A blockbuster semifinal showdown between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be featured on Saturday in Indian Wells. That will be preceded in the stadium by Milos Raonic vs. David Goffin.
(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (4) Rafael Nadal
Djokovic and Nadal will be facing each other for the 48th time in their careers when they meet again in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday afternoon. The World Tour Finals last fall gave Djokovic a chance to level the head-to-head series and that is exactly what he did with a 6-3, 6-3 semifinal rout of the Spaniard. Now it is Nadal’s turn to try for an even 24-24 record, as Djokovic took a slight lead by rolling 6-1, 6-2 in the Doha title match two months ago. These two rivals have squared off three times in Indian Wells, with Djokovic leading 2-1 after most recently getting the job done 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the 2011 title match.
The world No. 1 has been less than dominant since winning the Australian Open. He retired from a Dubai quarterfinal clash against Feliciano Lopez due to an eye infection and Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin pushed the Serb to five sets in the Davis Cup opening round. Djokovic’s run in the desert includes a three-setter against Bjorn Fratangelo and straight-set defeats of Philipp Kohlschreiber, Feliciano Lopez, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Frenchman forced a pair of tiebreakers on Friday but had no chance in the critical moments and lost 7-6(2), 7-6(2). Nadal booked his spot in the last four by taking out Gilles Muller, Fernando Verdasco, Alexander Zverev, and Kei Nishikori. Playing with a proverbial second life after surviving a match point against Zverev, the world No. 5 turned in his best performance of the event for a 6-4, 6-3 win over Nishikori. Conditions in the desert will suit Nadal better than those of their last two showdowns in London and Doha. But the bottom line is that Djokovic has Nadal’s number–five wins in a row, to be exact–under any circumstances at the moment.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
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(15) David Goffin vs. (12) Milos Raonic
If Raonic is this good after missing more than a month because of injury, just think how productive he could have been if he had been able to play throughout February. The Canadian had been sidelined since the Australian Open (lost to Andy Murray in the semifinals) by an adductor problem, but he is back in business in Indian Wells. So far this fortnight he has defeated Inigo Cervantes, Bernard Tomic, Tomas Berdych, and Gael Monfils without surrendering a single set. Raonic is now 13-1 for the season and he is aiming for his second title, having previously triumphed in Brisbane.
Up next for the 12th seed is a second career meeting with Goffin, who got the best of their Basel battle in 2014 via a 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 decision. The 18th-ranked Belgian has sustained momentum from a pair of Davis Cup singles wins over Croatia, but it has not been easy. He saved two match points in his Indian Wells opener against Frances Tiafoe and also needed three sets to oust Guido Pella and Stan Wawrinka before finally winning a straight-setter against Marin Cilic, whom he also beat in Davis Cup action. This looks like too tough of a test for Goffin, as the pressure will be on to hold serve just about every time he toes the line because Raonic appears to be borderline unbreakable at the moment. Monfils managed to accomplish the feat once, but once was nowhere near enough with the world No. 14 also playing big from the baseline.
Pick: Raonic in 2
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who ya got?
Djokovic in 2 even though Nadal looked good against Nishikori. Goffin has been playing so well my gut tells me he will take the match to 3 sets. I’ll go with my gut: Goffin in 3.
Goffin?
Knew it would go 3 sets. Now hopefully Djokovic beats Nadal and then takes Raonic to school. I’m Canadian but I can’t stand Raonic.
Why because there is actually a Canadian singles tennis player that can consistently play with the top players? I like Djokovic too but it would be nice to see Canada’s big man come through!
Good tournament for Canadians (well, except for Genie)
Likely Djokovic in 2
But more competitive no 6 3 sets all of them.
Nadal does not believe he can beat Djokovic. Pressed kinda reveals it.
sanju,
Rafa always says that each opponent is dangerous.
Having watched Djokobiv make heavy weather of disatching an erractic Tsonga he’ll need to raise his level significantly faced with a rejuvenated Rafa. It will not be the walkover many are predicting. This is a clear case of allowing hope to prevail over experience: I’m gambling on Rafa doing it in 3
successful tournament for Rafa no matter what, but there aint no way he is beating Djokovic
people have fallen into this trap before. Nadal plays 1 good match, Djokovic sleepwalks through a few easy matches, and people pick Nadal to win. It’s an overreaction. Djokovic will raise his level as necessary to meet the competition on any given day, as he always does.
I would NOT deescribe any of Djokovic’s performance since the AO as ‘sleepwalking through a few easy matches’. Au contraire. He has been reliant on his ability to save match points.
Yep, this is familiar territory: I pick against him and he wins – especially if it’s Rafa or Fed. I didn’t fall for it at WTF because it was the RR match Fed won. Couldn’t see Nole losing the final. This is a semi – I don’t know.
But it’s going to be an oven. They are playing second match. Dry hot – not like BA or Rio hot. And windy. Voted Rafa in 3!
Great match – Vika and Karolina!
I have to agree with Ricky here. It is a familiar pattern that we have seen all too often and I am not going to fall into the same trap again.
I don’t know that Novak has exactly been sleepwalking through his matches, though. He hasn’t looked great, but he always brings his best when it counts in the latter stages of tournaments.
Also, Novak has so much confidence when he plays Rafa now. He’s had such dominant victories against him recently.
I do think the conditions will be good for Rafa, but it’s all about belief. Does Rafa think he can beat Novak at this point in time? Can he change the dynamic in their matches and use different tactics?
I just think it’s too soon to expect Rafa to beat Novak. Rafa needs more good tournaments like this one. He needs to establish some real consistency with his game. I think it’s going to take more time and some continued good results against quality opponents to rebuild Rafa’s shattered confidence. This slump has been a prolonged one and things don’t suddenly and magically turn around.
I am hoping for a competitive match. That would be progress.
@NNY
**Novak has so much confidence when he plays Rafa now**
I’m sure his team have warned him of that danger and taken it into account when planning his game strategy (as they would’ve done for the Tsonga match). But you can’t get away from the fact Tsonga managed to break Djokovic at several key moments including causing him to falter when he had his first chance to serve out the match.
I agree Rafa is still work in progress but there’s no harm in hoping for a miracle.
? ? ? ? ?
I agree. it is just my opinion but sometimes their matches are becoming so monotonous, predictable and may be boring. Rafa fed matches were fun to watch. but
this is just my opinion
Djoker-Rafa has been good in the past. It just isn’t anymore.
Yeah they used to be amazing like their AUS open final in 2012 and matches like that. Now Rafa just doesn’t have answer against Nole it seems. I’m hoping he wins but it doesn’t seem likely.
Ricky (AT 4:15 AM),
—people have fallen into this trap before…—
===
.
The problem for gamblers.
the surface/conditions still favor Djokovic. they are just LESS BAD for Rafa than in London or Doha.
djokovic always raises his level dramatically when playing pocahontas. have no doubts.
When David meets Goliath is when the Goffin bandwagon grinds to a halt.
Raonic in 2
yup
Wish I could disagree but I can’t find a good argument. Raonic in 2.
Sorry, I forgot to make a prediction for the other semifinal match. I think this is where Goffin’s run ends. Raonic is just looking too good right now. Raonic for the win in 2 sets.
Novak’s goal is not only to beat Rafa, he will do his all to try to humiliate Rafa, to kill his building confidence hoping it would bring Rafa back to his mental doubts again…I hope Rafa does not let it happen…
Rafa needs to play with aggression and anger…his “calm” comes with hitting winners and going forward and going for his shots! His “calm” will come with his never give up attitude…
Go Rafa, enjoy the heat and bring your fabulous shots to life!
Vamos Rafa!
Definitely can’t wait for both matches but I do have a feeling both might be one sided.
As per usual… Note will raise his game. Straight sets to him and Milos.
Nole in three and Raonic in two
Rafa looked the best yet vs Nishikori, but I’m taking Joker in 2….and Milos in straight as well.
Conditions A LOT more favorable for Rafa in comparison to the Doha final…
It is true that it is kind of a trap…Djokovic WILL raise his level and Rafa’s level may dip!
This will be more competitive though…won’t be too easy for Djokovic like their previous two meetings..
The serve-return dynamic remains the biggest concern.
Also, depends on how Rafa approaches this match tactically… The use of good backhand slices can serve him really well so I hope he tries that.
He WILL start the match returning close to the baseline and will continue to do so… If the match keeps getting away from his hands then he might step back a bit to experiment.
3-0 4-1 type starts are too common in Nadal Djokovic BO3 matches and I hope it is different this time…so annoying it is.
Djokovic changes his game Vs Nadal…plays a lot more aggressively! Reduces net clearance , hits harder and of course flattens out shots a lot more…
Rafa MUST take risks … no use holding back
Yup… Rafa MUST be aggressive!
vamosrafa,
I think you make some good points. Novak is so confident against Rafa now. He knows what has to be done and is able to execute his game plan.
Rafa has to make sure that he doesn’t lose the match before he gets on the court. There is no reason for nerves. He wasn’t expected to get this far, so he should just go for his shots. Don’t hold back. At least he can go down fighting.
Milos in two.
Another game for Milosh!!!!
Well well well. Where have you been hiding?
Business trip. Duty calls.
Eye of the Hawk ?
Should I put $1k on dojokovic to win $140?
No
Keep calm, stay focused, be confident and show your fighting spirit, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd7VMvXWEAA2N9V.jpg
I think djokovic, but Rafa can beat him if he plays like today. Because Nishikori tried all where Rafa was failing now a days, but he tackled it nicely.
rafa always looks good till he meets djokovic. just ask nadline.
The real Joe Strummer wasn’t a troll.
Goffin wins the second set!
??? Goffin gets a set!!
wont get another one!
He won’t. But I sure like his pluck!
not sure what that means, but agreed
Spirit and courage – you’re safe agreeing 😉
This IS a turn up for the books!!
I have a conflict of interests right now. Trying to watch the tennis on the computer and the final of the
6 nations championship on TV which will overlap with Rafa’s match 🙁
what is 6 nations championships?
Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Italy and France RR format championshiop based on points rather than win/lose. England have already won it on points but are going for s Grand Slam result by winning all five on their matches.
Sorry. Forgpt to mention they’re playing rugby.
Bravo Milosh! He could win this title with a little luck
Milos has a real shot in the final regardless of the opponent
Not if he plays like that he doesn’t
He won’t. He was temporarily blinded and subdued by the Goffin genius.
Happy for Milosh!
Try as I might I never become emotionally involved in a Raonic match. Sampras had the same effect on me.
Back to the rugby until Rafa’s match gets underway.
That’s pretty much the way I feel when watching Raonic. I also could not get emotionally involved with Sampras. I liked Agassi much more. No disrespect meant for Sampras and what he has achieved in the sport.
WHAT A START!!
Rafa way better than Nole to start!
beatdown city so far, as expected
VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!
Novak with two double faults in a row!
Rafa – hold your serve now!
Lost serve…. Novak played well but Rafa lost the initiative there! Played short in those last two points
that should be it
Nope. Same old pattern with Rafa getting broken back. This is the thing that Rafa cannot keep allowing with Novak. He needs to make Novak play from behind and not let him get back in the match.
Scratchy start from Novak but he’s getting the feel of his shots now.
Ugly match so far.
Nice I/O forehand winner from Rafa. That’s the shot that did the damage against Nishi.
Rafa now just has to hold his serve.
Nice angled forehand winner from Rafa. PMac said that was the shot Rafa was working on in practice.
If only Rafa’s 2nd serve wasn’t such a liability. But so far he’s doing a good job and holding his own.
That is where Novak has such an advantage. His second serve has so much more speed. Rafa relies on placement with his his second serve.
Rafa is playing well in the early going. He must continue to hold his serve.
Djokovic’s been making lots of errors so rafa should have taken advantage.
Now rafa being punished…playing POORLY…
PHEWWWWWWW that was close!! Good body serves from Rafa
DELICIOUS serve!! perfect
UGLY miss on the forehand pass :/
Now if he gets broken from here, that would be such a bigggg pity/
Rafa is jamming Novak with that serve.
He is doing a good job on the deuce court…
Unbelievable how tentatively Nadal is striking his forehand! So many safe shots! just looping them
That’s what the ESPN commies were saying. Playing it too safe.
Rafa’s shots don’t have the same penetration as they did in the start of the match. He has gotten some free points on first serves but not sure how long will that continue
Come on Rafa!
This is maddening to watch Rafa fighting to hold his serve here.
Novak playing like garbage but Rafa not taking advantage.
Yep. Djokovic has been DIRE.
THAT was a good combination! Awesome backhand DTL and then BOOM inside out forehand
Oh boy! Rafa just passed a big test!
To be honest, Djokovic is vulnerable at the moment and Rafa can take him down…. even if Djokovic can raise his level a bit, Rafa can handle but if Djokovic raises his level considerably, then it would be very tough to handle for Rafa.
Rafa got a little lucky in that he got lots of free points on serve..I am NOT happy with the way he hit his forehand for most of that game….
he MUST penetrate the court! bring out the stuff you have been doing on the practice courts!
Rafa is very impressive – vintage FH winners. Looks confident and positive. Strong hold of serve including an ace, there for 4-3
3 – 4
15:0, 15:15, 30:15, 40:15BP, 40:30BP, 40:40, 40:A, 40:40, 40:A, 40:40, 40:A, 40:40, 40:A
VERY FRUSTRATING the way Rafa is hitting his forehand!
PERFECT body serve to right there…killing Novak with body jammers on the deuce court… 15-0
Rafa’s level not improving though
The key is so much mental. Rafa has had such tough losses against Novak.
Rafa is trying to serve bigger at times. I saw one clockef at 126 mph.
Wow… impressive second serve…surprised novak
Pressure service game right here at 4-4.
VAMOS!!! that was a REAL forehand! BOOM! no messing around! 40-30
That’s the shot!
VERY VERY impressive hold from 15-30 !
Full marks for not letting nerves get the better of him… In fact, he starts hitting the ball better when under the gun!
Now, is asking for a break of serve too much here?
Rafa just passed another test holding his serve to make it 5-4.
HOW did rafa hit that inside out forehand??? IMPOSSIBLE !
VINTAGE RAFA passing shot!
VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ! set point!!!!!
OMG,
🙁
Steps up to return serve …misses second serve…
NO!
Hilary Swank is sure a Rafa fan. Crowd is pro Rafa…
Commentators are Rafa fans!
Gosh. set point Rafa. Phew. Saved. deuce. second serb. ad in. Strong hold. 5-5
That was tough. When did Rafa last have a set point against Novak?
Rafa could have done a bit more on set point… floated a backhand toward the middle of the court and Novak punished…
Okay, goood serving!
I must say, the serve-return dynamic is holding up really well for Rafa so far! I am impressed!
Djokovic misfiring his returns a bit and Rafa serving VERY smartly! Showing great presence too…
@Ricky, what do you think now?
@NNY, you think Rafa can get this set??
Rafa holds!
6-5
Now it’s up to Novak to force a TB!
My stomach is in knots!
vamosrafa,
I think Rafa has a shot if he can keep it together.
OH MY WORD!! NOBODY in the world can hit a running forehand like that! my jaw dropped!
ARGHH and then he misses the routine forehand!!
Banana forehand! What a shot!
Here we go!
TB!
I’m tellin’ ya! He is impressive. Rafa is.
He’s feeling it. This is going to be tough for Nole to hold here – I’m afraid…
second serv. winner from Rafa ?. 0-15. 15-15. winner Nole. 30-15. he needs an ace. it’s not but it will do. 40-15. second serv. game Nole. Tie break!
Here we go!
TB!
very smartly done by Novak…the dropshot-lob Combo…perfect
Rafa, give it your all now! get the tie break
The dreaded bloody TB. Peeping between my fingers.
I can hardly bear to watch!
My nerves!
Rafa missing the forehand again. Ugh!
Rafa is feeling the pressure. 🙁
Rafa’s forehand gifting points… his defensive skills earn him a tough one…4-2… PLEASE GET THIS ONE TOO
WOW, Rafa!
M
Rafa fighting.
So near, so far.
Novak could not have been much worse but he won the set.
I wouldn’t put it that way at all.
Oh no! Rafa loses the TB!
That was so close.
ironic smile. DF Nole. 1-1. long from Raf. 2-1. Rafa serving. another long from Raf. 3-1 Nole. Rafa serv. Return winner Nole. 4-1. Nole serv. Misses a lob, does Nole. 4-2. change of sides. Nole serv. let. 5-2 Nole. Raf serv. long bh Nole. 5-3. Raf serv. another long from Nole. Rafa’s FH very good. 5-4. Nole serv. Sheesh passing shot Rafa – good. 5-5. yikes. Nole serves out wide. Rafa hits it long 6-5. Nole but Rafa serving…sigh. Nole gets it 7-5. Awesome tennis match.
Rafa is back…no one apart from Nole woulda won that set. Skin of his teeth.
He won the best point of the tournament to even it at 5-5 …
Rafa made too many bad UE in the tie break :/
Novak’s out-wide serve on the deuce court saved the set for him.
Rafa had SET point…
The way Djokovic smirks his getting on my nerves. So proud of Rafa however.
Honestly, that doesn’t make me feel better. Rafa needed to win that first set to give him some confidence.
But I am proud of Rafa for staying in the fight. He made it competitive and that is one thing we have not seen.
The ESPN commies said that Novak won that TB because of having more confidence. It makes a big difference.
Rafa really needed to win that first set. He needed that boost. I hope he can keep it together now.
Forehand DTL not being utilized effectively …not going for it..
That is what the ESPN commies said earlier. That Rafa had chances to go for the DTL forehand, but didn’t do it.
It was 40-15…down a BP now… too good from DJokovic
Body serve to the rescue again and oh my those are just BRUTAL forehands cross court from Rafa…
tha was surely long!!
No :/ it was in
that was way long
Rafa keeps hitting good first serves and nole is not having the best of returning days…
ARGH deuce again… PLEASE HOLD
They showed some serve stats for Rafa.
He’s getting in a very high percentage of first serves, but only winning 57%.
Yeah…that’s because he is going for the high margin serve..but should be at least 65%+
OH NO…that was so well constructed! missed the the smash
WOAHHHH what a way to close out the game!
10/10 for Rafa’s attitude!
I cannot recall a worse quality match between these 2. Both below par.
It looks miserable hot out there!
I don’t know what match you are watching. The ESPN commies would disagree with you. There have been some great rallies and good shot making in this match.
Rafa was not far off that 1st set!! Nole’s not out of the woods at all…
Nole pressing Rafa’s serve. deuce. Rafa serves: Nole slips and can’t get there. Oof. ad in. looked bad. deuce. Rafa serves. ad in. and …easy volley Rafa. 1-1.
I am proud of Rafa for fighting to hold serve. Good for him!
War of attrition.
Rafa has shown some real mental strength in this match.
He’s fighting all the way. That’s all I can ask.
It was always going to be a gruelling match. Luckily for Rafa the long multiple deuce game and ND’s quick serice hold was followed by the respite of s change of ends sit down.
Rafa is battling in every service game now. This is the pressure that Novak puts on him.
Nole’s face is beet red. Having trouble with the toss into the sun on that side. Serving ahead this set, he holds to 2-1.
Yeah, Nny. Nole doing his best to make holding serve an act of God.
Rafa serves. 0-15. Serves 15-15. Serves 30-15. Serves 40-15. serves. 40-30. serves. Rafa misses at net. deuce. Rafa serves, ad in. Rafa serves. Ruthless bhtdl Nole. deuce. Rafa serves. Ad IN. Serves and forehand winner Nole. deuce. Rafa was supposed to have an easy hold here, I thought. serves. second serve. long fh Nole. Ad IN. Rafa serves. second serve. Wide FH Nole. Finally – Rafa holds.
I wish that Rafa could put some pressure on novak’s serve.
They just posted winners to he’s. Both guys very close with more UE’s than winners.
Nole serves 15-0. ace 30-0. serves 30-15. serves. FH wide Rafa. 40-15. Serves. second serve. Rafa hits it long. Easy hold for Nole. 3-2.
I meant winners to UE’s, not he’s!
There was so much hesitation in that inside out forehand rafa hit…. no wonder it hit the net…
GSM!
Rafa gave it his all and that’s it.
rafa is fighting big time!!!
subpar djokovic is still too much for nadal. nadal should be happy with the tournament and hope for any future improvements if possible at all.
Don’t they have oxygen pods in IW?
Nadal’s forehand can be WAY MORE devastating than this.. was not even close to the best level today..
Novak was sloppy but what was the reason? I would attribute that to two factors:
1. Djokovic just not feeling the ball that well today
2. He was just thrown out of his comfort zone by Rafa.
Elaboration on point no.2: there have always been lots of mini-battles dictating the outcome of their matches and they try to come up with new winning patterns and overcome their weaknesses. For example, today, rafa came up with some serving patterns which made djokovic really uncomfortable.
Besides, the forehand on Nadal’s topspin in these conditions (it was extraodinarily hot today) was making it tough for Novak to control the ball. He said the same in his interview and talked about making an adjustment in set 2 !He also commented on the ‘new things’ both of them did in comparison to their last match…
These Nadal-Djo matches involve lots of tactics… it is a pity some Fed fans try to take the shine off it by saying they are all about running and defending and BLA BLA BLA…
These minor match adjustments are common to the game of tennis generally, and especially so with the top guys. “Fed fans” criticise them for the crux of the kind of game that represents. Changing serving patterns for instance might help for a set. But if you’re giving Novak the same looks during rallies, it’s not going to work for long. He’s too good a returner not to be able to read your serves as the match wears on and Nadal anyway isn’t a great server.
The problem is, their styles are so fundamentally similar that prima facie it’s not exciting to watch at all and more importantly, it becomes a question of who’s hitting the ball better and looks faster out there.
Contrast that with Fed who may not be hitting his groundstrokes as well as Novak but will, in most cases, still give him more trouble because he will never give him the same look twice and has way too many tricks up his sleeve. That makes for a more interesting match-up even if on courts this slow (my god, the net clearance) Novak is the clear favourite.
I agree with Fedfan here to a certain extent, ie Rafa and Novak play too similarly, mostly from the baseline. I was a bit disappointed that Rafa didnt move up to the net more frequently, preferring to rally with Novak all day, when Rafa himself is/was good at the net when he got there.
Rafa vs Fed, at least there’s contrast of styles. To me, the Raonic vs Goffin SF was more interesting due to contrast of styles.
Rafa should vary the way he hits his shots, ie hitting more DTL shots be they FH or BH; he’s hitting his FH CC too frequently that Novak could expect it all the time.
Rafa might be more competitive in this match but Novak clearly was not at his usual high level of Doha or AO. Had Novak played that way, I doubt the first set would even go to a tiebreak. Well, I can hope that going forward Novak will be playing more like his level here at IW rather than his level of Doha/AO. He’s not going to sustain his 2015 level I hope, if not it will be nightmare for everyone else in the tour!
Rafa is improving, at least he’s able to fight his way through esp vs Zverev, from 2-5 to 5-5. However, he’s still dropping serves after breaking serves! Also, he’s terrible in TBs, almost losing all of them! His level is still up and down during a match, couldnt sustain a good level for long, thus has to fight so hard to win. Hopefully, he will improve in time when the clay season arrives.
@ Lucky
A sane analysis from you as always. Rafa’s TB record has deteriorated drastically. in the past he was able to use the TB to win sets/matches he was on the brink of losing. Now it is more likely to signal the end of the set or match.
Vamos Rafa – no matter what! Keep believing in yourself, Rafa! ?
Nadal will take tons of positives from this match…He will just practice harder and it will be a little different this time. This week has been fabulous for him.
I do have observations to share but will do so in a while. Rafa’s finally showing good improvement…
I can live with this loss because Rafa was competitive. He came so close in that first set, He even had a set point. He fought in that TB, but Novak was just that much more confident and managed to do what he had to and win the TB.
I thought that Novak played better in the second set. In fact, I thought that the patterns reverted back to how they have been since Rafa has struggled and been in a slump. Rafa did change up his serving patterns. I thought Rafa was hitting his forehand better in that first set. But it’s still not consistent enough to beat Novak. Also, he missed opportunities to go DTL.
I just think that Novak was able to wear Rafa down in the second set. He put so much pressure on him to hold his serve every time. I also think that Novak was dictating the points more in the second set,
Novak definitely wasn’t at his best in the first set. Rafa had a real chance to take a set off him. So close.
Rafa will take good things out of this tournament for sure. His best result so far. He now can measure his progress after playing Novak. He will know what more has to be done.
Solid assessment of the match… agreed!
That’s how I saw it too. It was great to see Rafa fight like that. Bodes well for an exciting season!
1st set point by point:
http://www.flashscore.com/match/Kle9Te1k/#point-by-point;1
2nd set point by point: http://www.flashscore.com/match/Kle9Te1k/#point-by-point;2
Match with 1st & 2nd set stats breakdown from BNP Indian Wells:
http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/en/scores/match-stats?mid=MS002
I reckon Rafa at long last is well on his way to losing his fear of Novak. That was the most competitve he’s been in their encounters for a long time. Plenty of positives to take from today. A few more mactches like that against high calibre players are what are needed.
onwards and upwards
Vamos Rafa.
Rafa’s level is raising while Novak’ level has somewhat dropped. If the trend continues Rafa will come close to beating Nole soon enough and then it will solely be on Rafa’s racquet whether he wins or loses…I’ve seen lots of improvements in Rafa’s game…he is getting there…
I am proud of Rafa! I appreciate his aggression and improvements on serve…I guess Rafa never really believed he would beat Novak this time which made it harder on Rafa…but he had set point and it was really close to make it a three setter…too bad it did not work this time…But I am really encouraged with how Rafa progressed in this tourney…hope he keeps up a good work…
Vamos Rafa! We believe in you with all our hearts!
Rafa’s level is raising while Novak’ level has somewhat dropped. If the trend continues Rafa will come close to beating Nole soon enough and then it will solely be on Rafa’s racquet whether he wins or loses…I’ve seen lots of improvements in Rafa’s game…he is getting there…
I am proud of Rafa! I appreciate his aggression and improvements on serve…I guess Rafa never really believed he would beat Novak this time which made it harder on Rafa…but he had set point and it was really close to make it a three setter…too bad it did not work this time…But I am really encouraged with how Rafa progressed in this tourney…hope he keeps up a good work…
Vamos Rafa! We believe in you!
Sorry for the double post…have no idea how it happened…
Anyway, Vamos Rafa!
Didn’t see too much of the match but what I saw wasn’t high quality. Final match stats 23-29 for Nole and 12-26 winners/unforced for Rafa. Not my type of tennis. Nole certainly looking vulnerable these days. A decent effort from Stan probably would have been enough today. Stan or Thiem for the French.
Novak has looked pretty vulnerable lately. Really annoys me because he is still grinding out these ugly wins and is gonna take the title. Doubt Raonic will get a set let alone win the match. Fed being out and Stan and Murray losing kind of just allowed Novak to not play that well and still win here. At least Roger will be in Miami. I hope tomorrow will be a good final. I’ll be pulling for Milos but I doubt he will win that one.
I thought the first set was quite entertaining and good quality. Novak wasn’t at his best but some of that had to do with Rafa playing do much better. He pushed Novak and made it very competitive.
As far as the UE’s, I don’t think that both players being in the 20’s was all that high. The ESPN commies were saying that the higher UE’s were due to both players going for so much on their shots.
I think that Novak got stronger as the match went on and Rafa wasn’t able to be as competitive as in the first set.
People keep saying that Novak is winning ugly and not being pushed or forced to play his best, but that’s what it takes to stay on top
. Rafa has won ugly, so has Fed. It’s unrealistic to expect Novak to play at his best all the time. It’s not going to happen.
As far as Stan being able to do better against Novak, from what I saw if him in this tournament he was nowhere near his best. The way he lost to Goffin was uninspiring, to say the least. Stan can be a tough match up for Novak, but only if he’s on his game,
The UEs doesn’t really speak for the quality of the match. There were plenty of extended rallies, someone has to make an mistake at the end…
Overall, pretty good match. Both players played at a high level.
Laak,
I agree with your assessment of the match. Also about the UE count not being an indicator of the quality of the match. It’s easy to get caught up in stats.
I think there were some brilliant rallies with great shot making at different points in the match. As the second set went on, there was a sense of inevitability about the outcome.
Rafa just had to work too hard to hold his serve.
I think Rafa will feel good about his progress, how he did at this tournament and what needs to be done going forward. I did not think he was ready to beat Novak yet. But he’s made some great strides and should be able to get even better.
Novak will take the wins any way he can get them. He has so much confidence and belief right now and sometimes that’s enough. We will have to wait and see if anyone can step up to challenge him.
the UE counts were not that high…….
Ricky,
I agree and that was the point I was trying to make in response to those who brought it up.