Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are set for a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown on Friday in Rome. Grigor Dimitrov and Tommy Haas are also looking for a place in the last four.
(1) Rafael Nadal vs. (7) Andy Murray
Nadal and Murray will be facing each other for the 19th time in their careers but for the first time in almost three years when they do battle in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Friday. The head-to-head series stands at 13-5 in Nadal’s favor, including 4-0 on clay. They squared off five times in 2011 (Nadal won four, Murray won the last one in the Tokyo final) before going all of 2012 and 2013 without a single encounter.
It has already been a respectable week for Murray, who booked his spot in this showdown by taking out Marcel Granollers and Jurgen Melzer in straight sets. The Scot’s only previous clay-court event in 2013 resulted in the loss of his second match to Santiago Giraldo in Madrid. Nadal, meanwhile, needed three sets to get past both Gilles Simon and Mikhail Youzhny. The top-ranked Spaniard is once again looking to get over the quarterfinal hump after falling at this stage in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona before capturing the Madrid title. With Nadal having already spent six hours and two minutes on court this week, Murray should be competitive.
Pick: Nadal in 3
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(15) Tommy Haas vs. (12) Grigor Dimitrov
Haas and Dimitrov will be squaring off for the third time in their careers on Friday. They have split their two previous meetings; Dimitrov scored a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the 2011 Los Angeles event and they faced each other again on hard courts in 2013–this time with Haas prevailing in the 2013 Washington, D.C. quarterfinals.
Both men have to be satisfied with their Rome showings regardless of the quarterfinal outcome. Haas took out Andreas Seppi and Igor Sijsling then upset world No. 3 Stanislas Wawrinka. Dimitrov battled past Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Ivo Karlovic before avenging a Madrid loss by ousting Tomas Berdych. Thirteen years the German’s junior (23 to 36), Dimitrov should have just a little bit more left in the tank and his athleticism and defensive skills should prove to be the difference in an extremely entertaining affair.
Pick: Dimitrov in 3
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https://twitter.com/augustazeight/status/467153017683591169/photo/1
Normally the result would not be in doubt favouring Rafa against Andy especially on clay, but who knows if the real Rafa will turn up. Murray’s game is picking up and he would want to make the best use of this meeting to get some confidence back since his return from injury, so I expect a highly competitive match.
The real Rafa in 2.
Rafa’s going to face a real challenge tomorrow with Murray. He’s finally showing some life with a few victories under his belt. I thought it would be just a matter of time before Murray got himself going again. I am not saying that he’s back to his best, but this is the best result he’s had so far in the clay season. He’s got the ROS and the defensive skills and movement to stay with Rafa.
I want to see how Rafa comes out. Will he be aggressive and focused from the beginning? More importantly, will he be able to serve out a set if he has the opportunity? Those are the questions in my mind. I do think that Murray would love to take advantage of this opportunity.
I am going with Rafa in three sets.
I think that Dimitrov will get the win over Haas in three sets.
Nadal in 3 but not before giving Rafans a collective heart attack.
Haas is there because WaWa imploded yesterday. Expecting an entertaining match if Haas still has something left in the tank. Dimitrov is hotting up.
Dimitrov in 2
Logically Nadal should be playing before Djokovic (who didn’t finish till late last night) but has been shunted to the late slot. The price he pays for being the star attraction 🙁
#TelevisionRatings
In one of his interviews he said he was assured that he would only have to play one night match but here he is with another one.
a very tough match for rafa ! as NNY said, Andy has got the ROS and defensive skills and movement to hang with rafa ! DONT make the mistake of thinking this is clay and andy is bad on clay …
Andy will play a solid match. He will make rafa work really hard …Remember MC 2011 semi? Rafa was pushed all the way by Andy. Andy always plays rafa with an aggressive mindset. He likes to hit high balls to rafa’s backhand because he feels rafa is not so great at handling those balls…
Rafa has been playing marginally better with every match. His positioning improved as the match with youzhny went on. Notice how rafa is not retreating to hit backhands…he is now standing closer to the baseline and taking his backhands much earlier….earlier this week or in the final against Nishi, he was often retreating to hit backhands on the back foot, which puts in a bad position.
They showed the average net clearance of rafa’s BACKHAND yesterday. As I suspected, it was too much…. 93 cm against youzhny’s 77 c…has to be brought down below 90 cm at least…
Rafa will get the win… I am glad he said that he is now getting his passion back so now the ‘inside power’ seems to b coming back. He also said that this could be a ‘turning point match’ for him so he is well aware of the importance. Rafa will win this …the number of sets depends on how rafa starts this match
vamosrafa,
I am so glad that you came here to give your prediction and thoughts on Rafa’s match with Murray. I love reading what you have to say. I will have to see if the tennis channel shows the average net clearance for Rafa’s backhand during this match. In order to get the technical stuff, I usually have to watch Rafa’s matches again later on. That’s when I look for certain things to give me a sense of where he’s at. I am glad you brought up Rafa’s improved position when hitting his backhand. I have wanted him to take the backhand earlier for a while now. I have been looking for that.
Do you think Rafa’s still getting too much air on the ball with his shots? I also listened to Paul Annacone’s commentary of the match. He makes a lot of interesting observations about what’s going on with Rafa, how he plays when he has a lead, is he aggressive or does he become more passive. He also discusses the technical aspects of his game. I found him very respectful of Rafa.
I don’t want to think about that 2011 MC match. Wasn’t that when Murray had some elbow problem and needed an injection before the match, which delayed the start? I think Andy played some of his best tennis on clay in that match. As you said, Andy does tend to play aggressive with Rafa. He’s got the game. But I am not sure if he is yet at his best.
I hope that Rafa can get a good start. But what will be most important, is what happens if he gets a break of serve. Can he consolidate, will he get broken back? Most important, can he close out a set when he has the chance?
I will get to see this match because it starts at noon my time. But I am sorry that Rafa didn’t get a day match like he wanted. I even cancelled an appointment just to be able to see it. I can’t always do that, but this time I was fortunate. I don’t want to miss this one!
Rafaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!
*makes sure tin of gallows humour is at the ready, just in case*………..
Dimitrov,
Raonic
Ferru
Haas just retired from the match. Lost the first set 2-6, called out the trainer, then retired. Don’t know why yet.
Haas cites too much tennis.
And the hits keep coming………………..
With Haas retiring so early in the match, Dimitrov is in the semis fresh as a daisy, awaiting whoever emerges from the Rafa/Muzza bruiser……………..
SKY have treated us to the 2008 SF between Nadal/Murray when Murray won as if tat’s got anything to do with Rome. Rafa said he was knackered and could hardly stand up after going straight to the USO from the Olympics along with his string of titles that year including the Wimbledon Match of the Century. On the other hand, Murray was fresh having won very little up to that point, including going out in the 1st round of the Olympics.
It would have been more relevant to show them competing on clay. But if it makes you happy………………
Rafa needs at least to get to the final in Rome if he wants to have good vibes for RG
Note the body language of Djokovic………….. chest pushed forward, elbows back and the cocky walk. There’s no way he is going to let Ferru get the better of him.
🙂 IF body language won matches, Almagro would be our world no .1
Very true. But Djokovic does’t do it all the time. it’s a fairly good indicator of his confidence level when he struts around between points.
VAMOS RAFITOOOOOO!
Trouble with Ferru’s game is he does not have a biting serve, so he cannot win cheap points. He uses his serve to start a rally and against a wall like Djokovic, this just leads to long, punishing rallies.
Djokovic, in contrast, now has a serve.
Am just watching this match but am totally disinterested, my mind is on our Rafito…………
Why ever do tournament officials let people bring small babies to tennis matches?
^^Djokovic will point to RG2013 netgate and say it’s swings and roundabouts………….
Djokovic will win this but he will have to prise open the jaw of the pit bull first.
Have you noticed Djokovic has cut back on his (IMO condescending) habit of applauding his opponents? In fact I can’t recall him doing it this season.
oh he is doing it alright. I saw him doing it to Kohlschreiber yesterday.
I’ve seen him do it with a lead (like yesterday), in close matches against players he respects (like WTF vs Fed) but never from a losing position.
^^ 🙂
Didn’t see that match – was it during the set he was losing or when he had kolbi on the ropes 🙂
Up a set and on serve in the 2nd.
Double BP for Ferru!
BREAK!
Now consolidate please.
No WAY Ferru consolidates here.
BP Nole.
No WAY Ferru wins this set. 🙂
#Transparent
#Shameless
Well done Ferru, now show some cojones and hang with Nole in the 3rd…………
NO WAY FERRU WINS THIS MATCH!!!!
NO WAY FERRU WINS THIS MATCH!!!!
NO WAY FERRU WINS THIS MATCH!!!!
NO WAY FERRU WINS THIS MATCH!!!!
NO WAY FERRU WINS THIS MATCH!!!!
#TooMuch?
Of course Ferru won’t win, in fact he’ll be broken right here in the 1st game of the 3rd….
#jinxings
#Obviously 🙂
ferrer’s aggressive game has improved so much.. He is employing more offensive patterns of play and hence he is on par with nole ..
Deuce. No WAY Ferru holds here.
The body language is not quite so cocky right now!
Ol’ Puffy Chest MIA?
This is a true heavyweight battle…………..
VAMOS FERRU
VAMOS Little Beast on the Nole!!!
Djoko has just remembered Ferru beat Rafa in the QFs
30-All from 30-0.
#KeepOnFighting
Wow!! I pick Ferru for RG14…….lol!!! Pity Im at work……..he is giving Novak all he can handle at the mo! If Ferru loses here, he has nothing to be ashamed of! What a match!!
Oh well. Was fun while it lasted.
Djokovic breaks to love, and Ferru’s spirit ebbs away……………….he fought the good fight though.
Vamos!
There is still hope yet……..
Nole no consolidate!!!
Little beast is BIG BEAST!!!
Vammmmoooooooosssssss!!!!!
I am beginning to suspect there has been a body swap in Spain: this is Rafa’s body in Ferru………….c’mon, he’s indefatigable out there!
testing.
Ferru breaks back, but my gut feeling says Djoker wins.
Agree. He’ll pull the rabbit out of the hat at the last moment.
RT @NeilHarmanTimes : “No, no, no, no, no Nole….”
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, Ferru……!!
Didnt I say there is still hope?!……lol!!!
It’s scary to think what he might have achieved if he’d played like this when he was younger.
There was a tweet the other day from Nadalnews.com about David during his match with Isner, and she tweeted “Fierce little man is fierce!.” Indeed, he is.
Head down, shoulder drooping, chest caved in…………………
One more time: Djoker’s wrist is OK, no?
We’ll get the full medical details if he loses this match 😀
If he loses….no……..if he wins………yes!
Dont be fooled by that! You will see him pounce at the end of set! Mind games….Ferrer best not fall for it if he knows whats good for him!
This is match point
djokovic is drained
I wonder if he still has access to the ‘Egg’. He might need it.
RT @NeilHarmanTimes : “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes Nole”
Hmmm, whatever happened to objective journalism?
nothing. we’ve never been so lucky as to get any,
NeilHarman is looking forward to the chocolate treat later.
rafaisthebest (at 4:41 pm),
There is no such thing as ‘objective journalism’ in the tennis world.
It was not meant to be. Ferru will be devastated by this loss so close on the heels of losing to Nishi.
dont think ferru will be devastated at all…
He was gutted when he lost to Nishi. He was close to tears. But I guess he stood a better chance then. A win against Djoko would have been against all the odds, no?
I salute the little beast. You can’t do more justice with your ability/talent. He sacrifices himself on the court.
Djokovic is a wall ! awesome match
I don’t see Raonic being much of an obstacle for Novak. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Novak in the final on Sunday.
Great avatar.
Great moment.
Brutal hitting by both. Poor David. Nole finally too strong like a brick wall
Enough confirmation that Noles wrirst is in great shape if it could survive this brutal match and brutal hitting
Well let’s just see how it feels in the morning, no?
#JustSayin
Sanju (at 4:51)
He survived the brutal hitting of GGL in Monte Carlo. But, his wrist was taped the next day.
How many people thought it would be an issue?
#NID
Well he did skip Madrid and was obviously compromised against Fed in MC.
You think he faked ed?
I thought the wrist would be a problem but sadly, it seems OK.
Oh nadline, never change! 🙂
TESTING
Well, all is fair in love and war. At least I’m honest.
I am not sure if rafa is ready for novak. Rafa needs a very positive performance today
He is not cmon. I would rather he lose before he faces Novak in finals . He is low on confidence for sure to face Novak,. Don’t want him beaten before RG by bis principal adversary
Nole???
I’m not sure he is ready for Muzzard.
still a whole match before Rafa?
no but the match is scheduled in one hour 😉
oh sorry! I was wrong. yes there is serena’s match 😉
vamosrafa,
Nice to see you here posting today! Please hang around! You are needed! 🙂
I came here to find out that Novak beat Ferrer, but it appears that the match was a good one. As far as the wrist, I would expect it to be okay after Novak skipped Madrid. That was the whole point. He wouldn’t play if it meant risking RG. Later on I will catch the match and see for myself.
I want to see Rafa already!
we have to wait, serena just cools down a little 😀
Another night match for Rafa tomorrow vs Dimi should he beat Muzza.
the show will be on just in time 🙂
🙁 I wish i go blind!
Just got back. Wishing I had stayed out 🙁
What on earth is going on here? 😮
Andy’s been hiding his light under a bushel……
Rafa’s on a hiding to nothing here………..
I think this is the first time I saw rafa gets a bread stick on clay!!!!!! so sad! soooo saaaaad
It’s like every aspect of Rafa’s game has fallen apart this tournament…………
wow…Now I just wish Rafa loses in straights so he can get back to Mallorca post haste. I prefer he lose to Murray than to Djoko.
^^thank you! My sentiments exactly….
Vamos Rafa, let’s go!!
Cant believe they dont make the person with a crying baby leave the court.
Crazy good defense from Muzza……
Still having problems posting.
Vamos Rafa
At least Rafa is up a break now in the second set.
Come on, Rafa! You can do this!
Rain!!!!
I just want Rafa to fight for this. If has to go down, then go down fighting.
I also wish the rain would go away.
Keep it up Rafa!
RT @SI_BTBaseline: “This is precisely the type of match Nadal needs. A tough test against a big name opponent he respects immensely.”
Vamos Rafa!!
Let’s go!!
How’s Rafa playing?
Still way below par, in my estimation. I reckon Muzza will pull this off…………
Vamos Rafa, fight!!
For the first time in this tournament, Rafa serves it out for the set! Way to go!
Keep fighting all the way Rafa! Looking good!
I skipped the first set…as if I knew this would happen…no surprise…the woodoo spell should be off now…
That was a good idea! I guess Rafa woke up!
Rafa breaks! Now get this done!
Vamos!
Rafa’s 1st serve really is important to his game. It’s dropped again in the 3rd and he’s having trouble consolidating the break………
Vamos!!
Oh no, Rafa is broken.
This is killing me.
Rafa’s serving has not been consistent this is why I feel Muzza has a higher chance of breaking Rafa. Also Muzza’s defense has been superior, so…………
Rafa’s 2nd serve really has been a liability in this tournament…..
and Muzza knows how to attack a 2nd serve…………
A poor second serve and Muzza breaks……….
Our boy’s fighting……………good to see!!
Muzza has more FH winners than Rafa, 11 to 2. That, has been the story of this match my friends
RT @pmouratoglou : “Once again today, #Rafa shows how good a volley player he is. #amazingstatsatthenet”
Can Rafa serve for the match??????
I feel like I have aged ten years watching this match!
Rafa, please serve this out and get the win!
Just do it! Like Nike says!
Phew, Rafa serves out a match without drama………..
Well done Rafa…
Vamos!!!!
Well fought Muzza, well fought……
What a champion!
RT @pmouratoglou : “This match with count in the history of #Rafa’s 2014 clay season. A key match that will give him big confidence. And what a level of play !”
I HOPE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
RT @ChrissieEvert : “Great, Great match; Rafa is the ultimate warrior and Andy should be proud and encouraged…”
Vaaamooos!!!
https://twitter.com/RafaelNadalFC/status/467424905286676480/photo/1
I’m not sure how many more of these matches my nerves can stand. I’m an old lady…I feel like I’ve got one foot in the grave each time I watch one of these.
@jpacnw,
Tell me about it! My heart rate hasn’t slowed down yet. I need some time to recover from this one!
But I am so happy for Rafa! This was a great win for him!
RT @serenawilliams: “If I could just play 50% like these guys…. #murraynadal intensity is cray!!!!”
RT @pmouratoglou : “Positive for #Grigor: #Rafa may be a bit tired after those tough matches. Negative: #Rafa will be much more confident. Bad operation.”
RT @pmouratoglou: “We are so much used to see #Rafa winning with such a fantastic fighting spirit that we almost forget how exceptional it is.”
that’s actually a pretty good quote. #fact
true that ! rafa’s spirit is insurmountable
maybe indomitable is the perfect word for Rafa , what say 🙂
outstanding !
Rafa is a big step closer to where the troubles are behind him.
One of the commentators: Nadal is a tennis genius. I started to crack a smile. Then he continued: on this surface. 🙂 Did he have to add that qualifier?
He definitely is on his way @chloro. I am still not completely happy with his clutch play, BP conversion rate is still way too low. It is very clear his second serve is a liability so the serve has to be solid. His FH is still not very sharp, Andy had more FH winners than Rafa and the FH is Andy’s weaker wing!
On the plus side, Rafa the warrior is back…………….
Vamos!!
COME ONNNNNNNNNNN !!! VAMOSSSSSSSS !!!
THAT’s OUR RAFA ! when he was down 2-4, I had the belief in him ! wow , wow wow ! andy brought the best out of rafa ! I am glad this match ended this way. THIS is the ideal win for rafa in my view. I know he will be tired now but the mental aspect will be boosted so much.
Did you guys see his reaction after the match ! woah ! he was soooo pumped. Who can now claim rafa is lacking passion? Even 5 mins after the match ended, while he was wearing his jacket, he was still vamos-ing and pumping himself up ! Can’t recall the last time I saw that from him…
Rafa was way off his game in set 1 whille andy was ON FIRE. Rafa’s backhand then got elevated to another level ! the way he wrapped up the set hitting CC backhands , I knew rafa aint going away ! He started going for DTL backhands too ,with more penetration..
THe forehand was not at its best today but he did start hitting the inside out and DTL sooo much better after set 1. He was giving too much air to his groundies in set 1 !!
THE ULTIMATE PROBLEM SOLVER. I have so many more positives to say about this win !!
p.s, andy is back too ! watch out !
so true indeed…our warrior is back! 😛
vamosrafa,
YES!!!!! This is what Rafa needed! I did see Rafa’s reaction! That says it all. He leaped in the air just jumping for joy! You could see what it meant to him. He was pumped by this win. There is nothing like a come-from-behind victory against a top player to make our Rafa feel great! This is what he has needed so badly for a while now. I am really proud of him for fighting and staying in it after that horrendous first set. He really does have the heart of a warrior!
I will have to go back and watch the match again. I was so nervous and stopped watching at times. I really was a nervous wreck. I do think that this match lived up to its promise. After not seeing Rafa and Andy play for almost three years, this was a worthy encounter. I think Andy will have a lot of positives to take out of this match, too. His best result in the clay season. He’s on his way back.
I want to pay particular attention to Rafa’s backhand in this match. Now I can go back and look at the technical things and how Rafa got it together. But Rafa is thinking out there again! The mind, the mental strength is still there!
Bravo, Rafa! Well done! 🙂
NNY7: ^^ What I’ve started doing on a few of the matches is turning the sound off at times. I seem to be able to watch with more “colm” when I don’t have to listen to the commentators or hear the crowd.
Andy played so well the first set. Rafa again was failing to convert on break points. He had his chances to keep that first set even and he just didn’t convert. My thoughts are that part of that might have been nerves, but I think some of it was the conditions and Rafa having to adjust to them. It was lightly raining through most of the first set. That means that Rafa can’t put as much spin on his ball and they don’t bounce as high, not just due to the rain, but the cold as well. He hit a number of forehands that were either just long or just wide and it’s possible that it’s because there was a tad less spin on them to bring them inside the court. I’m still concerned about his second serve. Placement just isn’t enough with returners like Andy, Ferrer, and Novak. I’ll be watching tomorrow’s match and paying particular attention to his second serve. “Happy for the win”, sorry for Andy, but glad for Rafa. You could see at the net at the end of the match the true regard these two have for one another.
I will never learn…every time he loses a set I get all frazzled and start looking for a silver lining…and then he proves me wrong. over. and. over. This is exactly the match he needed to get his confidence back. On to Grisha.
@jpacnw,
Thanks for your thoughts. I think that I will try to do that for his next match. Turning off the noise may help. I will tell you that I was so freaked out in that third set that my sister was calling me and relaying the score from New York! The funny thing is that she’s not a tennis fan, so she doesn’t know what the score means. There I was trying to explain it all and then yelling when Rafa broke back. She’s asking me, what happens now? Is it over? She has started watching Rafa, but just knows nothing about the game. She called me to tell me he won! We were both screaming together! 🙂
I think the conditions had to be hard for Rafa. He never likes it damp, wet and rainy. That doesn’t help his shots. I am only watching the first set now on the replay on the tennis tennis channel. I was so nervous before the match that I forgot to record it. By the time I realized it, I was only able to record the last game or two of the second set and the entire third set.
I absolutely agree with your concern about his second serve. It’s a real liability now. Also, that puts tremendous pressure on Rafa to get his first serves in. I am thrilled and happy for this victory, but will remain cautious. There are still problems in Rafa’s game. There is more work to be done. But this victory has to be seen as a real positive. To face down a top player who has played him tough in the past and be able to come back from being blown out in that first set, is a good thing! I thought that Rafa looked almost like his old self in that third set. Murray made him raise his level of play. But the quality tennis is still there. So much of this is really in Rafa’s head.
The one thing that really concerned me in the third set, was when Rafa got the early break and then was up 40-15 on his serve and was still broken back! That is something that just cannot happen. But watching him come back and break again and fight like a man possessed for that win, gave me chills. Good stuff!
Now we have to go through this all over again tomorrow! 😮
I still cannot believe what I just witnessed, Rafa is unbelievable………..he just refused to go away. There was a dance and jig he did after breaking back, can’t remember which point in the match, the man is insane, in a good way…………..
Rafa is simply a WUNDERKIND!
Once again Rafa made me so proud with his fighting spirit, his beautiful tennis and amazing shots…he really is something! The jewel of tennis for sure…
I think this is the best I have seen Rafa play this year…I don’t count the first set since I had my own training and could not watch but I arrived just in time to see the best of it…
Bravo Rafa!
Vamos Rafa!
This kind of win means much more than an easy straight set job. They’v both benefited from this match. Andy’s form is back. He should be pleased with himself.
I don’t care if the strokes are not to his higher standards yet as the fighting spirit was back so strongly. If he can not loose much ground on that fighting spirit and confidence then all will be good.
Thanks Muzza, for bringing Rafa back!
just what I was thinking at the end of match. What are friends for? Just as thanks for Rafa for bringing Muzza back.
was Rafa better today than he was against Simon?
I wont say so.
Both Andy and Rafa were playing at almost the same level. But neither were good at the same time.
Still made up for some good points.
BTW, Rafa didn’t really wait till the 3rd set to change his game plan like against Simon. He did it in the beginning of the 2nd set when he started taking the cuts with his FH.
Ricky,
In the third set, absolutely!
for me, rafa was undoubtedly better against Murray …
https://twitter.com/Rafaholics/status/467429265856663552/photo/1
Joy of victory
https://twitter.com/augustazeight/status/467440139783139328/photo/1
Here’s the audio from Rafa’s post match press conference. The first 9:20 is in English. It’s fascinating what he has to say about his confidence level and how feeling positive helped him today to serve out the 2nd set and then the match.
http://www.tennistopic.com/arthur-ashe/audios/la-mente-tiene-que-ir-acorde-con-el-juego/
jpacnw,
Thanks for this link. At one point Rafa actually said – if the mental part is there, then the game is there! That’s what I have been saying for a while now! If he’s mentally there, then the shots are there, the serve, the ROS, all of it. But if the mental part isn’t there, then the game falls part. Very interesting stuff from Rafa! He is feeling better about his game!
As to the question of whether Rafa played better against Simon or Murray, I think it’s kind of comparing apples to oranges. Two different caliber of opponents and different matches. Simon played very well for him, considering that he has not been impressive recently. But it was Rafa who caused his own problems. He couldn’t close out the first set. He was playing decent tennis and even an inspired Simon wasn’t going to beat him. But two tries at serving out the set and then it goes to a tb, which Rafa manages to win. Then he’s got MP in the second set. So he was never behind in this match. Again he wasn’t able to serve it out and again it went to a tb which Rafa lost this time.
Rafa was in control of that match and let it get away. His lack of focus and concentration cost him the second set. But in the match with Murray, Rafa lost the first set in lopsided fashion. So he had to regroup and find a way to come from behind. Also, Murray has more weapons to trouble Rafa than Simon. He played some great tennis and that forced Rafa to raise his own level of play. So the two matches had an entirely different dynamic. Murray was always going to be the far more challenging opponent. He presents Rafa with different problems than Simon and therefore, different tactics and strategy.
The key in this match was that Rafa had the mental awareness that what he was doing was not working in that first set. He realized what needed to be done and was able to make the adjustments in that second set. This is something that he was unable to do in his losses to Novak in Miami, Ferrer in MC and Almagro in Barcelona. Also Rafa was able to serve it out in the second set with no problem. Then he was also able to serve it out for the win in the third set. I thought he played outstanding tennis in that third set and the changes he made in the second set paid dividends.
Andy showed Rafa that he hasn’t really improved in 2.5 yrs. Still crumbling mentally.
I am becoming hopeless of Andy. When is he going to mature? If he cant beat Rafa in this kind of form, perhaps he never will (on clay).
I don’t think Andy choked or something Murray was just a victim of rafa’s indomitable spirit. A spirit that spares none ! djokovic is the only one who can stay with rafa (but not always). Murray, Federer and countless others have been victims of rafa’s ruthlessness frequently over the years. So it was not about andy crumbling mentally.
Andy’s forehand worked better than ever against rafa yesterday. Rafa found the answers and got the win. Plus, rafa played excellent tennis in sets 2 and 3 so that level was far above than the ‘kind of form’ he has been showing of late.
I would agree that Rafa’s indomitable spirit did do it for Muzz. But still a player of his calibre, skills and experience should be able to do much better.
Whenever he was playing with patience, he was getting the better of Rafa. Look at the way he played in the 1st set. Was just patient to defend and construct the point.
As soon as the 2nd set started he was trying to pull off the trigger too quickly in a rally and going for too much of those release shots.
Then in the 3rd set he was playing well with patience and constructing the points till the moment he was trailing and once he got the lead, he again started going for break free shots. I mean what was the need there. He was the one with the lead, then why not playing with patience. Let Rafa attack you. Instead he made a no. of unforced errors and gave back the momentum to Rafa. Also double faulting on BP’s don’t help.
abhirf: I was so focussed on Rafa possibly I didn’t pay sufficient attention to the finer points of Andy’s game but I think your above comment is a rather harsh judgement. In fact I was amazed how well he did play last night after the somewhat indifferent performances we’ve seen recently. Andy will never be at his absolute best on clay so I agree he may never beat Rafa on the red stuff but he forced Rafa to find a level that has been missing for far too long.
I agree about Andy’s performance against Rafa. We also should remember that he has been working to get back into his best form after the back surgery. You don’t recover the stamina and physical strength that easily and also the mental strength. I think Andy played the best he has since his comeback. I also believe that he will take a lot of positives out of this match. He was able to go toe to toe with Rafa for a good portion of that match. Not an easy task!
However, I wonder if abhirf might have been referring to the two times that Andy DF’d away his serve in that third set. He did it early in the third set and then later on to allow Rafa to even it up. You don’t see Andy doing that very often. But taking the first set in such convincing fashion should not be overlooked. Andy gave an really good account of himself. That third set was filled with brilliant shot making from both players.
NNY/ABHIRF
We’ve been tearing our hair out at Rafa’s uncharacteristic failure to capitalise on BPs and close out matches in recent months. We have to hope he has laid that to rest.
Andy’s nerve failed him in the closing moments last night. But it would be unwise to assume he will make a habit of that once his confidence is fully restored.
@ed,
frankly speaking, Muzz played much much better than this on clay in 2011 FO SF.
So he definitely can play much better than thus on clay. Also for someone who has so much similarity with Nole’s game, I don’t really understand why he hasn’t succeeded much on the red stuff unlike the latter. The only reason I can sought for this is the ability of Nole to handle the pressure situations way better than Muzza.
Why I said that Andy hasn’t changed really is coz of his mental strength. HIs game was always there to trouble the best, but his mental strength still lags way behind. Yesterday’s match showed us that again. And that’s why I’m really disappointed with him.
As far as Andy’s form goes, I’m almost 100% confident that he will successfully defend his Wimbledon title unless Fed really cranks it up on the grass court.
Fair comment. I guess I tend to look for reason/excuses for Andy – me being British and all that 🙂
Seeing how the clay season has panned thus far, I think the SF line up at RG will be (draws permitting) : Rafa, Nole, Wawa and Kei (if he is 100 %fit)
Well, a focused federer can take down Wawa/Kei any day… so depends on many things…
I think it’s way too premature to be picking the semifinal line up at RG now. Also, for what it’s worth I would not include Kei in that group. He has not shown that he has the physical stamina and staying power to go deep in a slam yet. Being injury prone also won’t help. I don’t see him getting through to the semis unless a top player it knocked out early.
Wawa needs to regroup from his disappointing last two losses. He started out great winning MC, but it’s been all downhill from there. So I am not sure what he is capable of doing at RG. I don’t know about Fed. He got to the final in MC, then skipped Madrid for the birth of his twin sons and then got knocked out in his first match in Rome. That’s not the way you want to be ready for a slam event. But we will see.
For myself, it’s still about Rome right now.
Yup…i agree ! I would still say ferrer is more likely to go deep in the tournament than Kei…
I am also focused on Rome ! Dimitrov will be a very tough opponent. Rafa has never beaten him in straight sets . I have always felt that dimitrov has been lucky against rafa because every time he has faced rafaa, rafa has was not at his best. In australia, rafa had that nasty blister thing. In MC last year, rafa had a back issue and was not at all in the groove…. Rafa has gotten a lot better in Rome after MC and barcelona losses but he is not at his absolute best yet….
Sanju has made a good point below about rafa needing tough matches against Gulbis and Ferrer to reach his devastating best in rome last year. I am hoping the same happens this year
Well that’s why I wrote draws permitting. Rafa and Nole can take down Ferru in Qf’s. Even Fed can take down Ferru.
But Kei (his fitness permitting), can take down Fed if he lands up in his quarters.
Cant really comment on Fed’s chances ATM!
Here’s Rafa’s on court interview.
http://youtu.be/AlNBLrIH1pk
Rafa, you are driving me insane, literally!!!! But happy that you won! Vamos!!
One match at a time, I suppose!
I found myself thinking back today to the 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinals. Rafa had to play Soderling and the first set was awful. Rafa was down 0-5 before he even won a game. But he came back strong in the next three sets to get the win. I don’t know what made me think of that match. It’s just good to know that it’s happened in the past and Rafa went on to win.
Watching the first set now is hard. But it’s easier knowing what is to come! 😀
RT @SI_BTBaseline: “Nadal: No negative thoughts throughout the match, a change from his first two. Didn’t think he played a bad. Just needed to change tactics.”
#ProblemSolver
RT @NeilHarmanTimes: “Rafael Nadal remembers the exact score by which Fabio Fognini beat Andy Murray in Naples. How does he do that?”
He’s not all brute force you know, he’s super smart too!
congrats to you guys and gals 🙂
I can observe both good points and bad points out of the match, but way toooo happy for his fighting spirit 🙂
Rafa said before the match that this match could be a turning point. Well maybe he was right, it could be actually.
Last year in Rome let us not forget he was taken to 3 in 4th round and QF against Gulbis and Ferrer and was playing just okay before he went on to demolish Berdych and Federer
I still think though that beating Nole in this form maybe asking too much
I wouldn’t say Nole’s form is top of the Richter Scale right now.
#ForceEightToNine
^^^^Slip of the tongue. I meant to say on the Beaufort Scale.
I agree, no matter what scale you are using! I watched Novak’s match with Ferrer and he had to work for it. Also, Novak wasn’t able to serve out the first set. Ferrer got the break. Ulimately, Novak did prevail in the first set and then Ferrer just kept on going and took the second set.
Rafa is getting battle tested in this tournament. One match at a time. Then if the final happens with Novak. we gonna see, no? Isn’t that what Rafa likes to say? 😉
I was going to make exactly observation but held my tongue.
Yes his form is not great either but Rafa has played way too long till now..8 hrs plus on court back to back days. Todays match if he wins will not be straightforward either. So he may well have played 10 hrs on court before he takes on Novak. Now that will affect the outcome no?
I am not really bothered if Rafa loses today. Infact I will be perfectly okay given that he does not have to face Novak before the final with long hours of play on his legs and if Novak beats him, it will affect the confidence of both, esp Novak
Rafa is so pumped up now the adrenaline alone will carry him through. And I still maintain even if he does not win the title it will not affect the outcome at RG.
What is more, when it is Rafa the hours spent on court before a final have rarely been a factor. He would never have won the AO if they were!!!!
I am not looking ahead to the final and a possible meeting with Novak yet. One match at a time. I don’t want to get carried away and think that Rafa’s problems are solved, but there can be no doubt that this is a wonderful win for him. Murray also helped by playing some great tennis to make it a match. I think Rafa needed that, a challenge from a top four player who has the game to take it to him.
What I feel best about, is hearing Rafa say in the interview link posted above by jpacnw, that he was able to realize that his tactics weren’t working in the first set. He was hitting to Andy’s backhand and also not moving into the court. When I saw the second set, right from the beginning you could see Rafa implementing the changes that he thought were necessary. He started moving into the net and also started hitting to his forehand to take control of the point. This is such a good sign, because I have always believed that Rafa’s ability to think on court and make adjustments during a match is one of his greatest qualities. He didn’t think he played badly in the first set, just used the wrong tactics. It’s good to know that he had the calm to figure it out.
I am expecting another tough match with Dimitrov. There haven’t been any easy matches for Rafa yet in this tournament. I think this match will help him moving forward. As long as Rafa keeps winning, it’s a good thing! 😀
Rafa made some jaw dropping volleys. He is really deft at the net, vastly under rated as a volleyer
They both benefited from the match and Andy has crossed the line of his comeback.
^^^^Spot on NNY. That ability to recalibrate in mid-match is what has been missing recently. It took Andy completely by surprise at the start of the 2nd set and he is one of the best in the business at adapting to his opponents’ pattern of play.
I’m watching the replay now and it’s clear that once Andy consolidated the first break of serve he started swinging freely and went up a gear after 2 breaks of serve. Had Rafa’s ball not hit the net at BP on Andy’s serve in the 3rd game, Rafa would have broken back and the match would have had an entirely different complexion.
Having said that, Andy showed what he can do, just a shame he doesn’t do that against lesser opponents.
Rafa is good with the needle and thread too. Nike needs to get their act together. One minute his pocket is too shallow, the next it’s too deep.
Why don’t Nike submit a prototype to Rafa for his approval before he has to wear something in action at a tournament. Not rocket science.
Isn’t the guy in white glasses who is often in Rafa’s box his good friend from Nike?
What is his job description? Surely he could get these clothing problems sorted.
I think Rafa has benefited from these long matches. He thrives on court time and he hasn’t had much of that as he lost early in MC and Barcelona. These long matches will do him good and beating a player like Andy will do his confidence a world of good too.
Dimi will be another tough customer but he was still in the doubles up to last night so he might suffer a bit of fatigue.
Talking about kit malfunction, Andy had a huge hole in his sock which showed when serving in the 2nd set at 2-5, 0-15 down. He is a millionaire, for heaven’s sake!
He’s Scottish too 😉
In the 2nd set, Rafa won 100% 2nd serve to Andy’s 33%.
Please will somebody explain to me the logic of today’s scheduling.
Rafa v. Dimitrov is scheduled for 8:00pm. Followed by the doubles SF featuring Dimi. If Rafa wins in straight sets Dimitrov faces playing the doubles up to midnight or beyond. What happens If it goes to three sets which is more than possible?
Rafa will have played three night matches in spite of being told beforehand he would only get one late match. Djokovic gets to play his SF at 2.00pm so will have 24 hours to recover.
NB: Based on the assumption it will be a Rafa-Nole final and there are no rain delays!!
I refuse to believe the tournament director is bowing to the TV companies wanting Rafa for the peak viewing times.
What time will be the final on Sunday? If I rem its 4 or 5 PM
http://www.internazionalibnlditalia.com/en/schedule/
What? Todays 2nd semi is at 8 PM and final is at 11 AM on Sunday? Did I read it right..What kind of scheduling is that?
Even if womens final starts first at 11 and mens follows..it will be around 2 or 3 PM..too early recovery time for 2nd semi final winner..
Crap scheduling
https://tenngrand.com/2014/05/17/rome-sf-preview-and-pick-nadal-vs-dimitrov/
I think today it’s going to be another 3 set win for RAFA!
Yes with another slow start and then maybe coming from behind to win..
What is the thought process here on Rafa vs Novak? How will it play? Should Rafa face Novak now when he has played so long and Nole has the edge in Rome and the bearings on RG?
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WHY HAS NOVAK GOT THE EDGE IN ROME, Sanju???????????????????
Well Novak is more rested..Rafa has played a lot back to back..today will also likely be a 3 setter..so he will be like 11 hours on court and he plays the 2nd semi, far far less time to recover for final too.
Morever Rafa is not the 80% Rafa too..still has his issues..2nd serve huge liability..not converting BPs , mentally not as strong
So combination of Rafas long hours on court combined with his around 60-65% game currently gives Novak the edge
Better late than never I suppose 😀
Nadal in 3, losing first set as per current form
Djokovic in 2 losing more than 8 with 2 TBs
I believe Rafa will beat Dimi in straigths………as for Novak, he is playing well but its not breathtaking………I’ll give Rafa the edge despite his form
The final is at 4 pm local time, 3 pm BST.
Sanju, I don’t follow your logic, at all. You always seem to see Rafa’s glass as half full.
Sanju. You say Rafa’s 2nd serve is a liability. Are you saying this based on the stats alone. If so you have to look beyond the raw figures. It may be a lower % than normal but over and over again this week and in Madrid he saved BPs with clutch serving on the 2nd serve.
See the points won on 2nd serve..they are very low right..He can do far far much much better
RT @scambers73: “Excellent performance from @andy_murray last night but overriding thought: how tough it is to beat @RafaelNadal on clay, at his best or not”