Yep, Fed’s next match against Nalbandian will be a good test. Let’s hope he doesn’t embarrass himself out there.

You’re timing is impeccable Sean.

I hope your predictions are too. Or are we going to see Federer vs. Querrey & Andreev vs. Ferrer in the semi-finals?

Well, stranger things have happened. It could be that you get everything right and the semis will be Nalbandian vs. Djokovic & Davydenko vs. Nadal.

What to call from there? Nalbandian winning the first clay MS title?

It’s not unthinkable is it?

“your timing,” not “you’re timing” (my your/you’re’s and to/too/two’s are escaping me of late - doh)

the last time nalbandian beat federer on clay was 2002 so should prove to be interesting. i feel roger will up his play and take the match.

My hatred for Nalbandian is about to reignite…

Its a test for both fed and nadal. djokovic has it easy though - I don’t think sam can beat him on clay.

would be just the ideal recipe for fed to beat nalbandian, then djokovic, and then nadal - would drive all his demons away. I could have believed that in 2006, but now, it seems like wishful thinking……

Sean do you actually believe this crap you write? Fed’s “aura in the toilet”? I’ll admit he is hardly the nearly invincible player the last few years, but seriously…”in the toilet”? Are you writing this crap just to get a rise out of people? Do you actually play tennis? Do you really have a clue about any of this stuff? Your lack of accuracy with your predictions seems to indicate that you are just the worst kind of online tabloid “journalist”. I hope I am not exaggerating just to make a point!!!???

Nalbandian–an “elite dirtballer”. What is this comment based on? Two titles in Estoril and one(or is it two) in Basil. One final in Rome? Common! Mr. D is a superb player on any surface, but he is erratic. On the basis of “the results” Federer is a much more accomplished “dirtballer”. Having said that, Mr. D has more than a fair chance of whipping the number 1 with ease, if…a big if with Nalbandian…he comes out playing rather than wondering about his next meal or evening’s companion through the match. I’d like to see him win.

Sean Randall:

OK you’ve done it again. A very fair, analytical, ‘calls them as you sees them’ article, but I just hope you are prepared for the bullets, and I don’t mean those you create with the ‘alt’ key on your keyboard. Here’s to some pitiful comments.

“No shame in that, Sam, at least you made the trip unlike everyone other American.”

How about being a little less harsh on the Americans. They had to play Davis Cup the weekend prior to the MC tourney. But kudos to Sam, who is one of my fave all-American guys, for making the trip and getting to the QFs. That Vegas win should bolster his confidence, plus his big serve to give him some sort of hope against Djoko. He beat Anderson, who was dynamic in Vegas, so Djoko watch out, here comes Sam, whoo-hoo!!!

You spelled my name funny. I kinda like it tho

Funny spelling, but the other guy’s name spelled correctly or not is also funny. However, he will win. Sorry Sam…or is it Mr. Prey?

For once I don’t think Sean said anything that is hard to believe in this article. Federer’s aura is gone. How many 3 setters has he played in the last 2 weeks? Sure he’s number 1, but no one fears him the way they used to. They used to be afraid he’d blitz them should they “accidentally” win a point against him. Now everyone knows they have a chance to win.

Nalbandian may not be one of the greatest clay courters, but he’s certainly one of the best right now. Top 3 for sure when he’s playing well, like right now.

Yeah it is wishful thinking to want Federer to beat Nalbandian, Djokovic, and then Nadal. Again something I would just love to see more than anything but I will be very disappointed when I won’t, and I won’t. Nalbandian will beat Federer tomorrow. Hopefully Federer can keep it close. But I honestly doubt it. Federer is going to get thrashed.

Von, I wanna respond to something you said to me in the other blog. You said something along the lines of me still looking at Federer like he was before and right now he’s very different. Is it really my fault, though? I mean the only time I’ve seen Federer play this year was at the AO. It’s not my fault I haven’t seen his shit play as of late. It’s the fuggin coverage, or lack of.

Why care if “Federer’s aura is gone”. It was bound to be gone after 4 years of completely dominating the sport. Now he is one of the beat players, maybe the best of them. Tennis is more interesting. I believe that Federer can beat Nadal and Djokovic (as hr did only 6 months ago) and that they can beat him. It is also clear that Nadal and Djokovic and Federer can be beat by other members of the tour.
This is good and alot of fun.

Fed has lost only 4 matches this year so far, in spite of the illness and everything. If he ends the year losing 10-12 matches (total), not more, he would have had a very good year, and would probably have won another 4-6 titles, with hopefully one or two slams included, most probably ending the year no 1. That’s pretty much comparable to the best years of Sampras. So what’s the problem?

sensationalsafin:

“Von, I wanna respond to something you said to me in the other blog. You said something along the lines of me still looking at Federer like he was before and right now he’s very different. Is it really my fault, though? I mean the only time I’ve seen Federer play this year was at the AO. It’s not my fault I haven’t seen his shit play as of late. It’s the fuggin coverage, or lack of.”

We have to stop meeting like this. Seriously though, I believe you live in the US, from your posts — get the Tennis Channel. It’s about $8 per month tops, but that’s if you have a TV package with a cable company. You might want to consider this because they show at least 6 matches per day, live, in their entirety, and then re-broadcast them beginning at 7:00 pm each evening. You’ll Federer matched uninterruped. Give it some serious thought, because the Tennis Channel has the broadcasting rights fcr all the clay tourneys, plus the French Open. Their commentators are par excellence and very fair. None of the ESPN gossip line. You can get the TC within 24 hours of calling your cable company, and then you can discntinue it after Wimby. Sum total about 2-3 months coverage fcr about $20 tops. A very good deal indeed. Additionally, they broadcast the classic matches of yesteryear pertinent to the upcoming tournaments, and they are a treat to watch.

I mentioned on the other thread that I feel the USTA could be more instrumental and have an active voice about the limited, pathetic tennis coverage here in the US. What are they doing to help the situation, nada? I’m sure they’ve read and or heard the complaints and painful cries of the US tennis population, but so far all we’ve gotten is a big resounding didly.

___________

Pete: **** “Why care if “Federer’s aura is gone”. It was bound to be gone after 4 years of completely dominating the sport.”

Maybe you’ve come to termsz with Fed’s decline, but unfortunately, the majority of his fan base is in denial and refuse to let go of that once dazzling aura. Denial. I think it’sz great for tennis. Gone are the done deal, assured wins, instead, there’s intrigue and suspense. I love mysteries and suspense thrillers. Who know, your worst fears might materialize, when you’ll see Roddick beat Fed to win a grandslam. You do remember saying Andy can only win ’small’ tournaments, don’t you. Who knows a big surprise might be in store for you.

Decline? How stupid. For four years the guy has been making the entire tour work harder. They are all better, fitter.Federer? A year older. A little slower. Four years of razzle dazzle. Think about that. This has nothing to do with decline, whatever that meaningless word means. It has to do with change. Hopefully, Federer will win a few more majors before his light winks out. But the light, as with all great athletes, will, at some moment, go dark.

“Sean ….Are you writing this crap just to get a rise out of people? Do you actually play tennis? Do you really have a clue about any of this stuff?”

I consider myself to be a very controversial poster — one who does not cow-tow to the majority. In other words, I’m not a crowd/people pleaser, thus, I’m going to say, that I find the comments by some posters in response to the reporters’ articles, to be borderline abusive and without merit. Additionally, it appears that some of you seem to have some hidden angst and are using your posts to vent. This reflects very badly on YOU, NOT on the reporters. Please people, let’s just appreciate the FACT that we have articles and subjects, on which we can comment. How about if we show some appreciation and leave the angst and abuse on the sidewalk.

Von–you are a pompous twit. Lighten up. I guess that is abusive.

“Think about that. This has nothing to do with decline, whatever that meaningless word means.”

Guess, I’m stupid, and meaningless. But, my interpretation of an athlete losing his spark, aura, whatever word you want to attach to it, is still decline. Or, shall I say ‘losing it’. If you’re less of the person and/or standard you once were, then you declined. Btw, no need for the name calling. It’s hell when the shoe is on the other foot — e.g., you were so effusive about how bad Roddick’s game is, and now you can’t even deal with the word ‘decline’, when it pertains to Fed. A tough dose of reality to swallow. WOW!!

pete:

“Von–you are a pompous twit. Lighten up. I guess that is abusive.’

Thank you and touche’. Communication lines closed. Btw you’re the one who should lighten up. To become so disjointed over a word says a lot. GO FOR IT!!

I have the Tennis Channel but not in my room. And by the time I get home I’m too tired to sit in the living room and watch it. On the weekend I will, definitely. But on the weekdays I have school and then tennis practice and once I get home I spend some time here, of course, and then I sleep (and eat).

The aura is certainly gone. But we cant be sure hes not gonna come back to his old self. If you believe he actually got mono and glandular fever or whatever, than maybe he can get back in shape and defend his points. Whatever happens tomorrow should not be used to predict if he’ll be able to finish the year as #1.

God, you gotta laugh, all the endless crap about Federer - and, yes, he wearily admits, a lot of it from me. I can be a pompous cunt, sometimes. I know, I know. Please forgive me. We all have our crosses to bear. But it is a strange thing, this compulsion some people have, to go on and on and on and on and on and on and on throwing their little bits of venom at Federer. I mean, a bit from time to time, sure, why not. Everyone needs to be drenched in muck from time to time. Cleanses the soul. But over and over again. Rum. And the strange thing about it all is that Federer is, in so many ways, such an ordinary geezer. I gather - correct me if I’m wrong - that he’s popular among his fellow players. That tells you a lot about him. Much more than anything us shitholes have to say.

Meanwhile, whiling away the time, it just occured to me that Federer goes in against Nalbandian expected to lose. Still, suppose he somehow wins. Then, assuming it’s Djokovic, he’s expected to lose that. But suppose he’s an awkward bugger again, and goes and wins that one. Then it’s His Rafaship. Well, children , we know where the money is on that one, don’t we. When did this last happen? That Federer was actually expected to lose virtually every bloody match he’s scheduled to play?

Interesting times, interesting times.

grendle Says:

“When did this last happen? That Federer was actually expected to lose virtually every bloody match he’s scheduled to play?

Interesting times, interesting times. ”

Do yo really expect him to win tomorrow??… please, I didnt even expect him to win today. Its simple, just look at how hes playing, then look at how the guys you mentioned are playing, and come to a conclusion.

sensationalsafin:

“But on the weekdays I have school and then tennis practice and once I get home I spend some time here, of course, and then I sleep (and eat).”

I have the DVR from the cable company. The best extra $10 per month investment. But, my oh my, you’re a busy little bee, (a bumble bee) aren’t you! I remember those days of school, sitting on the NYC subway, trying to study, with people hanging over me talking at the top of their lungs; lunch time in the Law Library studying, and sneaking a few minutes in between for aome personal time. It gets better — just hang in there and see it through. It’s worth every minute of the time invested. Keep on trucking!!

Ok so I’m watching the Federer-Monfils match right now and they just finished the first set.

My analysis:
1) I hate clay
2) What an uneventful match
3) Monfils is playing poorly, many UEs. He plays a grinding game but Federer is outgrinding him in every rally. But that is a good thing for Federer. This match is boring to me because I’m not seeing anything amazing from either player, especially Federer. But maybe it’s good that Federer’s just working on his consistency rather than pulling the trigger so soon as everyone claims he’s been doing. Mediocre match, good win for Federer no matter what anyone says.
4) I really, really hate clay.

“This match is boring to me because I’m not seeing anything amazing from either player, especially Federer.”

Well, now you can assess the situation more fully and understand what I’ve been saying about previous times.

All of the matches were boring today, with the exception of the Gasquet v. Querry match. Ferrero was good in the first set against Nadal, but Nadal wore him out in the ‘work the point to death scenario’, and got the break. Second set — a real blitz. End of match. Winner - Nadal.

You hate clay — then join the American athletes. Roddick calls it cryptonite. His least favorite surface. Check your listing on the TC for tomorrow. I believe they begin rebroadcasting at 5:00 p.m. I just set the DVR to record the series and like a faithful little worker it complies. Enjoy !!

Ok I have more to say now. I don’t feel like watching the end of the match, especially since I know how it ends. Here it goes:

Definitely not Monfils’ best day, but he played some very nice points. Overall, though, I think Federer played well. He was consistent, he wasn’t going for many line shots, and he was pushing Monfils all over the court with heavy topspin. Probably the most clay-court-specialist-like play I’ve ever seen from Federer, honestly. What I liked most was that Federer was doing what he does best, mixing things up. He was hitting all types of shots to everywhere on the court. He was serving not amazing but very well. Moving the ball around, mixing the spin, and most importantly coming in behind a lot of good serves. And he volleyed very well. He played a good match. But the way I see it, Nalbandian’s game is perfect and he’s gonna crush Federer tomorrow no matter how consistent Federer can play.

But the way I see it, Nalbandian’s game is perfect and he’s gonna crush Federer tomorrow no matter how consistent Federer can play.

Keep an open mind. Nalby can be very unpredictable. One never knows what he’s going to do. He could surprise you, or your guy could come through. Until then ..

Jane, Querrey is out. Ferrer is out. Federer could beat Nalbandian and Andreev has a chance against Davydenko. I don’t like Ferrer’s or Sam’s chances. Stranger things have happened, and yes Nalbandian could walk away with this title, though I would favor Nadal to beat him if it comes to that.

Gargoyles, thanks for the compliment – tabloid journalist! I’ll take it. And of course I believe what I write, that’s why I write it.

Pete, so Nalbandian is not an elite dirtballer in your book? Care to name me five guys better on the clay right now? I can’t. Hence he’s elite in my mind. Sure you can argue he’s among the elite on the other surfaces, but that doesn’t change things on the clay. Now I haven’t checked but I think Dave leads all players in clay wins this season and I venture to guess that he’s among the top three in that department – behind Nadal and Federer – in overall clay match victories the last four years. But that’s just a guess. Dave being among the best on clay really isn’t.

Von, bullets, is that all? I’m ready.

Sam Querrey, nice catch. From now on I’ll just stick with calling you Sam. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten your last name 100% correct anyway. Hope you are not still online – it must be late in Monte Carlo – but if you are send me over some of the Mardy Fish bachelor party pics if you got em. And good luck against Djoko.

NachoF, if Roger gets hammered tomorrow he’ll be lucky to win any slams this year and he can kiss No. 1 good bye. That said, I do think Roger will keep it close and play well. The only think that would surprise me would be a one-sided affair either way.

Sensationalsafin, Monfils is one of my favs, but on clay, with his lack of consistency he plays right into Federer. On hard court or grass he’d have a better chance, just not on clay against the Fed. I think he’d have a better chance against Rafa believe it or not.

Not a completely wasted day on the courts. This was a good tournament to see what Murray is made on. Guess he won’t get an OBE this year.

Indeed, tomorrow will be fun. Bring on the heat.

I really think all you Federer haters and trash talkers (Von the biggest one) will eat your words tomorrow. Federer will win in straights.

Dr. Death:

“Guess he won’t get an OBE this year.” ***** Bummer, he won’t be on the birthday list, nor get an opportunity to wear his white gloves and sash. That’s too bad, old chap. I need some sleep from all of the early morning matches. But, tomorrow it should be worth it.

angel:

I love you too, along with the rest of the Fed fans who just love me, and would like to see me choke to death. Guessz what, it ain’t gonna happen, szo stop fantasizing. Pray, tell me when did I ever predict that Fed would lose anything? You need to control that wild imagination of yours — it’s hazardous to your health. ‘Hate’ is a word that does not exist in my vocabulary. If you can understand this, it’s a very corrosive emotion, a bad artery clogger. Sweet dreams.

“When did this last happen? That Federer was actually expected to lose virtually every bloody match he’s scheduled to play?”

* About an year ago in Hamburg, after he failed to win 4 Masters in a row. Federer responded by taking out the entire spannish armada - ferrero, ferrer, moya and nadal.

About 6months ago at the masters in Shanghai. After having been beaten twice by Nalbandian and once by gonzo and looking totally lost against davydenko. Fed blitzed a-rod and nadal under an hr each in the next two matches and beat ferrer who was playing top 3 tennis during the indoor season (along with nalbandian and federer himself). In that brilliant patch fed beat a-rod, nadal and ferrer losing on an average 2.5 games per set.

The point is Fed spent the whole of last year silencing people who were a little too soon to rejoice his decline. This time around the voices have got louder (there is definitely some good reason for that) but if Federer does the unthinkable again, which he is entirely capable of, and beats nalbandian, joker and nadal to win this masters, it will be a tight slap in the face for such critics.

From my experience, the advantage such people have is that sooner or later they will get it right, due to the inevitabilities of life, but to anyone fortunate enough to see this whole charade, it is part of the fun of the unpredictability of sport. At the aus open no one could have predicted the struggle Fed has had to go through thus far. Similarly there is no way anyone can predict with any amount of seriousness what fate awaits fed based on 1 match tomorrow.

One can only hope - that either he wins or that he loses. People who do the latter need to take a good look at themselves and find some player whose win they can hope for.

Von: Before you advise fed fans to come out of denial, how about you face the hard facts about american tennis and their behaving like sissies by avoiding the clay season. How can you praise the initiator for keeping things real about Federer, when he says “that his aura is in the toilet” and in the very next line ask him to be less harsh on american players who avoid the clay like highschool bullies who shiver in their pants when they meet the real men.

You dont have to praise federer but rejoicing at sean’s mockery of him, only to beg for mercy for the american players reeks of double standards!

Sean, if you actually believe Federer’s aura is in the toilet then I truly am concerned about your knowledge of the game. As I said, I think he is not as invincible as he has been over the last few years, but if you think guys are eager to play him because they have confidence in this so-called slump, you are just plain wrong. Do some of them think they have a better chance…sure…but I cannot think of anyone who goes out there thinking they have a sure win because his aura is in the toilet [well maybe the Djokester…but he always thought that way]. Listen to anyone who has played him during the slump…they all think of him as still being the number 1 player. My point was that I think you truly exaggerated the situation.

I find it next to impossible to predict these matches.

Federer could surely beat Naldandian, who’s not the most consistent of players.

Ferrer has a pretty good record against Rafa, albeit mainly on hard courts.

Querrey’s on a roll, his confidence high, and aceing his way on the clay.

And Andreev has a good shot against Davydenko if he plays tomorrow like he did today.

The odds probably favour the top four players - Fed, Rafa, Djoko, and Davy - to come through (what a great couple of semis that would be). But the odds haven’t been working so good this season.

Joker:
“About 6 months ago at the masters in Shanghai. After having been beaten twice by Nalbandian and once by gonzo and looking totally lost against davydenko.”

I was hoping someone would remember that Shanghai tourney where Fed played sloppy against Davydenko. Not one of his fans remembered, save you. At least I know I wasn’t dreaming. One of Fed’s fans posted recently to that effect, regarding my statement that Fed fans selectively remember only the wonderful victories, not the abysmal ones. I’ve paid my price for even venturing to comment. Absolute irrational thinking. I’m not confronted, just relegated to read between the lines of sarcasm and judgmental abuse. This way its safe.

“You dont have to praise federer but rejoicing at sean’s mockery of him, only to beg for mercy for the american players reeks of double standards!”

First of all, it is a known fact that Sean is a huge Fed fan, and even some of the Fed fans stated that it was a fair article. Anyway, You have absolutely no idea the amount of criticisms and crude statements the Americans have been exposed to on these threads. Numerous threads have been devoted to A-Rod, the Americans’ tennis, etc. The biggest and most frequent customers were the Fed fans, who could not wait to sink their teeth into them, and would not let go. It was harvest time. What I’ve said pales, and really pales, in comparison to the hatred and sick expressions used. Consequently, please don’t lecture me — you’ve no idea of what you’re speaking. Just sit back and wait for an A-Rod/American thread and you’ll see the sparks flying. The double standards emanate from some of the Fed fans, big time. It’s OK to tear down another player, but hands off the ‘man’ - Fed. He’s not a god to me, and I’ll speak when I choose. Just like I have to deal with the bad about A-Rod, so should you deal with the remarks about Fed. The only difference in my remarks v. their’sz is that I base mine on FACT, they base their’s on just raw pleasure, devoid of fact or subtance, of demeaning another.

My reference to the Americans was done partly in jest but there was some truth in the fact that they played Davis Cup just prior to MC. Unfortunately, on these threads there isn’t any idea of what one really means, — e.g., inflection, and intonation, are lacking. Just an exchange of words and it’s all baszed on interpretation and in the tone the reader applies to what he/she is reading. One writer mentioned, when reading my comments, that I raise my voice. How can that be deduced — there’s nothing here but just words. It’s just how that person was reading my comments and interpreting them.

Back to the americans - If they were to go to MC it would have been a difficult situation. One week in MC, either come back to the US, or wait around until May 5, for Rome. It’s OK for the Europeans, that’s their neck of the woods, but the Americans have to log a lot of miles. It’s unfair to call them ’sissies’ just for that. Can I hazard a guess that you live in the US?

Oh my God!! That was intense!

Thanks for having helped Federer to win, Sean!

Well, there you go! Fed is back to is winning ways, and against his nemesis no less.

Not quite as tantalizing as I’d've thought; other than a tight 1st set, Fed had Nalby’s number (and serve).

You’re 50/50 so far Sean - not bad at all.

Fed’s forehand was back in form today - as was his serve. The scream at the end suggests he’s pumped too. The rest of the players left in the field here will be taking note.

I kind of get the aura comments. It’s like when Serena was dominating, winning the Serena slam. When you’re so dominant, you win a lot of matches before they even start. Regardless of the reasons for Federer losing some matches he would’ve probably won in the past, when players see him lose, it has to give them confidence. I think most of the players feel more confident playing him now than a year or two ago. The unbeatable aura is no longer there. However, he’s still Federer. He’s not just going to roll over.

He just beat Nalbandian. I missed the first set, but he looked good in the last two. I wouldn’t be concerned about how many 3-setters he has to play (unless it takes a toll on him physically). I believe it was 2 years ago in Halle that Federer won, but played 3 sets in nearly all of those matches.

And, I have to say I’m impressed with Querrey. It is nice to see an American playing well outside of green clay. I’ll be interested to see if it’s a lucky run for him or if he really can string together consistently good results on clay.

As for American men on the red clay, I’m not annoyed that they’re not as good, but by the fact that they don’t seem to want to improve all that much. I look at someone like Maria Sharapova. She is nowhere near a clay specialist. She knows it, but wants to play as much as she can on that surface to try and improve. I don’t necessarily see that with the likes of Blake and Roddick. I definitely get that there’s more clay specialists on the men’s side, but the clay season is a big part of the schedule. It’s not like grass, which is basically a month. I’m not expecting them to be challenging for Roland Garros titles anytime soon, but they’re not going to improve unless they play more.

Nalby seemed flat footed to me — not like his match with Robredo. He did his usual, he went away in the second set and could not regain his rhythm in the 3rd. It’s always the same question, which Nalby will show up. A hit or a miss. Today, should settle the question about Fed’s mono. He seems back to his usual standard of play and health.

I understand Roddick intends to play Rome, Hamburg and the World Team Championships in Dusseldorf pre Roland Garros. One event less than Nadal (MC, Barcelona, Rome, Hamburg) and Federer (Estoril, MC, Rome, Hamburg).

PJ,

” I look at someone like Maria Sharapova. She is nowhere near a clay specialist. She knows it, but wants to play as much as she can on that surface to try and improve.”

That’s right. And she’s won through to the quarters and semis with her efforts, last year with her shoulder injury too.

I realize the clay field in men’s is much deeper with specialists though. But Sam is showing that it’s possible to take your game to clay with some modifications.

deb:

“I understand Roddick intends to play Rome, Hamburg and the World Team Championships in Dusseldorf pre Roland Garros. One event less than Nadal (MC, Barcelona, Rome, Hamburg) and Federer (Estoril, MC, Rome, Hamburg).”

Good for Andy — I suppose he’s not the “sissy” they speak of after all. It would have been approx. 7+ weeks if he had played in MC away from home. That’s a long time, but as you know how much he’s disliked so anything to kick up some derogatory remarks. What a bunch!! Some of the athletes complain about the schedule, but yet, they don’t want to miss a tournment. It’s just greed. They have a choice, don’t play. If they play and get injured, then that’s their problem, and they shouldn’t blame it on the schedule.

Good for Andy playing that much on clay. I was expecting him to maybe play one of those events (outside maybe the team championships).

sorry nalbandian….guess it’s hard to go all the way back to 2002 to remember what you did to beat fed. 6 years is a long time.

tasty. i hope fed plays porcupine head (novak) next. not looking good for ferrer right now…

At 5-4, Mark Petchey (Andy Muray’s old coach)called out “the best 9 games of tennis this year without a doubt”. And the standard continued, too, up to about 2-2 in second set. Federer and Nalbandian were magnificent - some pretty mealy-mouthed comments so far, I notice, could it be because things didn’t go according to the correct script? - they are both great, great players. Nalbandian deservedly edged the first set, and by no means disgraced himself in the next two. To draw comparisons from the Robredo match is ludicrous. This was high quality tennis from Federer, which is simply in a different universe to anything Robredo can produce. But the point is, Nalbandian was more or less living with it, and almost until the end, you did think he could come back.

I do maintain Nalbandian is, having quite different strengths, Federer’s equal as a player.In the end, he lacked Federer’s intensity -and, oddly enough, was not as fit. So what does this say about Federer’s glandular fever? There are those who first of all, pretend that it didn’t exist, and then concede that perhaps it did, but that Federer is irresponsible in continuing to play at the expense of his health, and anyway it’s all just excuses. I’ve noticed that the people who go on about it the most - can’t seem to leave it alone - are those keen to discredit Federer in some way.

Personally, I think Sean had it right in that we just don’t know what the score was, when the illness finally subsided and so on. I daresay most of us have made mistakes on this topic; for example, I said he looked tired after the match with Hidalgo, but there was no sign of that today. Clearly, I was wrong - in emphasis, anyway.I think the heated atmosphere (they’re still worrying and giggling away about it on another thread, would you believe it) in which this whole sorry business has been conducted has not been conducive to objective comment.

Meanwhile, back to the tennis. It was nice to see Federere’s drive volleys coming off on a couple of occasions - they’ve been disastrous of late. Also, some excellent drop shots from both men - Andy Murray, please note. And although Nalbandian is the master of the long drive to the corners, often from impossible situations, creating the position from which to direct some lovely angled winners, Federer didn’t exactly match him in this department, but he did keep a much, much better length than he’s kept all year. Both players - terrific, unreal defence. And Fed’s serve not coming much to his rescue for once.

One final point: I wish Nalbie had been in the other half - I’d love to see him against Nadal on clay. You may say, what about the next tourney - ah, but where will Nalbie be then. I do think Nalbandian has a much better chance of upsetting Nadal on clay than has Fed, regardless of today’s result.

Rafa - wow! Not much of a “blockbuster” quarterfinal so far. This guy’s got clay in his veins.

grendle,

“they’re still worrying and giggling away about it on another thread, would you believe it”

OMG - if you want to make an insult, can you not make it directly? Clearly “they” is Von & I. Sheesh - these indirect jabs are very wimpy. And the smug tone of your post is not becoming either.

I fully admit I’d've rather seen Nalby win. But I also think Fed showed gumption to win today so kudos to him!

A sincere congratulations to Fed fans because he looked much more like his old self today.

“I think the heated atmosphere…in which this whole sorry business has been conducted has not been conducive to objective comment.”

But aren’t you just stoking it grendle? Aren’t you culpable? Are you so, very, very objective? Let’s face it: we all have our favorites and our subjective opinions and there’s nothing wrong with that. Personally, I thought Fed did use his serve to bail himself out at times, but you’re right - not as much as he did at the AO at times. His second serve was better today and well protected too.

Most people around here have been getting along just fine, with the odd jab here and there. But it’s not like it used to be, with the many ganging up on the few, or the flurry of condescending remarks and an “us vs them” (or “they”) mentality.

Can we not keep it that way? I’m a pacifist overall, much as I love the competition in tennis.

grendle:

“I do maintain Nalbandian is, having quite different strengths, Federer’s equal as a player.”

What??!! Am I reading this correctly? Nalbandian is Federer’s equal? What in the world is this based on? Because he beat him twice last fall? He beat everyone last fall, so it wasn’t specific to Federer. And aside from a single victory over Fed in the 2006 Masters Cup final, Fed won something like 8 of the 9 meetings before that. Now’s he’s beaten him on clay.

And please don’t give me the clay court argument because over the last 3 years the best player on clay has been Rafa Nadal, but the second best player on clay has been Roger Federer - full stop.

Maybe this was part of a larger point, but I just found this contention so distracting!

Much as I like Novak, if he is to win against Sam today, I don’t think he can beat Roger on clay - especially a pumped up Roger.

Well, Ferrer certainly came back in the second set, but Rafa just evened it from love - 40.

Grendle

I too want to see that Nadal-Nalby match on clay and I am preaching about it since last year.

Well, we`ll have three more shots to see it. Rome, Hamuburgo or RG. But I reaaly wanted to see it before RG. I wanted to see Nadal tested against Davy (probably happening this tourney), Djokovic and Nalbandian. Could be one of each in the next masters. And not forgetting against Fed!

Jane, agree with you too!

What made Djoko win AO was that he was faster then Fed, he was returning really god, and giving no rhytm to Fed. This time is on clay and Fed is on kind of a row rigth now!

Federer and Djokovic played only one match on clay and Djokovic stretched Federer to 3 sets before he was even “Djokovic”. Still I don’t think that has anything to do with tomorrow’s match, which, if it is against Djokovic, will be very exciting. Tough to call, too, because Djokovic could be in Federer’s head somewhat but Federer’s clay court game is better than Djokovic’s, imo.

Onto the win. Wow! I don’t wanna hear any excuses about why Nalbandian lost. It’s not Federer’s fault if he went away in the second set and couldn’t regain his rhythm. I thought Federer would lose because Nalbandian brings his very best against Federer just about every time. So credit to Federer for hanging tough after a tight first set. He could’ve easily gone away and become the passive vagina he’s been as of late. But he did it. I think these 2 have the best rivalry in the game as of right now, their H2H does a great job of proving it. Now Federer’s 9-8 and thoroughly deserves it.

Should Federer reach the final against Nadal, he will still lose. When it comes to clay, the match is never going to be about how great Federer is or how sloppy he plays, it’s all about Nadal. He’s f*cking unstoppable on the surface. He came out this week and has rocked everyone’s world so far. His toughest challenge came in the second set against Ferrer in which he came out on top, obviously. But I wanna see Federer crush Djokovic for now.

Nalbandian isn’t really Federer’s equal in skill, but it’s easy to say he’s just as talented. But they are not equal in any other way. Federer has the heart of a champion. Nalbandian doesn’t even have the heart of a tennis player.

Daniel,

It looks like you’ll get one wish, since Rafa will be playing Davy in the semis.

If Djokovic gets through, it’ll be 1,2,3 & 4 in the semis - I wonder when that last happened?

Is order restored in the court?

sensationalsafin,

“He could’ve easily gone away and become the passive vagina he’s been as of late. ”

This language is utterly offensive. Full stop.

I’m sorry but I really don’t see any other way of describing some of the things I’ve seen from Federer. The way he played against Fish… he didn’t even try.

Well there are plenty of better metaphors (and less offensive ones) for passivity.

Let’s see: how about “passive cow” or “passive resistance” or “passive aggressive” or “passive leadership” or…

The possibilities are endless without using blatantly sexist language. You’re smarter than that.

I’ll just say he’s been a passive fool.

Wow, Sam sure made Novak work for that break & 1st set - holy crow.

I love that Sam just hopped on a plane by himself and came out to play. I love, too, that he booked his return flight for Monday when he saw he was playing Moya, but has had to change it repeatedly. And his laid-back-California-surfer-dude-aw-shucks-attitude is totally appealing in gladiator-like clay battles.

But that break totally broke Sam’s spirit and buoyed Novak’s inner (or is it outer?) gladiator.

The fact that the top 4 in the world are the last 4 standing in this torunament makes me think that the spot at the top of men’s tennis really is unstable. Up until now, I didn’t really believe it. Yet, I don’t think the position will be consolidated or decided during the clay season for some reason, that is, unless Novak or Roger were to win the French. Something tells me grass and the end of the year hardcourt tournaments will be the clinchers.

But I suck worse at predictions than Sean so who knows…

And speaking of calls — RIGHT ON Sean - you got 3/4 of them right!! Great work.

Handing Sean Randall yet another slice of humble pie with a side of crow. Please, PLEASE keep saying Fed will lose!

Grendle: Henin has faced the same ridiculous raising of the bar. At the 2007 USO, it was, “She’ll never beat Serena. OK, so she beat Serena, but she’ll never beat Venus. OK, so she beat Venus, but nobody whoever beat the sisters in a row ever went on to win the tournament. OK, so she won the tournie.”

grendle:

Since two days ago you’ve just been itching to start your sick garbage again haven’t you with you jabs? Guess what, you’re the mealy mouthed pathetic jerk that has nothing else to do. Your propulsion fuel is hatred. You can’t stand it that people get along just peacefully without the jargon you write, and without your nonsensical, moronical two cents worth. A bunch of trite shit, if I might add. Just shut the hell up. You’re an idiot and a poor excuse for an older, middle-aged, man, or maybe a bloody grandfather. What do you do, go the nearest pub, get sauced up and then write the crap you love to write. It’s just an editorial on shit, not tennis. You’ve got so much angst tin you andx you use this thread to vent it. You pick on the women. What’s the matter, you don’t like women — I’m not surprised. Do us both a favor, if you have nothing to good to say, then shut the hell up. If you want to address something I write, then direct a post to me, but cut out the coward act. Because you’re a c oward, you bully people into submission. GET A GRIP, IT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN. It’s people like you who are the worse kind. You get your claws or hooks into something and won’t let go.

Two days ago, Skorocel made an innocent reference that Fed was pushed by Hidalgo #137 in the world. Well, you just seized upon it, and took off in a tangent about his remark, which was is unnecessary. Just who died and left you god of the written word, which you can’t even express in simple language. You then moved on to my comments and took a few jabs at me. I wote a post in general about those judgmental and sarcastic references, since you did not direct your post to me. And, further, you’re so pitiful and gutless, that you use that medium in which to vent.

Since, I can no longer hold in my anger, I will address the drivel you wrote coming from Frew McMillan on finite thinking, cognition and concentration. First, having a degree in psychology, I can tell you, McMillan does not know what the hell he’s talking about and you’re an even bigger fool for mentioning it, twice. There isn’t anything as ridiculous as a ‘finite’ amount of concentration. Let me enlighten you, and then you can take my information and write it somewhere else. (You’ve done this on several occasions, I wrte something, and days later, hello grendle comes up with a new idea with authoritative language.) It’s as follows:

We’re all born with neurotransmitters, which under stress, can be burnt out. These neurotransmitters control our mood, thinking and other neural functions. If, and when, they do burn out, we lose our ability to think rationally, (which I think is happening in your case) concentrate and function in a normal manner. Strokes can develop, drpression and dementia, e.g., alzheimers. It has been recently discovered that chronic fatigue is a result of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, being burnt out. However, all is not lost. We have the ability to replace very slowly these burnt out neurotransmitters, but it can be a long, arduous process. This is what most probably is Federer’s problem, a combination of neurotransmitter burnout, which has manifested itself into chronic fatigue and further coupled with a compromised immune system, — mono.

I’ve said this to you before, and I’m saying this again, you have a mental problem, it’s called jealousy. You can’t stand it when others get along with each other. That ugly monster, jealousy, raises its wicked head, and you begin to lash out at everyone in the most gutless manner of sarcasm coupled with judgmentalism. You are welcome to do this, but just don’t use my statements as your base. You won’t believe this, but I’m a wonderful human being. I love people and like to spread joy, which I try to do on these threads. I like for pople to co-exist, (whle you’re busy tearing them down) in a harmonious manner. Some can’t appreciate my humor or kindness, but that’s their loss. I’m big enough to overlook any wrongs or statements made in anger. I say what I have to say and then all’s fcrgotten. Please do us both a favor, write your senseless shit, but, and a big but, stay the hell away from me. Got it.

oohhhhh smells like a good, old-fashioned witch burning is in session.

Von: Go home…if you have one, that is.

Re earlier comments on Americans playing clay - Blake’s just added Barcelona to his schedule. Davydenko has withdrawn for reasons that clearly don’t stop him playing Monte Carlo.

It’s strange to me that there seems to be sympathy for Nadal’s comments that the clay schedule this year is too crowded but no sympathy for players who choose not to over-play for ranking points.

Also (Von - I’m getting into these long posts!!) nobody questions Gonzalez, Canas or Baghdatis for not playing Monte Carlo. I’m giving Berdych a pass as he rolled an ankle in DC.