Nadal Better Than Berdych; Murray, Roddick in Action Today at Indian Wells

by Sean Randall | March 19th, 2010, 1:23 pm
  • 192 Comments

There is no doubting Rafael Nadal’s ability to come up big in pressure situations. The same, though, cannot be said for his fourth round opponent Tomas Berdych. Last night with Berdych leading 2-0 in the second set tiebreak, the big Czech had a forehand winner lined up with a chance to seize control of the breaker. ADHEREL

But Berdych pushed the forehand long and a potential 3-0 lead with two serves to come evaporated, and with so too did the match. Nadal won six of the next eight points to seal a tough 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Berdych in the quarterfinals at the Tennis Masters BNP Parisbas Open at Indian Wells.

For defending champion Nadal, it was his 10th straight win at Indian Wells and his 20th of his last 21. For Berdych, another chance lost. The guy comes oh so close, but mentally Berdych is still so far away.


“I played really well, especially the first set,” said Nadal who hasn’t won a title in 10 months. “The first probably eight, nine games of the match was unbelievable level. Later the wind came a little bit and it was more difficult to play. But anyway, we were still playing, kept playing at high level, and this is very important. Very good news for me to be in semifinals.”

In the Saturday semifinal, Nadal will be the heavy favorite against the surprising Ivan Ljubicic who earlier in the day beat Juan Monaco in three sets 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

“The conditions suits my game perfectly,” Said Ljubicic who turns 31 today. “It’s nice and dry. The ball goes through the air pretty quickly. The court is slow enough so I can return well, as well. It’s just perfect.”

After a rather unremarkable afternoon session yesterday, today’s card under the sun is loaded with both men’s top half quarterfinals plus a women’s semifinal.

For the men it’s Andy Roddick and Tommy Robredo followed by Andy Murray against Robin Soderling. On to the picks.

Like Berdych, Robredo is another guy who plays well and looks good, but far too often comes up short against the big names. I recall Robredo really pushing Roger Federer a few times in the Slams and even Nadal last fall, but all for not. And against Roddick, the Spaniard is incredibly 0-10 lifetime against the American winning just one of 26 sets! I say “incredible” because T-Rob has a good enough game to trouble A-Rod, but mentally the two are different planes.

Roddick’s been playing well all week – he hasn’t dropped a set – although he’s really had a great draw. And that great draw continues today against Robredo who got bageled by Marcos Baghdatis the other day. Roddick’s the pick.

I picked Murray to win this title at the start of the week, and so far nothing the Scot has done has made me rethink that choice. Like Roddick, Murray’s also enjoyed a good draw but that changes today against the very dangerous Soderling. Robin hasn’t dropped a set in impressive wins over JW Tsonga, Feliciano Lopez and Evgeny Koralev. Soderling also beat Murray in their last meeting but that came in Memphis in 2006. Murray’s a far better player these days – as is Robin – and with the match outdoors and the elements involved (wind, heat) I like Murray here.

The women’s semifinals today feature Sam Stosur against Jelena Jankovic at noon. Then tonight Caroline Wozniacki meets friend Agnieska Radwanksa. A win for the Dane moves her to No. 2 in the world! The women’s final will be played Sunday with both men’s semifinals tomorrow afternoon.


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192 Comments for Nadal Better Than Berdych; Murray, Roddick in Action Today at Indian Wells

bobby Says:

I wish nadal to win this tournament.He is a great ambassador for the game.Tennis needs him to be a top player for many more years.Nadal is adored world over irrespective of nationality.


Voicemale1 Says:

Nadal will beat Ljubicic. Given how much better he’s moving and playing now as opposed to the last 6 months, he’s on track to win the whole thing no matter who he plays. If so, it will do his confidence a world of good.


I like tennis bullies Says:

tennis is much better without the arrogant swiss monogram (:


jane Says:

I can see Rafa defending his title for sure, especially if there are environmental factors during the final, i.e. wind, as Rafa seems so expert at blocking out any distractions matches and focusing really well: I’d give him the edge in that department over all the remaining contenders. I am hoping for an All-Andy semi. I wouldn’t mind seeing JJ & Woz come through on the women’s side, but I like Stosur and Aggy too, so whomever is good. And of course, a Happy Birthday to Ljubicic today. This has been a nice run for him, a place at which he’s always done quite well.


Skorocel Says:

Bobby: “I wish nadal to win this tournament.He is a great ambassador for the game.”

I thought Agassi was even greater… LOL :-)


Skorocel Says:

“Last night with Berdych leading 2-0 in the second set tiebreak, the big Czech had a forehand winner lined up with a chance to seize control of the breaker. But Berdych pushed the forehand long and a potential 3-0 lead with two serves to come evaporated, and with so too did the match.”

Exactly my thoughts, Sean! That FH error at 2-0 really sealed the whole thing… But well, that’s the difference between being a contender and a champion, isn’t it? If there was Nadal, he’d hit a winner in 9 out of 10 cases in such scenario, but oh well, that’s Berdych :-(


Voicemale1 Says:

Berdych has so much talent, and so much game, that it’s a shame he hasn’t been able to hold it together mentally in the most pressure packed moments. I remember what my stepfather told me about tennis: you need sound technique to compete; but WINNING is all in the head.


margot Says:

The time of Andy’s match is all wrong for us Brits so jane, kimmi and any other gentle folk who support this tortured talent please give him your loudest support tonight, yeah your cheers might even wake me up……
Good luck to Andy R too, he seems to be playing gr8 this week.


jane Says:

I’ll be cheering on Murray to pop Soda margot; you can count on it. And I know Kimmi will too. Hope you’re well. :)


margot Says:

jane: hi! Thankyou I am good. After a horrible cold Winter at last daffs and crocuses are out and the birdies are getting all excitable, Spring is in the air!
I hope Andy is regrouping after AO. Interesting isn’t it, Rafa seems to be getting stronger after AO, Andy seems a little lost to me. Should be other way round.


jane Says:

Yes, margot, same here: have both daffs and deep purple crocuses sprouting, not to mention forsythia, magnolias, and cherry trees all over the city. This makes for increased sneezing, but it’s lovely nonetheless.

With Murray, I think he may be feeling the effects of that final. I don’t want people to think it an “excuse” but I do believe players must be affected mentally when they come close to reaching a goal and then fall short. I agree that Murray doesn’t seem 100% himself, not like at the AO where he seemed so focused and confident. Meanwhile, I think Rafa’s retirement and subsequent break was just what he may’ve needed to retool the game etc. Anyhow, remains to be seen how this’ll all play out, but I think it’s possible we’ll see a repeat of last year’s finalists? If so, gotta hope there’s no wind and no flying papers! : /


margot Says:

jane: re final,amen to that! BTW did not realise you had Spring in Canada! Thought it was pecularily European.


sar Says:

I don’t know if I care who wins the men’s now.


Kimmi Says:

margot: Goo Murray! I am very nervous with this match-up but I am trying to be positive. Murray needs to move soda around..soda not the best mover, just the right execution is needed here! C’mon Andy


Kimmi Says:

hopefully this tournament will give JJ the confidence she needs..she was almost starting to go Ivanovic route.

Sad for Stosur, I wanted her to win but I guess JJ wanted it more.


jane Says:

Sean, Robredo can do absolutely nothing with Andy’s first serve, which could be one reason why Andy dominates in their H2H so totally. Roddick will be through shortly, and on to Andy #2!


Kimmi Says:

robredo came in knowing he will lose..no fire at all from himl! Great for roddick, go relax and watch Murray v soda battle it out!


skeezerweezer Says:

“Skorocel Says,

I thought Agassi was even greater… LOL :-)”

Good one, lol!


skeezerweezer Says:

Roddick wins,

Congrats to the AR fans…:)


jane Says:

Hmmmm…. it looked like Murray was going to break, and then lo and behold, Soderling does. But Murray seems to be reading Soda’s serve well, so he can probably turn it around.


contador Says:

anyone watching the soda/muzz? so silent on tx

yay! roddick! oh happy day…

oh no. soda broke. 2-0. but can he hold?


Ben Pronin Says:

Is Murray injured or is an outside distraction bothering him?


Kimmi Says:

Murray has started very passive, if he does not wake up..this match is gone..


Kimmi Says:

he seem to be touching his ankle..dodn’t know what is happening! he us just very bad at the moment


Ben Pronin Says:

Or is he simply frustrated?


Ben Pronin Says:

Is that tape under his shorts or some sort of spandex?


Kimmi Says:

unbelivable….go soderling! murray does not want to win..sheesh!


Ben Pronin Says:

Serve and volley on second serve break point down? Is Murray practicing again :P


contador Says:

oh hello jane. i rushed home. missed roddick’s match.

muzza needs to turn this around. i think he can do it but something about his shoes seems to be bothering him….

time for an ace now but no. deuce. wow what a shot from soderling! soda is moving awfully well. andy was trying to move him around. but so far…nothing is working.


contador Says:

Kimmi! are you cheering for soda?

his gf is cool.


jane Says:

Ben you’re kidding right? Didn’t you hear about Murray’s undergarment troubles at the AO? Those are spandex shorts, which he says are a little “tight” so sometimes he has to adjust them. LOL.

contador, yep, Soda is popping so far. Murray better go for the break here or the first set is gone!


jane Says:

contador, just thinking that about Soda’s lady; nice shades! Lovely chestnut hair. She looks, well, anti-swedish. HA.


contador Says:

muzza is wearing spandex. and something is bothering him


Ben Pronin Says:

Oh I didn’t realize. Why does he wear them?


contador Says:

you would know about men in spandex better than i would, Ben. lol

do you think she’s blond gone chestnut, Jane?


Kimmi Says:

I am cheering for Murray but he is sooo bad at the mo. Soda is good to cheer for.

he needs to hold here..so that he starts 2nd set better

Wow what a shot by soda..soda on fire here!!


Ben Pronin Says:

Can’t complain THAT much about Murray, though. Soderling isn’t letting anything go. He’s playing really well.


Kimmi Says:

hehhe murray rolled in his first serve and soda gave big wack!

c’mon you muzza


contador Says:

maybe if muzza gets bagel-ed or a breasdstick he’ll get mad and channel it into winning the second set.

c’mon MUZZA…lets have a match!


Von Says:

Hi skeezer:

Thanks for the good wishes on Roddick’s win. I’m happy he’s made to the SF as he would have lost posts had he not done so, considering he made it to the Sf last year.

I didn’t see the match, so how did he play? Was he just too good, or was it Robredo who played badly?? I would suppose it’s the latter as the H2H now seems to be a mental block for Tommy, who freezes when he sees one of Andy’s serves coming down the “T” at him. He probably says to him self, lemme the hell outta here.

________________
tennisbebe: I saw on the other thread that you finally broke down by leaving your cleaning and graced us with one of your posts. I can sympathize with you on the lawn woes, i have twigs where the flowers used to be. The only plats that survived were the crotons and palms. The roses are all dead. So are you going to stick around for the SFs and finals??
_______________

Sorry Skeezer, no flowers for you to do your petal thing. LOL.


jane Says:

contador, it is so difficult to know what’s real and not anymore. But it looked like real brunette to me as a glance.

YEAH! Murray’s on the board.

Ben, I think Murray wears them for support> ? LOL, I don’t know. He did talk about this during an interview during the AO. Will look it up later. Maybe after the final?


blah Says:

wow soderling absolutely crushed murray. murray’s getting whacked around again. his second serve is just getting punished.


contador Says:

i know, Kimmi. though i pick Murray to win. i can’t help cheering soda on.

set point -pop!


skeezerweezer Says:

Von,

I just watched the end…sorry…maybe someone up here can chime in?…….:)

What? No flowers? Petal to the metal baby…Ha!


Kimmi Says:

bread stick!! Still hoping he miraculously come back!

Go Muzza


skeezerweezer Says:

WOw….you folks seeing what I am seeing….SODA POP? Yikes!


contador Says:

i wish rafa would consider wearing spandex underwear.


Ben Pronin Says:

What’s he supporting? How is it support if it’s uncomfortable? What an interesting character, Murray is. He needs to stop missing and go for broke a little bit.


Kimmi Says:

“i wish rafa would consider wearing spandex underwear” hahahahahaha


jane Says:

Roddick served really well, and Robredo just couldn’t find one in-road, especially against a first serve. i think Roddick won nearly every single point on first serves. It’s not that Robredo played badly, though I thought he competed better (maybe more confidence?) against Baggy.

Anyhow at least Murray held to start the second. But nothing wrong with Soda here; it’s hard not to admire the way he’s taking it to Murray and really blasting.


Ben Pronin Says:

If Soderling keeps this level of play, he’s going to take the title.


Kimmi Says:

No way..he is winning this…


contador Says:

expletives are starting to fly from the scot. maybe he can rev himself up. nothing wrong with a few..

yeah…he’s not gonna take it anymore

c’mon Muzza

and soda!….can’t help it. trying to cheer for muzza coz i like his fans here….

soda popping and the muzza hasn’t figured it out


skeezerweezer Says:

Ok Ladies don’t go there…lol

Rafa = Spandex? You think that is going to help is adjusting problem?

LOL!

Ya know I just might do an investigative report on that………


contador Says:

i am serious kimmi, i mean i don’t think too deeply about it but spandex could be the answer…ya know? i dunno.


jane Says:

Sun-shade thing on the court. Soderling keeps pushing Murray back behind the baseline; Murray needs to step in more imo.

Ben, here’s the blurb from Murray’s post-FO interview. Basically, the cycling shorts he wears, for whatever reason, bug him sometimes:

Q. The end of the tiebreaker you were touching your left hip. Was there a problem there or just tightness?

ANDY MURRAY: It’s not really a problem. It’s not really my left hip. It’s quite hard to explain. It’s more sort of my lower back is just stiff, like I had most of the tournament. It’s just where we play — I wear cycling shorts, and sometimes they’re quite tight, so you need to — you know, Roddick does it a lot, it’s kind of what Rafa does on his other side.
I don’t really know what I’m trying to say, but basically my hip is fine. It was just the cycling shorts were tight (smiling).


contador Says:

either i would help or hurt pretty bad? you tell me.


contador Says:

meant “it” would help….

i am not helping.


jane Says:

Skeezer, aren’t you still working the BABOTH angle? LOL.


contador Says:

not everyone is at home in cycling shorts.


Ben Pronin Says:

I remember that… but it doesn’t explain why he actually wears them. Get shorts that are slightly more loose, maybe?


skeezerweezer Says:

Soda Pop?

Ranked # 7 in the world, no slouch of the couch. Who is above him? Murray, Nole, Rafa, Fed, Roddick, JDP, Davy?( not in order..)…I didn’t know that…overlooked it…Soda Pop can play! ( but goooo Murray! )He is in top ten….


blah Says:

Soderling broke again… murray’s passive game wont even get him through the bigger masters series now…


contador Says:

muzza is tight. too tight. :(


Kimmi Says:

WOW!! soda continues to pop..I cant believe Murray is playing soo bad…I guess it is the soderling effect, no?

This break seals the match!! soda probably does not believe things are this easy..


Ben Pronin Says:

I don’t see this as “passive” play by Murray. He’s having an off day and he just has a lethargic look about him. I don’t think it’s entirely his fault. He’s making more errors than usual and Soderling’s not exactly giving him any openings. Tough day for the Scot.


skeezerweezer Says:

“jane Says:

Skeezer, aren’t you still working the BABOTH angle? LOL.”

That’s true, it should still be in the news, But do to the sensitivity of the moment for AM fans I was assuming no one would be interested in a follow up right now with him battling to stay in :)

Besides, I am investigating a much more interesting story on Rafa’s attire right now…..stay tuned HA!


jane Says:

Ben, true. Murray is not at his best. Soderling is clicking. That’s the way sometimes. Murray could step in a little though, imo. Cut off some of those shots and don’t let Sod have so much time to set up and pick his spots. He may make more errors if so.


contador Says:

soda pop pop…he can’t stop.

there is still hope. though it appears not much.

c’mon muzza


skeezerweezer Says:

Kimmi Says:

WOW!! soda continues to pop!

LOL, very good writing…:)

We have an opening for WTF! Network…..it pays well, wait you pay them….interested?


Kimmi Says:

if soda daft him really bad, murray confidence will suffer


jane Says:

Murray hasn’t had any stiff competition here yet, so it could be that Soderling is coming as a bit of a shocker. Sean pointed out that Soda has worked his way past a couple of tougher players so that’s maybe helped him too.


Ben Pronin Says:

I was saying he needs to press a little and go for broke some. I know it’s risky but if he makes a few good shots it could help spark his game.

I’m just saying too much blame is being put on Murray. It’s not always his fault. This is tennis, after all.


Kimmi Says:

hahahahahah! you pay them? no way! I need a laugh Muzza is killing me!


jane Says:

love-40 an opening for Murray? Soda fizzling a little here. Carbonation wearing off?


Ben Pronin Says:

Wow. I don’t know what to say. This just makes me more pissed that Soderling lost in the first round of the AO.


Ben Pronin Says:

I can’t help but admire Sod’s game. I love his style. I might actually root for him over Roddick (definitely over Nadal).


contador Says:

he should not have worn the spandex.

we’ll see. tough to see on soda’s side of the court right now.

murray will get this game. he’s only down a break.


Kimmi Says:

OK commentator must be smoking somethin..Murray will turn this around, really really..wish I had their belief…


jane Says:

Ooh – Murray should’ve gotten the break there when he had love-40. Too bad. I know at least one chance went begging due to the weird light/shadow on the court right now. But it would be fun to see Murray break back and make a match here. Not looking like it. Sod is one. game. away. !!!


contador Says:

yeah, soda pop is one of my faves. he’s ice, all ice in the veins this evening.

sometimes he has nothin’ tho, like at the AO. very disappointing, that loss.

murray is on that bad side of the court. somebody take a toilet break until the sun sets.


Ben Pronin Says:

I think it’s quite clear how Soderling beat Nadal. That backhand down the line is absolutely perfect.


Kimmi Says:

conty..good one! tilet break needed here!


Kimmi Says:

2 march point…yai yai


jane Says:

and i don’t mean member of parliament


Ben Pronin Says:

Wow gutsy drop shot but boy did it work.


skeezerweezer Says:

“jane Says:

love-40 an opening for Murray? Soda fizzling a little here. Carbonation wearing off?”

“contador Says:

he should not have worn the spandex..”

“Kimmi Says:

OK commentator must be smoking somethin..”

Sorry gang, having just as much fun reading some of these hilarious posts……..ahhhh to laugh…

Murray not moving well…


Kimmi Says:

OK match..not march…heheheheh bagdatis time, saving match point can be only good

another one!..common Murray..3 match points is a lucky number


jane Says:

Soda is 2-0 over Roddick but they’ve not played since 2008.


skeezerweezer Says:

At least Murray is makin him server it out…comin dude! Want to see 3……


skeezerweezer Says:

Ben,

I need to practice my one worders……Epic! Nice….:)


jane Says:

A match!


Kimmi Says:

MUUUUUZZAAAAAA!! wwwwwwwoooooo

HOLD! Now hold please!


skeezerweezer Says:

Soda Pop plays conservative, Murray hangs back on the defensive, gets his opportunity, then Shammmoon! Down the line….Breaker Breaker!


contador Says:

hm, kinda reminding me of the AO final 3rd set. muzza finally rallied and almost-almost took fed to a 4th.

what a great shot to make the break! 5-5

muzz is finally comfortable…

and soda is disturbed. get the towel over your head robin! think it over….c’mon


Kimmi Says:

Skeeezer! I like the “Shammmmooooo”


skeezerweezer Says:

Nice slicing by the “Murray Man”


Ben Pronin Says:

It’d be a shame for Soderling to lose this match considering how much he dominated.


Kimmi Says:

Ok..forgot the “n”..shammmmooon! yaeah baby!


jane Says:

Well, it’s finally all cooled off, even light. Murray likes this time of day. Remember when he turned it around versus Gasquet at Wimbledon in 08? Same time. You thought he was out, and then, turn around. It’s looking like a decided a.t.m., with Soda down 15-30…


contador Says:

hahahaa…this is going to a decider. unbelievable. soda is missing all the lines he was hitting

crucial points..where’s the ice for soda now? c’mon


jane Says:

Man, Soda just opens up so wide on those forehands doesn’t he? Then let’s it RIP.

TB!


Kimmi Says:

Soda will still win this though! tiebreaker!! c’mooon Murray..needs first serves here!


contador Says:

whap! soda popped that forehand crosscourt and gets it. 6-6

tie break.


skeezerweezer Says:

It’s “Nip and Tuck” time. No need for plastic surgery here…….


contador Says:

kimmi….still time for that ice to meltdown


jane Says:

Murray yelling frustrated. Soderling puffing out his cheeks. This is getting good.


contador Says:

soda can’t double fault. or else


Kimmi Says:

C’moooon Muzza..tiebreak!


contador Says:

i dunno how soda is at holding up and…closing from a tie break.

c’mon robin, dimples, soda


Kimmi Says:

back hand down the line..wowowowow!! soda!!


contador Says:

uh boy.


jane Says:

Ice cold POP! Not a great day for Murray, at least until the second set. Commiserations margot …. : (


contador Says:

*smiles* woot!

sorry murray fans.

GOOOO SODAA


blah Says:

What a backhand. wow, soderling is through. What a joy he would be to watch if he could avoid early exits in slams.


jane Says:

That shot down the line to set up MP was stunning. Wow, kudos to Robin for just going for it.


contador Says:

jane, kimmi, tennis junkie….thanks so much!

see ya tommorrow, i hope!

c’mon SODA POP! i love your tennis , man!


Kimmi Says:

soda, was just good! Murray left things too late…lost a lot of ranking points. Soderling AMEN!!

i think he can take Roddick if he comes like this..and Nadal..don’t know!!


skeezerweezer Says:

Sorry Murray fans :(

One thing I learned….don’t mess with a SODA POP!


Kimmi Says:

bye conty..see you tomorrow!


contador Says:

oh….for a soda/rafa final.

i’ll take roddick too though. should be a cracker of a semi-final.

the other semi….not so much.

have good friday evening everyone!


jane Says:

Well, that spoils the All-Andy all the time semi. But Soda could make it interesting if he plays like he did today versus Roddick.

I may watch the ladies: Woz and Aggy later. The doubles could be good too: Isner/Sam vs. Nesty & Z.


jane Says:

Cheers conty!


Mindy Says:

Ben,

This may shock you, but I don’t think Rafa will be losing any sleep over the fact that, should Soderling get to the final and meet him, you will be cheering for his opponent!

If you every decided to cheer for Rafa, now that would be a shock on this site! But fortunately for Rafa, his fate is in his own hands. He doesn’t need your support to win this tournament.

Vamos, Rafa!


Mindy Says:

Sorry, if you EVER decided to cheer for Rafa! I am not holding my breath.


Andrew Miller Says:

Robin Soderling is tough. Every player knows it and no one wants to play him. That helps Soderling.

A lot.

He is what Berdych could be but is not: a bit tougher. So what if the groundies are a little less appealing – Soderling has a lot of fire.

Kind of like Rafa come to think of it.


Kimmi Says:

delPo and Serena out of Miami

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5011113

Poor Delpo, the injury must be serious!! too bad!


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – Bodo’s article (Djoko), a little scathing.

Von – I’ll be here tonight and for the SF’s and Final. FYI, Andy R looked solid vs Tommy, his best match at IW that I have seen. Have been out of touch tennis-wise since AO. I believe I saw that he only got to the quarter’s in Memphis & same in San Jose??? WTF…please explain.


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – sorry here’s the link: http://espn.go.com/tennis/


jane Says:

Yep, read that one tenisbebe; stu posted it earlier on another thread. I think Bodo makes some fair points, but I also think Djoko likes playing tennis. : )

Roddick was actually in the finals at San Jose, I think, but lost to Verdasco (is that right? I think…) and then he lost either in the semis or quarters at Memphis to Sam.


tenisbebe Says:

Thanks for the Roddick update Jane. OK,where are we posting for the women’s SF now?


tenisbebe Says:

OK – I’ll start here. I really like Aggie’s game – so calm and smooth, not alot of power but saavy (placement) and intelligent (mixing things up, seeing 2, 3 shots ahead. Her non-power style is unappealing to many fans but I for one love to watch her smooth execution & aspire to have my own game look as effortless. Sigh… Of course Caroline is the favorite in this match but I’ll be rooting for Aggie. Let the games begin!


jane Says:

tenisbebe, I like both. I’ve admired Aggie since she upset Sharapova at the USO a couple/few years ago. But she never seems to be able to break through. Woz, on the other hand, did so nicely at last year’s USO. Both play good defense generally speaking. Do you know Aggie’s ranking a.t.m.?


jane Says:

Aggie needs to be more aggressive when she can. Woz dictated more.


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – Caroline is 4th & Aggie is 8th right now. I know that Aggie has not been able to “break through” and I don’t anticipate that she will in a GS unless all the stars are aligned because she’s not offensive enough. But I still like to watch her better than other players, she is fluid, like water.


jane Says:

She is fluid, really on that backhand side especially. I didn’t realize Aggie is top ten; that’s pretty great.


jane Says:

This is a little like the Murray/Soda match in that Aggie is having an off night – too many errors – and Caroline is seeing the ball well, moving well and as a result dominating.


tenisbebe Says:

Yeah, apparently they are BF’s so who knows. Woz is moving well & Aggie has too many errors. Can we ever see a WTA match that isn’t littered with errors on one side of the net or the other? Anyway. I hope she cleans it up in the second.


tenisbebe Says:

Wow, that hold for Aggie in the 3rd game of the 2nd set was so critical (and looked unlikely for a moment there), otherwise she would be down a set and a break. Has Woz dropped her level here in the 2nd or has Aggie upped her game?


sar Says:

I was looking at another board and they are saying it’ll be a boring final…Pushniacki and Pushkovic. LOL


tenisbebe Says:

Hmmmm. Sounds like a bitchy board. Don’t tell me, Tennis Talk, right? A bunch of hens with PMS on that board.


Long Live The King Says:

Pushniacki and Pushkovic, hilarious!

Glad to see soda trounced Pushay :D I don’t think things will be easy for soda against A-rod, since he is not gonna sit back like Pushay. (can you tell I find that funny, nice names who ever came up with those)

A-rod has played solid tennis all week, time to up his game now. If he does that, he could well be the winner sunday. Come on Andy!


Michael Says:

Steve is way-off the mark once again. He has tipped Murray and now he is out of the tournament tamed by Soderling in the quarters. Even Soderling would not have imagined that things would be so easy against Murray. He just outclassed Murray in the first set and in the second set he had numerous break point chances. But he squandeared many of those and just was able to make one vital break. However, Soderling choked when serving for the second set and the match which he should have easily won. Before that in the previous game, he had three match points which he wasted. It was Soderling who made the match interesting. May be he was somewhat influenced by the easy manner he was able to dislodge his much celebrated opponent. In the tie-break too, Soderling had a mini-break only to gift it away by dropping a crucial double fault. Nonetheless, despite all these set backs, he still had the game in him to outwit Murray in the end. The score here of 6-1 and 7-6 do not really indicate the one sided match which it was. Now if Soderling plays at this level then he will go all out to win the tournament and that is for sure. He will make mince meat of any top player considering the incredible form that he is in at the moment. His opponents would be praying for some dip in his form to harbour a chance against him.


Voicemale1 Says:

Assuming Nadal can get by Birthday Boy Ljubicic, he’ll play for both titles here. He & Marc Lopez won today to reach the Doubles Championship Match.

Nadal actually beat Soderling the last time they played in the Abu Dhabi exhibition in January. And Nadal took out Roddick in the SF’s on his way to each of his titles here. If Roddick gets by Soderling he’d be in a position to complete a long overdue Hat Trick, with Indian Wells being the only North American Masters Series event he has yet to win.


jane Says:

tenisbebe – too bad Aggie couldn’t secure that break; this set has been much more closely contested, but that was a crucial hold for Caroline, and probably the match. Aggie is still fighting though!


jane Says:

VM1 – Nadal/Lopez might have a good shot at the doubles title, perhaps depending on who they face. Nesty & Zim play Isner & Querrey tonight for the other final spot. Nadal has doubled up on singles and doubles titles before, right? On clay it seems to me, maybe Monte Carlo?


jane Says:

tenisbebe sweet hug at the net there. I thought that second set was very entertaining.


Michael Says:

I have never seen any player tame Murray in this manner not even Federer or Nadal or Djokovic. Soderling was just incredible with his powerful ground strokes and crisp volleys. He was right on target on both the flanks and rarely made unforced errors. In the second set, when he breaked Murray, Murray hit a deep back-hand down the line and Soderling made a winner out of it. Simply splendid to watch. Considering that Soderling has the toughest draw so far, I root for him to go all out and win this tournament. He surely deserves it for good. His list of casualties so far are Karlovic, Felciano Lopez, Tsonga and now Murray. Now he must do the finishing act and that is tough. But Soderling if he plays at this level has nothing to worry about his opponents game. He can easily beat them even if they play their best.


Kimmi Says:

so women final is sunday, not saturday as I thought..thats better!

Wozniacki too good for radwasnka..Tough to pick who will win sunday..If I have to guess..wozniacki

nadal/M.Lopez in doubles final…yeah!


Michael Says:

Soderling wanted to make the match interesting towards the end when he choked and yet Murray was not able to take advantage of it. That would have really shattered his confidence for good I believe.


Kimmi Says:

Michael, I agree..soderling had the toughest draw ranking wise..I hope he goes all the way too.


Ezorra Says:

“I have never seen any player tame Murray in this manner not even Federer or Nadal or Djokovic. ”

If I’m not mistaken, Nadal did that to Murray at IW last year, right? 6-1, 6-2?


sar Says:

Are Nestor and Zim streaming anyplace?


Michael Says:

Kimmi, thanks. By the way Soderling has a postive H2H against Roddick who is yet to take a set off him. I do not know how will this influence their match. But all said and done, Nadal would like to face Roddick instead of Soderling and that is for sure.


Michael Says:

Ezorra, Not just the score. It should really have read 6-1, 6-2 if Soderling had really been lucky in convering many of the break points he had. But the dominance Soderling had over Murray today is unparalleled in recent times. He just dominated him right from the start.


Kimmi Says:

yes, he has positive H2H against Roddick but they have only played twice i think. Soda win today will give him even more confidence. What Roddick needs is the wind..if conditions are brutal tomorrow I think soderling game might crack. the conditions were perfect today!


jane Says:

sar try http://atdhe.net/ OR http://www.fromsport.com/ — I would imagine it’ll be streaming somewhere. Good luck to Nesty; he’s the only Canadian I can ever cheer on, lol.


Michael Says:

Kimmi, Agree. A lot of thing matters including the environment. The wind was a factor even against Tsonga. But it did not upset Soderling’s rythm in the match. Finally, everything will boil down to the level of play Soderling exhibits against Roddick. If he just plays as he has been doing all along in this tournament, then Soderling would win it in straights and that is for sure. Roddick can harbour a chance only if Soderling drops his level of play a lot.


Kimmi Says:

with roddick serve and soda serve there will be tie breaks for sure…and who knows anything can happen in tiebreaks !

watch for Nadal to play 90% of all his balls to Lujbicic backhand..simple but very effective for a one handr. apparently this courts takes the spin very well.. so POOR Lujbicic.!!


jane Says:

nope sar, doesn’t seem to be coming on; I’ve checked justin.tv and channelsurfing.net too and none of them seem to be streaming the doubles match. Sorry!


sar Says:

Oh well I guess I’ll have to watch scoreboard.


Kimmi Says:

there is only about 300 ranking points deference btw Bryan bro and zim/nestor. The brothers lost in the first round, they could lose a lot of points depending how they did last year. Zim/nestor could be number 1 next monday!


Andrew Miller Says:

Wozniaki – I think I am biased. The player plays her heart out and shows a lot of grit but I find her game hard to like.

Spoiled by the Williams sisters and Henin I guess!


Michael Says:

My gut feeling is that Nadal would have it pretty easy against Ljubucic save a miracle. I only hope in the interest of spectators and the TV viewers, Ljubucic is able to turn out a miraculous performance and give Nadal a run for his money.


sar Says:

I was kind of rooting for Bryans at IW because they never won it before. But I’ll take N&Z because Z never got it. I love them all.


jane Says:

Michael, Nadal/Ljubicic matches haven’t been complete wash outs or anything (Rafa lost a set to him last year, and other times too, on hard), so hopefully Ljub can keep it interesting and competitive. But the H2H is 5-1 for Nadal, so clearly he’s the heavy favorite.


sar Says:

N&Z up a set and a break


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – sorry I had to run out after Aggie broke back in the 2nd (and then got broken again) & just finished watching the match etc. Yes that was a sweet hug at the net. Hopefully the final will not be so error-filled.


tenisbebe Says:

Voicemail1 – thanks for the doubles update. I had been hoping they would show the doubles on TC but no luck. Dammit, I wanted to see that match! I’m glad you are so certain of Robin’s demise – the guy can be scary good at times and I am pulling for either Rafa or Andy to win.

Anyway, are you a puckhead too? GO HAWKS!!


sar Says:

6-4 6-2 Nestor and Zim win.
Night all.


Michael Says:

Jane, Let us hope for an inpsired performance by Ljubucic to offer a stiff fight to Nadal.


jane Says:

Night sar. Good win for Nesty and Z.

Michael, a well contested match would be nice even if Rafa wins in straights, which I am thinking he will. Picking the winner of Soderling versus Roddick is tougher. Soderling has a 2-0 H2H but they haven’t played in 2 years and 3 of the 4 sets were tiebreakers. So that one could go either way.

tenisbebe, no worries. Catch ya during some of the upcoming matches. And go Canucks! ; ) Yep – love hockey too.


Michael Says:

Jane, True and I expect Ljubucic to rise to the occasion and give Nadal a tough fight. All said and done, I yearn to witness a Nadal Vs Soderling final and what a match that would turn out to be. For that to happen, Soderling has to overcome Roddick first and sure it will be a tough match and will be decided on the service prowess. Nonetheless, I give Soderling the edge just because of the intensity he is playing right at the moment and Soderling is a changed player ever since he won against Nadal at the French. That gave him plenty of confidence which he did not have before. He proved that his French open win was not flash in a pan by getting into the finals as well as performing creditably in the following grand slam events only losing to the Greatest Roger Federer. Now, we need to see how Roddick is going to cope up with a much improved Soderling. I am eager to see how he does as much as you.


margot Says:

jane, kimmi: SO glad I didn’t stay up for that massacre. I hope I’m wrong but I feel it’s gonna take Andy a long time to get over the AO. He put so much preparartion into that tournament. Also paper said he wasn’t moving well, especially to the right, I think he has a chronic groin injury which may explain why he wears those tight cycling shorts. Movement is so crucial to his game.
Oh well, just off to forget my sorrows on “Shuttle Island”…….Di Caprio yum….


margot Says:

PS Come on the other Andy!


MarkoPolo Says:

Finally the weekend!!!!!! Read all your posts. Could not watch the matches, but monitored results and I am a bit surprised. I was waiting for Murray to show that he is back on track, but I guess Soda-Po (lol) was just too good and Murray too sluggish……. So I guess everybody is awaiting for a Soda-Pop final???? Well I would not count Rodick out and I would not underestimate Ljuba-Truba……. It is not over until the big fat lady sings…. As they say…. Nadal is back but not back completely, my opinion. He is on route to defend his title, provided, Ljuba and Soda-Pop don’t stand in his way????? Let the games Begin…. I will be watching and if time permits posting…….


Polo Says:

If my wish would be granted, I would wish for Nadal to win Indian Wells. I want him to be the next number one. I think Federer would prefer Nadal to take over as number one instead of anybody else.


Kimmi Says:

margot: you could be right about the AO effect, Murray has been out of sorts since..really sad to see him like this.

But soda played very good too..very aggressive. did not miss..Muzza came a little flat,could not get it going due to soda not letting him in. that serve is killing him in crucial point, 1st serve percentage just too low, on matches like yesterday, he needed it to give him some free points…miami does not look good as of now!!


MarkoPolo Says:

Kimmi, Murray will be OK for Miami. That is his territory. I think his focus is on defending Miami. Since I live in Miami I am going to see them next week.


Polo Says:

Murray tends to play defensive tennis. It works well when he is in top form and his opponent does not play very aggressively. He gets in trouble when he is a bit off and the other guy plays an attacking game. I wish he were more aggressive and I know he can do it because he is very fast, has good ground strokes and a good serve, too.


Polo Says:

Men’s semifinals will have an interesting Roddick-Soderling match. Hopefully, it will not turn out to be like the Soderling-Murray dud. Much as I want to give Ljubicic a fighting chance, I just don’t see him beating Nadal.


tenisbebe Says:

Michael says: “His (Soderling’s)list of casualties so far are Karlovic, Felciano Lopez, Tsonga and now Murray.”

I believe it was Korolev who fell to him in his first match (not Karlovic), a little less impressive list but still, to take out Tsonga and Murray is quite a feat. Soderling is a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure. In the match vs Roddick, if both are serving well, I suppose alot will come down to the 2nd serve return and capitalizing on those few opportunities. Roddick’s return game is mediocre compared with other top players & don’t know about Soderling’s to comment. I give the edge to Sod but am rooting for Andy. Should be a serving fest & hopefully a barnburner.

As for Nadal/Lubbie, nice for Ivan got a day off (birthday) before the SF. He has been serving well but I just don’t see him being able to overcome Rafa in this one. Rafa is playing the best since his “comeback” with that intensity and fire in his eyes. I’d be thrilled if he could get his first title since returning in California.


Daniel Says:

Margot,

Saw Shutter Island yesterday too, excelent movie. Amazing flawless script!

Regarding Murray, he seems to have some problem with his shoe earlier in the match, he was very uneasy.

He’ll alaways gonna have problem when this attacking players are in the zone, same as Nadal with DelPo last year US Open.


Kimmi Says:

markopolo: going to miami..nice! my fav have not been very impressive in IW so fingers crossed for miami…enjoy!


jane Says:

margot, nice that you’re treating yourself to some eye candy (Di Caprio) to get over Murray’s loss. Many thoughts about why he lost: movement (groin), shorts, shoe, AO hangover, bad day at the office, first serve percentage, little too passive, weaker draw so Sod a shocker, etc. — and the truth may be that it’s likely a combo of all of them. All those factors just fed in and he didn’t pull through. The second set was fun to watch though, competitive and exciting, especially when Murray broke back to make it 5 all . One thing about Murray; he sometimes starts slow. That seemed to be the case yesterday. Sod seemed ready to unload and Murray, as someone said, came out flat.

Oh well, onward and upward, and hopefully he can get to Miami and acclimatize and practice.

Markopolo – you can be our inside reporter from Miami hey? If you have time to post, I know many of us enjoy hearing “news from the grounds”. Have fun either way!


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – I know you are a puckhead :-). A little hockey talk, please oblige me tennis fans…… Yes Jane my Hawks have been struggling a bit since the Olympic break but we knew this was likely what with all 6 player being in the medal rounds the final weekend in Vancouver. The good thing is that the Sharks are struggling at the same time, losing 4 in a row, and your Canucks are right behind them!

OK, I’m done with that subject, thanks everyone.


jane Says:

I guess our teams will have to battle it out. Actually the Hawks are probably my second or third favourite team, so whatever happens happens. Love Kane.


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – Yes, the Kaner & Taser combo works. People are still kicking around that hit on Seabs @ Anaheim on Weds. He practiced yesterday so hopefully he will play tonight. See you in the playoffs!


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