Master stroke by feddy… he controlled murray’s destiny… and just ousted him by tanking the match to DelPo ;-) .. Hope feddy wins the whole thing…

CMON FEDEX

November 26th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

(On twitter shortly after the Fed match, a confused Murray tweeted: “Anyone know what’s going on?? I think I’m audi but the rules aren’t worded too well”.)

If the players themselves can’t understand it, then how is the mere fan going to? I was beginning to think I’m rather dumb. lol. Even the commentators were getting confused. The rules are indeed confusing, especially about the H2H one…but we’re getting there thanks to a ‘groupA of death’….we’re now knowledgeable.

That tweet is quite sad. I know each player seals his own fate, but I wish the matches were played at the same time…if just to avoid that tense wait. I was nervous myself…’coz the two guys I want to qualify are playing a decider…but how much worse was it for Andy. If I were him, I’d have taken some sleeping pills during that match. :(

November 26th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

a highly sensitive tennis player or fan could have a heart attack about now!

now that i am beginning just beginning here, (still some details are mirky) to grasp the yec rr reality and rules, i feel sorry for nole and davy, right? isn’t that who i should feel bad for at the moment? certainly it can’t be the excess pecan pie why i don’t feel so good.

cos soda is through already so yes, this puts pressure on davy and nole.

hm, this means cheer for soda to beat davy, if one hopes nole to get through to semi. isn’t that the case? okay, setting alarm for 5 am!

g’night tennis, see ya in the morning!

appologies to murray fans.

November 26th, 2009 at 11:14 pm

The commentators I was listening to said something similar been there; they said if Murray’s asking on the change over what’s going on? How are fans supposed to get it, especially ones not quite as tennis obsessed as us! Koenig and Goodall were saying that the fans should be made knowledgeable about the stakes before each match, whether through an announcement or a notice on the scoreboard or something! That way they know what the heck they’re cheering for!!

I know I am cheering for Soderling and Djoko wins tomorrow — and that’s about all! ; )

Cheers all.

And yeah, sad for Andy M. But look forward to seeing him play again next season.

November 26th, 2009 at 11:50 pm

GO DELPO!

November 27th, 2009 at 12:14 am

Further to the confusion over the WTF? math (maybe that WTF? is making more sense, lol), here are some article headlines:

“Confusion Reigns as Murray Goes Out” (sportinglife)

“Maths Mayhem at World Tennis Finals” (AFP)

“Murray Asks ‘What’s going on?’ as ATP Finals Bid Ends in Chaos” (Bloomberg)

“Del Potro through as Murray loses percentage game” (Independent)

November 27th, 2009 at 12:34 am

Here’s a link to the Independent article:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-is-pushed-to-the-limits-by-gritty-verdasco-1828544.html

November 27th, 2009 at 12:41 am

I’m not really sure what the confusion is about. It seems pretty simple to me. It goes by Wins then Sets then Games. The numbers are simple actually. Muzza lost cuz of the games ratio. And looking at Fed’s victories overall he deserves to move through.

Great match tonight. I do kinda wonder about Fed losing. He would rather have JDMP go through than Murray. And he definitely knew the numbers.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:45 am

Gannu : I agree with you, Roger controlled Murray´s destiny he didn´t want Murray in S.F. in the third set something like he let J.M. won,perhaps for last year´s M.C.
Hope he will beat J.M. in the final.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:50 am

Scottish.. Its not as simple as u are saying.. It was a three way tie in H2H and Sets .. if it wasnt it sets then again the H2H is applied for elimination….Imagine a case when % of games won is excatly equal.. then again H2H is applied.. It looks simple now for me as I have studied the rule book so well… Imagine we are educated people who have completed 16 years of study (in my case its 24yrs!!! with post graduation etc) Imagine these tennis players who have never been to a college and a very average intelligence trying to interpret these rules.. and trust me half the peopl in tennis-x had no clue and were confused themselves.. cant blame the players for the same…

November 27th, 2009 at 12:54 am

This whole “he let him win” debate is completely pointless as Federer would rather play Murray every day for the rest of his life, rather then playing Del Potro one more time. I thought Fed played good, but again Del Potro seems to have a bit to much for him, while he beat Andy the last 2 times fairly comfortably.

Add the 100.000 or so Euros, 200 points, prestige of winning all 3 group matches…and the fact there was little way of Fed knowing kow many games were needed and all the crucial points that were decided by a fraction of an inch or luck, and you have such a huge improbability of Federer letting Del Potro win it’s really pointless to imply it.

November 27th, 2009 at 3:27 am

If you seriously believe Fed tanked against Delpo to avois Murray you have to see a shrink… soon!!!

Ever since Fed was 2-6 in matches against the Scot all we have been hearing Murray say over and over and over again is “Roger Federer is the greatest player in the history of the game, so I am glad I have such a commmanding head to head record against him.”

In other words – “I am better than the greatest tennis player ever.”

Yikes – this from a guy who is still looking for his first grand slam.

So Fed beats him in the summer and then beats him the other day to get the H2H to 4-6. Do you really think he didn’t want to make it 5-6 in the final if he could?

Sticking with the Scot – Tim Henman made an interesting commentary about Murray, how when he starts to get down he mock throws his racquet or screams – in general acting petulant after pretty well every single point he loses – even when the opponent hits a good winning shot.

Henman says that Murray is wasting too much energy with his theatrics, and the attempt to inspire himself may be sending a message to his opponent that he is ripe for the taking.

As Henman said “in this tournament he is playing the top guys in the world. It has to be expected that they are going to make some world class shots that Murray will be unable to return. By blowing up at every point he loses he just looks immature. This is something he needs to work on, but he is only 22.”

He may be 22, but the Djoker and Rafa should looked an awful lot more mature when they were his age.

Murray is out – too bad for him and for the English and Scots who were hoping to see him advance. But Fed and Delpo do deserve to move on.

May the best man win the whole thing. I have a sneaking hunch we are going to see Delpo and Fed in the final.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:09 am

FEDERER’s RUN FOR ONE OF THE MOST CHERISHED RECORDS OF ALL TIME

I thought I would muse for a moment…

Roger Federer will be ranked #4 in total weeks at number one (267) as of Jan 25, 2010 (He can’t be touched by anyone else prior to that).

When he will pass those in front of him -

#3 – Jimmy Connors (268) Feb 8, 2010.

#2 – Ivan Lendl (270) Feb 22, 2010.

#1 – Pete Sampras (286) June 14, 2010.

Can he achieve this? If he does no less than hold onto his runner up spot at the Australian Open and go deep into both the Indian Wells and Miami Masters tourneys he should still be #1 entering the clay court season. How he fares in those Master tourneys and how far he goes in the French Open, which he won last year, will go a long way in determining whether he can overtake a remaining record he openly seeks.

Winning this weekend’s tournament semi and final will put Federer at 11,450 points, a healthy lead over Nadal. Even if the Spaniard wins today and gets his 40 points from the Davis Cup match next weekend he will only have 9,445, while Djokovic, even if he wins today and advances and wins a semifinal match will get to 8,710, still a good distance behind Nadal.

What Nadal has to be nervous about also is defending his Australian Open crown – that is 2000 points that he will be trying to repeat winning. True, Fed is defending runner-up points, but being as the Swiss has a 110-0 record in best of 5s in the first 5 rounds at Grand Slams dating back 5 and a half years he will in all liklihood find another way to at least make the semis.

But what is important right now is the Barclay’s. Winning this tournament this weekend will go a long way to helping him claim the record for longest total weeks as #1.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:27 am

I’m still reeling from watching Fed vs Del.P yesterday :)) It is indeed a credit to Fed’s excellence that he was even able to take a set! Fed played very well, better than he has played all week & probably since USO. Against anyone else in the field of 8, Fed would have rolled them in that form, but for the power generated by Del.P on both the forehand & back-hand, it wasn’t so. It’s not even that the shots were accurate…more that they were sooo powerful…sometimes Fed would get his racquet on them but simply can’t return them…a cannon firing unstoppable bullets!..both on serve & ground strokes. Fed has been known to be very good against big-hitters…Del.P, Sod, Gonzo, Tsonga, etc…but this is new & crazy. Del.P said in his interview that he played better than at the USO…so just imagine that!

Yet this is one of Fed’s sweetest loses, if something like that exists at-all. Even his most ardent fan, the type of only a win will do otherwise my day/week is spoilt, must have given lee-way just this once & must surely be pleased. The king of attacking tennis forced to retreat to defense (say who???)…running for the hills for cover…BUT just throwing enough save himself.

Long live tennis!!

November 27th, 2009 at 5:16 am

Been there
“Yet this is one of Fed’s sweetest loses, if something like that exists at-all. Even his most ardent fan, the type of only a win will do otherwise my day/week is spoilt, must have given lee-way just this once & must surely be pleased”

Bang on line with my sentiments and feelings.. A fed loss completely spoils my mood for the day and sometimes for a week and sometimes for months (read Wimbledon 2008),. this loss for the first time i felt i could take it with a smile… I just wanted him to somehow win that 2nd set… So cudnt ask for more ;-)

November 27th, 2009 at 5:34 am

Does anybody have any clue whether Fedex plays the afternoon match or nigjht match on Saturday? Please please let me know incase you hear something

November 27th, 2009 at 6:08 am

Come on Guys! After Murray’s game, any fool can calculate that his games ratio was +1. On the other hand, Del Potro’s ratio going into the final match was -4. If it was indeed a 3 set match, he needed to beat Federer by overall 6 games.

How hard is this for Federer to calculate??? You don’t need to be a maths genius, you just need to be a scheming person like Federer proved he was.

At the changeover at 4-3, he suddenly became a different person, maybe because Mirka or somebody signalled to him he had done enough to qualify first in the group. Then he came out, it was 3 points to Delpo: Net Chord, Unforced Error, Double Fault.

This sequence was interrupted by Delpo unforced error, but quickly followed by a wild Federer unforced error.

Delpo serving for match: Ace, Federer rushing the net in the most ridiculous manner. 30-0. Followed by two Fed points for 30-30.

Then the killer blows. Fed dumps weak second serve into net. Match point, Fed stands on tram tracks and invites Delpo a clear ace down the line. Delpo obligingly hits the serve down the line, ace! And Federer didn’t even try to get a racket on it.

Disgraceful. Federer last night proved his character and it was sad to see.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:32 am

Ferix – u are in a world of delusion

Fedex might have tanked because he wud have thought he is qualified… but i dont think he wud have asked Del Po then at the net whether he got thru.. secondly fedex himself was two points from getting eliminated in the second set

Fedex is a genius but not GOD to tale such a big risk and then win the second set and then have three break points and squander purposely etc..

If he was so so intelligent Fedex would have tanked it at 2-2…. or why did he take the effort to generate three break points at 3-3 and then throw away..???

November 27th, 2009 at 6:43 am

Taken from the Independent link jane posted:
“In Shanghai last year Murray had already qualified for the semi-finals and did not need to win his last round-robin match, but knocked Federer out in a three-hour epic.”

Is anyone still doubting that Fed tanked his game?
3 break points at 3-3 in the third set (all blown away) and then Fed plays the worst game of the match at 3-4. Good for Fed!! I would have done the same thing in particular after you watch this picture: http://tennisworld.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451599e69e2012875da687b970c-popup

November 27th, 2009 at 6:46 am

Gannu – do you have TennisTv.com?

Watch the highlights of the game last night, in particular the last 3 points they showed.

I respect everybody’s opinion, but I just ask you to put on some objective glasses and make up your own mind. Might I add that I was a Federer fan until 26/11/09.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:03 am

Ferix – A guy who has virtually every record in the books would resort to a petty “ego” thing like eliminating an opponent.. I just dont think Fed could have masterminded this even on an objective basis..COME ON when there are ATP official getting confused and everybody taking out calculators do you think fedex would be busy calculating at changeovers how badly he needs to lose the third set to eliminate Del Po..and he does exactly the same thing?? I just dont think so.. and too too tough to believe even if i look at this entire episode objectively..

November 27th, 2009 at 7:10 am

Has anyone noticed that, should Djoker win today, he and Federer will then be tied as the 2 players with most victories (7) over Nadal?

November 27th, 2009 at 7:18 am

I don’t understand the assumption that you need calculators. I did the maths in my head after the tiebreak. I was watching TennisTV and the commentators also knew what was required.

Also, about 6-2. 6-2 meant Del Potro qualified first, ahead of Federer. 6-3 meant Federer topped the group.

Ok, I can’t sway you and your opinion. But what I’m saying is not loony. It’s a valid observation.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:20 am

Ah…the problem with the truth is that it does not have any remedy. Granted that sometimes the truth hurts too.

Given the evidence the truth is that both Delpo and Fed wanted Murray out. Period.

Delpo had his problems with Murray in the past.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:24 am

Ferix.. I can buy almost all conspiracy angles to this match.. But one point was too too risky for fedex to conspire and execute to perfection

When Delpo served that second serve it just alomst landed on the line.. if it had gone out Fedex could have won the match.. It was that close and Del po took a huge risk,,.too togh to beleive that one point federer could have risked if we had this master plan in his mind…

November 27th, 2009 at 7:25 am

And Fed is GOAT not GOD… understand the difference!!!

November 27th, 2009 at 7:32 am

The only one not objective is you ferix.

Fed wanted to win this badly, and after 3 break points at 3:3 he was disapointed with the bad luck (riduculous second serve and other winners by Del Potro, plus UE from Fed after a lenghty exchange) that he didn’t break. So he came out to serve and was feeling the preassure of missed oportunites. When he held in the games prior he always won the first point, and now there was huge chunk of bad luck on the first point with Del Potro’s bh catching the net and tipping over. Than a bad point (and again, a very lucky get from Pony) one of hundreds he’s played in deciding sets this year that he ended up losing…he missed that smash on the strech, leaning backwards, and missed it by a centimetre…nobody can miss by that margin delibarately. Then he double faulted under preassure, like he did in his Basel final on crucial points when he lost serve…his wheels just came off completely, as they often do…reason why he won so few tournaments this year (comperativly).

You can bet Fed (like most of the world, actually) doesn’t give 2 shits about Murray, and the idea he’d suffer a loss to spite someone like that can only mean you’re projecting your own faults on others.

What’s next, did Federer let Del Potro win US Open just to spite Murray? Did he let Rafa win Wimbly and AO (all 3 finals he had great chances of winning but missed some ridiculous shots and opportunities) just to show Murray how everyone can win a slam on anyhting except for him?

Things like that happen. Davydenko choked away the match against Djokovic from 4:4 30:0 in such a fashin that if there was anything for him to gain from that scenario everyone would have been certain it was deliberate. There was absolutely nothing strange in that tennis match, except for the luck on certain points.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:53 am

Gordo

Good point about the weeks at No. 1 record. I’m quite sure he’ll get that one, along with all the other records still in reach. Clearly the most important of all is most Wimbledon titles, which he’ll probably achieve in 2011 or 2012.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:03 am

sonic, you saw what you saw, but i saw it differently. how can you say i am not being objective about it? please don’t infer that i have conspiracy theories about other matches, because i don’t. there is nothing coming “next” from me.

one of gannu’s reasons was that because federer’s done this and that in the past, he couldn’t possibly do this now. this line of thinking is an example of not being objective.

as I said, watch the highlights package/replay on Tennistv.com … that’s the best evidence. in particular, there was an approach shot and pass sequence in the last game which was not very subtle.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:42 am

How easy is to lose sight of the circumstances, like a philosopher once said ‘everyone is himself and his´s circumstances’

The circumstances were that Fed was already in the semis after he won the first game of the third set.

At the 2009 US Open final, 2009 AO final and the Wimbledon 2008 final those were other circumstances. As simple as that.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:44 am

The pass was not because he tanked, but he sucks.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:47 am

skorocel – at one stage this year, i was afraid djoker would become nadal’s bunny. but he did extremely well to lose that tag so quickly.

if he does win today and match federer as nadal’s biggest nemesis, then it is well much deserved. i have a suspicion that del potro will join that group very shortly.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am

David: Winning Wimbledon for 8th or millionth time would be nice, but it wouldn’t change that much on Fed’s legacy. That’s just a bonus. The truth is, numbers wise, there really isn’t that much left for him to achieve. Those Sampras’ 286 weeks as No. 1 and six No. 1 year-end finishes are perhaps the only notable exceptions. Personally, I would be happy if he can break at least one of those, but I would be even more happy if he can win at least 1 slam in his thirties (so he can prove his longevity – just as Pistol Pete did by winning that USO 2002 title), but most importantly, if he can do something with that H2H with Nadal and also the rest of those young guns like JMDP, Djoker, or Murray. That’s the only challenge left for him right now…

November 27th, 2009 at 8:57 am

good freaking grief! the ‘federer tanked to keep murray from qualifying for semifinal’ malarky is still a favorite topic.

it’s crazy talk. 1) federer is not a tanker! 2) the whole federer hates murray/ murray hates federer is over-hyped by media following the rule: don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story. 3) in reality, makes absolutely NO SENSE that federer would prefer to play delpo rather than murray….you flatter yourselves in thinking federer even thinks that much about murray!

federer was outplayed by delpo plain and simple. no hanky panky, no plotting between delpo and federer about murray, no conspiracy, no rigging. really absurd to think delpo and fed were scheming like two old ladies with nothing better to do…..lol!

sorry about murray getting left out, murray fans, but totally ridiculous to blame federer! or to blame federer and delpo, imagining that they were in collusion..hahahaaaaa

okay, people. i understand just a little cos tanking does happen in sports, of course , and some may be still unsettled about agassi’s confession. but federer just thrashed murray two days ago! and there is no reason he would not like to repeat that at this time!

but delpo is not the delpo he beat so many times prior to the us open. delpo with a head full of self belief is in a different class! he is 6’6 (or taller ), has improved his movement and fitness and has a lofty power advantage over federer the likes of which even
nadal did not have.

watching that match yesterday reminded me, in moments, of olivier rochus vs federer only this time federer is the short guy trying to keep up with the bigger more powerful opponent.

federer rather face off with a familiar and ornery murray!!

isn’t there a match on? can’t get a stream.

November 27th, 2009 at 9:10 am

Humor: Del Potro tanked those 2 points on his serve at 5-4 in the tiebreaker and let Federer win the set and qualify so that Del Potro will get one more opportunity to delight himself with the pleasure of beating mighty Federer on a world’s biggest stage.
Gordo, Federer will most likely achieve all three. Skorocel, 286 is quite achievable; for the 6 year-end, everything will have to fall in perfect place, which is far less likely. I am with you on this, “Personally, I would be happy if he can break at least one of those.” “The truth is, numbers wise, there really isn’t that much left for him to achieve.” Unlike you, I don’t really care much about H2H stats because in the long run nobody remembers those. He has proven enough.

November 27th, 2009 at 9:22 am

If I’m Fed, going forward, I’d fear Del.P most (yes, forget Rafa)…’coz at least with Rafa, he can run around the back-hand & most of their matches are see-saw; one player controls a set, then the other the next, till the decider….hence the presence of those close 5set thrillers. With Del.P, it’s not a match-up issue…simply Del.P playing attacking tennis from all over the court better than Fed when Fed is playing very good tennis (say what??)…& that is his worry…..when someone defeats you at your own superb game! If am Fed, I hope to face Rafa & luck out my chances with my now improved run behind my back-hand & more topspin BH…anyone but Del.P!

No wonder Rafa was steam-rolled at the USO in severe straight sets & in the other two meetings prior to that. Up till yesterday, it wasn’t very clear to me WHY, maybe ‘coz Rafa had injury issues & all sorts of good or poor excuses present. But seeing how Del.P played today, hmmm. am thinking, if Fed the attacker has been forced to main defense while still having a bit of attack, how can Rafa possibly cope, especially considering that the top-spin is useless against Del.p? No attack, weakened defense, SCARY!. If I’m Rafa, I long for the good old days of playing my friendly nemesis Fed at best, or at the very worst, offer to face a clicking Soderling & Djoko on the same day, one in the morning & one in the evening. Lol. Basically, anyone but Del.P.

Going forward: Rafa & Fed must now hold an emergency meeting during Christmas break to analyze & exchange ideas on how to solve the puzzle of the common nemesis. Really, many players on tour would love to be in Del.P’s position…bragging rights of having both Fed & Rafa’s number! Total respect in the locker room while Fed & Rafa left scratching their heads.

November 27th, 2009 at 9:23 am

contador, adthe.net is working fine. Try that.

November 27th, 2009 at 9:27 am

ferix: “if he does win today and match federer as nadal’s biggest nemesis, then it is well much deserved. i have a suspicion that del potro will join that group very shortly.”

Same here, but after seeing that yesterday’s match, I fear he will join Nadal, Djoker, and Murray as one of Federer’s nemesises as well ;-) When you think of that whipping which “Rodgeur” gave him at AO in January, it’s just unbelievable how the guy improved since then! Already at FO, Fed needed all he had in him (and then some) to win that match, and we know what happened after that… Of course, it’s tough to say what will happen in 2010 (just look at Nadal – till Rome, he was clearly the world’s best player, but since then, he’s titleless), but frankly, after seeing that yesterday’s match (in which Fed was, for the most part, simply outplayed), I think JMDP may perhaps pose even greater threat to him than Nadal – at least outside clay certainly. Frankly, when did we last see Fed hitting LESS WINNERS THAN HIS OPPONENT? Even Nadal, at his very best, had less winners than Roger in 9 out of 10 matches they played – be it clay or hard. If you’ve followed Fed during these last cca 5 years, you’ll certainly concur that yesterday was one of those rare days where you could see the Swiss being totally humbled. In other words, no matter how hard he tried, he simply couldn’t do anything, as the vast majority of the rallies depended NOT ON HIS, BUT ON JMDP’s RACKET. And that in itself is scary…

November 27th, 2009 at 9:33 am

Skorocel

I have to respectfully disagree. Whether some tennis fans like it or not, Wimbledon is considered by most of the sporting world as tennis’ biggest, most prestigious event. Federer will not rest until he ties and then surpasses Pete in that category.

Just imagine when the next unstoppable Wimbledon force comes around, do you really think Fed could stomach hearing whether this new guy can break “Sampras’” record. When the guy gets 5 or 6, it’s Pete that everyone interviews about the new guy? No way! He won’t let that happen.

November 27th, 2009 at 9:35 am

Djokovic is certain to lose this match, with 35% first serve in, errors from both wings, sluggish movement, and dispirited play. That is it from Djokovic for this year. The semifinals lineups are looking like Federer vs. Davydenko and Del Potro vs. Soderling.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am

Skorocel

I went back and forth with devastatingdjokovic the other day over this term “nemesis.” The definition of the word in the sports context is roughly “someone you cannot beat or overcome”

Clearly this can only apply to Nadal, and even then that’s a bit questionable at the moment. I don’t think many believe Roger wouldn’t haved beaten Nadal right now. But I think the term is applicable because of all the big matches Nadal has won against Fed.

But as for Murray or Djoko, I don’t even think their most rabid fans could possibly say their man is a “nemesis” for Roger. Not when his record against them at Slams is, what, 5-1.

As for JMDP, he’s still got a lot to prove as far as I’m concerned. I think Roger may be a little bit confused with him at the moment. But he also may solve this riddle in overwhelming fashion pretty soon, meaning on Sunday.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am

David: No problem. I just think that those 2 Sampras’ records are somehow more important, as they’ll give you the best possible clue of how consisent the American (and any other No. 1, for that matter) was in his results… Not to say winning 6 or 7 Wimbys isn’t a sign of consistency (boy, it is!), but the ranking reflects your performances throughout the whole year, not just one tournament. Heck, even Sampras himself recently said that, of all his records, he considers those 6 year end No. 1 finishes as perhaps his biggest achievement… The truth is, when it comes to slams (regardless if it’s Wimby, RG, USO, or AO), all what Fed “needed to do” (so to speak) was to break that Pete’s record of 14 (and to win that darn FO title), which he indeed did, so winning Wimby for 8th or 9th time won’t change that much in my opinion…

November 27th, 2009 at 10:15 am

Both Rafa and Djokovic are playing like $hit. What a crappy match, espcially when compared to last night’s.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Even though Djoko looks tired, he’s winning almost every rally that goes beyond 9 shots, according to the ATP site.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Nadal with 7 winners to TWENTY unforced error? that’s gotta be the worst ratio he’s ever had!!!

November 27th, 2009 at 10:35 am

max:I agree with what you are saying as a valid observation.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am

Kimo, I concur and go a step further to say this is one of the least excited and poorest matches I have ever watched, from among the top 20. If this is the level and quality from world’s top 2 and 3, I would like replacement. They don’t deserve to be there. Evacuate and let the worthy one take those spots.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:40 am

First his knees, then his abdomen, now his back?

Rafa’s body is breaking down.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:51 am

Kimo, next, his hair will be falling off, getting grey and eventually bald like Davydenko:)

November 27th, 2009 at 10:53 am

Just noticed Nadal’s undergoing some treatment… Does anyone know how many sets will they award Djoker should the Spaniard retire, say, in the middle of this 2nd set (?)… Will it be 2 or just 1? Just curious…

November 27th, 2009 at 10:58 am

Skorocel, it is 2 but that does not matter because for Djokovic to advance, Davydenko must lose.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:00 am

Bjorn Borg: I guess you’re exagerrating a bit here… It’s a fairly decent match, though I still think it would’ve been better if Djoker and Davy had played for that last remaining semifinal spot directly against each other, not in separate matches…

November 27th, 2009 at 11:04 am

I agree Skorocel. Amazing that Nadal is getting in almost 80% first serves.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:06 am

Bjorn Borg: It maybe doesn’t look that way now (as Djoker currently leads 5-2 in the 2nd), but I suppose that, if Djoker wins and Davy loses, both in three sets, they’ll be both tied in terms of sets won, won’t they? Does Djokovic then have a better game won/lost pct. than Davy? I’m somehow lazy to check that, you know :-)

November 27th, 2009 at 11:12 am

I wished Rafa would take at least a set. Even Verdasco won three, but to lose six consecutive sets? That’s just humiliating.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:12 am

Skorocel, enjoy the fairly decent match. I cannot judge any more because I stopped watching a while ago.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:15 am

Rafa is in a big slump right now..give the kid a break…he needs to get his confidence back and he will come around ..he has talent, that’s why he wont 6 grand slams so far.losing 6 consecutive set is not humiliating.. is just another tournament where things didn’t go his way period.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:19 am

Bjorn Borg: Please disregard my last post :-) Davy will of course have no business in advancing, as he’ll only have 1 win in such scenario. Math was never my strong subject in school, and it shows :-)

November 27th, 2009 at 11:20 am

rose said:

“losing 6 consecutive set is not humiliating”

Maybe for someone who’s ranked 30 in the world, but for a man of Rafa’s rank and stature it’s very humiliating.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:26 am

Novak’s sets ratio is 4-3. Right now Davy is 3-2 in sets, so if he wins he’ll either be 5-2 or 5-3, so all he has to do is pull of the W.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:30 am

You”re right rose; Rafa will be back better next year. And we know on clay and grass he is still at the top or the top, even if more players can beat him on hard court.

Now Djoko plays the waiting game… kind of a drag. I don’t remember any of this mathematical drama in previous years.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:30 am

If Davy wins one set, he is in, or no – he has to win the match right?

November 27th, 2009 at 11:32 am

@ kimo
“Maybe for someone who’s ranked 30 in the world, but for a man of Rafa’s rank and stature it’s very humiliating”
like i said before you gotta look at the whole picture kimo ..he obviously did performed horrible on this tournament ..but he is coming from injuries (2 months off)losing RG and personal issues are finally catching up to him… he is only human after all..uo and downs are part of life and also tennis :)

November 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am

If Davy wins in straight sets he’d be 5-2 and Soderling would be 4-2 so if Davy wins he is in, but a 2 set win puts him in as the pool winner vs. Del Po and a 3 set win puts him up against Federer in the other semi if my quick math is correct.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:38 am

The drama of reaching the semi may count just a little bit for self-esteem, but nothing much beyond that because either way the 2nd seed from Group B is going to be crushed by Federer. The good news is with today’s victory Djokovic earned 200 more points, $120K, and expanded his h2h lead over Nadal on hard to 8-3 and closed the overall h2h to 8-14. Those 200 points may come handy heading into the 2010 season.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:41 am

Dan, I think your math is correct. Jane, Davydenko must beat Soderling to qualify. It is this simple: if he loses, Davydenko will not qualify with 1-2 against Djokovic who has 2-1.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:45 am

Glad Djok could pull out the win. He will need an attitude adjustment if he plays tomorrow. If Sod wins today I think Djok will have new life.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am

Bjorn Borg, thanks for pointing out the plus side of Djok’s win, even if he doesn’t qualify. You’re right: 200 points, more money and a slight improved H2H is not so bad. Sheesh if I could win $120K for a tennis match, I’d be on the happy side, lol.

sar, I agree. If Djok does get into the semis he will try his best to amp it up for a couple more matches. Somehow I feel like Davy’s going to win in 3 sets. That’s my prediction. In which case, bye bye Djok until next year. : (

November 27th, 2009 at 11:52 am

Confronted with two options, advance to the semi, just to say I reached there and gain nothing but be crushed by one of his nemeses there OR not advance to the semi, if I were Djokovic, I would rather wish Davydenko advanced, which would save Djokovic from humiliating defeat in the semifinal, either by Federer or Del Potro.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:53 am

I think Djok, Sod, Fed, Delpo would be a great semis line up were it to happen. If it’s Davy in there, I just don’t see him winning for some reason. With Djok in there, maybe there’s a slight chance he could win? No offense to Davy, but I just think he’s outmatched by the power of Delpo and Sod (he does have a winning H2H on hard vs JMDP but that was then, this is now), and that he doesn’t have the guts to beat Fed. Maybe he’ll prove me entirely wrong, which would be great. I like Davy; he can play some awesome baseline tennis.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:57 am

BB – so far JMDP has never been able to beat Djoko. In Rome this year Djok won in straights. So even if JMDP wins their next match, I doubt it’d be a “humiliating” defeat.

November 27th, 2009 at 11:59 am

Jane, I’d agree with you if Djokovic continued his performance of Basel, Paris, and 1st Round Robin, but the Djokovic of last two matches…I really don’t know what to think.
For anyone interested to read Federer’s presser transcript: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=60568

November 27th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

jane, if Davy doesn’t win he’s out since Djoko has 2 wins. If he wins, straight sets or not, he’s in.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

By the way, if Djokovic advances, he will do so as the 2nd seed from Group B and face Federer, not Del Potro.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

the end of the third set yesterday with fed and del potro had the same vibe as the 5th set in NYC. fed was trying to hang on – he knew he blew his chance when he didn’t break at 3-3. and then his last service game at 4-3 was sloppy. especially that last forehand.

del potro has totally improved – and his confidence has risen as a result. i also didn’t think he would be much of a contender here after his first 2 matches.

god bless, he’s still a boring lunk on the court, but what the hell….

November 27th, 2009 at 12:18 pm

BB: what if Davy advances? He would be second seed and face Fed then? If this is the case, then Sod has a decent chance of getting to the finals. I don’t know, though, as Sod & JMDP are 1-1 H2H, with JMDP winning the last time they played on hard courts, in the semis at Auckland this year – straight sets, 1 break per set. Maybe Delpo will win the whole dang thing?

November 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Jane, if Davydenko straight-sets Soderling, he will be the Group B’s top seed and will play JMDP in the semi. If Daydenko wins in 3 sets, he will face Federer. Any of the three has chances to win the whole dang thing. I think JMDP is looking good. As a convert, you will have someone to cheer for all the way through. Is not that kinda neat when you have more than one favorite?

November 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

BB: I’ve always had more than one favorite. I always cheer for Murray too, as well as Djok being my top fave. I like Rafa, Roddick, and Monfils, and now JMDP. Really, I just like tennis. Yesterday I though the Fed/JMDP match was great fun to watch.

When you say “any of the three” which one are you leaving out – Davy?

November 27th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

And JMDP knows he will become number 4 if he wins the whole dang thing, add the glorious title and the money to that. That should definitely be a motivating factor. I don’t see him losing to Soderling but not quite sure about the final, though he will give everything to win a WTF title. That will be some achievement and reinforces the message that he is for REAL, and big stage and matches against top guys are his forte, where his energy and game level suddenly rises astronomically. I simply marvel at this kid on big occasions.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

That would level JMDP and Djoko in big titles, as they’d both have a slam and a YEC/WTF. Has JMDP won any Masters Series titles yet? For some reason, I think not.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Yes, I am leaving out Davydenko until this evening, but who knows it could be his turn to take the big prize home.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Whoever think Soderling or Del Potro are Nadal’s nemesis need to wake up! His free fall is very much like what happened to Mats Wilander in 1988. He has been failed to take a set off guys in the Top 10. Verdasco did better than him in this event. If Nadal ever gets to play Federer again. I think even the Fed Allstop could beats him quite easily. It has nothing gotta do with Federer being a better player than he is. Maybe it is because something gotta do with Nadal’s confidence. Lets hope that it is not because of of the injuries he had. He could ever plays like he was at his best!

Whoever think Soderling or Del Potro are Nadal’s nemesis need to wake up! His free fall is very much like what happened to Mats Wilander in 1988. He has been failed to take a set off guys in the Top 10. Verdasco did better than him in this event. If Nadal ever gets to play Federer again. I think even the Fed Allstop could beats him quite easily. It has nothing gotta do with Federer being a better player than he is. Maybe it is because something gotta do with Nadal’s confidence. Lets hope that it is not because of of the injuries he had. He could ever plays like he was at his best!

November 27th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Roderling being a good lineup for the semi? My ass! He wasn’t even supposed to be there in the championship if Roddick didn’t pull up! He was just there to do all the dirty jobs for Fed Allstop. And if he ever runs into Federer in matches. He is just there to get thump by Federer.

November 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Pretty sad that, Gillies or Tsonga isn’t one of the replacement. Federer didn’t win his match against Verdasco easily. He was troubled by him! Imagine if he was up against Gillies or Tsonga? Instead of playing the garbage man Soderling in his coming match. And Murray was beaten, because of pressures from home expectation. But it also wasn’t an easy match for Federina, too!

November 27th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Regarding Nadal…

I just wonder when or better yet if Delpo, Djoko or Murray will ever achieve HALF of what Nadal has achieved so far.

Also, I imagine Nadal reading all these posts at his house in that beautiful island where he lives, while his multimillion dollar account keeps climbing and that amazingly beautiful girlfriend he has is massaging his sore back in front of all those RG trophies.

I would just pay to see his face…and hers.

November 27th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

As I had said previously, Federina needs to play the top 5 guys more often. He is beaten quite handily by Del Potro in the final set. And was troubled by Murray. And top 8 guys Verdasco gave him a real scare. Thought he was way ahead of all these other guys for being the GOAT! lol He should play the top 5 guys more often. I really don’t find him winning another Grand Slam or in the Masters series! Unlike his run in Roland Garros or Wimbledon this year. He just needs to have a good draws and playing against players who are allergic to his games.

November 27th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Something tells me Rick won’t be around on Sunday when Fed is holding up the trophy.

November 27th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

As you all know Djoko is my favorite player. Even then I can be objective and say that Soldering and Davidenko were the best players in the group B. Now if Soldering wins and gives a new life to Novak, he (Novak) can still will the whole tournament. I still believe that at this moment he is the best player on the tour (if you remember Basel and Paris). I do not have a short memory loss like some other tennis “experts” :)

November 27th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Sorry on typo…

As you all know Djoko is my favorite player. Even then I can be objective and say that Soldering and Davidenko were the best players in the group B. Now if Soldering wins and gives a new life to Novak, he (Novak) can still win the whole tournament. I still believe that at this moment he is the best player on the tour (if you remember Basel and Paris). I do not have a short memory loss like some other tennis “experts” :)

November 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

What does Djoko have to do to reach No. 2? Win the whole tournament? Sorry if this question has already been answered.

November 27th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Rafa is only one of 11 players who have 6 or more Slams in the Open Era alone, eight of them ahead of him.
In the history of tennis, there are 19 players who are ahead of Rafa in Slam count. He comes 23rd in Slam win-loss ratio with 6-2. Twenty six players have 6 or more Slam titles. How many of those 26 can you recall instantly if you are a casual tennis fan? As it is, twenty years from now, Rafa will be packaged in the same bundle of history. To stand out and to be instant reference point, you have to be Federer, Sampras, Emerson, Laver, Borg, Tilden, Lendl, and the likes. But that does not mean that Rafa has not achieved enough to establish himself as a dominant force of his time. If you do enough in your time, you will be remembered as a great player for a couple of decades or so, but to be among the greatest and become timeless, you will have to transcend your time. All in all, in Rafa’s case, it also does not mean he won’t achieve anything from here on. What it means is he still has more to prove to guarantee a place among at least the top ten for a long time in the history of tennis. Is anything certain?

November 27th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Yes David. So it’s not likely to happen. Maybe early next year though, mainly because Rafa will have a lot to defend, and while he is an awesome defender, as we discussed the other day, and as you pointed out, there are a number of people he’ll have to watch out for on hardcourts.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

That must have been the worst match played in the last 10 years of YEC. The first set stats prove it.

New low for Nadal…that was the worst match he played in his life. And the final proof he’s done on hardcourts when it comes to big aspirations. He’ll still win a few RG’s, and maybe even a Wimbly.

Hopefully Davydenko wins tonight an easy 2:1 and spares us watching Federer raping Djokovic because we want a competitive SF’s of a YEC. The easy part so noone gets to tired for SF. The winner will come from the other group anyway.

And oh yea, whoever marked DJokovic as a pre tournament favorite should realize they don’t know anything about tennis, and try to watch the game with a bit more understaning in the future. That was a worse call than the muppets who proclaimed Murray the fav for AO 2009…appaling lack of fundamental tennis insight.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Which stats? Nadal served 77% first serves in for the match, 4 aces, 1 double; he won 60% first serves, 50% second serves; he saved 2 of 5 break point opportunities. He won 47% of second serve returns. That is not the “worst match he played in his life” LOL!

Djoko did not serve great, at 51% firsts in for the match, but he managed to win 78% of those points, and 53% of his second serves, which made the difference. He also saved 4 of 6 break point opportunities and won 50% of points off Nadal’s second serve.

sonic – you’ve made it quite clear here that you do not like Djoko for whatever reason, but come on! Don’t accuse others of lacking “fundamental tennis insight” if you’re going to be so obviously biased in your comments. It’s not like picking Djok was bad choice considering how well he’s played since Cincy. He is, after all, the third best player in the world right now, so he’s not all that bad! Sheesh.

Be a little more diplomatic even if you do hate the guy.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

he will become number 4 if he wins the whole dang thing

Bjorn, I think Fed would like to have him be number 4 so he doesn’t have to face him in quarters.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Evening fellow tennis junkies!

Just going back everyone to some of the comments made by ferix –

‘Disgraceful. Federer last night proved his character and it was sad to see.’

Ferix, what gives you the right to bring a game that was lost fair and square by federer, into disrepute because you are projecting your utter sourness and resentment? you are a poor loser. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but do you honestly think that both players give a flibbidy jip about anything else other than to go out there and win the friggin’ match? It has got to be the most ridiculous post of the whole tournament.

Focus. Fffffoccusssss! Conncennntrateeee! This is what players do EVERY DAY, in order to win a match.

I saw the points you referred to, and as a rabid fedfan (*proud as hell*), we have got used to fed having these moments – it is now part of his game – it doesnt mean anything other than for that moment, he lost a point, loss of concentration, whatever you want to call it. But dont call federer disgraceful. Call yourself disgraceful for even thinking of anything so ridiculous and disrespectful. I should have ignored your comment, but thank goodness for other posters out there who put you right. Gannu, in particular.

Fed was roaring in the second set. He knew he was already No.1, I really believe he got comfortable and Delpo just had his forehand on fire –

watch a very different fed play next time. The guy learns more from his losses. If he won every single time, he would be come too relaxed. I like it when federer has to fight a bit more, it makes tennis more competitive (not easy sometimes), but as Jane knows, great for keeping the house sparkly clean, at crucial moments.

Federer is an amazing ambassador for the sport. Long live Federer!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Watching Bryans and Kubot/Marach and the commies on tennis channel are HUGELY biased in favor of Bryans. Maybe because Mike Brayn has a Brit GF.
I like the Bryans too but they are too much.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

PS – sonic Davydenko is 0-12 in his H2H versus Fed, while Djoko is 5-9 versus Fed, having won 3 of 5 matches versus Fed this year. So even though Djoko is clearly wearing down in terms of fatigue, I don’t think your comment that Davy is the one who’ll make a “competitive SF” versus Fed rather than Djoko holds that much weight. I like Davy but so far anyhow he’s never been able to beat Fed in 12 tries!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

sonic – you’ve made it quite clear here that you do not like Djoko for whatever reason, but come on! Don’t accuse others of lacking “fundamental tennis insight” if you’re going to be so obviously biased in your comments. It’s not like picking Djok was bad choice considering how well he’s played since Cincy. He is, after all, the third best player in the world right now, so he’s not all that bad! Sheesh.Be a little more diplomatic even if you do hate the guy.

To all:
Sonic is a Croat who hates Serbs. Keep that in mind whenever he posts anything about Djokovic. He is jealous that he has no Croats to cheer for. Have a great day Sonic!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

Thanks Jane. Also Djoko was adjusting to a new racquet at the beginning of the year, so I think it’s likely he’ll do better at the start of 2010 than he did at the start of ’09

Sonic, you do know that Wilander said Djokovic was his clear favorite for this tournament, right?

November 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

God bless you, Marija! Ha ha ha! Keep tracking him!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

People, ignore this Thing! Sonic, smell yourself out of here! You’re a disgrace for your people! Uncovered everywhere!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

sonic/ david: i’m not convinced about federer beating djokovic. too many times a different federer shows up than the one who won 4 of these masters cup trophies.

tho, i agree that if nole plays with low energy and fed plays at the level he did against delpo, yes, fed wins. but i picked nole to defend his title here. hmm,

delpo is a problem…..lol..in a good way, maybe in a great way! will be very interesting to see if he plays with the energy he found to beat federer yesterday. if this is really the new improved delpo, not much anyone can do. ( maybe cilic, if cilic improves ) i’m anticipating delpo’s next match, hoping it will be soda!!! i doubt davy stands a chance against juan. and i’m more curious to see if delpo brings his A game to nole with as much zest as he did against the top 2 and see if nole can handle him better than federer and rafa have.

i’m on the delpo watch. that was some great tennis!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Kinda laughable to read all these obituaries written for Djoker here :-) So this same Djokovic, who just 3 weeks ago beat the mighty Fed on his home soil in Basel, is suddenly ripe for a beating? LOL! That’s what I call an amnesia :-)

November 27th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

contador, I’ll join you on that watch; I am curious to see how he will make out here and next year as well. That was indeed “some great tennis”! P.S. I love pecan pie.

November 27th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

oh hello madmax! yes. i am in ‘pig tennis heaven’ . 2 of my faves are still playing tennis this tourney and if soda comes thru to beat davy, most humble apologies to mrs.davydenko, 3 of my faves are in.

okay, thinking more of davy now, if davy wins, i will be happy and if he somehow won the whole thing? wow, i gotta see it!

November 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

great to see so many Del Potro the Argentine Kalashnikov’s fans and admirers on this forum.

November 27th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

Brought down from the super-thriller that was Fed-Del.P to the bottom valleys of a Rafa-Djoko match.

That was indeed some bad tennis displayed by Rafa & Djoko. They both seemed utterly dead on court…even Rafa (much to my surprise.) Ok, he got himself together too late…just as Djoko was serving for the match. Even their Paris match was much more exciting despite the scoreline against Rafa. Goodness what happened to the energy?

The good news for Rafa is that this is as bad as it gets for him. Surely, it can’t get any worse! This is it. Very tough dark times for Rafa. Perhaps winning a rubber at DC will spark him. Luckily it’s the end of the season. He can take a break and regroup.

November 27th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Skorocel

Well, under normal circumstances Fed has to be the clear favorite. Let’s not have amnesia and forget that prior to Basel, Fed won 5 straight sets against Djokoc in Cincy and US Open, both bigger tournaments than Basel.

Considering that Djoko is no doubt worn out from a long season, his chances are further reduced.

November 27th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

hey jane, been trying to get a picture to go along with the sound but for unkown reasons, it’s not working today. i had a picture, thank god, for delpo/fed match yesterday. same sites i always use atdhe or channelsurfing but it’s this poor laptop, i suspect.

anyway, sound is better than only livescore.

the good news is that espn2 will televise the final, so they say.

delpo watching…:-)

must be way late in the UK, madmax.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

AK47 surrenders the pre-match “favorite” crown to Federers and whoever else prefers. On the court, the Argentine King (AK) knows how to sharp-shoot his Kalashnikov with pinpoint accuracy.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

are you watching this match AK47? if so, does it appear one player has more incentive to win?

probably hard to tell with icemen: soda and davy

can’t get a picture and the comemtators are being very calm and quiet.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

davy takes the first set….interesting.

November 27th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Looks like Davy will knock out Djoko. He just won the first set, and I can’t see Sod rallying to win two more, since he’s already qualified anyhow. Sad for Djok, but I guess them’s the breaks. :’ (

November 27th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

contador! (zoey)! I enjoy reading your texts more on this forum than on tennistalk. You seem much more relaxed over here. TT, too many bashers, and conty, you talk a lot of sense, and I like what you ‘speak’.

Duro!!!!

lovely man! where HAVE you been? Are you recovered from you ill health? you must be so proud of novak and his achievements. He is one to watch for in 2010, really has found his groove, I think.

Jane, your insight in these matches and your ‘lovely commentary’ about everyone is to be admired!

Conty,

Davy has just got the first set! What a match!

Roger federer’s semi final is tomorrow afternoon, 12.30 pm UK time. (just been announced).

Duro,

I am pleased with Federer’s progress. Personally, I feel that he relaxed yesterday. Delpo was much more aggressive. It was weird to see, as Delpo played how fed played against murray 2 days before – that is what is so weird. Fed gotta get his mojo together and get out on court tomorrow and let his racquet do the talking.

Back to davy! (many russian supporters in the audience – shows massive loyalty. I love it!).

November 27th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

“texts” ! D’OH! meant to say posts!

November 27th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

ha ha sonic….andy murray has been the muppets fave for every GS this year save for the French. it’s quite amusing.

and yes, jock itch (as some clever poster on this site branded him with a year or so ago) gets his fair share of hype, but also tends to underperform at GS’s. the only difference between him and murray is that he’s actually won one.

by virtue of roger’s prime time being behind rather than in front of him, combined with nadal’s future prowess looking dicey at this stage in the game, one would assume that murray could win a GS one day.

but everyone’s been saying that roddick should have won another slam by now so who knows where the die will fall?

November 27th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

contador:
“probably hard to tell with icemen: soda and davy”

How true! They lit up a bit during the tie-break but they’re now back to ice. I’ve barely heard a single ‘c’mon!’ however super a shot is. They only light up throughout a match when playing other super-charged opponents or a Rafa & Fed. I love them but…the match-up is dull. lol.

They’re both playing quite well though….giving everything. Both have a reason to win.

Commentator1:”Each wants to win top the table & avoid facing Federer”
Commentator2: “Yes, but the alternative (Del.P) is not any better!”

Basically, nowhere to hide…but rather face Del.P & try out the luck than face a well known enemy. Davy MUST win the in straights to top the table…so the Sod is trying hard to get the 2nd set.

Sod has the serve ammunition (he kept one game to 62 secs with 2 booms & un-returnables)

Davy on the other hand is returning as many balls as he can & trying to tire out Sod.

Almost evenly matched…Sod seems to be the attacker & Davy more defence…Sod got a bit tight in the tie-break.

Anyhow, we die with Djokovic on the Sofa!

November 27th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Jane, your already-qualified theory is one way to find consolation for Djokovic’s disqualification. It is not over yet. Don’t give up. At least Soderling has not given up yet. It is worth fighting for, in Federer’s words, “a lot of money and a lot of points.” Moreover, if Soderling loses in straight here, he will have to play Federer in the first match tomorrow, without enough rest. Do the math.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Sod’s fighting hard. He won’t lose this because he’s complacent about already being in the semis.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

BB

Are you sure Fed will play the first match tomorrow?

November 27th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

David, yes, it is already posted, and the commentators also repeated.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Maxi, I’m well now, not entirely, but OK. I am proud, but satisfied only when he achieves the goal of his life! I’m looking forward to it! Now, time to pack the bags… Hard, long and exhausting year for No1-vak, but fundamental for him! This is exactly the kind of year that a player needs so to be ready when the time comes! I won’t bother people why he is in the best position for 2010, the Novak’s fan will know it.

He finished year honorably, with a win. Came closer to a direct rival for the number 2 spot for additional 200 points (within 1000 points range now). He will overtake it next January. This is what matters now. Let him just rest and enjoy.

About your Fed. This is his real test now. The finals will tell everything. Still the king, no doubt.

See you, Maxi.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm

lolz…great reporting been there! thanks

i can hear when the ball is struck and follow the strikes through the rallies. how sad, i know.

i wish they would have hired drew lilley to do the “as it happens” blog.

or you, been there. you gotta get paid for play by play or courtside view of match!

davy loves to change direction and keep them running “phenomenal ball striking from both players!” says koenig

oh, their getting enthused. soderling about to break?

November 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm

I agree Duro; Novak has finished the year honorably. Well put! I am glad to hear you’re feeling better also.

Hi to madmaxi too. Fed is for sure the top fave to win it now. With JMDP second, imo.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

contador, sorry…can’t keep up typing & watching. I get too glued!

Try this BBC link of ‘as it happens’
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8383566.stm

—————————————————————————

Soderling gets the 2nd set, tops the group and saves himself from a Federer assault.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Soderling secures N. 1 spot in his group. If Davys wins, he plays Federer tomorrow noon. If Soderling wins, Djoko plays Fed.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

yesssssss!

soda, soda

mrs. davy can’t be happy. next set will be a fine bit of tennis!

November 27th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

That’s why Sod kept fighting so hard; now I get it!! LOL. Well, no doubt Davy will take the 3rd set now! ha ha.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm

contador, if you use the link, you might have to refresh the page every now & then…I’m not too sure it does that by itself as the comments come in.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Soderling takes the required 1 set to stay as the top seed in Group B. Now, the 3rd set is all about 200 points and $120K. He will have to break to win the decider because he is less likely win if it goes to tiebreaker as he has never won a tie-breaking set off Davydenko in all previous meetings.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Soderling winner of the group now he got the set, will play JMDP..good one. I am sure he did not want to play federer.

Now..who is fed opponent, davy or djoko ?

November 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

It will be Davy, Kimmi, and he will lose to Fed for the 13th time. But even if Djok gets through by some Soderling miracle, Fed will win as he is playing more inspired tennis and is definitely a lot fresher.

It’s looking like a Fed/Delpo final or possibly Fed/Sod.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

i know, been there. it’s tough trying to do play by play. i dunno how lilley does such a brilliant job….guess he’s brilliant.

thanks, i have that link for bbc saved. they are good. tennis-x’ers are often just as good…..when i am it is around. thankless job, that blogging

hi madmax, it’s not ground zero for fan wars here. thankfully

November 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

Jane..C’mon lets wait for this match to finish and tomorrow match to be played before you crown fed the winner….he has been up and down too you know.:)

November 27th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

I know, but if in 12 tries Davy has never beaten him, the odds are rather against him doing it early tomorrow. ha ha!!! No way. I didn’t crown Fed the winner, just said he’ll be in the final.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

Jane..what about if its Djoko and fed ? Yeah Djoko is tired, fed will win too…even after Djoko beat him in basel ;)

Im impressed with Soda though..way to go..he wants this match..Djoko must be praying for soda to win this..Great job soda.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

behold! an iceman cometh. pray, which one? which, do tell

November 27th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Oooops..davy breaks

November 27th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

Like clockwork, Davy breaks. That is which one cometh contador.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

thank you jane but that was not the one expected.

has soda gone um, flat?

November 27th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Soda flat – good one contador, ha ha. Soda is saving his carbonation for someone else.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Djokovic absolutely gutted on his sofa…but with Davy, it ain’t over till it’s over. He usually chokes pretty much to everyone when serving it out. So, Djoko is still ‘in’. Ultimately, Djoko sealed his fate in the Soderling match.

Don’t get tight Davy! Make the mrs. happy!!

November 27th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Why was sod so good on the second set and not here ? this looks like the “tanking” I was talking about..Soda was determined in that second set..very weird !

November 27th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Ok, Davy serving out the match…let’s see WHAT he’s made of!

November 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Ok..I was wrong..he holds here..now break davy

November 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

That concludes Davydenko earned some points and money. The semifinal lines have been confirmed: Federer vs. Davydenko in the afternoon and JMDP vs. Soderling in the evening. Djokovic has been spared of the incentiveless energy and time. He will retool and carry his new-found form and confidence into 2010. The final is shaping to be Federer vs. JMDP. One more spectacular encounter between these two greats.

November 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

OMG. SODERLING?? WhAT THE HELL?? lol. I guess he went too much for it. No one can believe he missed that.

Davy shows he’s made of real balls – tennis ones of course, hehe. For a moment there I got worried for him.

Djoko out. Back to the practise courts for Australia slam. Murray’s probably already in Florida! (I think that’s where he practises?)

November 27th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

Unfortunate for Djoko..that Soderling match cost him,he could not control him outcome of qualifying, same as Murray. great play by both players. Impressed with soda performance today.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Soderling and Federer should go out to dinner tonight. LOL.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

s/b his outcome of qualifying

November 27th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

Why should Soderling and Federer go out to dinner tonight? I did not get the joke.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

well, i feel crushed for nole. but, i wonder how crushed he feels, considering he appeared to be exhausted. now he doesn’t have to play federer or delpo or..and…he can go home to have a nice holiday.

i never assume any match at this level is a done deal. federer can have an off day and davy takes it, his first win over RF.

and delpo is going to…….i don’t know…

who is excited about the delpo v soderling match!?

November 27th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Me too I missed your joke jane..

November 27th, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Contador..I am looking forawrd to delpo vs sod, a little similar styles but I say JMDP the winner..too much fire power.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

Well, that very last point pretty much sums up how “badly” Soderling wanted to win that 3rd set :-) LOL :-) To blew such ridiculously easy FH wide – it’s as if he had said: “Good luck against Roger tomorrow, Nikolay!” :-) Bye bye, Novak :-(

November 27th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

Soderling and Fed can both celebrate tonight: Fed gets to play Davy – whom he owns!! – and Soderling *MAY* see the finals as he has a chance of beating Delpo, who may’ve extended himself beating Fed, but if Soderling was playing Fed it would be unlikely that he’d win – especially tomorrow first match. So, in my opinion, this worked out beautifully for Sod and Fed! That doesn’t mean that Delpo couldn’t still come along and spoil the party. LOL. But who knows? I suppose Davy could beat Fed, ha ha!! That’d be the shocker wouldn’t it!?

November 27th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

yeah….it’s tough. my pick did not make the semi’s. such high hopes i was having for djoko. his heart wasn’t in it, quite.

delpo. did you notice delpo’s shoes, kimmi? they had “delpo” on the back of the heel, i think. or did i halucinate. could swear that’s what i saw yesterday.

anyway. delpo is not a done deal in my mind. he should be but he’s been inconsistent recently ( except on a big stage against rafa or roger ). not a good sign that soda lost to davy, tho. have to pick delpo and fed rematch for the final. uh, boy. this is big for a fed/ delpo fan, whew!

November 27th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Who would have thought at the beginning of this tournament that all 3 – Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray wouldn’t make it to the semi final round. Kind of unbelievable. What were the odds on that happening?

Nadal’s game clearly wasn’t there this week. His body has lost some muscle mass. Wonder why that could be? Djokovic looked both mentally and physically tired. Seemed like he wanted a vacation until 2010. Only Murray looked like he really wanted it but Federer made sure that wasn’t going to happen.

I’m guessing a Federer/Soderling final with Federer winning it all. Bet Del Potro will wilt against Soderling and Daveydenko will get crushed by Fed in the semis.

Book it Dano!

November 27th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

WTF title No. 5 coming up on Sunday. Sampras must be thinking: “isn’t this guy going to throw me a bone and let me keep one record?” LOL

November 27th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

I love Nole too but I can’t help but be HAPPY for Davy. The guy, imo, has worked really hard, just as he always does. He may not have the killer shots, but his game is all-round. He just lacks the fire-power…too bad he’s a small man (height & body wise!). But he gives in everything on court this year.

So yeah, perhaps he matches up poorly with Fed, BUT, make no mistake, he’s gonna put up a fight. He’s a great athlete…and besides, if he can trouble the Rafas & Djokos why not Fed. Infact, the fact that he troubled Djoko, who also plays aggressive, bodes well for him. He’s a bunny – returns everything. There’s always a first time win. Fed has Roddick’s number, but Roddick did manage to get that crucial 2nd win just last year in Miami, and so very almost got him again in wimby DESPITE the H2H. Once they step on-court at this level, H2H is meaningless, they just go for it. Hello, JMDP just did it after 6 tries in USO to get the title!

The main thing that Fed has over him is mental…remember when he won Shanghai against Rafa, he still had to bring Fed in the equation. He said something like ‘I’m pleased to have won over Rafa. I can’t believe it & in straight sets. BUT I’m not sure if the same would have been able to beat Federer’…not verbatim, but something in those lines. What that tells me is that as much as Fed’s got superior tennis, the main thing here is a major mental edge.

But recent performances over Rafa & Djoko should minimise that…hopefully. Of course, Fed to win :), but in 3 tight sets.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

davy wins the title. takes down federer and delpo.

i don’t think so.

anything is possible. we could have a soda/davy rematch final, right?

my pick lost.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Wow! Nadal did not even win a set in 3 matches! Can’t get worse than this for Nadal.

Fed is 30-2 against the field now. Can he live upto that?

Consider this, Fed had to play JMDP in 3 of the slams this year and Soderling in 3 slams as well. I think it is safe to put to rest, the theory that rafa being fit this year might have damaged his year, somehow. Its unfortunate that Roger didn’t get a chance to work up his H2H against Rafa like Novak did. ;)

November 27th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

“Once they step on-court at this level, H2H is meaningless”

Er, that’s overstating things a little. LOL. I think H2H’s do reflect something of a pattern, and, moreover, they signal who matches up well with whom. Davy does not match up well with Fed, as you’ve admitted.

And “you cannot be serious” comparing JMDP to Davy!? JMDP is an up-and-comer; he was bound to get Fed soon enough. Davy is a journey man. If Davy wins tomorrow it will be more like Benneteau’s win, because Davy will have played the match of his life. Whereas with JMDP it was just a matter of growing into himself; which he is still not finished doing I suspect.

Listen, I like Davy and he can be ultra solid from the baseline, no doubt, but he pretty much routinely wilts when he plays Fed. I hope you’re right, though, and that he does fight.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

Skorocel says: To blew such ridiculously easy FH wide – it’s as if he had said: “Good luck against Roger tomorrow, Nikolay!” :-)
Kolya said at the net: “Good luck against Juan tomorrow, Robin, at least you have a couple of hours more to rest”
Robin says: “as if I had an easier opponent. I am playing a guy who just beat the mighty Fed. Last time I played him, he beat me in straight sets, and don’t forget the guy since then has become a nightmare for everyone on big stage.”
Kolya: I know we are both screwed. but I earned some money today. Ha, ha, and some ranking points. I did not really care to qualify and play tomorrow. That’s just waste of time. If Novak had offered me $120K for the quali, I would have said yes and tanked the match.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

I actually like Sod’s chances against JMDP. Sort of a toss-up really.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm

Jane, “Soderling *MAY* see the finals as he has a chance of beating Delpo, who may’ve extended himself beating Fed.”
Yes, that is from Murray’s “excuse” perspective. You are copy-pasting what Murray said after he lost to Davydenko last year. From my imagined JMDP’s and my perspective: Give me Federer in every match, and Soderling is not even half of Federer, and I don’t have a match-up problems with him. I am just stronger, more powerful, and far more consistent. In 4 words, “JMDP is not Murray”:)

November 27th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Jane:
[“Once they step on-court at this level, H2H is meaningless”

Er, that’s overstating things a little. LOL.]

I guess we’ve been watching very different matches then in this YEC & many other matches this year. Fed-Murray, Del.P-Fed, Del-P-Rafa, Djoko-Rafa, Cilic against everyone, RODDICK!!! BENNETEAU!! Fed vs anyone who was brave enough to finish him off in the 1st half of the season.

Notice I said AT THIS LEVEL. Of course, the one with the better record is favoured, but this year’s trend is that anything can happen, even with Fed & Rafa, infact, ESPECIALLY with Fed & Rafa ‘coz more often than not, everyone wants the biggest scalp so brings in their A+ game. Unfortunately, their A+ game doesn’t hold a candle to the champs’ B games….but once in a while, scratch that, many times this year, it has happened…especially over 3setter.

If it was a slam, then maybe I’d give the H2H the OTT respect that a few desire, but over 3 sets, nah.

“And “you cannot be serious” comparing JMDP to Davy!? ”

How do you mean – comparing them in what wa?? The only comparison I’ve made is that anyone can win despite H2H. I don’t see any other comparison I’ve made. In fact, I’ve explicitly said that despite having an all-court game, Davy lacks the killer shots & fire-power. erm..so I don’t get what you mean??? Seems like you’ve mis-interpreted, or perhaps you are the one making such comparison?

“Davy is a journey man.”

Yet Djoko, Rafa & Murray are out. Yet Davy won Shanghai beating Djoko- the on form player. LOL!! He deserves more respect that that. He’s in the semis of YEC…more points, more money… while the ‘champs’ are headed to practise courts for 2010. ’nuff said!

November 27th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

LOL…..BB! kolya openly admits he’s in this for the money. he’s practical, no nonsense. he admits he doesn’t care about the fame either! i find him refreshing.

i agree with been there about h2h at this level. other factors become somewhat more important in determining a win. as in health and fitness: rafa can fight all he can but right now his fighting spirit isn’t going to overcome even a tired nole. had federer been given the opportunity to play nadal in this part of the year, fair to say his hard court h2h with rafa would have improved too. h2h just isn’t a stable predictor at all in tennis.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Nadal adds no ranking points to his world number two spot. He will go into the Australian as the defending champion. Tremendous pressure on him to defend both that title and points. No way he is catching Fed for a long time. Fed will be on cruise control until the French. The points Fed earns from this tourney will give him a more than comfortable lead over his rivals.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

FWIW, Fed in 2 over Davy. Delpo in 3 over Soda.

There is no other way of saying this, but Fed wins 5th Tennis Masters in straight sets over JMDP ;)

November 27th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Jane says, “I suppose Davy could beat Fed, ha ha!! That’d be the shocker wouldn’t it!?”
Shocker thing is dependent on perspective and belief. There is just too much Fed-worshiping in that shocker you pointed out. I would find it more shocking to see Soderling beating JMDP than Davydenko beating Federer. Seriously, I see the latter’s possibility higher than the former’s, though neither is going to happen.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

In first set Nadal and Djokovic combined for 18 winners and 43 unforced errors. I dare you to find such a miserable stat in YEC. Posting percentages is meaningles in that light…the match was painfully horrible.

I’m simply calling shananigans on Djokovic, or rather have, in time when everyone was being wildly impressed by the completely non-impressive streak he emarked on, like it was the end of the world, when in fact if was combination of circumstances and luck. I’d do the same from Murray, who is overated in a similar way way, but at least beats Djokovic regularly.

Marija it’s sad to see you’re still so obssessed with nationality. I dislike Djokovic for his abuse of injury time outs (which hace receeded lately), the trilion ball bounces and time abuse, the fact he’s a choker but still does all the pumps and shots and crazy screams like he’s Hercules incarnated, the mechanical game, the arogance of “no1″ speech in every interview when he was coming up, sprouting crap like “i was the better palyer and i could have won” after the match he retired in Paris vs Nadal (down 6:4,6:4…was later properly ridiculed by GIlbert), and his parents (dad) make me sick. His nationality means nothing nothing to me, but you clearly have issues with this. If he had Nadal like personality or Fed like game – and peronality when he was coming up, there’d be no problem. I could go on for Murray as well, but that would be OT.

Davydenko hasn’t beaten Fed, true, but was very close on a few occasions. I don’t expect him to win, but he’ll at least make a match out of it, perhaps even take a set and ensure Fed is not fresh as a daisy come sunday. Djokovic was so tired today he could barely serve, and that was after a days rest. His mind and body are gone at the moment, so he’d be a waste of space in the SF.

Hopefully we get Federer – Del Potro final, that seems the match up of the year so far. LAst 3 matches where all epic in their own way.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:54 pm

The comparison, or maybe analogy is a better word, you made was that Delpo hadn’t had a win over Fed until the USO, so therefore it’s somehow feasible that Davy can get one tomorrow. In other words, there is a first time for everything more or less, or anythng is possible. Well, I just don’t see it; maybe Davy’ll prove me wrong.

And maybe “journey man” is the wrong word too; rather, he’s a stalwart top ten player and a hard worker. BUT he has never beaten Fed, and thus his chances of winning are less than stellar… How many Masters titles has he even won in his career; or how many slam finals? He just seems to be a guy who can get to the edge, the semis, say, of events. But rarely does he win them. If he can do it, I will be MORE than happy for him. And his wife, who seems like a sweetie. LOL.

November 27th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

“Fed will be on cruise control until the French.” Maybe, but it’s not like Fed sucked at the beginning of last year, relatively speaking. He has finals points to defend at the AO, semis in Miami, and semis in IW. So he can’t simply cruise. He will have to defend too. But no doubt Rafa will be under a lot of pressure to defend early on.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Soderling’s game matches up far better to JMDP than Daveydenko’s to Fed’s.

Either way, Fed is going to win this championship. He owns both Daveydenko and Soderling. Has something to prove against JMDP.

Watch out. Can’t see Fed wasting this golden opportunity. Call it an early Christmas present.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

“There is just too much Fed-worshiping in that shocker you pointed out. ”

Nah, I am not a Fed worshiper BB: I am simply basing my comment on previous history AND the fact that Fed will have had a day’s more recovery time, and Davy’s legs may feel it.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Whoa! Davy is a journey man? He’s been in the top 10 for the last 5yrs or so, with the exception of 10 or so weeks.

Fed has pretty much beat up on most people of his generation. That doesn’t make people like Davy (12 losses) hewitt (14losses) roddick (19 losses) and safin (9 losses) journeymen. They are fierce competitors and can take down anyone on the day. It’s not like davydenko is like some tipsarevic or mardy fish or the likes. He has got GAME.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

As far as I can tell, Davy has won 3 Masters titles since 1999: Paris, Shanghai, and Miami, and he has never reached a slam final. He has been to the Masters Cup final though. He seems to do well on indoor hard. Maybe this is his best shot to beat Fed.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

Miami – Fed has quarterfinal points. Fed has the luxury of not having any “junk tournament” points. So if he is serious about the no.1 he can give himself a cushion with doha, dubai and estoril and even halle. Madrid-cincinnati, fed has 2GS and 2MS to defend. I think he has a great chance to hang on to the no.1 till Madrid. :)

November 27th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

For sure Davy has “game” Long Live (I already said journey man is the wrong phrase), but just not the one to beat Fed, nor to beat people in the big events, generally speaking. He gets close, but then no cigar. If he can smoke one tomorrow, more power to him!

November 27th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Jane, thank you. As soon as i catch some time I will make a review of the Novak’s 2009 (unbelievable year) and point out his prospective stakes that he brings in into 2010, because of which I expect him to make some big things in the year(s) to come.

Special regards to you, Sar, Maxi, i am it and some other nice guys here. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to get to know them better and officially make some new acquaintances here.

Good bye, for now.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Look at Davy’s pic on th ATP website, and people blame Davy for not having fans. LOL!

November 27th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

^^^

I think the ATP is running one month late. They need to realise this is Thanksgiving Weekend not Halloween ;)

No other way I can explain that scary gollum picture.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

all i am saying jane, is that id could just be davy’s time. RF is still capable of beating anyone (with some questions about delpo ) but the h2h is no longer as firm and to me it’s more about not knowing which federer shows up than changes in davy. if anything all these guys he’s been whipping understand their door could be open slightly. and soderling, he almost beat federer at the us open.

rafa is vulnerable too. his h2h is certainly vulnerable at the moment. the thing is, rafa is younger and hopefully not done. i still think federer has a slam or two left. but maybe not for either of them, if delpo is for real and let’s say roddick and nalby come back in good form. maybe haas makes a run in a slam….okay, that’s my imagination but…

November 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

contador, I could see either Soda or JMDP surprising Fed, but it is much harder for me to see Davy doing so for some reason, though i respect your opinion. Soda has been in a slam final and we know he has the talent and power; it’s always been a mental and consistency thing with him. JMDP has won a slam over Fed. So these two – yes. I can see it. Davy? Not so much. He just hasn’t shone on the big stages. HOWEVER, this is best of 3 and it is indoor, and he does seem to be playing well, and serving better than he has in the past so maybe his odds are better than usual. But still slim, imo.

Yes- wouldn’t it be amazing if Nalby could somehow win a slam? He has the talent, and I would love to see it. But the desire? Hmmm… remains to be seen.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

Long Live the King Says:

^^^

I think the ATP is running one month late. They need to realise this is Thanksgiving Weekend not Halloween ;)

No other way I can explain that scary gollum picture.

LOL…….

Shame on you. Making fun of the way players look. Davy can’t help it if he looks like a Stephen King character straight out of “The Shining”.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Jane, instead of using JMDP’s history, why did you have to use Murray’s history to say this? “Soderling *MAY* see the finals as he has a chance of beating Delpo, who may’ve extended himself beating Fed.” And you found my response offensive and did not bother to reply. That’s sad.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Jane, I was very CLEARLY talking about winning despite H2H. It is there at 6.24pm for all to see. I’ve even put DESPITE H2H in capslock. lol. IMy post didn’t refer only to JMDP as an example….I also mentioned Roddick’s attempts…so am not sure why you’re necessarily sticking to the JMDP route?? Besides my post @ 6:45pm has expanded on many more players throughout the year beating the guys who hold better H2H. I’ll now throw in Sod-Rafa to that.

So this had nothing to do with comparing players games!! Simply, a win is possible despite H2H. Nothing more.

Also, I haven’t said that Davy WILL win. I’ve clearly said (rather predicted) that he is capable of making it competitive, especially after troubling Rafa & Djoko but Fed should still win.

So either you are simply purposely mis-interpreting (especially the JMDP thing), or I’ve simply not explained myself well.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

Been there,I stuck with those two, because JMDP & Davy are still in this event. Sure, a win is possible “despite H2H” but I still think saying H2H is “meaningless” overstates the case. I think H2H is meaningful, at any stage.

That doesn’t mean a guy can’t once in a while get big scalp, but neither does it mean H2H is meaningless at this stage or any.

Having said that, your point that champs like Fed and Nadal have been vulnerable at certain stretches this year is well taken, and thus there has been a pattern of players getting those surprising big scalps. : )

You explained yourself well enough.

November 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm

BB: perhaps I missed something – “And you found my response offensive and did not bother to reply. That’s sad.”

I didn’t find anything you wrote offensive. But I wasn’t cutting a pasting from Murray’s excuse book either lol! : )

JMDP has been somewhat unpredictable since his USO win, folding easily in the Asian swing and retiring in a lame effort versus Stepanek in Paris. And then he lost here to Murray. So I was simply saying that it’s not impossible to think that Soderling might win against him. Or that maybe JMDP is tired or whatever; beating Fed can sometimes cause an anti-climax for players. However, rethinking that, it’s actually JMDP who will have had more recovery time than Soda, and that, plus his better return game record, could give him a better chance to win.

Peace!

November 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm

Jane, how is Soderling more consistent during the same span, then? what happened to Djokovic’s great Asia-Europe swing? How about Federer of Basel and Paris? He, too, lost to JMDP, yesterday (also compare: “And then he lost here to Murray” with Soderling losing to Davydenko, against whom he had what 6-3?). W.r.t. “beating Fed can sometimes cause an anti-climax for players,” do we have a pattern among the top 6 to make this claim, aside from Murray? I am not looking for your response, but just raising some questions because I smelled that you are worried about Murray’s No. 4 and want Soderling or Federer to stop JMDP from winning the title. Power politics works strangely. But that’s perfectly fine.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:04 pm

jane,

Remember that the very same thing you say is what majority of tennis-fans said about the Wimby final regarding Roddick, & also the FO semi (after being handily beaten in AO) & USO finals regarding JMDP.

And the reason why I ask why you are not comsidering Roddick’s attempts as well is ‘coz Roddick & Fed have been going for years, with Fed having an insurmountable H2H, yet once in a while, Roddick comes close. So if anything, if YOU want to compare, Roddick is a more appropriate comparison to the Fed-Davy match than JMDP, simply ‘coz as you say, JMDP is still up & coming, (so can’t be put in the same category).

Similarly, it’s the only reason why despite having an inferior H2H against Rafa, Fed still can challenge every once in a while…infact, 9/10 of their matches goes the distance.

Hence, for me, my point is still very valid. Once it’s semis & finals at this level, imo, H2H simply becomes much less significant. Rnd1, Rnd2 yeah, but here, all top8, a bit meaningless.

Anyhow, I guess we agree to disagree.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:06 pm

Roddick, unlike Davy, has won a slam and been in 4 other slam finals – all of which he lost to Fed! He has also won 4 MS shields and Queens (which is like MS title) 4 times. So I consider him a tougher out than Davy.

Fed and Rafa’s H2H is 50/50 and so it’s not the same as Fed and Davy’s H2H.

Yes, I guess we will agree to disagree. I think H2H is not meaningless. It’s not the be all and end all, indeed, but it still matters. Even if at a psychological level.

————————————–

BB: If Murray loses number 4 to JMDP who wins the title, that won’t bother me at all. I’d be super happy to see JMDP win the title. He is a great player! I like to see new winners.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

BB:” how is Soderling more consistent during the same span, then?”

Well, since the USO, hasn’t Sod been quite consistently good? I mean he reached the semis, I believe, in Bejing; the quarters ? in SHanghai, and in Sweden, but then withdrew with an injury. And in Paris he got to the quarters again.

As for the anti-climax, I wasn’t referring to only top 6 players; I was speaking generally. Anyhow, I am going to leave these conversations behind as I actually have work to do.

Cheers – and may the best guys win tomorrow.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

If reaching quarters and semi is good, Soderling reached a few since the US Open. But that has been the limit. He’s reached the WTF semi here as well, so time to pack and go home tomorrow, just like on those consistently good occasions.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Sorry, I just had to reply to some of this.

“Fed and Rafa’s H2H is 50/50″

Since when? ATP site says 13-7 to Rafa, almost double, exactly 65/35 to Rafa, which is true ‘coz at anytime, Rafa is most likely to win hands down.

>50/50 at nearest would be Murray-Fed or if we want to push it, Fed-Djoko, but certainly not Fed-Rafa.

For anyone who may want to bring up surfaces & such, yeah…even the more reason why for me, H2H becomes even more meaningless at such high levels, i.e. semis, finals & YEC ‘coz so many other things are falling into place.

November 27th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Oops, what I meant was that Fed has won roughly half the number of matches as Nadal in their H2H (i.e., 7 wins as opposed to Rafa’s 13 wins).

November 27th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

I don’t think Toad tanked. I think he wanted the points, money etc. but then again he might have wanted a fresher person to beat Fed, and Novak wasn’t fresh.

Djok did his part of the job today and maybe was even happy it was out of his hands and doesn’t have to take a possible loss against fed.

I am glad Kolya is in. Anytime it doesn’t affect Novak’s chances, I root for him.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

oh man, h2h’s. rafa’s and roger’s h2h might have had their time when they were reasonably reliable, but no longer. in fact, if they both retired now, it would be best for their h2h’s. both players are in transition for different reasons but the result is the same: a top player, a rising star ( cilic ), heck, even a veteran on a hot streak (benneteau) can do some h2h damage at the moment.

was just now looking at the fed v davy h2h. at first glance it looks laughable but the thing is, they really have not played for awhile. i know h2h in essence, is about match-ups but that is far from the whole story.

davy may not match-up well with fed in his prime and all those times, davy never even got lucky and met fed on a bad day. of course, fed was having less bad days in his prime, say before 2008. davy is certainly aware that fed recently lost to benneteau. and there is no reason why he won’t step on court believing, more than ever, that he has a chance. federer says he doesn’t underestimate opponents but i think he often is too casual. this is best of 3 sets, if davy comes out strong and catches federer on a bad hair day when the first serves are into net, forehands gone wild….there is more reason than ever for davy to believe, is my point. will he believe? lol…probably not

that said: davy takes the first or second set; federer in 3.

one thing more and i have to leave tennis till tomorrow. fed/davy play first, should davy upset federer, imagine what effect that result would have? teeheeheeee sorry, but… it would make…. soda pop! okay, g’night.

November 27th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

Davydenko believes he will have his 1st tomorrow. “Each of the 12 times I played him I came in believing I could win,” said Davydenko. “It’s not like I was coming into the match and already saying I’m losing.

“But I know Federer is older, I’m also older. Maybe I am starting to play better and Federer not so good. We’ll see. I played great in all three matches [this week]. I would like to play the same way as I did today, and I hope I can run well tomorrow, fast, and not make any mistakes.”

Soderling did not sound too sure about his chances,
“I have to serve well. I have to move well. I think I have to do everything well because he’s a good player. He doesn’t give you many chances. He’s probably very confident now, beating Roger yesterday. So I have to step it up at least one level from today’s match. But I think I can do it. I played good this whole week. I’ve been playing well the past couple of months. So I think I can play well tomorrow and hopefully I will have a chance.”

November 27th, 2009 at 11:23 pm

contador

I disagree that Davy has never caught Fed “on a bad day”

I can think of at least 3 matches they’ve played when Fed was off.

One was the 2004 Miami match. Fed I think was sick or something and barely beat Davy like 7-5 in the third before getting trounced by Rafa (ranked outside the top 50 at the time) in the next round.

Another was the 2006 AO. Davy easily outplayed Fed in that match from the baseline. Fed did serve incredibly well to save himself, but that was a very winnable match for Davy.

Finally, the USO semifinal in 07 was really a poorly played match by both players. Tons of service breaks. Davy was just awful in that he’d get a break and then double fault left and right and hand the break right back to Fed.

November 28th, 2009 at 12:44 am

Thanks for those quotes from the underdogs BB. It’s nice to hear both of them believing in their chances, especially Davy, who has sometimes deferred to Fed in interviews in the past. This time he seems to really believe. That’s cool. As for Soda, you’re right he sounds less sure, but he seems to be taking in some confidence anyhow. Good luck to them. And to the favorites as well.

November 28th, 2009 at 12:55 am

Davy thanked Shanghai crowd to back him against Murray at last year’s TMC SF.

He will have to thank London crowd to back up him against Fed tomorrow (today, rather).

13 is charm. LOL.

November 28th, 2009 at 1:06 am

I don’t feel the least bit sorry for either Nole or Murray. The had their own fates in their hands, in Murray’s case all he need was to win one more game in the third set against Federer, and in Nole’s case, he could have fought harder to win a set off of Soderling which is something I think we can all agree that he can do and should have done.

November 28th, 2009 at 2:13 am

Oh and btw, I’m all for a Fed-Delpo final. :)

November 28th, 2009 at 2:15 am

morning people,

Am I the only one who actually things that davy has the most beautiful smile, great teeth and is verging on handsome? (and I am serious). How could someone refer to him as gollum? Not nice. He is a handsome guy – and like you said conty, he is honest, enjoys his tennis and does his best, shys away from the big stage – i think that is quite endearing – it was a solid match yesterday. Soderling has really come into his own at this tournament – good on him – he seems such a shy man as well – in his interview – such a big man, with a shy personality – soderling has grown on me this year.

Davy may not have won a slam, but he is always a dangerous player – susceptible to mental lapses at key moments, choking when he should have won – but I feel he has a great chance. I cant say that I have ever seen anyone hit the forehand the way he does, it is almost sideways on – weird, but effective.

Now, I watched the fed/delpo match again – fed will no doubt have analysed that match, and he really has to make sure he is serving well against davy – first serve is a must for fed in any match – secondly, I was surprised that fed did not attack more in the delpo match.

So, for tdoay, fed has to serve better against davy, has to be more attacking, against davy. And win.

As for delp/sod – i think they are very evenly matched up, big men, big forehands and similar movement, almost lumbering but strangely effective. And delpo can be inconsistent, very strange to see him miss forehands and send balls out of court after hitting some brilliant shots, a point or two before. So sod could get delpo on a rise later tonight.

Its been a great tourny so far, that’s for sure.

Cheers to all tennis fans!

Go federer go!

November 28th, 2009 at 6:11 am

Federer never goes onto a court underestimating his opponent. He has always had great respect for Nicolai and said himself that he is underestimated on the tour. Fed knows this. If federer plays more attacking tennis today,and continues with that self belief, there is no reason why he should not win. He is not going to be looking ahead to the final (and some of you have put him there already), he approaches the match before him. Today. That is his target, then everything will take care of itself.

I think we see the best of fed when he is under pressure, and he brings out his best tennis towards the end of any tournament (especially the slams).

One match at a time for federer.

November 28th, 2009 at 6:22 am

madmax

True, you can’t make 22 consecutive finals if you’re taking things for granted out there. It was obvious to me in the first match that Fed wants this tournment really badly. Whether it’s for the history books or just because it’s a big tournament, he wants this WTF and I just can’t see anyone stopping him once he gets his full game in motion. Nikolay doesn’t have enough power and Sod and JMDP and lacking in the variety and movement department just enough so that Fed will be able to take advantage in the final.

November 28th, 2009 at 7:10 am

Sorry, Slam semifinals. Still pretty impressive.

November 28th, 2009 at 7:11 am

yeah david. thanks for your post. The only thing fed knew is that he needed to win a set in the match against delpo – why then, would he go all out in the match (wear himself out in the process?). My understanding is that fed knew if he won the set, he was through to the semis. That being the case, he didnt need to go all out and beat delpo (delpo played brilliantly by the way), but fed is a strategic master. If he knew he was in the semis, he would be going to get some rest, regroup, analyse a few players videos and their games, with his coach and team, and then take it from there. One match at a time.

Obviously, the “blow” in losing to delpo isnt going to be “that” great, if fed is conserving energy for the next match, knowing that he was through to the semis- he came out top of the group in group A, it was a toss up between delpo and murray as to who was going to go through.

Fed now has more time, more energy and more willpower to bring it on again in the business end of this tournament.

I never underestimate him – I do think sometimes he can be inconsistent, but I am just so pleased to see him out there playing David, he has nothing left to prove, it is pure passion on his part to win, and I think that he will. There is no reason why he cannot provided he gets his first serve sorted and mixes up his game. He still got to be the greatest “all round” player out there.

November 28th, 2009 at 7:41 am

madmax: “I was surprised that fed did not attack more in the delpo match”

He couldn’t. JMDP didn’t allow him to do that ;-)

November 28th, 2009 at 8:27 am

madmax:

[- first serve is a must for fed in any match - secondly, I was surprised that fed did not attack more in the delpo match.

So, for tdoay, fed has to serve better against davy]

Firstly, yes, first serve is important for everyone, but for players like Fed & Delpo, even Soderling, their second serves are sooo good, that a poor first serve is not going to affect there games all that much. They have good 2nd serves to back themselves up. UNLESS, the first serve is being continually dumped into the net, which is more likely to lead to double faults. (which is what happened to Roger in USO). ‘coz in that case, there is a problem with service motion, elements – windy, physical health, or simply lack of fire-power.

imo there is a difference between missing a first serve by a few mm ‘coz the player is going for an ace, and simply that which is dumped into the net ‘coz of lack of fire-power, poor serve motion etc. In most cases, for Fed & Del.P, it’s the first instance, so they just reduce the speed of the 2nd serve, which is still deep, accurate & powerful.

>>So in the Fed-Del.P London match, Fed was simply overpowered. Nothing he could do. That’s why he could not attack more. He had to defend, otherwise, it was gonna be over very quick 6-2, 6-2. He even needed a bit of luck with the net chord (not that it matters) in set2 tie-break at 4-5 ‘coz Del.P had 2 match-points on his own serve , in which case Fed would be out of the tournament. Save for one or two games in the 3rd set, Fed played very well, much better than at the USO fianls, Basel & Paris. Even better than the other matches he won against Murray & Verdasco. I’m looking at the statistics: avg serve for Fed was 62%, which is normal for Fed (not super, but not bad either) while Del.P 58%, If we break it down to sets: (1st set:RF56%, JM43%; 2nd set: RF61%, JM67%; 3rdset:RF74%, JM60%)….so Fed was actually serving almost as good as or better than Del.P for most of the match, especially 1st set.

Remember Fed pushed Del.P to five sets in USO with his serve in the 40s (& at various points in the match 30s!)…so here, the ground-strokes made all the difference. Del.P played like a man possessed…unleashing all speed & power…too much for Fed…he might have had a chance in the 3rd set, but in the first two, he played for survival, & he did well to keep it close. Del.P says he played better than at the USO, (though he adds the USO is still the match of his life, so no comparison)…I think that pretty much sums it up.

Now, a player like Murray is completely different. For him, a first serve is absolutely necessary ‘coz his 2nd serve lacks any power. Verdasco is even worse off…most of his first serves do go in, hence he has a high first serve% in most matches. But at what speed? Verdasco’s first serve is like 80mph, so should his serve% drop below 65-70%, he’s in trouble ‘coz he’s 2nd serve can’t save him. e.g. His 1st serve% in the 3rd set against Fed where he was dismissed 6-1 is 84%!! lol. Who wouldn’t want that. But 84% first serve means little if they’re being rolled in at 70-80mph.

>>Just to further illustrate: Yesterday during the Sod-Davy match, at one point, Sod was hitting 2ns serves at 108mph. Then one of the commentators says something like “Murray’s 2nd serve average is 88%”…basically, Soderling’s normal 2nd serve is much better than Murray’s, and if I can add to that, it is better than Verdaso’s first serve. Also, back to Fed-JMDP, JMDP’s winners during the rallies were being hit at 109mph!! Imagine that…ground-stokes faster than other peoples first & 2nd serves…add power to the speed you see what brought Fed down.

So if there’s a rematch & JMDP keeps up that very form of the 1st & 2nd set, it won’t matter what Fed does, he’s likely to lose. Even if he serves in the 70s-80s, JMDP’s long arms returns what should normally be aces & unreturnables from Fed. Fed’s only chance will be to use tactics…if he can, bring him to the net, if possible, serve & volley…basically outhink Del.P ‘coz baseline rallies will be a big no no.

So if there’s a rematch, the question will be: can JMDP keep it up? If he drops to even USO level, then Fed will finish him off, otherwise… For once, a match is not on Fed’s racquet…both Fed & JMDP know it….quite a new territory for the Fed.

November 28th, 2009 at 8:40 am

correction@ 8:40am
“coz Del.P had 2 match-points on his own serve”

not match-pont….rather, JMDP had an opportunity to to go 7-4 ‘coz he was armed with two serves of his own at 5-4.

November 28th, 2009 at 8:48 am

Del Potro’s tactics:

A) Over power Fed most of the time with hard flat ground strokes. Keep the unforced errors down and keep Fed running.

B) If you see a short slice from Fed then slice it back with high percentage medium pace. Don’t panic and fall into Federer’s trap. No need to blast a ball and make an error from an awkward low position. Just wait and do it on the next shot from a higher percentage winning position. Play on your own terms. Not Federer’s.

Since Del Potro controls points from the baseline, his first serve doesn’t have to be high percentage. Any aces and/or free points he gets from it is just gravy.

Del Potro dictates the match and decided who wins and loses. Wow, how things have changed in tennis.

Now Fed knows how Hewitt must feel playing against him.

November 28th, 2009 at 8:49 am

Does Fed want to be Kolya of last year’s YEC, where he got badly beaten by Djokovic in the RR and final? It would be prudent on Fed’s part to tank the match to Kolya so he would save his ass from being publicly spanked again by the Argentine Kalashnikov (AK-47) in the final.

November 28th, 2009 at 8:56 am

Would Fed want to be Kolya of last year’s YEC, where he got badly beaten by Djokovic in the RR and final? It would be prudent on Fed’s part to tank the match to Kolya so he would be saved from being publicly spanked again by the Argentine Kalashnikov (AK-47) in the final.

November 28th, 2009 at 9:00 am

Cindy

Come on. That’s taking things way too far. You’re comparing Delpo-Fed to Fed-Hewitt? Let’s at least wait and see if Delpo can beat Fed in the final first, if he can even get that far.

What I’ve seen in their last 2 matches is one match that Fed probably should have won in straight sets despite having one of the worst serving days of his life, and then that one on Thursday that really could’ve gone either way. Delpo got the break in the 3rd set after Fed missed some chances to get the break.

Sure, Delpo’s got some weapons to bother Fed or anyone. But Roger can play a lot better than he did in their last 2 matches, and when he does I seriously doubt Delpo will have any answer.

November 28th, 2009 at 9:06 am

madmax

No doubt he’s got the passion to win. But remember what Courier said a few years back. Fed’s out to completely rewrite the record books too! Getting most YEC titles is a minor thing compared to Slam titles and most Wimbledons, but still he doesn’t want anyone else holding that record.

November 28th, 2009 at 9:26 am

Ak-47. your mighty confident. Good for you.

Been there – you are very analytical and use stats more than me, but I see where you are coming from. Fed didnt serve so badly. I guess I am just not used to fed being the one who had to fight to stay in the match – tho’ in many ways, it makes for a much more competitive match –

Also, i hear what you are saying about delpo. but i dont think he is as consistent as everyone makes out – i enjoy watching him play, a lumbering yetti with oodles of talent – BUT, he can be on or off – against federer, he was “on”.

Also, remember fed had a slow start against delpo. It seems to me that delpo will bring out all the stops against fed – he has a point to prove – he wants to be the one to be known as taking the no. 1 down – just like murray – the testerone is high on those tennis courts –

but federer is a man of variety. I feel sometimes, he can miss the simplest of shots – and yet he is so used to the pressure now – you would think he wouldnt miss any!

Federer’s backhand has improved so much over the last few years – everyone underrates it. Delpo was playing his shots a lot of the times towards roger’s backhand.

The way that roger needs to beat delpo, should he go through, is bring him into the net with those sliced shots, and then once he is in, shoot a forehand into the corner, like he did a couple of times playing him.

But onto davy. I love watching the guy play. So underrated. Great shots, great personality, a dangerous competitor who should never be underrated.

I feel better been there, after reading your analysis of fed’s shots – and like..i think it was cindy?.. said that roger was not attacking enough – so i reckon he will have had time to think about his next move, and i dont think that delpo will be as lucky, should he get through. New day, new match, new game.

okay, now to the match! fed v davy. dont give the break away fed!

November 28th, 2009 at 9:33 am

missed opportunity fed! get a grip!!!!! c’moon!

November 28th, 2009 at 9:35 am

And davy breaks…what a poor game from fed

November 28th, 2009 at 9:37 am

is anyone out there watching the fed match?

been there, i hear what you say about the second serve, but boy, he sure aint serving brilliantly right now. too many double faults. he’s nervous and he’s making me feel nervous too. Argh! federer!

November 28th, 2009 at 9:38 am

kimmi,

i know. sometimes having had a few more hours rest, even 24, the guy loses momentum. davy still on a role. and these are athletes, used to the rigours of time changeovers – this could be a difficult one.

November 28th, 2009 at 9:40 am

Double break..what is going on..Fed wake up !

Lets hope its another slow start like RR rounds..but boy, he needs to sort himself out quickly

November 28th, 2009 at 9:46 am

madmax..fed is broken again…can’t find his first serve…too many mistake, incredible !

November 28th, 2009 at 9:54 am

Great stuff from davydenko. He is on his way to get the first win from the fed..fed needs to wake up quickly or it will be over soon coz davy is not going to relax.

November 28th, 2009 at 9:58 am

this is just astonishing kimmi. I dont think that fed is taking this seriously enough! wake up federer!

It’s all about, does he want to win this friggin’ game or not? Right now, I just dont know kimmi. Okay, so its exciting, but honestly, my stomach is in turmoil. Need to take a break, hold the fort for me kimmi!

November 28th, 2009 at 9:59 am

kimmi, he’s not number one in the world for nothing. He’ll sort it out.

November 28th, 2009 at 10:00 am

kimmi,

he looks tired to me. a bit flat.

November 28th, 2009 at 10:01 am

He got to get the adrenalin flowing. right kimmi. need to take a break now. Federer gotta get the PUMP! the ROAR! c’moon!

November 28th, 2009 at 10:02 am

madmax davy is playing well too…come on fed..serve is important here

November 28th, 2009 at 10:06 am

madmax..he is playing better now. serving better too but he needs to break here..

November 28th, 2009 at 10:25 am

davydenko is frustrating federer here..what a get on the FH wide…incredible lucky shots

November 28th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Apparently he takes it seriously.

November 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am

madmax..big ROAAAAAR. So tense. Fed gets the set

November 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am

If you say Davydenko doesn’t look like gollum, you are

a) lying through your teeth

and/or

b) you are just blind.

It is what it is, saying a fat person is fat or a thin person is thin, is not rude. Sometimes calling a spade is just that – calling it a spade.

Anyway, I like Davy’s game and have never found his game dull. I love the way he takes the ball on the rise and can change the direction of a rally so effectively. That doesn’t mean I am going to deny the fact that the 1st thought that struck me when I saw that picture on the ATP was of that Tolkien character. If it helps, I love Gollum the character in the book and even more in the movie. I dont see any thing not nice about gollum.

Also, I would like to add Fed looks like Tarantino and Safin looks like keaunu reeves (look at reeves in Speed and Safin when he was playing after a few months after he got his head shaved.

Regarding the match, Davy has really proved the fact that the 12-0 H2H also has something do with Roger’s mental strength – which is not as obvious as Nadal’s or hewitt’s but not inferior in anyway. Just look at the players he’s had this vice like grip on – blake, gonzo, soderling and even players like roddick, hewitt. I think you sell players like Davy, Gonzo and Soda short, when you say they wilt against Roger.

Anyways, looks like Roger has found his serve – lost 6 points in 7 service games in the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Go Roger! (though his losing to soda, davy or delpo wont sting as much as a loss to djoko or murray)

November 28th, 2009 at 10:55 am

AK – probably my last post to you.

Look at public spanking in an encyclopedia – you will find the video of the 2009 Aus qf between Roger and JMDP. 6-3 6-0 6-0. On 2nd thoughts, you might find it under public rape.

Try to learn from JMDP and dont be in too much of a hurry to put your foor in your mouth!

November 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am

With Federer getting 72+% 1st serve in, Davydenko cannot even dream of winning this match. If Federer had continued like in the 1st set, maybe…if it happens to go into tie breaker, Federer will have huge advantage.

November 28th, 2009 at 11:04 am

crunch time ..crunch time..crunch time..C’moon fed

November 28th, 2009 at 11:06 am

What a gme davy to get out off…great stuff. C’moon fed

November 28th, 2009 at 11:12 am

Davydenko BREAKS..wow..can he win it.

November 28th, 2009 at 11:16 am

DAVYDENKO..CONGRATS MAN..FIRST WIN against federer…congrats congrats congrats…federer too bad.

November 28th, 2009 at 11:23 am

Well played Davydenko. Finally gets a well deserved W against the GOAT. It would be a travesty of gigantic proportions if such a committed tennis player like Davy (even if it is for the ching-ching only) never got a win against Roger, when lesser mortals have won.

Now, this is Delpotro’s tournament to lose :) Would be crazy if its a Davy-Soda final :D

November 28th, 2009 at 11:33 am

Despite being a big Fed fan I am delighted for Davydenko, who is probably the best player never to make a Slam final – just hope he can win tomorrow, he is a decent guy as well and thoroughly deserves it.

Cheers to you davydenko.

November 28th, 2009 at 11:37 am

longlive,

I think that davydenko is a handsome man – that’s my personal opinion. Beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

Kimmi,

Yes. congratulations to Davydenko and davy fans on this forum. The third set was a corker! The smash from fed was brrrrilllliannnttttt. Not his day today. Davy stayed with him, deserved to win, but ugh. so difficult sometimes watching federer play. my stomach turns. Crying out – federer! get the pump! PUMP IT UP! but I actually feel okay. Because I feel this is fed’s many successes this year, catching up. Of course I would have liked him to win. Massive, MASSIVE, fed fan. But you know, davy played hard and has worked hard to get this match and if he never beats federer again, he will relive this moment, over and over.

It’s bugging me though Kimmi. Pat Cash, one slam wonder, commentating. Federer is on the decline (cash’s words). That’s it. Over and out. Oh My God. Do people have short memories or what? 4 grand slam finals this year and winning two of them – that surely gotta take it out of the mind, body and soul towards the end of the year?

Why do commentators always talk a pile of dung – cash has never liked federer. always coming up with crass remarks. I dislike him intensely. I’d like him to even reach a semi final grand slam over and over in his life time. Such a punk.

As for federer. Kimmi, what do you think went wrong for him today?

November 28th, 2009 at 12:20 pm