Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are one round away from a potential blockbuster semifinal in Monte-Carlo. They first have to get past Diego Schwartzman and David Goffin, respectively, in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Diego Schwartzman vs. (4) Rafael Nadal
It was a tale of two matches for Nadal as he heads into quarterfinal action at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Friday. The seventh-ranked Spaniard struggled in a 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 opening win over Kyle Edmund but picked up the pace dramatically to destroy Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-1 on Thursday. The latter result is more along the lines of what can be expected from Nadal in Monte-Carlo, where he is 60-4 lifetime with nine titles. This week’s fourth seed is 21-5 in 2017 and 21-2 against opponents other than Roger Federer.
Up next for Nadal on Friday is a third career meeting with Schwartzman, who is 0-2 in the head-to-head series. The Argentine went down 6-2, 6-2 on the hard courts of Acapulco in 2013 and 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5 at the 2015 U.S. Open. Playing the best tennis of his life right now, Schwartzman is up to a career-high ranking of No. 41 in the world and he will climb to at least 34th next week. So far in Monte-Carlo he has taken out Bernard Tomic, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets. At just 5’7”, Schwartzman obviously cannot serve Nadal off the court and he is forced to hit shots consistently outside of his strike zone against Nadal’s heavy topspin. If nothing else, however, the underdog will make this an entertaining baseline battle.
Pick: Nadal in 2 losing more than 7 games
[polldaddy poll=9728747]
(10) David Goffin vs. (2) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Goffin will be going head-to-head for the sixth time in their careers on Friday. All five of their previous encounters have gone Djokovic’s way and he is 11-1 in total sets against Goffin. Their most memorable showdown came at the 2015 Cincinnati Masters, where the Belgian led by a double-break at 3-0 in the third set and then failed to win another game in a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 defeat. They most recently faced each other at last year’s World Tour Finals, with Goffin taking an injured Gael Monfils’ place for one match and promptly getting blown out 6-1, 6-2.
It has hardly been one-way traffic for Djokovic so far in Monte-Carlo. The 2013 and 2015 champion escaped Gilles Simon 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 after Simon served for the match and he outlasted Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday. Such struggles do not come as a significant surprise given the Serb’s lackluster form (14-3 in 2017 with only one title in Doha) and an elbow injury that forced him out of Miami. Goffin is 21-7 this season following impressive clay-court wins this week over Nicolas Almagro and Dominic Thiem. Against the very best players in the world, however, Goffin often gets overpowered or breaks down on his own serve–or both. He also clearly lacks belief against Djokovic, so an easier time at the office than he what he endured in rounds two and three should be in store for the No. 2 seed.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
[polldaddy poll=9728793]
who ya got?
Goffin in three and Rafa in two losing seven games. Or fewer
Rafa in two and Djoko in three. Djoko will meet Rafa in the SF and this time Djoko will lose in two, no more lucky escape in three sets for him! He will use up all his luck in that Goffin match!
Djoko won’t win in two; Goffin is better player than Simon and PCB; so Djoko will gut out another win in three.
Djoko wont play as bad
That is what I am thinking.
I doubt! Goffin takes the ball early and is quick around the court; he won’t be counterpunching the way PCB does. PCB just waiting for errors from Djoko, and was poor in his anticipation of Djoko’s shots.
Goffin takes things into his own hand, PCB depends very much on how his opponent plays. Goffin’s issue is the same as Simon’s and PCB’s, i.e. lacking in belief that he can beat a top guy, and so losing from a winnable position. I’ve seen Goffin did just that time and again even when he had Djoko for e.g. on the edge. He just couldn’t take the next step (of beating these top guys).
The result of the match depends of which Djokovic will show up. And I agree that he most probably will be better tomorrow. Starting slow and building the momentum. That encounter with Rafa will be amazing.
Nole vs Nole.
PCB is at least as good as Goffin on clay right now
PCB lacks the tennis acumen that Goffin has, so at crucial moments PCB makes the wrong choices! Time and again he made that mistake today vs Djoko.
Yeah but neither is as good as say a Kohlschreiber on clay for instance.
Schwartzman’s done well to get rid of Agut, but he doesn’t seem like the type of player who’ll give Rafa trouble. Goffin will likely cause a few issues but I’m not convinced he can close the door on Djokovic. Probably Rafa in 2 and Djoko in 3. Hope it goes like that as I’d like to see them face off again.
I think Rafa never or rarely played Diego..he’s sure an underdog whom i bet will go out there and play the tennis of his life…u know nothing to lose attitude…oh,very dangerous indeed!..he’s also in hot form lately..and likes painting the lines with his shots all the time..don’t get fooled by his small stature,he’s sure can hit the ball hard and ran very fast…I think rafa will have his hands full tomorrow but if rafa of today come out to play then he should win in 2 but if rafa of yesterday instead…yeah,rafa in 3 IMO..
Nah, Rafa had played him twice, at Acapulco on clay in 2013 and USO in 2015, so Rafa knows him. Rafa won’t take things easy that’s for sure, he’s ever so cautious!
Oh really lucky?I just hope,rafa will not follow his AO trend..one day play great and the next day play like crap…but i’m ready to accept anything…when it comes to rafa,nothing is certain anymore…
#Truth
I hope that Lucky is right about Schwartzman. But it’s as Mira Andi said. You never know with Rafa. As she said, if the Rafa who played Zverev today shows up, then he should get it gone in 2 sets. If the Rafa who played Edmund shows up, then it could go 3 sets. I just don’t like taking anything for granted.
NNY, Rafa didn’t play badly in that match with Kyle, he just serve badly at crucial moments. He was on track to win in straight sets but faltered, lost concentration and lost his serve, and then things went messy for him.
Like what Rafa said in his post match interview, Kyle played with nothing to lose attitude after losing the first set 6-0 and so he’s hitting his FH as hard as possible every point. Rafa also mentioned the heavier conditions (and heavier ball) after the sunshine had gone down during set two/three, making it more difficult for his topspin FH to be effective and helping Kyle hitting without missing as the heavier ball won’t fly off course so easily.
Read Rafa’s post match presser, it’s interesting reading his analysis.
Lucky,
Thanks for the info about Rafa’s commments in his post-match presser about Edmund. I usually try to read his thoughts because it’s illuminating. What he said makes sense.
Thanks for letting me know! It helps!
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It is amusing seeing how some fans here think that Rafa’s attitude is different each day and they make remnarks like which Rafa will play. They seriously underestimate Rafa. The same Rafa comes everyday but how he plays depends on how well he can play. It depends on a lot of factors including the opponent. But Rafa is always Rafa. Trying to find a way to win. It is easy for armchair tennis coaches to say Rafa should be aggressive and he should have done this and he should have done that.
Hehehehe….Mary,this is for u…
https://kellyjohnsongracenotes.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/keep-calm-and-say-i-love-you-too.jpg
#Truth
MA,
That was brilliant!
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Hehehe…Thanks Nny!!..
#Truth
My post AT 8:36 PM is for Mary’s post AT 8:09 PM.
Well said, Mary. Nadal always comes to compete, that’s for sure. It’s always easier when you’re hitting shots like he did against Zverev.
Thanks Joe!
It was actually a very close and tense match when Rafa and Schwartzman played at US Open last year. It was like 7-6 6-3 7-5. Both guys are playing better now and are clay courters so this could be a good one. Still think Rafa wins fairly comfortably after last round’s demolition.
My bad that was 2015 US Open
At USO2015 Rafa played badly, even lost to Foggy after winning the first two sets! I mean Foggy at a HC slam??
I was AT the match and for the last 2 years I thought Schwartzman won a set. Didn’t realize til now when I check their head to head.
Don’t get too excited about Rafa yet. He was good today but not excellent. It was tacticall well played and he was consistent but Zverev was BAD. I am hoping Rafa will keep improving and get rid of that hesitation.
Djokovic keeps surviving and if he survives Goffin as well, he will not be easy at all.
VR: I agree that Zverev was bad today, but (unlike the first set against Edmund who was pretty much beating himself) I think Rafa had quite a bit to do with that, especially at the beginning of the match when he really set the tone. He came out aggressively and never let Zverev settle into any kind of rhythm. I think Rafa’s level today beats Novak’s current form.
vr,
You are echoing my thoughts. I did see highlights of Rafa’s match and it’s true that Zverev was not on his game, but Rafa did look a lot sharper. It’s always hard to judge when the opponent doesn’t play well. That’s why I am not taking anything for granted. We still need to see consistency from Rafa. That’s why I am cautious in thinking that matches will be easy. I would like to think that Rafa will continue to play well and get his game together.
I absolutely agree with your last sentence about Novak. He does indeed keep surviving these matches and that will actually help him build up some confidence. If you can pull out a match that you were in danger of losing, then it can work in your favor. It will be interesting to see him play Goffin. I do think that if he gets by Goffin, it’s not going to be easy.
One match at a time for Rafa!
I agree NNY!
VR, nobody said Djoko is easy. Djoko could gut it out over three sets match of match, that shown his determination. Rafa must be at his best to beat Djoko, whether Djoko is lack luster or not, because Rafa fears Djoko (sad to say that)!
yeah. Unfortunately I haven’t seen the best of Rafa yet and we all know consistency is his biggest enemy these days. However, the last match was encouraging and the forehand was better. He can rev up the explosiveness on the forehand quite a bit and he is still giving a bit too much air on his backhand. Of course he can do that on clay to construct points (something he does better than anyone) but he’s GOT to have that flat CC and even the DTL backhand working for him to finish points.
There is still hesitation on the DTL forehand but it is getting better. I was satisfied with the second serve return though! Hoping he will move up a gear today.
It is the ideal time to stop his losing streak against Djokovic.
I think the loopy BHs against Zverev was a deliberate tactic.
I agree, VR, it’s SUCH an ideal time for Rafa to turn it around… The last time Rafa lost 7 straight to Nole, it was at Monte Carlo where he turned it around! With Rafa playing arguably at a better level than Nole right now, and with Nole not at his best, AND the fact that it’s at MC, it really feels like the stars will be aligned for Rafa to finally beat Nole IF THEY ACTUALLY PLAY. As has been the case for a while now, I believe that the the edge that Nole will have on Rafa when they play again is a mental edge. If Rafa can’t get over that mental hump vs. Nole, it won’t matter how well/bad Rafa’s form is right now. I’m sure Hawks would agree with that… One thing is for sure- I feel like Rafa has got to at least get a damn SET off him again! If/When they play this clay season leading into RG, I really think that it could be a major turning point for each of their respective seasons for whichever one beats the other…
Agree Lucky and VR!!..Consistency and lack of belief to beat Novak i think..is it just me or the edge on novak side if they’re meet again tomorrow?Although,i’m really really glad if Rafa prove me wrong!..My God!It’s going on long enough!Lol!!
depends on how the two play today.
Not just Nole. Fed too.
#NotBetweenTheYears
Ricky writes: “The Argentine went down 6-2, 6-2 on the hard courts of Acapulco in 2013…”
There is a mistake on the ATP website, the Acapulco tournament was played on clay courts in 2013. The tournament switched from clay to hard courts in 2014.
does anyone see goffin beating djovic
Nope
Nope julius!
Someone does. Not me. The poll on the ATP site shows a majority thinking Goffin will win. I think the poll here is more realistic.
Rafa’s match could go very late today.
Cilic and AVR just starting the 3rd and two matches to come before Rafa.
is cuevo and novak a good bet?
Djoko maybe but not Cuevas. Cuevas not coming to play today, like he’s tanking the match, very disappointing! Might as well let Stan reached the QF, when I think Stan would put in better effort at least.
Rafa played excellent match against Zverev! It was tactically very well prepared and the execution was brilliant. One should ask himself why did Zverev look so hopeless out there when he was clearly in form and demolished his previous opponents? Well, that’s where Rafa’s role comes up! Rafa simply did not let him play his game! Zverev tried the same as he did in that AO match: hitting hard and running at every ball, trying to outhit Rafa but Rafa was defending in a fine manner and used every opportunity to switch to offense or use drop shots! This tactics is so much important should he meet with Nole.
One thing I agree, and that’s what I have been saying all along: Nole is the toughest opponent Rafa could get on clay! Rafa is doing fine and he should be ready for Nole!
It’s Rafa’s fault that Djoko becomes his toughest opponent on clay. Rafa lost his confidence in 2011 after that two consecutive losses at IW followed by that close Miami loss. Rafa had never lost a Masters final to Djoko prior to 2011.
Rafa was tentative at Miami and Rome final that year whilst Djoko was aggressive; that two wins in clay finals over Rafa had made Djoko believed that he could beat Rafa on clay, even in a final. Djoko was super aggressive at MC in 2013, almost bageled Rafa in the first set; from then he started to beat Rafa every year on clay – 2014 at Rome, 2015 at MC and RG; 2016 at Rome.
I mean Rafa was tentative in that Madrid and Rome final.
Nah. Give credit where credit is due.
Nole in so many FO finals and a title plus so many clay titles.
Nole has proven that he deserves to be Rafa’s biggest challenge on clay.
Someone has to be lol.
@hawks 11:44am,
Took the words out of my mouth! We have to give credit where credit is due!
It got to start somewhere right? Imagine Rafa winning those two clay finals in 2011, Djoko won’t be so confident facing Rafa on clay! Success breed success, I thought we kept saying that about Rafa, that Rafa must win a title now for him to feel confident again?
Do remember, beating Fed on grass and Rafa on clay were big deals back then; beating them on their fav surfaces gave these players confidence (in facing them in future, or when playing on these surfaces in future).
@lucky,
True, but Novak came close to beating Rafa even before that! He is grown up training on clay, he is great clay court player and he had always challenged Rafa on clay more than Fed to that matter. It was just the matter of time and circumstances for Novak to beat Rafa on clay…confidence loss followed naturally after Rafa lost his aura…
Yes nats, like I said, it got to start somewhere, but it’s unfortunate for Rafa, that it started so soon just right after his glorious year of 2010.
Had Rafa not gotten the virus at Doha, and then injured his thigh while playing Ferrer at AO in 2011, his 2011 might turn out very different. He might be able to hold off Djoko for another year or so, had he won that Miami final, and not getting his confidence dented.
Of course we could only speculate about what if; but we could see how important those two wins on clay were for Djoko, that he celebrated like he’s at the top of the world (he wasn’t no.1 yet at that time).
Don’t disagree with you LS in terms of gaining confidence, but Nole was a big part of that, not Rafa.
Everybody said Nole was crazy for saying he was in control of the match at RG in 2006 after having to retire and that Rafa was beatable on clay.
Sure, it was a ridiculous statement, but he BELIEVED.
And belief makes all the difference at the elite level.
“Had Rafa not gotten the virus at Doha, and then injured his thigh while playing Ferrer at AO in 2011, his 2011 might turn out very different. ”
Related: Two part question for all Rafans:
A. Has Rafa ever lost a match when healthy and
2. When, if ever, was the last time.
#Musings
ATM Rafas not playing Madrid or Rome, and its not 2011 its 2017, and hes not playing Novak hes playing Diego (cant spell his name), lets see if both get to each other first, thats before we start writing off this player or that player ….
AH, don’t see why you join in when you don’t know what we are discussing about.
Alison,
Well said! I have been saying one match at a time!
Didnt realize there was some set rule about that ….
You set the rule yourself, by telling us what not to talk about!
#OversensitivityIsEverywhere
Guys i didnt quite mean it like that, so sorry ….
That’s alright Al…it’s just a small matter..
Not even a small matter.
It’s not a matter at all.
LS is making it out to be that it is and AH is legitimizing her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_qMagfZtv8
lol…one of the greatest Radiohead videos – had seen that in so long 😀
Hawks and Ratcliff-
It makes me happy to know that there are fellow Radiohead fans on the Grandstand. 🙂
MA Cheers honey, still finding it hard to care ATM though 😉 ….
Hehehe…understood very well Al!..Cheers back to u my dearest friend!!
Another interesting day for rafa today!…Urgh!I can’t wait to see his form! ..whether his superb perfomance yesterday will be continued[oh!i wish!]…or Diego will have his own story to tell?And Rafa will play late,that means the ball will get heavier when the temperature get colder…considering his struggled against Kyle with these condition?But,i have no doubt that rafa will prevail..it’s just a matter of how many sets…[insyaallah]..
MA,
I hope that Rafa comes out and plays well again today. We know that it’s on Rafa’s racket on clay!
?
Oh!I very much hope so Nny!!Btw..how r u today?Ermm..yesterday,i gave something for u on Non tennis forum Nny…
Be focused, be confident, be strong, be brave, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C98UNzTXkAUgaJZ.jpg
I feel like Diego is exactly the type of player that Rafa runs clinics on… Let’s see if I’m right!
Kev…sadly,u are wrong atm!
Woohoohoo!Greeaatt start for Goffin!!What’s going on Nole??
Mira A, would you prefer Djokovic or Goffin next round? of course assuming Rafa wins today, which seems logical.
Eugene!…As much as i adore Novak,i have to say “Please God!let Goffin win today..just so Rafa can win his 10th this weekend…he really really need this win very badly”!Thank u God!…There Eugene!Hope u satisfied with my answer..
I was just curious about you preference. Some users here expressed their wish for Nadal to finally meet Djoko and see where his level currently is. However I think this Novak is not yet the real Novak, so he’s not a good ‘point of measurement’ if I can say that. I see what you saying, Rafa needs this title. Goffin is good, but Rafa would play with more confidence against him.
Yeah but Rafa’s not the real Rafa.
#PepsiVsPepsi
Eugene…To me,at this point winning a title here much more important than to see where Rafa’s level at the moment..if he win,he can restore back his confidence to the fullest and break the invisible wall that still planted very firmly in his mind..this win can solve many problem for Rafa..
Fully agree.
Goffin might be taking the first set! It’s 5-2 Goffin …yikes Goffin going to try to serve for the set.
He made it! But it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Goffin’s never beat Nole.
So far Goffin has played very well and Novak looks a bit out of sorts. But we have to see how Novak responds in the second set, can Goffin keep it up?
Oh dear. I don’t like what I’m seeing from Nole.
But there’s some hope. Nole served well that opening game 2nd set.
The tennis channel commies have taken note of Novak’s demeanor in this match. Negative body language and lack of a spark or intensity.
Goffin came out focused and has played as though he believes he can win. But he cannot afford any letdown,
This time Goffin really believes. If Nole is to win, he will really earn it this time. Not like against Carreno or Simon. Might be 2:1 for Goffin.
Yeah Nny…the uninterested look is back on his face as if he didn’t care what’s going to happen..
And,it’s really good to see Goffin stay with Novak at every point..it’s not easy to do that..if he can create a 1st win over Novak today,it’s going to be huge achievement for him..
MA,
Well it looks like I got my answer. Goffin didn’t keep up the high level of play and Novak got himself into the match. Goffin had his chances early in the second set. It’s not enough to play one great set of tennis against Novak.
Yeah Nny.But,there’s 1 more sets to be played..let’s see whether Goffin will be able to rise to the occassion or not…
Nole crashed into a barrier — that looked bad — he rolled.
Mentally or physically?
I think rolling in the dirt helped. Doesn’t appear that he injured anything physically and it was good for him mentally.
If this goes three, Nole will win. I think that fall looked worse than it was. Nole seems more awake and in it. Part of me wants Nole to win but I’d like Goffin to get his first win over Nole too. It’s a win-win.
#RememberHerbert
I’m always wondering, Hawks- what’s the Herbert references/jokes all about haha? I find myself cracking a smile about it, even though I have no idea what you’re referring to. 🙂
Nole will win.
#NID
can anyone threaten rafa at rg this year? surely, if he stays healthy it should be a cakewalk?
Nole.
(see last seven h2h matches and 15 straight sets, many on clay.)
Nole will break here and then consolidate for 4-1 lead.
4-1 Nole. Congrats to Me.
(Don’t ask Me how I do it – it’s a gift.)
(It’s remote viewing) you have the gift.
agree hawkie.
poor Goffin…vamos David.
The Best vs The Rest.
#BigThree
#NID
djoko seems more vulnerable these days. a handful more players can knock him out now.
Novak may be more vulnerable, but he’s managed to keep winning here and is still in this.
The one player who has shown he can knock out Novak is Kyrgios.
goffin’s not one of those players who’s likely to to scalp djoko though. his service game always presents chances to his opponents and he’s not strong enough mentally.
Goffin gets credit for punching above his weight and slaying some big guns but not Andy, Nole or Federer…probably not Rafa either but they have never played have they?
You’re right rc, they’ve never met!
(Silver Lining: Should Rafa lose to Goffin in the final, we can blame it on Rafa not playing him before.)
Come on Goffin!!
Nole gained rhythm and playing well, while Goffin’s level dropped. Exactly what my fear was: Novak to use this match for building confidence and getting into the groove for tomorrow…
I hope Goffin finds a way to break. I am in a mood of a dramatic tiebreak. Lol
approved
Goffin’s body language poor now. He seems resigned to his fate. Pity, he has the tools to beat Djoko but lacks the killer instinct when it matters.
hello ed. You are right about our man Goffin — he has the tools and right now he’s coming close but he’s….bound to blow it. Geez, the same with Federer and Andy vs Goffin.
Oh snap! Break back point for Goffin!
Nole has found his rhythm on his first serve a bit = especially at the right moments I see.
Goffin doesn’t have the mental toughness to beat the big guys. He has hung in there and tried to break back, but Novak”s serving has been very strong.
Wow that was a big hold for Novak. Big opportunity blown for Goffin… Let’s see if he can keep pressuring Novak’s service games. First he’s gotta not go down a double break!
I’d be so proud of Goffin if he could beat Nole, Federer, or Andy. He’s lost to each of them 5 times…going on 6 times to Novak.
And I don’t think Nole will need to fall down and roll on the ground or rip a shirt to get psyched up if Rafa is across the net. These close matches with Simon, PCB and a refresher course vs Goffin have been good tune-ups for Nole.
Wait for the tiebreaker here. Goffin has a chance 😉
Yes!!Goffin break back!!Awesome!!!
He broke back!!!!
Wow! What a shot! Way to go!
Goffin breaks back! Well done!
Let’s see whether he can hold his nerve here..
MA,
Yes, Goffin has to hold his serve here!
Come on David!!!
What a point! Goffin is going toe to toe with Novak!
Nny!…Now,at least we can’t underestimate Goffin anymore..he’s already showed us that he can stand at the same level with one of the most difficult player in history….now,that’s something!
As Ed said, Goffin has the tools to beat any of them but he caves in vs Nole, Andy and Federer. He’s made it tough a couple times with Andy and Nole… but this would be HUGE!
Hold your serve baby!!!
Goffin is certainly showing some mental toughness here! Gutsy hold for Goffin!
It was a miracle hold. woot!!! Go go Goffin!
Oh my God!
Way too easy of a hold for Nole. 5-5.
Please
Oh My God!I can’t believe Goffin can produce such a high quality tennis like this!Against Novak of all player!!Full full credit to him even if he lost later..
So near…so far
I’m crying
What a battle!
What??I can’t believe novak made a drop shot at crucial moment,knowing Goffin is superb at the net…
Jumping on my couch ….no no no I don’t want this to go to a tb
djoko so desperate he moonballed, lol.
I can’t believe how Goffin has been hanging in there in these rallies!
FOURTH MATCHPOINT
1 for 11 on 3rd set BPs tsk tsk.
This is why Goffin will fail.
He does not BELIEVE.
#NotBetweenTheYears
Another match point! Can he do it now?
It hurts to watch but Goffin has been brilliant…sometimes.
FIFTH MP
HE DID IT!
Well it just goes to show you!
I guess Goffin believes after all!
You never can tell in this sport!
Goffin did not fail! He outplayed Novak when it counted the most. He won!
Congratulations to Goffin! I think Benny picked him to best Novak! Well done
Hahahaha!…THIS IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!…and yes!!!!Congrats Goffin!!!
Sorry rc…
No, MA, I’m happy! Nole has beaten David 5 times. I want him to beat Andy and especially Federer …I’m a big Goffin fan.
I don’t expect Goffin to beat Rafa here at all ….they’ve never met. And it’s clay…Goffin’s made it close once before vs Nole.
You’re a fan of Goffin rc?Oh cool!!!In that case,big big congrats to u rc!With this perfomance Goffin deserves to win this title rc..it’s a shame cause i want rafa to win as well!hehehe..But,if Goffin win..i will be happy for him also rc…God!He’s sooooo awesome today!!!..And novak too of coz!!
Wow!!!
amazing effort by goffin but if he meets rafa he’s going to get blasted off the court.
He made it….he won Yay Goffin!!! His first win over Nole.
And Nole as classy as it gets congratulating David. God, I’m so happy right now 😀
Stone the crows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love that saying! Only used on special occasions!
me too 😀 and I think I’ve only seen ed and Margot use it.
Both played great! Amazing match! Congrats Goffin! Unbelievable tennis!
I don’t think Nole wanted to go all out to win this match and risk re injuring his arm.
He is saving himself for Roland Garros.
(See what I did just there?)
I forgive you!
But seriously, very happy for Gopffin taking out Nole today.
Sure on one level I want to see Rafa make the semi and beating Nole breaking the streak of bad losses, but more importantly is a 10th MC title, becoming the only player to win 10 Masters titles at one event and helping to restore his confidence.
One step at a time.
VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS!!!!!
Motion seconded
Heroic effort by Goffin. He defied all the odds but to be fair Nole is still a long way off his best level.
I only saw the last few points. Nole looked slow and lethargic.
LETS GO GOFFIN
It was an impressive win….that third set…sheesh.
Take nothing away from Goffin! He’s made Monte Carlo SF!
Absolutely right, ratcliff. Can’t remember last time I saw Novak getting dominated from the baseline like that. Those two desperation drop shots said it all. Take nothing away from Goffin.
Nole’s service is coming back. Although I am happy for Goffin, I would have liked a Rafa-Nole semi.
Congrats Goffin, finally a win against one of the big four guys! Good match, good quality too.
Now the path is open for Rafa. He needs to win this title!
I am okay with him not meeting Novak right now. There will be other chances. He needs to run his 10th title here! That is the missing part of the puzzle!
Go get it, Rafa!
As I said this morning, Rafa’s match would be a very late start. Sunset is in 35 minutes and Rafa hasn’t started.
Can’t see this one finishing. I don’t think there are lights are there?
Happy for Goffin, by dammit… I want to see Rafa conquer Nole!
*BUT dammit
Djokovic looks done, idk how the guy is supposed to win another GS or any tourney at this point. maybe he’ll find a way back but at this point that’s hard to believe. Defending 3600 points these next 5 weeks with Rom, Madrid and RG…could possibly drop to 5th in the rankings. Yikes.
I hope he finds a way to play well again because it would be sad if he didn’t but he looks awful. Maybe play a 250 to gain some confidence?
He will play his best again, The Don. There was some glimpses of it today. He really didn’t like losing to Goffin in MC like that. He was polite to Goffin but his face showed a different emotion on his way out. I think this loss will help him get focused. He came out with a weird look on his face (distracted and amused) and lost that first set lamely. He decided to play in the second set and it was almost enough to win him the match. Goffin fought and competed better today vs Nole than I’ve ever seen him. So some credit to Goffin…but it is time for Nole to get serious and start competing like we know he can.
He looked like that times 10 when he lost to Delpo at the Olympics and that was nine months ago.
Didn’t help then.
No, imo this look was different in Rio and the loss in a completely different context / time of his life. Blowing his Olympic chance in the middle of personal issues was a devastation deeper than losing in MC to Goffin. This will loss is going to motivate him.
Let me rephrase- I want to see Rafa take on Nole, and hopefully conquer!
I don’t think Nole wanted to make Rafans happy tomorrow.
Either that, or he was only kidding.
Or just being polite.
Unless he’s injured.
that would be a long injury. outside of maybe 1 match vs delpo this year every match he played he has looked horrendous for his standards.
Nny!R U READY TO RUMBLE WITH RAFA NOW????LET’S RUMBLE!!!!WOOOHOOOOO!!!C’MON!!
MA,
I had to go out, but am following the score. I also recorded the match. Am I on my way home now.
Vamos Rafa!
Seriously, is it just me that can’t see this match being played before darkness?
That would seriously throw Rafa’s chances of a title in jeopardy .
OK, looks like they have lights after all.
Thanks for all of your help on this.
🙂
I, honestly, think Djokovic needs a break of at least 6 months.
6 months break is not for everyone. It works for most but not sure about Djokovic. I thinks he needs to set his priorities and play smaller tournaments as well.
if Djoker needs a break, now is not the time to take one
Diego, Goffin, AVR and Pouille stand in Rafa’s way for a 10th MC title.
Hoping he won’t feel extra pressure as the only Big Four (plus CryBabyMirkasRight) left.
Yes!!!Rafa is soooo aggressive atm!That is a very good sign indeed!
Wow, each player broken already with three games played????
#HereWeGoAgain
#SixFlagsRafa
Sascha Zverev just accepted last Barcelona WC.
#WantsARematch
This could only be good news for all you Rafa fans who want him to win the title! Titles breed confidence, no matter who you have to face.
It will be good, no, GREAT news.
If he wins.
One hold in first four games.
Nadal has gotta take the title. If he doesn’t, that will be crazy. Goffin could pose some problems, but he should still be able to get by him.
Rafa applying the pressure hard – determined to break this game and get the set. lol
There it is!!
rc..if rafa win MC,you’re going to win the Bracket…and u can kick my backside to your heart content!!hehehe..
Finally! 😀
Hehehe..hope you’re doing well in Barcelona as well rc!When the draw will be out rc?Tomorrow??
Yes, draw should be out soon for ATP and WTA…it’s Fed Cup this weekend but I’m busy tomorrow at a protest march 😀 No time to sit still these days but I’ll get the brackets picked.
It was a good sign that they were breaking each other! That meant both have breakable serves! So advantage Rafa as he is very good at defending break points!
Having a very breakable serve is never a good sign.
Hope this helps.
Well Rafa won. My logic , unlike yours, is impeccable
#hawkeyeneedshelpwithlogic
Rafa played barely well enough to beat the No. 41 player.
As I said already, happy for the win (but not how he got there).
(Sorry you can’t keep it about tennis but understandable, because my tennis analysis, unlike yours, is impeccable.)
#maryneedshelpwithtennisanalysis
hawkeye losing his touch with tennis analysis. If two players have breakable serves, the one who is better at defending break points wins.
#NotRocketScience
#hawkeyefeelingHisYears
Not about the match result Mary as I’ve already explained. It’s about his form going forward.
As I said, happy for the win and the chance for MC No. 10 (but not his level of play).
Too bad you have to resort to personal attacks. You shouldn’t concern yourself personally with how I think Rafa played.
5 out of 10 games held in the first set with Rafa broken twice LOL.
Glad I’m not watching this.
This Diego guy really hits so hard! Average ground stroke speed is 124 kph, 5 over Rafa’s! Thankfully Rafa wins the first set; I hope he’s calm now and and breaks down Diego’s game.
Rafa always hits to opponent’s BH and now he often gets burnt by their hard hitting I/O CC FH. He should think of hitting to opponent’s FHs at times to keep them guessing.
If he could take care of his own serve, opponent’s hitting hard doesn’t matter.
Hwaks…what do u think of rafa’s game so far?
I mean “Hawks”!..hehe..sorry Hawks!
Only scoreboard watching but I KNOW it’s bad because he’s held just four of eight service games.
He’s obviously horrible in this match.
He’s only won half of his service points.
Those are vulgar service stats.
At least he’s back on serve, not that that counts for anything in this match.
Ok Hawks..thanks for your thought…very different from sascha’s match isn’t it?I think play in cold and heavy condition affected him…but,the good thing is,he’s winning now and more importantly,his mental strength is superb despite the non stop onslaught from Diego..that’s really good news indeed..
Yeah could be that for sure MA and the way he ended the match was fantastic. I think he won the last 12 or 14 points.
There were one or two people on here who said Diego might have the game to give Rafa a challenge.
I not watching it because I am out, but as long as Rafa wins, that’s fine with me,
That’s me Nny..i’ve seen Diego on action against Agut and i knew immediately that Diego can give rafa trouble..He dispatched Agut in straight sets..and Agut like all Spanish players is a clay court specialist…to defeat him in starights that means there’s something really good in him..and he shows us atm…
He’s gotten even stronger this year compared to last. This guy Diego. But Rafa is going to break back….! Yessss
This is Schwartzman’s first masters 1000 QF!
The only player who’s giving Rafa a challenge in this match is Rafa.
Hope this helps.
If Diego can overcome the deficit and live to win a set, I might put him in the toughness category with Dominika Cibulkova. If Diego loses in straights…nope not up to Dominika’s mentality.
Rafa is leaving it all out there to get this over in 2. But Diego didn’t get discouraged being down to start the set. Now he’s broken Rafa. Yeah, this guy is dogged and determined – never say die attitude. Definitely reminds me of Dominika.
Diego up a break in the second set. Rafa is hitting right back at him; Rafa is playing a one dimensional game right now, no varieties.
If Rafa doesn’t change up, he’s going to lose this match I’m afraid.
See, everyone is hitting hard at Rafa, trying to blow him off the court, and he’s not helping himself.
When I watch this match, I’m sure it’s more about Rafa hitting short.
The guy can’t hold serve FFS.
Nothing new.
Well, I haven’t been thinking Rafa was chronically hitting short. I thought Rafa played great! But I bow to the specialists – it’s just my humble opinion when speaking of Rafa.
RC, he was broken in four of his ten service games.
Speaks for itself IMO.
Okay thanks — he needs to clean up his serve! I didn’t look at the stats for any match today. But honestly, I thought Rafa was hitting deep enough but I give Diego credit for hanging in with Rafa, hitting deep too. Eventually I thought Rafa had more in the tank and started adding variety.
Did Rafa serve better vs Sascha? I didn’t see his other matches this week.
Rafa has Goffin, whom he’s never played, ARV or Pouille. I guess I’m most worried about Pouille. I want Rafa to win another title here.
RC also he won just 53% of his points on serve.
That must be a career low for Rafa in a match win.
Rafa played D.Goffin at the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament on Dec. 31, 2016:
https://tenngrand.com/2016/12/31/nadal-repeats-champion-abu-dhabi/
Shhh Augusta. Now we can’t use the excuse that Rafa wasn’t familiar with his game if he loses.
At least we still have:
1. He doesn’t want to play 100% and risk injury before French Open.
2. He is already injured.
3. He’s just being polite.
4. He was only kidding.
5. All of the above.
6. Some or all of 2-3 AND 1 or 2 (but not both).
Nothing new from the Djoko-lover AT 8:04 PM.
I just looked at all match stats for Rafa v Diego and Nole v David.
low percentages for all of them in points won on serve. A bit higher in the Nole v Goffin match but nothing spectacular. Nole is not hitting a big serve consistently.
ROS….we are talking about the top ranked ROS this year!:1) Andy,2) Rafa, 3)Nole, 4)Diego, yes Diego Schwatzman, 5) Kei 6) Goffin!
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats/leaderboard?page=serve
These were two great matches, I thought 😀
I just thought that stat was amazing. I like tennis analytics.
And, to be fair, I was only scoreboard watching.
I did see some great highlights from Rafa posted on twitter.
So I’ll definitely have a look on TennisTV.
Speaking of stats, thanks for that rc. Wow, that really helps put it into perspective and it’s amazing that those two matches featured 4 of the 6 best ROS.
Diego being the lowest ranked which suggests he must have a relatively low rate of holding serve…lemme look. He’s 69th in serve rating which isn’t terrible but significantly below his ranking. 72 in holding serve getting broken about 30% of the time.
On clay, Rafa’s no. 1 ROS rating winning 42% of his return games. Diego is 4th winning 39% of his return games.
And if you filter your search by just clay, the top four ROS rankings in order are, can you guess?
Rafa, Goffin, Nole and Diego.
Wow. That’s amazing.
I remember you like stats. I do too but I get lazy. If you specify for clay, look at the leaders….particularly ROS and you see Diego up there…Rafa is the best but Diego is no slouch he can bring down someone’s service % right up there with the very best.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats
Okay…you already looked at it. LOL…
To me, on clay you can throw out that #41 ranking number for Diego – he’s a tougher customer than that!
Axiom: Rafa, when not injured, is invincible.
All deductions about Rafa’s losses have to be based on this.
An axiom, as you know, is a self evident truth.
Oh snap rc!
Yes but with the assumption that he’s injured every time he loses.
That’s My point.
What a slugfest! Diego’s error count in mounting — he’s the first to blink and can’t keep this up vs the King of Clay. He’s pretty good though, Diego.
Rafa upping his level
Great finish. Should have played like that earlier in the match
Rafa is through to SFs!!! Yayyyy!!!
Yes! Come on Rafa one more break and you’ll win the match! At least Rafa change up a little bit – hit some high looping shots, hits more to Diego’s FH and serves intelligently that last point of his service game.
He’s so good at the net, now using drop shots so intelligently! Sigh, he should play this way earlier in the match.
Yes, Rafa breaks and wins the match, 6-4, 6-4! Thank goodness not a third set! Well done Rafa, vamos! I thought Rafa is going to lose the second set, but well done Rafa, to change up in the last few games and Diego couldn’t handle those.
None of these outside-the-top-ten cats can take the King of Clay, even when he’s playing sub-par for his standard… Rafa for the title!
Goffin winning is possible if the Belgian plays amazing and Rafa is off but I doubt this will happen. Rafa ftw in MC.
This season has been awesome to be honest. I’m loving all the upsets and deep runs from underdogs at the tournaments along with Fed Rafa and Stan as the top 3 in the race and Kyrgios starting to mature and consistently become a threat too. And I’m just fine with Djoker and Murray struggling lol. Honestly couldn’t be happier with the way this year has gone on the ATP. Rafa needs to win this title now. He deserves his first of the season, and it would be nice to see him take down Barcelona next week as well.
Only saw last set from the period when Diego took the lead at 3-2 until the end. Rafa seemed to have a bit of a lull there, but Diego was on fire for a few games. Couldn’t sustain it and Nadal really picked it up in the last several games. He clearly didn’t want to go three sets in the cold.
Nny!Yay!Congrats to u for rafa’s win!Hope u will feel muuuucchhhh better with this win Nny!To semis we go!!!Wooohooo!!
MA,
I checked the score when I got home. So happy to see that Rafa won!
Now I am going to watch my recording of the match.
Rafa is in the semis!
Go get this title Rafa!
Rafa won just 53% of his service points.
That must be a career low for a win for him, for sure, no?
Incredible…
Dear me. Does he lose style points?
#awinisawin
That stat isn’t surprising to you Ramara?
#itiswhatitis
Rafa plays to win matches given whatever might be limiting his game, not to dazzle hawkeye with his service stats.
Mary is obsessed with Rafa and hawkeye.
#NotNecessarilyInThatOrder
hawkeye is obsessed with years and ears
#hawkeyeneedshelp
AT 7:59 PM, please refer to My post AT 7:57 PM.
(I added a link below for your convenience.)
https://tenngrand.com/2017/04/20/monte-carlo-qf-previews-predictions-nadal-vs-schwartzman-djokovic-vs-goffin/comment-page-4/#comment-260156
On to Goffin who must be really on a high! But as we have seen, most players crash out after defeating a big name so Goffin may have a let down tomorrow!Hopefully Rafa will not have to work too hard to be in the final and will be ready to eat for breakfast (or is it dinner) whoever emerges from the other half!
It is possible that Goffin could have a letdown after his big win over Novak. One can never be absolutely sure, because this win could give Goffin real belief and confidence. He certainly earned this win. How much it took out of him we won’t know until tomorrow.
I am hoping that Rafa can capitalize on this opportunity. I am sure he will be ready for Goffin and not take him for granted.
I don’t care about stats. Rafa won and that’s what matters. His serve percentage may go up in the next match. But it’s all about winning.
Vamos Rafa!
Thanks augusta! You are a gem!
Mary’s autocorrect failed.
(Should read ‘germ’.)
#YoureWelcome
Here’s something for hawkeye. Use your ears to roll back the years! And clear the brain fog!
“.. and it has created positive results for learning disabled and autistic children as well as older Alzheimer`s victims.
And it`s useful for any kind of brain fog or dullness, even emotional instability. It can improve memory and focus, and it`s even made some a little smarter. It seems to work for everyone regardless of mental condition.
How to Do This Simple Exercise
With your feet pointing straight ahead, spread them apart about shoulder width. Grab your right earlobe with the thumb and finger of your left hand. Cross over your left arm and do the same using your right hand on the left earlobe. ……”
Link to the full article
http://www.naturalnews.com/028207_brain_health_exercise.html#
You truly are reaching for the bottom of the barrel Mary.
But it’s to be expected from you. Not the first and not the last.
Nothing new.
What hawkeye you sound hurt? Sorry that was not my intention. But the exercise is really good. An indian friend of mine said Indians are smart because indian kids are made to do this when they are naughty. So it is seen by the kids as a punishment but it actually helps them.
As penance, I just did that exercise.
#Sorry
#LOL
Keep doing it everyday, dear hawkeye, till the fog lifts!
#Maryishawkeye’sbestfriend
This is what I use. Maybe that’s my problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auNAvO4NQnY
Just tried it.
I’ll let you know how it works.
Mary (AT 8:02 PM),
🙂
diego schwartzmanVerified account
@dieschwartzman
No me lleve el partido. Pero este trofeo es hermoso también. GRACIAS @RafaelNadal !!! Un placer enfrentarte devuelta
https://twitter.com/dieschwartzman/status/855512619112857600
#RafansAreEverywhere
Awwww. Thanks for posting this, Hawks.
On a somewhat related note, I am becoming more and more confident each tournament that Fedal will finish 2017 in the top two spots in the rankings…
One can only hope. And, sentimentalist that I am, I hope Novak and Andy finish 3rd and 4th.
Rafa lost his first game of the match at love with three UEs and a winner from Diego.
Rafa breaks back with consistent depth forcing four errors from Diego for 1-1.
Rafa holds to love serving well for 2-1.
Very good game with depth and variety from Rafa to break for 3-1.
Strong service game from Rafa to hold for 4-1.
Not a great game for either and Diego holds for 2-4.
Diego keeping Rafa defensive and breaks again for 3-4. Would have been nice to see Rafa resist being pushed back so much but he wasn’t horrible.
Strong hold for 4-4 by Diego.
So far a good match.
Very strange game from Rafa to hold for 5-4. Played some good points and finally won after three deuces. However many points he hit very short and he started sweating suddenly like crazy and the sun is down with the crowd wearing sweaters and heavy jackets.
Hawks..I feel strange myself when i looked at Rafa sweating like he take a bath with it!Camera showed Diego’s coach,Chela wears a thick jacket like he’s in winter season and rafa sweating non stop!…I think maybe because of the nervousness and adrenaline on high flow atm…
Yeah it’s a sign of his anxiety IMO. Also the cold night air doesn’t suit his play.
However while not at his best, he managed to not let it severely affect his play although it very well may have against a much better opponent. That said, Diego punched above his weight class no doubt.
Rafa plays well to get his third break to take the first set.
Still. 18 UEs from Diego vs 13 from Rafa. A pretty high number but it didn’t really seem that way.
Rafa was better than I thought other than the first game.
Good level from both and Rafa holds for 1-0 in the second.
Great comeback from Rafa to break for 2-0 after being down 40-0 including a stretched out wide FHDTL get winner that lands just inside the corner.
Now this was Rafa’s second bad service game failing to consolidate with a double fault and three consecutive UEs to get broken to 15.
Too cold and more than half of the crowd has left.
Diego serving 1-2.
(Actually his third bad serving game but he still managed to win the 9th game.)
Diego plays well to hold for two all.
Rafa’s fourth poor service game with lack of zip on his serve and dropping the ball short repeatedly to go down 0-40. A good serve from Rafa but Diego with a good return takes control of the point getting his third break of the match now up a break serving at 3-2.
Diego holds to love consolidating the break for 4-2 but his serves landed mostly in the middle of the box and Rafa really needed to do more with his returns but instead let Diego take comtrol of the points.
Save a couple of points, Rafa played a very strong and agressive game taking control and holding for 3-4 still down a break.
Knowing Rafa goes on to win the next three to take the match, this was the turning point where Rafa plays it out strongly.
Happy to be watching aware of the outcome of the match.
Hawks…take a look at this…many says Rafa already lost a step..but,if he really is slow,he couldn’t make this amazing trademark passing shots of his,,right?
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/videos/Rafael_Nadal/42672/nadal-lands-hot-shot-from-impossible-angle/
Right. Any loss in speed due to physical aging is not significant to his potential IMO.
MA, the loss in speed is infinitesimal and cannot be judged with the naked eye but at the elite level that Rafa plays, it can make a difference between a winner and a just out ball.
So we can judge indirectly that an elite athlete has lost some speed in his foot/reflexes due to injury or age when his error count goes up as compared to when he was at his peak. This would also be apparent by the fall in his wins.
Other greats like fed and Agassi can make up for small losses in speed but apparently not for our one dimensional Rafa.
(Hint: he’s more than just speed. Always was and still is.)
That doesn’t alter the fact that he has lost speed. But he should be able to compensate by introducing more variety and improving his serve. But our man’s life is complicated by his injuries. I do not think any other player would have been able to play at top level for so long as Rafa has done despite his physical problems. I think some tennis player ( Tipsa? Federer?) said that Rafa is an inspiration to athletes struggling with injuries.
I still believe in his potential to win slams.
Nah, negligible physically.
Mary slips up saying it can’t be seen by eye just indirectly trying to recover from the truth lol.
It cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Ah.
Please send me the link for the special glassed.
On second thought please don’t.
Okay Mary…I certainly respect your opinion and view very very much everytime i read your comments..Thank u for responding to me..
Mary knows a lot about tennis and I respect her tennis opinions too even if I don’t always agree.
Yeah Hawks…even she’s always took a dig at me..it doesn’t matter..i value her precious opinion like i value all my dear and smart and intelligent poster’s here..every each one of u guys!U GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!
MA,
Thank you for posting this link of that unbelievable shot from Rafa! As I watched my recording of the match, I had to stop and rewind that shot to see it a few times!
Now that is vintage Rafa!
The shot of the match for sure! Rafa’s still got it!
??
Yeah Nny!!!Wooohooo!!!…God!I missed that vintage Rafa soooooooo sooo much Nny!!Hope,we will see it more often in the future…It’s possible,if he wins here and the confidence will come back in full force and we maybe will gonna see a lot more of that from rafa..
Agree with you ?% MA.
VAMOOOOOOOS!!’n
Hawks!..http://rachelktutoring.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2-683×1024.png
YEAH!!!!
If you see the existing studies on the age related performance of elite tennis athletes, there is a slow decline after 29. With better training, diet and maybe with doping, the age at which performance deteriorates may go up but it definitely happens. Although the fall in speed/ reflexes would not be evident to viewers, the difference in results would be dramatic. As a matter of fact, outside athletics, a man would still be considered in his physical prime in his thirties.
Greats in tennis are able to adapt for small drops in speed. Agassi and fed to name two.
Many players are now playing their best tennis into their 30s and Wawrinka winning two slams in his thirties.
But that apparently doesn’t fit the narrative nor the confirmatory bias of a Rafan.
Strange.
The problem with hawkeye and MA and some other Rafans here is that they do not bother to examine the research on this. Instead they just state their opinion over and over again hoping that would convince everyone.
The problem is is that Mary and some others are generalizing and assuming Rafa’s too slow and injured to return to being the best again.
I still believe in Rafa’s potential to adapt to small invisible by the naked eye loss of speed like other top players despite past injuries.
I did not say Rafa will not be the best again. Considering the rest of the big 4 are aging too, he has every chance of dominating unless nextgen come up.
Mira, whether Rafa lost any speed or not, its the ability to anticipate the next shot that can matter. Rafa was already anticipating the next shot from Diego and moving in that direction, and so he was able to get there to hit that unbelievable passing shot. He’s still so strong and powerful, hitting that shot from out wide position yet it just touched the corner! Amazing!
The ability to anticipate or to read your opponent’s next move is important, as you have a bit more time to get ready, unlike just waiting for and reacting to your opponent’s next move.
Rafa wasn’t quite good in his anticipation skills lately and that’s why he looked hesitant and was late for his next shot, making him looked like he had lost some speed (he might have but only very very slightly. Of course we’re not comparing him to his 19/20 yo self when his speed was incredible).
Lucky!Very agree with u!…One of rafa skills is that he’s very good in anticipating his opponents next shot…take a look at his AO 14 semi final against Roger and USO 10 final against Novak[and this is just a few example of it]…God!He’s so so amazing in that matches Lucky!…I think if he win MC,he can change many things whether it involve his game or his mind…
Not just about speed. Many players adapt as can Rafa. I believe his greatness can allow him to do this like other great players in their 30s.
Rafa hesitates like most players due to lack of confidence in those moments.
Hawks…U know i’m with u in this…totally agree!
We are of the same opinion MA. Cheers.
As I’ve said before, I wish I had your kind heart.
Awww Hawks!!You!!..U makes me love u more and more!!hahaha…Hey..you’re also have a kind heart u know!…U just praised Mary for her tennis knowledge despite you guys very rarely seen eye to eye in everything..it’s gonna take a BIG heart to do that Hawks!And u got that in u..not to mention,you’ve been an Angel to me…To me,you’re not only kind,big hearted,generous,smart,intelligent,full of knowledge and i’m very honoured to got to know u here Hawks..and Nny,rc,amy and other’s as well..Thank u for willing to be my internet friend..okay Boss?Hehe..
Thanks MA.
Right back at you.
Wow vintage Rafa opening up his shoulder and letting loose hitting deep and agressive to break back at love to get back on serve at 4 all reminding me just how good Rafa used to do this more consistently.
Rafa wins his tenth consecutive point and holds for a 5-4 lead.
Wow 14 straight points from Rafa to seal the win representing just how good Rafa can still be and HAS to be to win tournaments.
IMO it’s not about age.
Overall an uneven match from Rafa and his serve certainly let him down too often for my liking.
That said a much better match than I concluded from scoreboard watching earlier today.
Rafa cleaned up his game in the second set with seven UEs (20 for the match).
Still a funny stat to see winning the match in two despite winning just slightly more than half his service points.
Sorry y’all have to listen to my bitching ’bout Rafa all the time haha.
I understand the sentiment and i forgive u hawks!hehe..
TY MA. ?
Hawks!..http://img12.funscrape.com/en/welcome/32.gif
Here are references to a few articles which also refer to the research on which they are based:
Peak performance and Age among Super Athletes : Track and Field, Swimming, Baseball, Tennis and Golf by Richard Schulz and Christine Curnow.
Science and Practice of strength training by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky, William J. Kraemer
The demand in Forensic Medicine to assess the Age of Adolescents and Young Adults : Crime Procedures ( A contribution of the German Academy of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology)
Ageing and Human Muscle: Observations from Sweden:( Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology,vol 18(1), pp2-18,1993)
The Jock V. The Clock by Claudia Kalb (Newsweek, May 24,1999)
When does a footballer get old? – The Sport Digest
Breaking down thirty-year-old running backs by T. Cockcroft