ just the usual suspect.
My sign in details mysteriously changed. Have corrected and reposted my comment
I dont believe Djokovic’s patchy performance is due to underestimating his opponents: it’s more a case of putting too much faith in his ability to raise his own level when it matters – which of course he usually does in the nick of time. He would be well advised not to sail too close to the wind if he is to retain his air of invincibility.
Yeah I agree with this.
I’m happy for Rafa for winning though. That was tough to see for Zverev nonetheless. Still at this point I want Rafa to win the title. Would be awesome.
Rafa showed more brains and more guts than his opponents in all three matches he played so far and he well deserved to win all of them…that should not be taken away from him…
I like courageous Rafa…I like when Rafa gets angry as he tends to play freely and fearless, like after that warning he received from the umpire…
I always say Rafa needs to be reminded who he is…
Vamos Rafa!
As far as I’m concerned, Rafa beat Zverev and bageled him into the bargain. Rafa lost many matches last year that he was on the verge of winning; that’s tennis.
Yeah that’s tennis. It’s tough. So happy Rafa is in the QF here. My pick was Nishikori in three but I’m starting to think Rafa may win. I’m definitely rooting for him to win that’s for sure. Rooting for him to take the title in fact.
Nobody is taking anything away from Rafa! Honestly, some people are so thin skinned that it isn’t even funny!
It’s good to see Rafa getting the win no matter what the cirumstances. As I said a few times, players have to stay in the game until the end. Zverev did not go that even as he was serving for the match. Rafa was able to take advantage and get the win.
I am waiting now to see if anyone is actually going to find something to pick apart or take offense.
Just enjoy Rafa winning.
RT Stroppa Del: ¤¤ “A teenager beating Nadal” should have been the headline today, says our dear friend, Robbie Koenig. ¤¤
Bad day at the office for some. ?
?
Ricky (AT 9:18 PM),
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cdx5R5WW0AQBW23.jpg
Ricky (AT 9:18 PM),
I don’t know why it’s bad for Mr. Robbie.
I don’t really care how Robbie feels one way or the other. It sounds like he thought that Zverev would win.
It doesn’t take away from my happiness over Rafa getting the win.
Koenig can’r wait to stick the knife in at every possible opportunity. He is panicking Rafa might prove his gloom and doom predictions were premature and he will get egg on his face.
He should stick to analysing the tennis and stop playing the Delphic Oracle.
don’t pretend ed, I know how much you love Koenig :p and Goodall as well 😀
ha, ha. I know the habituees here know he sets my teeth on edge. Thought I’d spare you all another of my tirades. It wouldn’t be so bad if he and Knowitall stuck to talking about the tennis 🙁
Interestingly Jason plucked up the courage to disagree several times with RK’s assessment of Zev Minor’s imminent rise to the highest echelons of the ATP circuit.
ed251137 (AT 12:53 PM),
I mute the sound when I hear them commenting on TennisTV. 👿
can’t believe that Rafa is still in the tourney….what a fighter!…but Nishi in straight, and Joker as well.
A lot o Nadal supporter here. I am going for Kei in 3.
My issue is when someone impugns rafa’s integrity. That French woman politician accusing Rafa of doping so blatantly and even repeating the accusation, is something worth getting upset about. That is too important to ignore. It appears that Rafa and his team feel the same way,
I have my list of commentators who I do not like. I think Mary Carillo has been one of the worst when it comes to Rafa. She repeatedly says he has cheated with coaching from uncle Toni and has taken him to task for too much time serving and making his opponents wait. Her bias is appalling. She’s much worse than Koenig. Then there are those who are Fed fans and don’t like Rafa because of how he has owned fed in the H2H. Patrick McEnroe comes to mind. Jim courier is another one who has gotten on my nerves with inaccurate statements about Rafa during matches.
However, I can just mute the sound and let it go in one ear and out the other.
When does the Miami draw come out?
I can’t watch anyone beating Kei Nishikori. Not Nole, not Rafa…no one. It’s my flaw, I’ll admit. Also can’t watch Serena pummeling the life out of Aga again. That leaves me with Tsonga v Nole and Vika v lovely Karolina Pliskova, the later being my popcorn match. Not enough tennis!
–End of rant–
PS. where’s Hawkstradamus?!
???????
Really? You want me to elaborate??
Keep your mind clear, stay focused, remain confident, be strong and fight fiercely, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd2I_zSXIAApzSL.jpg
Just watched the vidio of Rafa’s post match presser. As always he was frank and open but realistic about the way the match unfolded. Note the difference in his body language. No fidgeting in his seat, no knuckle cracking, no flashes of irritation. He knows he still has a way to go but one gets the feeling he won’t be derailed should he lose to Nishi.
onward and upwards.
PS: Loved the subtle dig at Federer. Talk about an iron fist in the velvet glove 🙂
Rafa in 3, Nole in 2. Scanned a couple of the comments and decided the guy who should win, is the guy left standing in middle court at the end.
Okay! Rafa breaks back!
3-3
Come on rafa! You can do this!
PMac says vintage rafa! Great shot! Keep it up rafa!
vamosssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
what a comeback by rafa in the 1st
Yeah! Rafa is on fire!
good for the game
What a shot! DTL forehand!
Rafa wins the first set!
Way to go Rafa!
There’s the real Rafa!
Set 1 stats:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd2xttnXIAAY4G_.jpg
Just great stuff from Rafa to take that set from Nishi!
Where has that DTL forehand been?
Aggressive tennis to best Nishi!
Now keep it up! No let down!
I tuned in JUST in time to see the last two points! that forehand down the line was really VINTAGE Rafa.
Are you guys noticing this? Rafa is defending so well now and he is getting the ability to turn defense into offense with one damn shot! he had been missing this. And, he is about to go down double break, you thikn the set is over but he saves those and then turns the match around! HOW MUCH HAVE I MISSED this from Rafa!
CLAP CLAP CLAP!
I did not see the set (except for the final two games so not sure how it went but I was following live scores while I was on my way back to home…
vamosrafa,
I got home in time to see Nishi get the early break and I thought – here we go again.
Then there was an overrule that seemed to throw off Nishi. Rafa stayed in it and managed to break back and even it up at 3-3.
Rafa is hitting with more oomph on his shots. He is defending that forehand side as well as I have seen in a long time. He took everything nishi threw at him and just came up with the better shots.
If you saw the whole set, then you would be giving Rafa a standing ovation! This is really something. Rafa is transitioning from defense to offense and it’s a beautiful thing!
Thanks a lot NNY!! 😀
I think this is the best set I have seen Rafa play this year.
I’m watching but can’t join in the chat – got people here for dinner.
Wonderful to see Rafa turn the first set round.
LOL LOL that ROS on 15-30! THIS is what team rafa have been trying to do and they have not had much success in matches. Things are clicking for him now..
I don’t know if he has done some serious work on his backhand slices….I have always complained about the depth he gets on them but in this tournament, he has been getting better length without sacrificing a lot on net clearance… Good stuff…will have to see him do that consistently for some matches and tournaments to believe he has got it now , though…
Oooh mama! What a ROS winner from rafa!
He’s feeling it now!
Rafa breaks!
ed,
I wish you could join us because I am getting so emotional seeing this.
You see, a double fault in this moment really tells you it is not about nerves only…have been saying that for a while. I think he is trying to go for more (UNDERSTANDABLY SO), but is not getting the desired racket acceleration…
I actually agree about the double fault. I do think Rafa is going for more.
Smelling a bagel…
Nishi threw his racket in frustration.
Rafa holds!
3-0
Dare I say it out loud? Rafa needs to hold his serve to win this match!
Come on Rafa! You’ve got him right where you want him!
Nishi leaking lots of errors now…. rafa is spreading the court so well now. He is loving it out there!!
What a great match. Best at IW this time…
For Nadal U mean?
I was hoping Rafa could get the double break and put this out if reach.
Now Rafa – hold your serve!
Sry, of course for Nadal 🙂
Look at that backhand DTL ROS winner! feel like have never seen this from rafa…
Rafa holds!
4-1
Now if he can only get that second break.
Superb volley from Kei to seal the game but Rafa really should have won this game… anyway, 4-2…don’t lose focus
Nishikori raised his level considerably but it was a poor game by Rafa. His shots had no depth on them….he got nervous perhaps …the excitement of beating a top 10 player perhaps?
I hope he can break here and put the lid back…
Rafa had chances in nishi’s last two service games. This should be over.
But Nishi really went for it on rafa’s serve. Very aggressive.
This is when I start to get nervous. Nishi is not about to go quietly.
Rafa breaks again!
Serving for the match!
HIGH TEN NNY!!!
It was tense at the end and rafa was feeling the nerves. He started dropping the ball short and had tension in his arm and we saw him over-hitting too.
what matters most is how he responded!! He did NOT melt , sensed what needs to be done and regrouped. Came up with some good shots to finish! The forehand DTL on match point was sweet.
The fighter in Rafa is well and truly animated at the moment and the genius in him is also out of hibernation now…
vamosrafa.
High Ten right back at you!
Oh how good it is to see that DTL forehand again! Rafa hung tough and got it done!
I have missed seeing Rafa play this way. The crowd was behind him all the way. Wonderful to see!
To beat Nishi in straight sets is a great accomplishment! Rafa just took Nishi out of his game plan. He made him uncomfortable and Nishi smashed his racket a few times. He did not know what to do! But he tried to get back on track and did break Rafa back.
That was the key moment in the match. Would the nerves get to Rafa? Would he fold? But he didn’t!
I know the Novak will be waiting, but for now I just want to enjoy this!
WOOOHOOOOOOOO!
Rafa wins!!!
I was so nervous when Rafa went down 0-30.
Rafa’s biggest win this year!
FINALLY a top 10 win!! world no.6 beatean! BIG WIN! Looks like he is at least back to where he left in WTF 2015… I would say he is slightly better now…
If he goes on to face Novak next, I don’t think he is quite yet prepared to do that but he is making real progress…Would be totally satisfied if he can just make that match competitive and avoid 6-2 6-3 sets which has been the norm in their last few meetings
vr, I agree. I think nerves will play a part as far as Rafa is concerned when playing Novak but I think he’s got the game to beat Novak so a competitive match will not be asking too much.
I am rooting for Tsonga; not because I think he is going to be easy for Rafa or that I don’t want Rafa to meet Nole, I’m just sick of Novak winning. In my books, only Rafa is allowed to be a serial winner.
I would be really pleased if Tsonga can somehow win here!BUT highly, highly unlikely.
Rafa will get nervous against Djokovic but I think it is also true that rafa’s level is not right there…and he has not shown a high enough level consistently either…just in a few patches… Djokovic is too damn consistent…he is like slow poison for rafa in baseline rallies these days…watching them live in the O2 gave me an even better idea.
The biggest concern to me remains the serve-return dynamic .Djokovic has big advantage there
Match stats:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd2883KWwAQNE6Z.jpg
🙂 🙂
Thanks for the match stats.
Four down, a couple more to go! Vaaaamoooos Raaaafaaaa!!!! ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
Rafa is da man.
Vamos Rafa!
If Djokovic wins IW, he becomes the first man to win it 5 times…if Rafa wins, each of Fed , Djokovic and Rafa will have 4 each! I hope we can somehow have the latter scenario materialize…lol
Quite a few people were bold enough to vote for Rafa in straight sets. I thought I was brave to predict in 3 🙂
Thank you Ricky for anti-jinxing Rafa ;-0
I predicted Rafa in 3 sets. But I am very happy to be wrong about the number of sets!
I expect Rafa to meet Novak in the semis. I do not think Rafa is ready to beat him at this time. However, I am hoping that Rafa will make it competitive. I don’t want to see another 6-2, 6-3 or even 6-1 scoreline.
That will tell us more about where Rafa is at now. You have to measure yourself against the best.
yup….the ultimate challange…Novak djokovic on slow hard courts…
Sometimes Rafa goes for too much at crucial points. I hope he plays with ‘colm’ tomorrow.
Vamos Rafa!
I could not see the match as it overlapped with my own training but I followed the live score from time to time and was thrilled to see Rafa wining the first set after being broken early and then winning the whole match in 2! Great stuff!
I read your comments and now I am going to watch the replay and enjoy every bit of it! 🙂
I am so proud of our Rafa! This is what I’ve been trying to say, it is a different Rafa in IW than Rafa of Jan-Feb 2016…I saw determination in him and his FH being better and better…his serve is clicking and he used it to save some key points, his movement is improved…he is getting there!
Brilliant win for Rafa! Love it!!!
Vamos Rafa!
Didn’t see the match because of practice but I’m psyched Rafa won. I had a gut feeling he would tenaciously pull it out but I picked kei in three. VAMOS RAFA!!
I don’t know if anyone is watching this but in my view this is perhaps the smartest match Tsonga has ever played in terms of tactics!
I hope Rafa and Roig are watching and taking notes.
What I am referring to is the intelligent use of backhand slices. I am surprised the commentators are not talking about it and jsut keep going on and on and on about tsonga’s firepower.
Djokovic’s game has no such weakness but there are a couple of ‘vulnerabilities’. Tsonga’s backhand slice has improved so much and he is using it to set up forehands. He patiently slices to djokovic’s backhand or sometimes to the forehand to draw neutral or short balls and then unleashes.
Djokovic’s game lacks a bit of explosiveness… he can generate some real pace but in general he is not that good with generating pace off sliced balls.. The slices don’t necessarily have to to skid too much through the court… Just having decent length and not giving djokovic pace…
Rafa HAS that kind of slice, fortunately but what he lacks is getting length….he keeps hitting short slices and they sit up….
If rafa can improve the length on his slices, he can easily set up forehands or even backhands to attack and dictate! He has done it on a few occasions like AO 2012 final, USO 2010 final but is not consistent.
It is also such a great way to compensate for his loss of foot speed….
Fed has a great slice but his backhand drivedoes not have the ability to take advantage and his ability to run around his backhand (although INCREDIBLE) is one level below Rafa’s…..
Tsonga hitting INSANE forehand winners to save match points!!!
yeah those were ridic
the rest of his performance was…..not
Tsonga is playing and fighting so well, nice to see. Sorta hoping Nole loses. Nole’s energy has sucked through all his matches here so far. Hope Jelena will be in Miami.
Also – though I didn’t watch — great win for Rafa over Kei!
And in case anyone doubts my belief in Rafa – here’s what I said a month ago:
ratcliff FEBRUARY 21, 2016 AT 5:56 PM
My dumb question watching the last set Cuevas v Rafa is: does anyone think perhaps this Rafa might have better chances on slow hard court like at Indian Wells? I’m guessing, yes.
Well, I guessed something right back then ?
lol…well done!
Well, Tsonga disappointed in both the tie breaks…. But, he played quite well.
Novak has not outstanding but just did enough to overcome an inspired opponent.
Remember that it is scorching hot out there and the conditions were also helping Jo’s forehand perhaps.
These will be good conditions for Rafa as tomorrow’s forecast is even hotter weather.
based on today, one would think Rafa has a decent chance BUT HOW MANY TIMES in the past has djokovic raised his level to new heights when it comes to playing Rafa. What he did in Doha….argh I cringe every time I recall that match.
Novak’s the massive favourite but Rafa can do some damage here…
Yes he’s the favorite – can’t deny it. But you have a good point about the heat and forecast. Also yes, Nole’s energy has been low and listless but seeing Rafa or Fed across the net has given him wings when I was sure he’d lose too many times, vr!
The heat is will be better for Rafa than Nole – and Rafa has been impressive already beating a new fave (Zev) and an older fave (Kei); the door is open – at least a little – for Rafa to get a much needed win over Nole ole. Oh dear – should be careful what I wish for, (but I’m loving the anticipation!) Should be a great SF.
And btw, I would have been equally sad if Zev Minor and Kei had lost to Nole! I’m weird like that…
Against each other though? Bring it ON ?
Come on Tennis Channel – show PospiSock v LopezLopez please…
Rafa’s quotes from his post-match interviews:
“I had a tough draw from the beginning,” said Nadal. “To be able to be where I am today, in the semifinals, and especially with the victory of today against a top player, that’s something very important for my confidence. It’s very important to believe in myself too, and winning the way that I did.
“Let’s try my best tomorrow. Let’s keep playing with the same energy. And we’ll see what’s going on. I know Novak is playing unbelievable, so it’s difficult. But I am here to keep enjoying, keep trying my best, and keep playing with the right energy.”
“When I got the break back I felt it was a very, very important moment,” said Nadal, reflecting on the first set. “I feel strong mentally. I feel I have the right energy. When that happens, the rest is a little bit less difficult.
“I am able to fight for every ball. I am able to keep going during the whole match, believe in myself again, and that makes me play with more energy, less nerves. That’s so important for me. It’s the way I have played during all my career, and that gives me a lot. And this week is being very, very positive for me. Very important.” ¤¤
http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/en/media-and-news/news/2016/03/18/nadal-beats-nishikori-for-sf-spot
(Official transcripts of press conferences are released on a 24-hour delay.)
Keep believing, Rafa! ?
Rafa’s comments are really good to read. I think his assessment is spot on.
Novak just seems so confident against Rafa these days. So it’s up to Rafa to try to change the dynamic. Novak may not have looked at his best this week, but we have seen him raise his level of play when he faces rafa.
I did watch Novak and Tsonga. I thought Tsonga played well l, but just wasn’t mentally strong enough in the TB’s. Novak did do just enough to get the win.
This has been a good week for rafa. Getting to the semis of a Masters event is the best result he’s had. Beating Nishi the way he did was impressive. His best match by far.
I just hope he can come out and just go for his shots and keep it together against Novak.
It’s important for Rafa to be competitive in this sport again. Tennis needs rafa.
Rafa has broken out of his chains and is now able to hold his nerve throughout a match. If he wants my advice, I’d say, don’t go for too much at crucial points, that way, you won’t lose your serve so often. Play safe ping pong like Nole for 80% of the time and wait for your opponents to make mistakes. On the other hand, don’t play ping pong, because that’s as boring as hell.
Vamos Rafa!
Don’t look now but Goffin is serving for the second set.
set