Rafael Nadal will continue his Madrid campaign on Friday when he goes up against recent Monte-Carlo foe David Goffin. The quarterfinal schedule also includes Rio champion Dominic Thiem and lucky loser Borna Coric.
(9) David Goffin vs. (3) Rafael Nadal
Nadal and Goffin will be going head-to-head for only the second time in their careers and for the second time this spring when they battle for a place in the Mutua Madrid Open semifinals on Friday. They just faced each other last month in Monte-Carlo, where Nadal cruised through a semifinal affair 6-3, 6-1 en route to his 10th title in the principality of Monaco. The fifth-ranked Spaniard also bagged trophy No. 10 in Barcelona, where he did not drop a single set and was pushed to only one tiebreaker. There has been no slowing down for Nadal in Madrid, where he scraped past Fabio Fognini 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4 before crushing Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday.
A red-hot Goffin clearly has designs of making a second straight appearance at the World Tour Finals (last year as an alternate). The 10th-ranked Belgian is 27-9 in 2017 with runner-up performances in Sofia and Rotterdam to go along with his semifinal finish in Monte-Carlo. Goffin has not surrendered a set so far this week, taking out Karen Khachanov, Florian Mayer, and Milos Raonic in routine fashion. But as their recent Monte-Carlo tilt suggests, the ninth seed does not have the necessary offensive tools to seriously trouble Nadal on clay.
Pick: Nadal in 2
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(LL) Borna Coric vs. (8) Dominic Thiem
Coric trailed Enrique Lopez-Perez 6-2, 5-3 in the first round qualifying and lost to Mikhail Kukushkin the next day. But the 59th-ranked Croat got a lucky-loser spot in the main draw when Richard Gasquet withdrew due to a back injury, and the rest is history. Coric has made the most of his opportunity with straight-set victories over Mischa Zverev, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, and world No. 1 Andy Murray. The 20-year-old is now 13-11 at the ATP level this season with a title last month on the red clay of Marrakech.
Up next for Coric on Friday is a second career meeting with Thiem, who lost their only previous encounter 6-1, 7-5 at the recent Miami Masters. As usual, a switch to clay has done the ninth-ranked Austrian plenty of good. He is 12-2 on the slow stuff (24-10 overall in 2017) with a title in Rio de Janeiro and a final showing in Barcelona (lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal). Thiem opened in Madrid with a routine defeat of lucky loser Jared Donaldson before saving five match points to overcome Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(9) on Thursday. This matchup was a fair fight in Miami, but that may not be the case on the clay courts of Madrid. Whereas Murray was content to bloop groundstrokes back and forth with Coric, Thiem–despite camping out many meters behind the baseline–has never been afraid to be the aggressor.
Pick: Thiem in 2
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Rafa and Domi in 2 .. they will play the final together again ..
yep
Tsame
Damn you are quick with you previews man!!
Anyway, Rafa in 2 sets with total domination in one set.
Will Djokovic be able to beat Nishi?
Rafa in 2, 6-3, 6-2. If djokovic and Nadal win who wants to guess what the result will be?
nadal beats djkovic in 3 tights sets 6-4,2-6,6-3
a lot to a little
*in the semis
Rafa is playing much better now than he was the last time he played Goffin at MC. I expect Rafa to get the win in 2 sets.
Coric has had a nice run and made the most of his lucky loser opportunity, but this is where the road ends for him. After watching Thiem gut out a tough, hard fought victory against Dimi saving five match points along the way, he will get the win in 2 sets.
Ermm….I think the result will depend much on how everything’s will turned out for Rafa today…the weather[windy or not],the serve[clicking or not]..if things not go well,how fast Rafa will manage his nervousness..
Goffin certainly will give a stern test…there’s going to be a lot of DTL shots from Goffin,but once again the mental strength of Rafa will make all the difference in the world…So,maybe Rafa in 2..at the most 3..
From what I’ve seen the conditions have been much slower and heavier than expected for Madrid,which doesn’t suit many people’s games.
I think Goffin will provide a tough match ,he’s in great form.Nadal in three.
Thiem will be able to hit through Coric , 64 64.
If Rafa gets off to a quick start he will win in 2
If not he could have a tough fight on his hands because Goffin is very much a front runner player: if he falls behind he tends to lose confidence and become mentally more fragile.
I’m hoping Rafa will have learnt from the Barcelona meeting and will recalibrate his game plan accordingly.
Ed i think Rafas playing much better than he was in MC ….
Be calm, be focused, be confident, be strong, be brave, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_oKIvsWsAAe4TX.jpg
In my opinion, Goffin’s not beating Rafa on clay. Not this season, anyway. I would be very surprised if Goffin beat him today… I’m also dying to see Rafa/Novak! 🙂 I honestly cannot imagine Rafa getting any better of an opportunity to finally end his losing streak to Novak… Rafa is playing really well. It’s on clay, even if it’s Madrid conditions. Rafa’s filled with confidence. Novak is slumping. The stars are lined up for Rafa to turn the tables again. He MUST capitalize here! And I, personally, think he will…
Yeah Rafa is due for a win over Novak. That would be great to see.
I hope so too!
Nny!..Where r u?Rafa already start his rumble!!Let’s rumble!!C’mon!!
MA,
I am here watching! Rafa has come out again playing very well!
Yeah Nny!The confidence brimming from his mere body like a hot fire!Urgh!No wonder i feel so hot now!
Rafa’s picked up exactly where he left yesterday. He is in slaughter mode.
Backhand is ON FIRE. Forehand is good but can definitely improve. He’d need to improve the forehand a little bit if he is to keep this an easy match.
I am amazed at how well Rafa is hitting his backhand, especially DTL!
I should add that the CC backhand is firing, too. He can really open up the court if he’s got that backhand working,
Easy holds for Rafa.
Tennis channel commies said that if Rafa wins this match he will # 1 in the race to London.
Ooohh! Wicked DTL forehand! That’s what we need!
Come on Rafa! Break!
Missed that backhand!
Goffin DF’s. Another break chance.
Goffin holds. That was important for him because Rafa has come out playing so well.
Rafa missing BP chances so often these days, not good!
Rafa also holds in a tight service game. Rafa really looks focused!
Come on Rafa! Break!
I can sense that Rafa is a bit nervous facing Goffin, probably still remembering how Goffin played that first set at MC.
Playing against Goffin is good practice before playing Djoko, so I hope Rafa beats Goffin here, to give him some confidence when facing Djoko next.
Okay break point Rafa!
Let’s do this!
Missed it again!
Beautiful point from Rafa! Another break point!
Missed that DTL backhand!
Crap!
The more Goffin is able to fight off break points, the better he is going to feel.
Missed chances for Rafa.
See, how terrible Rafa is in breaking serves!!
Just so long as he takes the first set and serves out the match when the time comes. That’s all I ask.
Yes, that’s not asking for too much!
We may be heading for a TB.
I have to believe that Rafa is going to push for the break,
Deuce. Come on Rafa! Steal this set now with a break!
What a shot from Goffin!
Goffin has come up with the shots in tight service games.
Goffin is playing very well and fighting off thise break points has given him a lift.
Now Rafa in trouble.
blew so many chances away haha… Goffin serving and rallying pretty well though.
0-30
30-30.
Whew! Rafa holds!
WOW
Seems that Rafa has to play alternate bad and good matches here at Madrid. I think he has too much respect for players like Foggy and Goffin, knowing how well they could attack from both wings.
Rafa hitting too short at times, allowing Goffin to move forward to attack. I really don’t like Rafa not taking his chances at BPs, making errors at crucial moments.
Could do without a TB. Bad for the nerves!
Whew! Rafa stepped up and took charge in the TB. Goffin cracked in the end with a DF to give Rafa the first set!
That was close! Now I can breathe!
Rafa was losing a lot of TBs when he was struggling with his form but seems to have stemmed the tide.
Thanks Rafa!!!!!!!!!
Phew, Rafa wins the first set in the TB!
Rafa squandered six BPs, though not all were within his control as Goffin did serve well to save some of them. It’s Rafa who made so horrible errors to squander the rest. A TB could be avoided had Rafa played better.
Goffin played well, took the ball early and was attacking from both wings, still Rafa could manufacture six BPs! Goffin really lost it at crucial moment in the TB, quite typical of him.
Ricky….since you’re here..i gotta ask u to go look at Non tennis forum…there’s a junk porn that u need to remove…it’s very very unsuitable for a tennis forum i think!
Hoping Goffin now goes on to fulfil my prediction and comes out flat for the 2nd set. Also need the match to be over by in 30 minutes cos I have to leave for a birthday for which I’ve made the cake.
I am hoping that Rafa can take charge in this second set so that he can wrap this up. He needs to get off the court to be ready for Novak!
Rafa has an opening here.
0-40
Do it now Rafa!
Rafa has to get this break.
Rafa break him now!
Okay! Now serve this out and go rest Rafa!
That’s our boy………….he’s got the bit between his teeth and Goffin is losing heart.
Spoke too soon 🙁
Rafa is nervous and his game has regressed . Had he taken those early BP chances, he’d have gotten this way under control. He’ll still get this in 2 sets I think.
I don’t know why Rafa is nervous. But credit to him for fighting off those break points and consolidating.
I reall want to see him close this out in two sets. That first set was long as it is. I fot want him slugging it out with Goffin while Movak is resting.
I don’t want him slugging it out while Novak is resting! *
Every service game is going to be stressful. Rsda needs to hold, but a second break would sure be nice!
Exactly VR. As I said, Rafa is giving Goffin too much respect! He knows what Goffin is capable of, so he’s nervous at crucial moments when he’s about to break serve.
He should be playing more aggressive tennis, stamping his authority, instead of giving Goffin so much space to work on, he preferring to rally with Goffin. I mean the fact that he could have so many BPs meant he’s playing well enough to generate them, but did poorly to take them!
Now we are at deuce from 40-0.
Yes! Rafa holds! Two more games!
Oh yes! Backhand DTL for 0-30!
Rafa playing from way behind the baseline whilst Goffin steps inside the court more often than not! It’s as if Rafa wants to practice his rallying and defensive skills! ( I meant it in a sarcastic way).
Here we go! 15-40!
Oh man! I thought Rafa had the break!
Oh my God ! What a shot from Rafa!
This is quite a treat to see these two trading shots!
Wow #finalnailinthegoffin
That’s it! Double break done Rafa style!
Good one!
Vmk1 noice!!!!
Crazy game! With some crazy points from both men! Thank goodness Rafa breaks serve after so many deuces!
Come on Rafa, please win it here!
what a match.
YES!!!!Wooohooo!!…Love u Rafa!!!Yeah!!!
I expected Rafa to win with less fuss, but credit to Goffin, he’s a great player. I saw them play each other in the Abu Dhabi final, and Goffin can hold his own against anyone.
Vamos Rafa!
I am glad that Rafa is out there playing because it brought out the best in him! This match was good preparation for Novak.
Rafa will go into tomorrow’s match playing great tennis and feeling confident after beating Kyrgios and Goffin!
I don’t want to hear a word about an easy draw! Rafa had challenges and has met the test so far.
Now Rafa – go out there tomorrow and take down Novak!
Full full credit to Goffin for his amazing fighting!!
Yes Vamos Rafa! Well done.
A high quality match, but Rafa has to step it up esp where breaking opponent’s serves is concerned. Perhaps this is a good preparation for Rafa to face Djoko next. Rafa can tough it out now so I think he’ll find a way to beat Djoko tomorrow.
Rafa has defended his SF points, and he’s now no.1 in the race! Well done Rafa! Next, beat Djoko in the SF.
Does anyone know what Rafa would need to do to get the # 4 ranking for RG?
The quickest way is for Rafa to win Madrid and Fed not playing at Rome, or if Fed is playing at Rome, to lose before the QF.
After today’s win, Rafa is 480 points behind Fed.
Rafa has to win the title in Madrid or earn points in Rome.
Rafa fought past David!!! ✌ ✌ ✌ Vaaamooos!!!
Rafa’s win means that he’ll rise from No.2 to No.1 in the next week’s Race. He’ll be 50 points ahead of Fed. ?
To add to my post AT 4:25 PM:
Rafa would be 50 points ahead of Fed in the Race if he did not win more matches in Madrid.
The ATP website:
“By reaching the Madrid semi-finals, the Spaniard also takes the top spot from Roger Federer in the Emirates ATP Race to London, which tallies the race points accumulated starting Jan. 1 of this year. The 360 points Nadal earns for a semi-final showing puts him slightly ahead of Federer (4,095 vs. 4,045). He’ll earn an additional 240 points if he makes the Madrid final and 640 points for winning the title. Nadal can further extend his lead with more wins next week at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, which Federer is not playing.”
Yup. Rafa stands tall at 4095 points in the race now 🙂 I did predict that he will be no.1 in the race before RG begins! I had total faith in him.
Tomorrow is another test though. A test of how well he can vanquish the mental demons. Tennis wise he is easily there. Just got to produce it tomorrow against his nemesis.
I Never have a good feeling when Rafa plays Novak, not one single shred of my being cheers for this match up ….
This was a great match in many respects and (I think) Rafa’s most impressive win on clay this season. Goffin played very well, great at times, and (most important) did not back down even when he was behind. He pushed Nadal the whole way. That game at 2-4 in the 2nd set was the best game I have seen this season. What incredible shots from both players.
So: full props to Nadal for a great win. Yes, he missed several BP opportunities, but Goffin had a lot to do with that. He gave Rafa nothing this match. Imo, the difference in the match was serving and, especially, ROS. Goffin did not hit enough 1st serves in, and really couldn’t do much with Nadal’s 2nd serve. From the baseline he held his own, and in the first set may even have been a bit better. Nadal was a beast as usual when facing BPs and generally played the big points better, including in the TB.
Er.., Rafa having more BPs than Goffin in the first set, I doubt Goffin was playing better than Rafa, more like he’s good at saving them. Not forgetting Goffin was the aggressor in the match (at least in the first set), whilst Rafa was more the counter puncher than the aggressor, and yet Rafa was able to create those BPs. It’s in the second set that Rafa was more aggressive and took the lead.
Rafa’s passing shots in that particular game were incredible. Rafa had six BPs in set one alone and it’s not that Goffin saved all of them by his good serving or good hitting; some were due to Rafa’s errors. Had Rafa taken one of those, a TB could be avoided.
Rafa raised his level when he needed to – in the TB and in that 7th game of second set. I like the varieties he displayed during that match, and came up with solutions as and when needed.
I don’t think we can dispute the fact that Rafa is playing very well at the moment and he’s playing some interesting tennis during this clay season – shorter points, great net play and volleying, good enough serves and returns; good BH and FH.
Video by ATP:
Hot Shot: Nadal Goffin Deliver Four Hot Shots In One Game At Madrid 2017:
https://youtu.be/B5-pLTPI0BQ
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