Another meeting between familiar foes Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem is set for Friday in Rome. Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro are also aiming for a place in the semifinals of the season’s last clay-court Masters 1000 event.
(8) Dominic Thiem vs. (4) Rafael Nadal
Nadal and Thiem will be squaring off for the sixth time in their careers (all on clay) and for the third time during this clay-court swing when they meet again in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Friday. The head-to-head series stands at 4-1 in favor of Nadal, who recently won title matches over Thiem 6-4, 6-1 in Barcelona and 7-6(8), 6-4 in Madrid. Although this is their third showdown in such a short time frame, the seventh-ranked Austrian actually came close to getting zero shots at Nadal prior to the French Open. He outlasted Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the Barcelona semis, saved five match points against Grigor Dimitrov in the Madrid third round, and fought off three match points before beating Sam Querrey 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7) on Thursday in Rome.
As usual, Nadal has taken the much more routine path into another battle against Thiem. The fourth-ranked Spaniard has not surrendered a set this week, taking out Nicolas Almagro (via a first-set retirement) and Jack Sock. In fact, Nadal has not dropped a single set since his opening match in Madrid (vs. Fabio Fognini) and he has surrendered only two on clay this spring. Thiem’s 15-3 record on the red stuff in 2017 is outstanding, but Nadal is a perfect 17-0 on the surface. An obvious favorite even with all things being equal, the 14-time major champion should enjoy even more of an edge with his opponent coming off another tough day at the office.
Pick: Nadal in 2
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Juan Martin Del Potro vs. (2) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Del Potro will be facing each other for the 18th time in their careers on Friday. The head-to-head series is being dominated by Djokovic 13-4, but they have delivered more than their fair share of dramatic matches over the years. That includes a 7-6(4), 7-6(2) upset in Del Potro’s favor at last summer’s Rio Olympics and a pair of three-set victories already this season for Djokovic (in Acapuclo and Indian Wells).
A matchup worthy of the Rome final that is once again coming too early (this time in the quarters), Djokovic-Del Potro did not come close to being denied. The world No. 2 made his way to the last eight by picking up straight-set wins over Aljaz Bedene and Roberto Bautista Agut. Del Potro has dropped one set this week, but he had no trouble erasing an early deficit against Grigor Dimitrov and he parlayed that success into more routine defeats of Kyle Edmund and Kei Nishikori. The 34th-ranked Argentine, who has locked up a seed at Roland Garros, is 10-4 this season and 4-0 on clay. While Djokovic is showing signs of improvement, his timing remains a little off and baseline errors are still too common. The big-hitting Del Potro should be able to dictate with his forehand and keep the Serb off balance.
Pick: Del Potro in 3
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Del Po and Rafa in three
Nadal in 3. His 2nd serve will cost him a set.
rafa and nole in two and three respectively
Rafa in 2 – Late night for Thiem against Querrey – Almagro retirement couldn’t have come at a better time for Rafa
Novak in 3 – Novak is showing signs of recovery and should realise the importance of this match (final points to defend) considering Murray has been flopping even more than he has – and he should also be desperate to get another crack at Rafa. DelPo’s forehand makes up for his (still) lack of a piercing backhand but I think Novak should take advantage with his solid cross-court backhand like he did for many years over Rafa.
TG, you’re talking about Rafa or Delpo? What has Djoko’s CC BH vs Rafa got to do with Djoko’s match vs Delpo?
You forget Delpo is a righty, his FH vs Djoko’s FH, Delpo has the advantage. Delpo also can hit his I/O FH from his BH corner. So, it’s 50/50 for Delpo vs Djoko but Delpo is more rusty than Djoko so Djoko has a slight edge.
Rafa’s FH is also getting better and better, I doubt Djoko could gain any advantage with his CC BH, when Rafa could use his FHDTL to change direction. Also Rafa’s BH is also getting better and so it’s able to counter Djoko’s CC FH. Rafa is also using his BHDTL these days, so another way to change direction and keeps Djoko guessing.
Nadal in 2 6-4 7-5. Djokovic in 2 7-6, 6-4. Semis Nadal beats Djokovic again 6-2, 6-4 and wins title
Nadal will become world number three if he wins his match today. If he wins the French he will be world number 2
Yeah, I really hope Rafa can win both Rome and the FO to at least get to no.2. Thereafter, he can work to win at the other slam(s) and get to no.1 again. One thing at a time though.
Keep calm, remain focused, be confident, stay strong and show your fighting spirit, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DALuvTqUMAE-odW.jpg
Nny!….http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/43530/rafael-nadal-every-morning-i-wake-up-to-improve-/
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/43491/carlos-moya-nadal-and-federer-are-different-/
MA,
Sorry but I didn’t see these links earlier. Then I just got too caught up in the match.
Thanks for posting them! Always good to read Rafa’s thoughts and Carlos Moya’s!
Today was not Rafa’s day, but it’s a tennis match! Not life and death!
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That’s okay Nny!!….And you’re welcome Milady!!hehe…Anyway..we know Rafa has to lose sometime,somewhere…so he can regroup and rest and pick up his momentum back in Paris…Oh,can’t wait for RG to start!!..Hope there is nothing happen this time to him…and he can play for 2 whole weeks..and WIN!!!Woohoo!!
MA,
It is such a relief to talk to you! I was really upset watching the match because I feared that this might happen.
But I believe that everything happens for a reason.
I wished Rafa happy fishing in a later post I made after the match!
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Hey Nny!!…Yeah,i’m happy to be able to talk to u too!!…i’m sorry i’m not here for u sooner…yeah Nny…you’re absolutely right…evrything happened for a reason…sure,we’re disappointed but we have to take the positive out of this….Rafa never won 4 in a row even in his prime and much younger than this…3 is already fanbelievabletastic right?..so,it’s okay if he lose here Nny…The FO is what mattered the most…Nny..you’re already read this?If not..you’re going to feel a LOT better after u read this..believe me Nny….
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/43544/rafael-nadal-it-s-not-easy-to-play-almost-every-day-for-four-weeks-/
MA,
Thanks so much for this! Love reading Rafa’s words. He analyzed the match quite well. He has a wonderful way of breaking it down. He was basically feeling the effects of playing so much and ran up against a player who came out aggressive and playing great. Which is what I thought might happen.
I get a sense sometimes, I can’t explain it. Just a feeling about a match. I had a bad feeling about this one. I was very nervous. Then my worst fears were realized when Thiem came out blasting.
I know you didn’t want Rafa to play Rome. I hate to see Rafa lose. You know that. I didn’t want to see him give Thiem any more reason to be confident. But I realize now that it’s better for it to happen here.
Now Rafa needs rest. The #3 ranking will come. RG is the most important thing to Rafa. He has done a great job tearing through the field and winning thre titles. We want him healthy.
So I remind myself it’s a tennis match. I have to remember to see the big picture and keep everything in perspective. That’s what I took from my own health crisis.
You are my rock here. You never judge me or get upset or misinterpret my words.
Thank you for that!
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Hey back My Queen!!…I’m so happy to know that even i am so limited in tennis knowledge compared to u and other dear poster’s but knowing that my presence can give u calm and peace,makes my heart expand like Rafa’s head atm!hehe…Thank u for your nice and sweet words Nny…Insyaallah,i’ll be here for u Nny..remember that okay?
About Rafa…i also understand and respect your view very very much Nny…we all want the best for him…IMO,Rafa lost to Thiem yesterday because he’s tired..damn tired!..that’snot meant that Thiem is not good..No!!He’s so damn good!!In fact much more so from Madrid…the difference this time was that,Rafa can’t handle him because he’s tired…sure the determination and desire is still there but when you’re physically and mentally drained.no matter how much determination and desire you’ve still got,but your body won’t cooperate anymore…they will weakened your mind and body…and that’s what happened to Rafa last nite right?Unnecessary UE’s everywhere!..very uncharacteristic!..that’s a sign of fatigue me thinks.I’m pretty pretty sure,if Rafa is fresh and fit again when they meet..i don’t think Thiem has a chance over Rafa…I know,some might not agree with me but that’s my opinion….
So,now Rafa has 10 days to rest and recharged his battery back…and Nny!..rest assured barred from injury…Phillipe Chatrier is Rafa’s sacred place..and i think,more than ever he wants back his ‘home’….you agree?
NNY, I’ve no issue with Thiem winning the match. We know he could blast his ways though matches. He took three sets to barely beat Dimi at Madrid and three sets to beat Querrey here saving MPs along the way. Do you think both Dimi and Querrey are better than Rafa on clay? Rafa had already proven that when he played well, he could beat Thiem in straight sets, even though Thiem was also blasting his FHs and serving big.
Rafa had also despatched of Sock, another big FH hitter and big server, in straight sets too. Rafa’s game was off during the QF, misfiring his shots, didn’t serve and return well, more defensive than usual. Thiem might have put Rafa on the defensive no doubt, but Rafa took too long to decide to move forward, where he was winning most of the points whenever he came forward.
Perhaps Rafa wasn’t feeling it in his game, and that’s why he looked so frustrated. Anyway, it’s over now so let’s wish Rafa all the best at the FO.
Yeah exactly, Mira. Djoko in his best year of 2015, had losses too, at Doha, Dubai, Canada, and Cincy on his best surface the HCs. Rafa has already won three titles week after week non stop, he surely has to be not at his best some days.
Right now, Rafa has to rest and relax and then prepares for the FO. He will have to be in tip top conditions in order to win at the FO.
Thiem gets another shot at Rafa, I don’t think he’ll win this one either – Nadal in two close sets. Djokovic is improving a bit, I think he’ll beat Delpo in three.
Not convinvced of Djokovic’s ‘reviva’ yet. His true test will when he is put to the test by good, aggressive players who force him to go for the corners and make him play a lot of balls. He has doubts and it is in these scenarios that you get tentative and lack conviction.Today is a bigger challenge for him. I hope Delpo can hit some backhands DTL for heavens sake!!
thiem WHACKING the hell out of the ball
For those who were looking ahead to Novak, Thiem Judy broke Rsda in his first service game.
Thiem has come out blasting and is getting the better of Rafa.
I think ed was exactly right yesterday when she said Thiem is going to continue to try to find a way to beat Rafa.
I did not want Rafa killing himself to beat Thiem. Right now Thiem has come out firing on all cylinders.
Rafa can’t get going.
Thiem is making a statement.
Rsfa just needs to hold here and get on the board.
Thiem hitting his CC bachand extremely well. Unleashing his forehand inside-out as well. Attacking Rafa’s forehand! Rafa better start getting depth on his CC forehand and change direction frequently enough.
What the heck I didn’t realize Thiem could hit the ball so hard.
High level of tennis at the start of the match. This is bound to be a good one.
Rsda having to come up with some gear shots to hold serve.
Great shots!*
Rafa down 0-30.
This right now is not looking good.
I don’t believe it. 0-40
Is anyone else watching this?
seeing is believing
Thiem can do no wrong right now.
not serving aggressively enough and not having enough pop on the forehand to counter Thiem’s power. Perfect strategy from Dominic today.
thiem is crushing nadal with ease
Thiem is using his raw power. Rafa has to move him around, not playing from so far back and busy defending.
There goes the first set. Rada down two breaks. This getting ugly. That’s why I always take it one match st a time. Thiem wants to beat Rafa and has come out playing like he can do it. So while others were looking ahead and worrying about Novak, I was worrying g about Thiem.
One way traffic.
Rafa is going to receive more pummeling from Thiem and the other remaining players should be beat Thiem today.
They’re all hard hitting guys, Rafa can’t counter their raw power with his own, has to serve well and move forward more. Rafa playing from too far back, not going to beat Thiem like this.
Rafa is getting blown off the court right now and just doesn’t have any breathing room. Thiem does not want to let him get into this match.
My goodness. He’s literally bashing the ball.
Well it’s 5-1 now. It’s a beat down. Not what I wanted to see.
Rsda avoids the breadstick.
that was a better game. He will get better in set 2 and might recover one of the breaks here.
there you go NNY, he gets on break back. This is good !
Wish I could watch!Can’t believe the score. I expect Rafa to win in the end tho.
And wow did I underestimate Sasacha…or maybe Milos was injured?
rc,
You are telling me that Sascha beat Raonic? I thought he had it in him to do it, but wasn’t sure. I haven’t den any of Raonic’s matches.
Yay Sascha!
Seen any if Raonic’s matches!*
He blasted him. 6 and 1 no problem
Rafa’s not hitting his backhand like he has been lately. Too much net clearance on average. Missing that penetrative backhand CC.
I think he’s trying to as much as he can. It’s just hard to time it with how big and heavy Thiem is hitting the ball. Anyways Rafa gets one break back.
Thiem handles the high ball so well. Just crushes forehands off of it.
Rafa at least gets one break back. He needed that.
Thiem to win the set at 1,30 is interests:)
Rafa is in cruise control and improving with every win.
You think he is in cruise control in this match?
🙁 🙁
I posted this not realising the match was already underway Talk about jinxing poor Rafa.
Well Rafa has done his best here by breaking and holding. Now Thiem will get another shot at serving for the first set.
NNY, you speak too soon; Rafa gets a few games back and is now 5-4 down. He’ll fight no matter what. We’ll see what Rafa can do from here.
Lucky,
I am just frustrated for Rafa. I am still watching and supporting him but I was nervous for this match.
There gies the first set. Did I still speak too soon? I was not looking ahead to Movak here. I was worried about this match. For good reason.
There goes the first set. It was Novak!
Stupid autocorrect!
Let’s see how Rafa fights back now. He’s upping his game too late, insisting on rallying with Thiem from so far back. Also, he’s quite poor in his serving at the start of the set, losing his serve immediately, probably having problems adjusting to the wind.
90% returns landing inside the service box, not enough aggressive serving, passive forehands (relatively). Backhand, not bad but lacking the penetration he was getting last week.
Rafael must go for more on the forehand, work the angles whenever possible and come to the net.
Thiem is becoming a ball bashing machine (in a positive sense). Note that his ball is NOT like Soderling’s or Delpo’s. They are SO heavy! He has one of the best forehands on clay right now. Today, he is swinging more freely and getting success.
Thiem and Sock have the biggest topspin FHs now, come with pace too.
Rafa as he ages, can’t match them now in pace and topspin.
he can match them in Topspin but yeah they hit it harder.
Better that he has to encounter this experience here than at RG. He will figure out a way.
Nadal is losing as a super big favorite.
If Rafa is still keen on winning this match, he should be fighting back in the second set and not lose heart. Vamos Rafa!
I dont mind today’s loss. Gives hime 2 extra days rest. If a defat has to come, it better be here than RG.
There’s the drop shot! use it more often !
Rafa is thinking out there.
Rafa playing slightly better trying to change patterns…
Good body language from Rafa.
Rafa’s shots not very precise today. Mishitting quite a few.
yep. On the forehand mainly
Another mishit!
Rafa has a far more diverse game than Dominic. He really needs to use that variety. The foundation is always out-hitting his opponents from the baseline but Thiem has so much power on his shots at the moment and rafa’s not really feeling it.
Stupid net cord!
Just what Rafa needed! An ace to hold serve.
Why so much shanking?? When Rafa gets to 40-30 in his service game, it becomes so hard for him to win the next point to close the game, he always has to let it go to deuce before holding serve! His serve is not so reliable today.
I know. Not convincing at all.
So much power even on the back foot. What did Thiem had for lunch?
Easy hold for Thiem.
Aggressive second serve! good one
Brain fart. drop shot into the net. Point construction was perfect!
What the hell is rafa doing! Missing easy balls despite being the aggressor
Rafa not at his best today.
This is such a SILLY game from Rafa
He’s going to outplay Thiem more often at the net. Would like to see more of those net exchanges
That was a HEAVY second serve from Rafa! Thiem couldn’t control the spin.
Big hold for Rafa!
Rafa is upset with himself. rightly so!
Crazy commentator here said Rafa wasn’t tested like this on clay this year! Feel like asking him ‘are you sure?’
Rafa had a harder time vs Foggy at Madrid, and was also tested by Kyle at MC.
Extremely hard for Rafa to get good positioning in return games.
Rafa nervous guys!..He knows Thiem can give him so much challenge and Thiem proved it big time on court today…Good thing Rafa’s mental strength still intact..
Thiem’s on fire but honestly Rafa is not putting him out of comfort zone. Making him look unplayable.
FINALLY he gets the desired returns in play, opens up the court and shoots forehands DTL! deuece
Urgh!!…I think Thiem breakfast with metal cereal today!…
0-30
Rafa’s net game is at a career-best right now. Must utilize more
I think Rafa can just call it a day, nothing is going his way. Just goes back home, takes a good rest and starts preparing for the FO; that’s more important.
Leave it to the rest to fight for this Rome title. Other than Djoko, the others have not won a single Masters title.
See, Rafa let it go to deuce again!
Thiem poised to make a deep run at RG if he can avoid a burn-out.
Rafa overpowered. I am not liking this but not concerned either…
Rafa crap,u crap,me crap…Oh!What the crap!!!
It’s just not possible to win all four events just before the FO. Rafa should skip Rome in future, wasting energy playing it, esp as he gets older.
That’s what we discussed before Lucky!…He shouldn’t play here..
Yeah, Mira I know, but Rafa always want to play and to try.
The positive about this loss is Rafa can have more time to rest now and work on his game. If he wants to win FO, he has to play short point tennis IMO, and that’s why I don’t like seeing him rallying with Thiem at Madrid. Thiem may be getting the pressure now at the FO, so Rafa has someone now to share the pressure as favorites there!
Rafa is giving his hard hitting opponents too much ground to work with. He standing so far back in this match is allowing Thiem to hit anywhere at will and to even move forward when Rafa hits a short ball. It happened to him as far back as in 2011 vs Djoko on clay; so it’s a bad habit that he couldn’t change.
Rafa played better vs Sock, I feel the conditions last night was better than the windy conditions today, which caused Rafa to lose his first service game. Sock was also hitting hard and serving big but Rafa played better yesterday because he stepped inside the court more often, served better too.
It’s unfortunate that Rafa lost his first service game, if not there’re still chances for him to fight to win the first set. With two losses of service games, it’s hard to fight back when Thiem was serving so well.
ROS has been perhaps the biggest issue.
Exactly VR, why is Rafa not adjusting his return positions? Since it’s not so successful, why not adjust? See, BPs missed again, how many must he squander??
another shank to add to your annoyance, lucky.
When Rafa rushes to his FH, he mishit so often! And Thiem is saving BPs again!
Thiem’s up the middle serve in the Ad court has been too successful.
Maybe all this crap perfomance because he’s tired…
well it’s not exactly crap performance. It is decent but he has come up against a very inspired player who is proving to be a very very good clay courter.
NOW Rafa hits one of those wicked CC forehands. Down 5-3 lol
This is a blessing. Le Theim and Djoker slug it out tomorrow. Better to lose today than lose to Djoker tomorrow. Take rest and prepare for the major.
Yeah there are positive.s
no, because he wouldn’t lose to Djoker in the semis
yeah that’s another positive!
better but not good
I don’t see this is too concerning. I am confident he can handle Thiem should they meet at RG.
Rafa can go home, relax for a few days and head to paris earlier.
I agree with Ricky. Absolutely.
There goes the winning streak and the # 3 ranking.
Rafa just gave Thiem a big boost heading into RG.
still don’t think anyone other than Thiem has the firepower on clay to beat Rafa at RG
and Thiem likely can’t do that for 3 sets
don’t forget that Rafa let Thiem unleash all of that firepower today. Rafa can play FAR more aggressively than this off both wings and serve better and return better! Look for his forehand to have a lot more pop at RG. He will move thiem from side to side more and push him back more as well.
Ricky,
Yes, you are right about that. It’s a tough task to take out Rafa at RG!
I feel better!
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Lots of people have the firepower to take out Rafa on clay, on a given day. Very few have that and the consistency required to make it at all likely. Stan is the first that comes to mind (in a slam), but Zverev, Kyrgios, Cilic are a few others that would have a decent shot.
Not in a slam. Not at RG.
Again, on a given day, anything can happen; that’s what great about high level sport. How many people called Rafa getting dusted today in two sets, winning 7 games? Hands up.
Thiem is playing great but Rafa is playing poorly by his standard – Serve not good, slow, too defensive, returns poor, full of misfirings.
Not a good performance by Rafa, but credit to Thiem for playing so well, hardly missing his first serves.
Rafa often caught out of positions, a bridge too far for him to win here. See, another deuce on his service game! He’s just so poor in his serving today.
Joe,
Don’t go my thinking for me and don’t speak for me. I said a few times here that this was s match that concerned me. It’s not for nothing that I have watched this sport all my life.
I knew the Thiem had been pushing Rafa and would come out guns blazing. But you read too much into this win at your peril, taking out Rafa at RG is a whole other matter entirely.
I know where you are coming from and your bias is showing. But I had a sense that Thiem might get Rafa this time. I am far more concerned with what will happen at RG.
I remember this same garbage being thrown around when Novak beat Rafa in warm up tournaments, only to lose to Rafa at RG. He finally beat Rafa in 2015, his annus horribilis.
Don’t get too carried away with yourself.
How am I getting carried away with myself? If you read my main comment on the match, I explicitly said that I’m not sure how much one should read into Thiem’s victory, and that Nadal is still obviously the favourite for RG. So please tell me what I said that was getting carried away.
Don’t get carried away, Joe. We need you here.
From the person who has called Joe a hypocrite and gone after him for being a Zoe’s fan!
I think Joe can hold his own and isn’t going anywhere! I merely wanted to set the record straight as one who wasn’t looking ahead to the next opponent or taking Thiem for granted.
Gone after Joe for being a Fed fan or should I use the more popular term Fedfawn!
Sorry for the garbled auto correct!
I’m trying to console myself Rafa needs a break to rest before RG
#clutching at straws 🙁
Well, this will serve at a wake up call for Rafa, don’t wait for so long before changing things up.
Again I want to say it, Rafa, please stop staying back to rally all days. You have to come to terms that you at 30 can no longer outhit these younger guys who hit so hard all day. Please use your guile, your varieties, your court craft to win your matches.
Well at least you are being honest. Maybe it was too much to hope for Rafa to run the table.
But I think it’s not a good thing to give Thiem a straight sets win before RG. He will only get more confident now.
Now they are talking up Thiem’s chances for RG. Taking some pressure off Rafa.
My comment at 4:15 was in response to ed’s comment.
Anyway, we Rafa fans needed a break from watching Rafa putting himself in danger of fatigue or injury through slugfests before RG!
This is good for Rafa. Should have skipped Rome as I had predicted earlier. Cant win 4 events in 5 weeks . I mean noone can win so much in so less time especially on a surface like clay. Rafa had never done it.
no worries.
Rest well Rafa
Congrats to Thiem, hope he wins this!
Rest well Rafa. Congrats Thiem but Thiem will run out of steam going into his next match. Delpo or Djoko won’t be easy.
Breznick was in Thiem’s box today. Looking inscrutable as usual. He must be feeling very satisfied to see Dominic doing so well. Like Shireling I hope he goes all the way now
I am actually quite happy Rafa lost. He looked tired to me. The pressure of being such a red hot favorite is lessened!!! Yeh!!!
I am not worried about RG. No one can beat him there unless he is injured. Even when injured in 2014, he somehow beat Nole.
So on to RG.
I can now watch the rest of the Rome tournament totally relaxed. Wonderful!!!
Even though I am happy, I am sure Rafa is not. I think he wanted to win this title as well but then he should have skipped Barcelona. Anyway, he and Uncle T will work out something for Thiem. Thiem will probably be in Rafa’s Quarter and Nole in Rafa’s half.
But I am really not worried about Thiem. Only Nole.
Mary MAY (AT 4:57 PM) says: “…he should have skipped Barcelona.”
The Barcelona-500 is Rafa’s home tournament. He has been a member of the Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona since he was 11 years old. 🙂
augusta,
I agree with you about Barcelona! It means a lot to Rafa and he should play where he wants to play!
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I’m not worried about them both. I think Thiem may end up in the other half away from Rafa; and Rafa in Djoko’s half of the draw. They certainly want to see Rafa playing Djoko in the SF followed by a likely Rafa vs Thiem final. I think that will help viewership of the tournament.
It’s no point having Rafa fighting hard in the QF vs Thiem and Djoko in SF, and then has a anticlimatic final, with or without Rafa in it. I mean who’s going to light up the other half of the draw? Murray? Stan? I doubt Zverev or Kyrgios or Goffin would survive the draw and plays wonderfully in the final.
Thiem has reached the SF at FO last year, so in all possibilities, he may make his next step by reaching the final, now that Stan, the older version of Thiem, seems to be in poor form; Murray too.
That’s what happened in 2013 to favor Fed. All the heavyweights in Rafa’s half. Ultimately it was Ferrer who came to the final from Fed’s side. This time Fed is not there but Rafa is a threat to Fed’s slam count so I expect Rafa to have a tough draw.
Total slam count is kinda overrated anyway, imo… When it comes to the Big 3, I find it just as amazing how they all have had unprecedented consistency with getting to the business end of each of the four majors. That’s what I think separates them from other modern greats, such as Sampras (who I personally consider to be on the 5-man Mount Rushmore of men’s tennis along with Big 3 and Laver). As amazing and dominant as Sampras was, he never even reached the final of Roland Garros and only even made it past the QF once. Obviously we should take into account that the game style has changed significantly since Sampras played, and the courts have become more homogenized. However, I was still always amazed by how a guy who was so incredibly dominant on the other surfaces only made one semifinal at RG. I’m pretty sure that when Sampras first retired, if you had told people that within the next 15 years there would be THREE guys who not will have won all four majors but also made it to the final of all four majors numerous times, they probably wouldn’t have believed you haha! So, yeah, sometimes I wish that the total number of majors a player has won wasn’t seen so much as the only way to measure a player’s greatness… I know this irrelevant to the topic of your comment, Mary, but you inspired me to say this, so thank you. 🙂
I don’t want people to get the wrong idea- I think total slam count is a hugely important factor in measuring greatness, I just don’t believe it’s the end-all, be-all… We see it in other sports, too. “______ has won ______ rings. Therefore they are the GOAT.” I say when making an argument for someone being an all-time great, it’s so much more interesting to discuss the other factors ALONG WITH the championships.
Aha, so you found me “inspirational”, Kevin ?
Kevin, I think it’s tougher in Sampras era to win all four slams. The court surfaces were more varied. I think the clay surface was very slow back then. I think Sampras with his serve and his speed would be able to do better on clay today. The clay surfaces seemed to be quicker in recent years. You just have to watch guys like Isner and Raonic, who could serve their way through the draw to reach the later rounds on clay.
I think what Sampras achieved back then were tougher to do than what Fedal and Djoko achieved now. Fedal plus Djoko could basically play the same way on any surface and still win, don’t need to change their game when moving from one surface to another.
Agree with Lucky.
The focus on slams also disadvantages the great players of the 70s and 80s, who often didn’t play the Australian and/or the French. Had they done so, their slam count would surely be higher. If I remember correctly, Connors only played the Australian twice, and never played the FO in his prime.
Same old hue and cry, huh Mary? Can’t you find anything else to complain about?
ooh Joe it it is nice to have you around. The voice of unreason, so to speak. Ha ha
He was right pissed off. He was gracious when he shook hands with Thiem but then he stomped off the court without stopping to sign autographs – something I’ve never seen him do before.
This was in reply to Mary’s comment at 4.57pm
yup ed, Rafa wants to win always and especially as much as possible during the clay season. A Masters title is worth 1000 points. He should have skipped Barcelona as he had done in 2010 (?) but I guess he couldn’t do that when they had just named the Center Court after him.
Mary MAY (9:15 PM),
Tournaments in Montre Carlo, Barcelona and Rome were back-to-back events in 2010. Rafa didn’t want to play 3 weeks in a row, that’s why he skipped Barcelona.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/rafa-nadal-barcelona-2010/rafa-withdrew-from-barcelona/107085686000170/
He used the Barcelona tournament week to undergo PRP treatment on his left knee for the first time.
I thought Rafa was right posted off at points in the match. After one shot missed, he seemed to be talking to himself quite a bit and he was not happy! I couldn’t hear him, but if my Spanish was decent I bet there were some choice words coming out.
Rafa doesn’t like to lose and wouldn’t be happy with the way he played. I thought this match would be trouble because There run pushed Rafa hard in the Madrid final. He is very determined and ambitious and hungry.
If it had to come, then I guess it’s best it came now. Slugging it out with Thiem to grInd out a three set win and then possibly having to face Novak tomorrow, made me concerned. No way would I want a tired Rafa to lose to Novak before RG!
So I am resigned to this as a bad day at the office for Rafa, with Thiem playing very well and being aggressive and not letting up.
Rafa was right pissed off! *
Thiem pushed Rafa hard in the Madrid final. *
NNY, if Rafa played like the way he played against Sock, I’ve no doubt he would beat Thiem again. Rafa was sharp during that Sock match. I do feel the windy conditions did play a part in today’s match. He lost his serve in his first service game and from then it’s catching up to do all the way.
I mean how often you see Rafa mishitting or shanking so often in a match? Only that Foggy match at Madrid was worse, but at that time Rafa was still physically up to the task to fight back with the Madrid crowd cheering him on.
He may be running on fume here so to speak, and the heavier and windy conditions didn’t do him any favor. Thiem hit so hard and served so well that the wind didn’t bother him (it’s like RG2010 where Sod hit Fed off the court because of the heavy conditions that favored the big hitter; the FO2012 third set of the final came to mind too).
I feel Rafa is not doing well under windy conditions nowadays, gone are the days when Rafa could adapt so well to windy conditions. First thing to go was his serve, he couldn’t get the first serve right so often; his FH too tend to misfire. Perhaps he’s not moving his legs as well as when during his heydays; not moving them well enough in small adjusting steps.
I have already commented about his footwork. It is not as good as before, resulting in more errors on his FH. Probably due to drop in speed even though microscopic and not apparent to the naked eye. At the stratospheric level at which Rafa plays, a drop of even a millionth could make a difference.He has to improve his anticipation or control the game through strategic play so as to force the opponent to hit a more predictable shot in the anticipated direction. Rafa and Uncle T have good tennis brains so I think they are working on it.
He’s possibly pissed with the crowd there. I do notice that the Italian crowd isn’t too supportive of Rafa. I think they prefers Djoko there over Rafa. Italians don’t like the Spaniards? Or it’s only Rafa among the Spaniards?
Who cares? When Rafa is on a winning spree, no one can stop him. He was not the crowd’s darling at RG and they were rooting against him when Soderling beat him. I think that really hurt him for he was their champion 4 times over. But then next year he started his 5 in a row . Today I am told he is the hero of the younger generation in France and even RG is in awe of him. A legend like no other!!!!! Fedfawns may whistle and jeer but nothing is going to change the fact that on clay there is no one like Rafa. And probably there never will be.
Actually all my predictions for today so far have been wrong. If Nole loses to Delpo, I will have a perfect score!!! 100% wrong!!!!!
Me too! I was wrong about Cilic, Raonic, Rafa. They all lost when I predicted that they would win! I hope Delpo wins his match, that will make it 4 for 4 for me, ie 100% wrong!
Kevin,
I actually think you make some excellent points! I get where you are coming from, because each great player brings his own unique qualities and achievements to the sport.
Thank you for remembering Rod Laver and including him on your list. I grew up watching him and he was my idol!
?
Rafa’s performance was way below his usual on clay this year and more like Miami 2017 thus Thiem’s game looked so great…This will be a big booster for Nole who avoided another loss to Rafa…
One thing I said at the start of this tournament was that I was not sure how much longer Rafa would be able to sustain the high level of play given that he is 31 in about 15 days…but I also said that one should not expect these youngsters to lose early due to fatigue and overplay because they are so physically fit and well prepared…both Zverev and Thiem proved me right..they simply refuse to surrender…good for them and good for tennis!
There are certainly positives for Rafa losing here. He is tired both physically and mentally and if his body is wasted he gets more susceptible to injuries…good to avoid such risk..
I would have loved Rafa to get to no 3 but it wasn’t meant to be just yet…At least he avoids another slug fest with Novak…
Rafa did great this clay season. He needs to rest and focus on RG! It’s all that matters!
Vamos Rafa!
Natashao (AT 4:43 PM),
As for seedings at Roland Garros, there is no difference whether a player is ranked No.3 or 4.
@augusta,
I know, just wanted him to climb to No 3! He so deserves it!
But it will come soon…
Vamos!
Well Nats, Rafa at 30 has already played 18 matches on clay non stop. Compared to him, Zverev and Thiem played fewer matches so far. Thiem esp, after so many three setters and saving MPs, it’s bound to catch up with him. He’s hitting so hard too thus using up so much energy, may not be good for his chances at the FO. I doubt he can blow Rafa off the court there at the FO, for its at the FO that Rafa plays his best tennis, you hardly see his shanking, misfiring, double faulting etc. there. Rafa is also way more aggressive there at the FO.
I won’t be surprised Thiem would lose in his next match. I won’t be surprised too if it’s a Delpo vs Isner final!
Yeah, but both Thiem and Zverev played rather physically demanding matches in Rome. They are still surviving though… I thought if Rafa was able to win the second set he would have won the match. I also don’t think Thiem can harm Rafa at RG if Rafa is healthy and playing at his Madrid level. Today Rafa’s game was off…
He just needs some time at the sea… ?
The way he was playing today, he would have lost to Nole/ Delpo.
I thought Thiem sort of took the match out of his racket. He started the points aggressively and therefore in control on return and serve.
Yeah Benny, but Rafa served poorly in the first game to lose his serve. I think Thiem was smart and chose to receive, letting Rafa served first, knowing it’s tricky conditions out there (windy).
Thiem was aggressive no doubt but Rafa was still able to fight back to win four games in the first set. As usual, Rafa always found his way back into the match, it’s just that his serve was subpar today, and Thiem was serving and hitting well, so Rafa couldn’t turn things around this time.
Rafa got some good practice in Rome. 🙂
I need you people in my life. So much optimism, so many positive spins.
Yup, we did not want Rafa to play Rome. Watching him in slugfests before RG is taxing on my nerves. Now I can relax. Vamos Rafa, go get La Decima! Decimate the field!!!!!
Mary ( AT 5:01 PM),
As for me, whatever Rafa decides to do, I support him. 🙂
Thiem played inspired tennis like all they all do against rafa and rafa could not respond today. A guy who saved mps and got a win in the third set tb totally outplayed rafa today. Hope this just helps rafa focus more
I’m wondering WHY Ricky thinks this!
Ricky Dimon @Dimonator 2h2 hours ago
i already know Nadal’s 25-32 seed (3rd round) at the French Open will be Del Potro and his 5-8 seed (quarterfinals) will be Thiem
guarantee
#Pourquoi?
well if rafa plays well the opponent does not matter at rg? But wimbledon and hc…
I also think the same. Anyone who plays well will be stacked into Rafa’s Quarter. But as vr said, it doesn’t matter at RG but could be critical at Wimbly. All the big hitters would be safely kept away from Fed and would probably be pushed into Rafa’s Quarter. In the olden days, the big hitters were generally reserved for Muzz who was kind of a step child. But now that he is an icon for the British, Wimbly will probably treat him better though I am sure their loyalty to Fed is more.
Sorry Vmk1, not vr
Carole Bouchard @carole_bouchard
Also the stadium seems to be rooting for Thiem in this match…
Carole Bouchard is a Djokolover…
Well, so are most Fedfans when it comes to Rafa. Besides, she IS French.
#BienSur
They have probably mistaken him for an italian.
RT: “Tomorrow, I’ll be in Majorca fishing or playing golf”,Nadal who says Thiem was great whereas he didn’t feel at best after all those matches
It is a good thing this happened at Rome so Rafa has time to work out counter moves without taking risks. Unlike young players out to prove themselves, Rafa has to play to win, which means being cautious or playing as per high percentage tennis strategy. When he is faced with something unexpected, he goes to his default mode-behind the baseline. Most times, it works. But sometimes it does not. Like Roger said when Nole unleashed that go for broke shot to save matchpoint in 2010 and 2011, that was not what they had been taught to do. Now that Fed is old, he played in that go for broke style in the 5th set of AO and won the trophy.
The one positive that I am taking out of this loss is that Rafa won’t have to kill him self to win Rome. I have been concerned about him playing too much and not having enough left for RG. Now he can have some well earned rest and down time before RG. It sounds like he needs it.
I am never happy when Rafa loses. I don’t like seeing him give Thiem a win right before RG. But I think Rafa may be tired now and things happen for a reason. Today he didn’t have his best against a young and determined opponent.
I never think it’s wonderful for Rafa to lose, but I have faith that he will be rested and ready for RG. That is the one that matters most.
Rafa gave it his best, but he’s done more than enough to prepare for RG.
Happy fishing Rafa!
Rafa needs to conserve his energy to get ready for the FO. He’s not that young anymore. I think he surprised himself playing so well so far this season. He has already played 42 matches so far, that’s a lot of matches in five months!
He needs to be fresh for the FO in order to play go for broke tennis when needed without missing, unlike his AO this year.
Luckystar (AT 5:34 PM),
I don’t think Rafa is surprised that he is playing well. He has said several times that he hasn’t had physical problems since the off-season and it has allowed him to practice normally.
I remember that at the beginning of this season he asked people to give him time (3 months or so) before evaluating his level.
I’m certainly not happy with Rafa’s play today. But could it be that his motivation was really low? If he had won this match he would’ve had the prospect of having to slug it out with either Novak or Delpo. He can’t have looked forward to such a potentially gruelling encounter and the prospect of potentially another match in the final. I certainly didn’t.
I’m not accusing Rafa of tanking deliberately. But a low motivation affects the game of a player subconsciously and it might’ve shown. He got his important win against Novak in Madrid. Why risk the loss of this psychological edge? Strategically a loss against Thiem is probably preferable. Let the youngster slug it out with Novak or Delpo 🙂
I might be overthinking this. Rafa might just have had a bad day at the office. But if that’s the case he chose the right day and the right opponent 😉
Rafa just had a bad day at the office, coupled that with an on fire opponent all out to beat him.
I think Thiem will be spent after this match, and may be beaten in the next round. He saved MPs vs Querry in three sets; I also doubt Djoko and Delpo are as weary as Rafa, they haven’t played that many matches this year, so may put up better fights vs Thiem. If it’s Delpo in the next round, it’ll be interesting, as Delpo won’t allow Thiem to blow him off the court, he being a power hitter himself. Thiem won’t have it his own way.
Well, IMO opinion Rafa timed his bad day at the office nicely 😉 Hopefully it was his one and only lapse during the clay season.
I’m actually looking forward to Thiem’s semifinal tomorrow. Will be interesting how he will sell himself against Novak or Delpo. I also suspect that he’s spent by now, but who knows?
I also believe that the winner of that semi will be most likely the overall winner.
I think Thiem will have the classic letdown and lose his next match.
I think Djoko may again win at Rome. He’s already a set up before the rain delay. They have to postpone the match till tomorrow. So the SF still on Sat? Then that’s not fair to the winner of this postponed QF; so Thiem will have an edge in the SF but I’m not sure he can beat Djoko in the SF.
Totally agree. I don’t know about Rafa but I was feeling tired already thinking of the slugfests ahead.
I was already tired when I thought about the next matches, lol! I’m never exactly happy when Rafa loses, but right now I’m totally content with the outcome. Also,Thiem was so gritty in the last few tourneys, and if he hadn’t run into Rafa he might’ve snatched two trophies already. So, I feel good about him winning.
Happy to see this loss..A loss before RG was must..he has never won all 4 tourneys before RG and won RG
There is no point winning all 4 before RG and then crapping out there
And regarding no 3 Rafa is defending only 2nd round points last year at RG..he can only gain and how it he wins it
I hope Thiem on the other side but I doubt that
Anyways if Rafa has to win he will beating whoever in front of him
What’s up with Novak vs Delpo? Did Novak withdraw?? The ATP site lists Delpo as the winner of the match. Or is there a software glitch?
Must’ve been an incredible mistake. They started playing now, although very late. I wonder what has been going on…
People had enough tennis for the day after Nadal lost by a respectable score line to theim
They have just suspended play for the Novak/Delpo match due to rain and lightning.
Not good for whoever wins this match.
Nole won the first set 6-1 against Delpo! Whew, I hope Nole will postpone his further recovery from slump till after RG. Maybe we should invite Deepika to RG?
I read on the ATP site that the Novak/Delpo match was suspended for the night. They will have to come out in Saturday to finish the match and then the winner will play Thiem in the semis that night.
This could be a big advantage for Thiem.
I checked other tennis blogs and looks like everyone is happy that Rafa lost. Fans of Fed, Nole, Muzz and Rafa. So I guess this was a famous defeat and most popular!!! Ha ha. If Thiem wins the title he is the real deal and a threat at RG. But I suspect, he will lose in the next round.
A great victory for Thiem, and in general a pretty high quality match. Rafa not at his best, but he did not play badly. Thiem played smart tennis, tried to stay forward. His sharply angled shots are the right play to try when your opponent is far back from the baseline. He served well and returned great. Basically, he overpowered Nadal, and everyone knows that Rafa is most vulnerable against big hitters (pretty much everyone is when a big hitter is on).
Not sure how much to take away from this going forward. Thiem has the game to beat Nadal on clay, as do a few others, but we already knew that and it doesn’t mean it’s likely. This is about as well as Thiem can play and it would be very impressive (and surprising) to see him repeat in in the late stages of a slam against one of the big names. But he might.
A bigger question is how much Rafa will have left in the tank, at nearly 31, for RG, after playing all four lead ups. He’s still the favourite, obviously, but Thiem is there with Novak and Stan in the second group.
Not to worry, Rafa knows his priority is the FO. Rafa, unlike Thiem, would not have to slug it out in the early rounds at the FO. Rafa usually get by his early rounds quickly because he would conserve his energy till the later rounds.
Thiem, OTOH, isn’t all conquering type of player and has to slug it out in the earlier rounds; e.g. vs Dimi at Madrid, against Querry here, lost to Goffin at MC in three sets. Chances are he will slug his way through the draw at the FO; may even lose before the QF or SF stage. Thiem is more a power hitter, not unlike Stan; he lacks the varieties, the soft hands of the big four. He still has some way to go before he could reach Stan’s level of play at FO2015.
Agree he wasn’t playing like Stan in 2015; not sure who has. But I think Stan has decent touch as well. He’s played a fair amount of doubles and has a nice volley. He doesn’t really have a drop shot, though.
Who has? Soderling in 2009 and 2010 only to lose to eventual winners Fed and Rafa respectively. Fed and Rafa played better in their respective finals than the Djoko of 2015 final. Remember, Sod did beat Rafa along the way to his 2009 final, and beat Fed along the way to his 2010 final.
Sorry, Lucky, but we’re going to disagree again. Stan in the late stages of RG in 2015 played just about unbeatable tennis. Novak played very well, but there wasn’t much he could do, and I think the same would have been true of Rafa. Stan played even better in the QF against Roger, imo, who played terrific but still got beat in straights if I remember.
This has nothing to do with Rafa or Federer. It’s just that the best big players have the ability to overpower all others when they’re on their game, regardless of surface. Stan isn’t physically big, but plays huge when he’s on. Thiem isn’t big, but was basically red-lining it most of the match today. OTOH, someone like Cilic or del Potro, when they’re totally in the zone, can beat just about anyone. I put Soderling in the same category, though he couldn’t bring it in the RG final. Again, it’s not likely for these big guys to win, because they’re all a lot less consistent than the big four. But on a given day, they all have the capability.
Joe, you’re wrong to say that Stan is big but Thiem is not. Thiem is bigger and taller than Stan, and he trained hard to give him the physical power he has now. His BH now can be as solid as Stan’s imo, but perhaps still not as consistent compared to Stan at his best.
Again I’ve to disagree about Stan in 2015, I’m also sure that if you pitch Stan of 2015 vs Rafa of 2008 FO, Rafa would win hands down. Don’t compare Djoko of 2015 FO to any of Rafa during 2007-2010 FO( excluding 2009). Djoko was no where near the Rafa of pre 2011 version. Fedal during their heydays > Djoko during his heydays, on clay imo.
It’s easy for you to look at attacking players like Stan, and assumed that he would beat anyone on his day; it’s not the first time a player played like that, and on clay vs Rafa, but Rafa still beat them during his heydays(e.g. Gonzo; Sod in 2010 for examples); its not just about physical power, but also the ability to overcome such power with strategies and exploiting the weaknesses of such power players.
Stan is the nemesis for Djoko at the slams, but he’s not so for Rafa or Fed, because Fedal have their ways of overcoming raw power. Cilic and Delpo, OTOH, aren’t about raw power, but precision of their serves and also their shots when in the zone. Also, it’s surface dependent – they’re particularly good on quicker surfaces, taking away reaction time from opponents.
Also, just because Stan beat Fed and Djoko in 2015 doesn’t mean he could beat a Rafa at his best, don’t equate them to Rafa on clay! The Rafa of 2013 was good enough to handle Stan imo, as he had proven time and again!
And Joe, Rafa’s records on clay speaks for itself. No matter how the other players look ( like they’re going to beat him), they still fail 92% of the time!
Don’t forget, Rafa is a counterpuncher, and very often he has to think of ways to counter his opponents, so, it appears that his opponents are having the upper hands until Rafa counter attacks; and that’s why they look like they can have the game to beat him on clay but they fail.
Nole will beat Delpo, it was never in doubt…I watched Delpo play Nishi and he was ‘best among the worst’…neither one would have had a chance against Nole who is clearly picking up the pace…
And Thiem will probably fade away to serve it on the plate for Nole..’until one gets it bad, the other one doesn’t get it good’…that’s how Rafa’s loss today was a big favor to Nole…
Nole will most likely win the title and end up being made favorite for RG title by many…
If Djoko gets by Delpo, he’ll beat Thiem to reach the final. I think he’ll win the title at Rome, I doubt Zverev or Isner could stop him. Djoko may be playing at 60 or 70% of his capacity but he could slug his way through the draw and wins, as long as there’s no Rafa there.
Doesn’t matter they consider Djoko one of the fav at RG, better for Rafa as the pressure won’t be totally on him there. Let Thiem and Djoko share the burden.
I don’t think anyone is going to make Thiem the favourite for RG, even if he wins Rome.
Well they should.
Why? One victory over Rafa doesn’t make Thiem the favourite. 3 clay titles leading up to RG puts Nadal as the clear favourite.
BTW whoever Rafa lost to in qtrs at Rome last 2 years has won RG
Stan in 15 and Nole in 16
Just saying 🙂
If Rafa doesn’t win I am happy for Thiem to win
Sanju, those two years what had Rafa done on clay? Rafa won MC and Barcelona in 2016 no doubt but he had to withdraw after R2 at FO due to wrist injury. It’s not like he was losing to Djoko at the FO in 2016, or that he lost to Stan the eventual winner of the FO title.
…. in 2015.
You really are that confident that Rafa would have beaten Djokovic at RG last year? Djokovic was playing a million times better at this time last year than he was the other day when Rafa beat him, and you’ve said yourself that Rafa is playing better now than he was last year. I understand wanting to believe in your guy, but you make it sound like it was written in stone that Rafa would have beaten him last year. Of course Rafa had a good shot at it, but I would think it was more 60/40 in Novak’s favor, especially since he had beaten Rafa just a couple weeks before in two close sets. I would say at best it was 50/50, but what evidence was there that Rafa was ready to beat Novak in a best-of-five set match when he still couldn’t take a set off him? This year, its at least like 80/20 in Rafa’s favor. But last year?? C’mon Lucky…
Excuse me Kevin, when did I say that Rafa would beat Djoko last year at the FO? Care to read again? I said, ‘it’s not like he was losing to Djoko at the FO in 2016’ meaning they didn’t even play each other.
Please, if you want to join in a conversation like this, please care to read properly and see what the conversation was all about. Sanju was relating Rafa losing in QF at Rome to whoever it is, that person would end up winning at RG. I said they winning at RG had nothing to do with Rafa losing at Rome to them,because both times -2015 and 2016 – the winner at RG didn’t have to beat Rafa to win the title!
The Rome scheduling is crap 🙁
We are now waiting for the Women’s match to be completed and they have only just started the 2nd set. The organisers are so inflexible: in spite of yesterday’s weather forecast for violent thunderstorms in the evening they stuck to their original scheduling and made no adjustment today for the men’s QF to be resumed as early as possible.
The players are clearly low in the order of priorities
Djokovic and Delpo now on court warming up
Ominous dark clouds overhead.
Novak attacking Delpo’s backhand relentlessly knowing how vulnerable it is now.
Delpo looked gased, totally unfit! Not going to trouble Djoko. Djoko just goes on and on in the rallies, grinding down Delpo, until Delpo makes an error.
Both of them look so beatable, I’m liking Thiem’s chances vs any of these two guys. I think Zverev vs Isner looks more promising.
Don’t forget the FO. It’s called rigging BTW…
RT @usopen: @AustralianOpen We have a feeling some Thiem-Nadal matches are in store for the future at the Australian Open and #USOpen. What a rivalry this is becoming!
RT @carole_bouchard: Del Potro on Novak: “He played much better than me. He’s playing his best tennis again,which means something important for the tennis world”
Maybe Delpo saved himself (his wrists) for Lyon:
http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2017/7694/mds.pdf
Oh, so Raonic, Delpo and Berdych all getting WC to play at Lyon. Kygrios is in the draw too, so his hip is ok now?
Is Stan playing at Geneva? He’s the defending champion there. He badly needs some more matches on clay to get ready for the FO.
I just saw the Geneva draw, Stan is playing there, Kei also. It’s good that these top players are getting more match plays, that may make the FO more competitive.
So far this clay season, it’s only Rafa from the old guards who is playing top class tennis, the rest of them are playing subpar tennis. Among the younger guys, it’s Thiem, then Zverev and Goffin who steal the lime light.
Djokovic would be extremely disappointed. That makes everyone believe that he is beatable. Cant string 2 good matches . Zverev played very good. He and Theim are the ones to watch out for . Well for Djokovic, its strange , looked flat today , should have been fresh given that he has not played a lot this year.