Federer Wins, Monfils Darkness Controversy at French Open

Well, I watched the fognini match and the commentator over here, 2 brits for Eurosport, David Mercer and Jo Dury, said they were “appalled” that the match had not been halted.

Their director had somehow shown the TV audience what it was like playing at that time and it was almost dark – the eiffel tower was lit up, it was dusky and it was only that the camera lights were lighting up the court at all, that any of the TV audience could see what was going on! It was ludricous to keep on playing.

Such a shame that the umpire bowed down to the crowd. I cannot believe the French crowd. They are so rude. Why are they like this? Booing fognini when he won a point, just really, really, bad to watch two players who should have been given the respect for a reprieve much earlier on rather than playing the next game – Fognini had 3 match points, it was his serve, he blew it, hitting balls wide – couldnt see it!

He was mad when he went over to the umpire, gesticulating and you couldn’t hear what he was saying, but his arms and face were on close up, zoom lens and he was angry. Mercer and Dury, said, “well, this has really brought Roland Garros into disrepute. This game should never have been allowed to continue”.

A bad decision by the umpire on this one.

Hopefully, justice will prevail tomorrow and the weather will play no part in this gripping match!

Good luck to ollyk and novak tomorrow, and margot with murray. Margot, they finished murray’s match at 3:3 in the third set, (but continued playing Fognini’s and monfils match on the next court?!!) It doesn’t make any sense!

May 26th, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Well done Federer! First set was a little bit sloppy, but honestly, some of the shots in set 2 and 3 were just sublime, his cross court backhand was just brilliant – something really, really special.

C’moon Federer!

May 26th, 2010 at 5:42 pm

nadal vs zeballos play last on chatrier. how is the weather like tomorrow? If it rains again, he might not get to play..just a thought!

May 26th, 2010 at 5:43 pm

Why was there even an argument? Don’t the tournament officials have the power to stop the match regardless of what the players want? Why did they bow to the mob?

The quality of the tennis dipped a lot as both players started playing a lot more conservatively because NEITHER OF THEM COULD SEE THE BALL. I’m amazed they managed to finish that game in the darkness.

May 26th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

Congrats to Federer, a clean match, no complications and some good shots. Just one match at a time…

May 26th, 2010 at 6:07 pm

steve – historically speaking, French mobs have a lot of power. : ) Just sayin.

It was indeed crazy, torture just watching, can’t imagine playing.

May 26th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

this guy Reister form germany, never heard of him. the RG site shows he is ranked 165. he beat F.lopez easily in the first round. Today he beats O.Rochus easily too. Could it be someone making a breakthru here at RG. he plays federer next!

May 26th, 2010 at 6:27 pm

I am still a little flabbergasted that the French Open doesn’t have lights on their courts, at least the two show courts.

Kimmi, whomever Reister is, I don’t think he could upset Fed. But I understand; these early rounds are worrying. I am hoping Nole gets through tomorrow too; Nishikori is very talented and upset Giraldo. Apparently Nishikori won two clay challengers this year. oh well, fingers crossed.

FYI – Murray looked very good in his first set!

May 26th, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Mercer and Dury, said, “well, this has really brought Roland Garros into disrepute. This game should never have been allowed to continue”.

I don’t remember either of them saying anything even remotely similar about wimbledon when they did not stop play in even darker conditions during the fifth set of the 2008 final between Federer and Nadal. Both players later said that they could not see the ball and it was crazy playing in such darkness………these Brits and their hypocrisy!

May 26th, 2010 at 6:43 pm

“Don’t the tournament officials have the power to stop the match regardless of what the players want?”

I also didn’t get it. I always thought it was the tournament referee who had to take a call irrespective of what the players,umpire or crowd felt. He should have definitely stopped play much earlier.

May 26th, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Federer take on the condition from today’s post match interview. I think Fed’s last sentence says it all.

————————————————
Federer:In these conditions[cool, wet] it maybe stays in the court. In the other one[sunny, hot], it just travels out by a meter. This is the kind of stuff you feel[cool, wet]. Then on the serve, the way the ball bounces off the court, it jumps off the court[sunny, hot]. Here[cool, wet] it just kind of like, okay it’s there. Doesn’t pick up more pace when it hits the ground. Those kind of things.
And then the dropshot though in wet weather like today stays really low, and you can knife the ball through the clay. So, you know, I think there’s advantages and disadvantages, and you’ve got to use them to yours if you can.

May 26th, 2010 at 6:56 pm

The Wimbledon 08 final ended at 9:16, and it was mid summer, and it was a final. This match went until nearly ten! And it’s the 2nd round, so there’s play tomorrow and there is no reason they’d have to finish it (like with a final, which naturally officials, crowd, etc, wouldn’t want to push to a Monday). The two situations, while sharing some similarities, are different due to the matches and point in the slam.

May 26th, 2010 at 7:07 pm

I also don’t understand why french open does not have lights. Wimbledon is the same. Only last year they had lights on center court but only when the roof is closed. Why this so, it does not make sense..especially when the whole day the weather has been bad..matches could be played at night if the weather allows.

jane, I read about murray first set at BBC site. A lot of murray fans there..most were really happy with his perfomance. Hope he continues that way…..though the Second set looked like chela was getting into murray service game more..it was close. A lot of dueces.

May 26th, 2010 at 7:39 pm

jane – Nishikori had an injury and was away from the game for a long while. his ranking went really down. RG site listed him as 246 at the moment.

he was doing very well before his injury. he was one of the up and coming. I am glad he is back..he has a great talent. and to fight it out from 2 sets down shows some maturity.

But i don’t think he can beat the djoker..on clay. Djoko is more superior than giraldo. and starting to get his groove again. his first match was not too bad.

May 26th, 2010 at 7:50 pm

Darkness is not necessarily dependent on the time or whether it is mid-summer or not. It can get much darker earlier in one place compared to another place depending on a lot of factors. My simple point is whether the concerned people can see the ball or not. If your point is that it was bright enough and not unfair to the players for play to continue in that final, I have nothing further to argue with you.

I can say that, with the stakes being so high in the final of arguably the biggest tournament in tennis, it was even more important to think first about the gladiators involved who gave such a great match. Haven’t they done that in case of rains? Finals have been played on a third Monday more than once.

How long they thought the match could have gone on? How long could the match have continued in that darkness if Nadal had not broken Federer? Same thing with Monfils-Fognini even though it was 5-5. Basically, it is almost as if they hope that darkness becomes a factor and somebody wins or loses because there is no way of telling when a match, especially a close match, will finish when there is no fifth set tie-break. It is wiser and fairer to stop play earlier and avoid such patently unfair and undesirable situations.

May 26th, 2010 at 7:58 pm

rogerafa, my point was that both situations share the darkness factor (not to mention days with rain delays) but that in a final it’s understandable that they’d want to finish since the tournament is basically over, they have the King of Spain there, the TV coverage, etc. There are lots of vested interests in that situation; it’s more complicated as a result. Today, however, there was absolutely NO REASON to continue playing until 9:56, which is a full 40 minutes later than when Fed-Rafa’s final ended at 9:16. I’m sure they would have stopped that Wimbledon final if Rafa hadn’t broken Fed when he did. I believe some other Wimbledon matches went until 9:30 that year though I could be mistaken.

May 26th, 2010 at 8:13 pm

” It is wiser and fairer to stop play earlier and avoid such patently unfair and undesirable situations”

Or invest in some lights! : )

May 26th, 2010 at 8:14 pm

I looked into it through google; Murray and Gasquet’s match at Wimbledon 2008 went till 9:30. Last year, Haas and Cilic stopped play at 9:30 at Wimbledon when they were even at 6 all in the fifth, and came back to finish the next day. I guess Haas told SW19 officials they should have flood lights so matches can be finished.

Also, last year at Roland Garros, Roddick and Monfils played until 9:40 before Monfils prevailed and Andy had asked to stop at 9:30.

So there is quite a history of these late matches, and you’d think the officials would do something about it – i.e., get lights!!

This match today though takes the cake; I’d love to know if any slam matches have played later than 9:56 pm, with no lights? Just crazy.

May 26th, 2010 at 8:31 pm

I have to say congrats to de bakker. Great win again garcia-lopez, who has been doing very well this season.

Does he play Tsonga next? Yes he does. Didn’t he beat tsonga in barca…well, tsonga in paris will be very tough but Good luck to him.

May 26th, 2010 at 8:55 pm

Kimmi, I was very happy for De Bakker too. I was thinking he beat Tsonga in Rome but maybe it was Barcelona. I am trying to remember who he then lost to, was it Soda?? Anyhow, that could be a good match, though I think Tsonga will likely prevail.

Here’s an interesting take/write up on the Monfils vs. Fognini match:

http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/05/26/shining-a-light-on-monfils-fognini-gate/

May 26th, 2010 at 9:07 pm

Jane,
I remember watching the Monfils/Roddick match last year and was frustrated that they didn’t stop the match. The us feed used the same method as mentioned earlier to show the t.v audience how dark it really was.

I was listening to Roland Garros radio via the net and those commentators were also shocked and not pleased with the way officials handled. It sounded like Monfils was acting the same way as he had with Andy, getting the crowd riled up and making difficult on his opponent. A real gamer. Technically how he acted was ok, but I haven’t liked him as much since and can’t find myself rooting for him.

May 26th, 2010 at 9:09 pm

“jane Says:
” It is wiser and fairer to stop play earlier and avoid such patently unfair and undesirable situations”

Or invest in some lights! : )

Yeah I wish that happened in the 2008 Wimby final. Check this out, moments after they finished…

http://www.topfoto.co.uk/gallery/WimbledonMen/default.html

Notice all the prior historic presentaions were in the daylightr? Just sayin….they were both quotred they could not see at the very end. Hope that doesn’t happen again..

And looking back interesting Rafa said this ;

“Asked about the moment of victory, Nadal told BBC Sport: “It’s impossible to explain what I felt in that moment but I’m very, very happy.

“It is a dream to play on this court, my favourite tournament, but to win I never imagined.”

Mark it down. Wimby is his fav tourney….

May 26th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

packbandit – I have to disagree with you. I really don’t think it was monfils fault. There were two players with different opinion, one wnats the play to continue and the other does not..the officials are the ones to decide and they didn’t. i would not put the blame to players at all, especially when you have conflicting opinion between them.

thanks jane for the article..the picture looks really dark..its unbelivable. I can’t even see monfils in the picture lol.

PS de bakker beat tsonga in the qtrs and lost to soda in the semi – barcelona

May 26th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

My point is that it shouldn’t matter at all whether a king or some other VIPs are present. What if it got to 10-10 or 15-15? Will the play continue just to please the royalty or the broadcasters? Surely, there has to be a limit to absurdity.

I remember that Murray-Gasquet match and neither player said that they couldn’t see the ball. Murray said that he could just about see the ball and Gasquet said he had more trouble while returning the serve. I can’t say about the Haas-Cilic match because I didn’t watch or follow it.

“I’m sure they would have stopped that Wimbledon final if Rafa hadn’t broken Fed when he did.”

Don’t be so sure. How can you be sure? It got dark much earlier and they still did not stop play? By your citing of their “limit”, they still had 14 minutes to go. They could have gotten three or four more games in that time.

Were they waiting for darkness to affect the fortune of either player and were very sure that the break would take place? It was already very dark by the time the break took place. In any case, by your logic, it should have continued because of the “complicated” situation like the presence of the king of Spain etc. They won’t play, will they, if it were raining irrespective of the presence of any king. Of course, with the roof now,it is no longer relevant.

I am sorry if my comment regarding the Brits has upset you. That is probably why you are not able to follow a very simple point of mine. Bringing in all those instances are irrelevant and even if the visibility was similar or worse, they won’t justify such stupid decisions to keep on playing.
The question is what should be the point of stoppage and all I am saying is that they shouldn’t let it get too dark before they are forced to stop play. Darkness shouldn’t become a factor for either player and the referee should be more player-friendly in such situations.

May 26th, 2010 at 9:39 pm

rogerafa I follow your point. I do. And I have stated that it’s a shame they don’t/didn’t have lights. Otherwise they should stop – especially if they is no pressing need to continue, and especially if even ONE of the players has asked to stop. My initial point was that I can see where they were coming from at Wimbledon, to a degree, because it was final and they were probably facing a little pressure to try and get it all in.

I cannot remember Fed nor Rafa asking for play to be stopped – did they? My rationale for saying I think they would’ve stopped is just based on what commentators were saying at the time, so I don’t “know” it. I am merely speculating.

I do remember that BOTH Fed and Rafa said after the match that it was tough to see. So if they didn’t ask to stop play, I wonder why not?

May 26th, 2010 at 10:02 pm

Jane,

Reading back it was kinda vague. Fed was contemplating it and was worried about the darkness and not seeing as was Rafa, he mentioned he could not see hardly at all the last few points. The only comment I got regarding that I could find from both players was Fed saying that it was better for the tourney that they finish, and he couldn’t see them finsihing the next day. Although they both admitted darkness and the ability to see the ball. I am not getting into dis crediting Rafa’s win, it is just unfortunate as tight and great the match was, the conditions were not ideal for both in the end…..

So IMO the darkness issue with all players in tourneys need to be addressed in black and white. No grey areas. Hey, it’s either dark or light, right? lol….whatever…I’m “lost”

May 26th, 2010 at 10:17 pm

It should be as simple as building lights.

I was at the AELTC a couple of months ago and I asked the tour guide what the problem with playing more matches at night was and she said it would screw up the schedule with the top players moving forward faster than the players on the outer courts. She never did explain why they don’t build lights on every court. I’m guessing it’s too expensive. But cmon, the US Open has lights everywhere (I think the AO, too). It’s a little absurd in 2010.

May 26th, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Skeeze, Yes, part of the reason I brought in other examples, for instance Roddick/Monfils last year etc, is to show there is a history of these late matches, so why on earth wouldn’t officials either decide on a limit time, say 9:00 pm, OR invest in some lights?? That would solve the problem!

Haas actually won vs. Cilic last year, coming back the next day, but he said it was really difficult as he was stiff etc. He would’ve preferred to finish it that night, so his point was they should get some lights. In one telegraph article I believe they said he did tell officials that.

May 26th, 2010 at 10:28 pm

It was terrible that they continued play, but ultimately it did not matter. Why is no one mentioning that?

It was 4-4 on serve when they should have stopped it. It is 5-5 on serve now. Although Fognini was understandably and rightfully furious, he was not hurt in the least by having to play the last two games.

May 26th, 2010 at 10:59 pm

funches, good point. But it could’ve cost Monfils the match, ironically. I think he saved a few match points, one for sure. It would’ve been much more of a controversy had either guy won but especially Monfils since he was okay with playing on.

May 26th, 2010 at 11:07 pm

From the coverage I saw on ESPN2, it appeared that Monfils was in favour of continuing the match. According to Patrick McEnroe, six (6) minutes were wasted deliberating about whether play should stop, and instead of the tournament referee making a decision, he was asking the players what they wanted to do. From the manner in which Monfils was arguing, it seemed as though he was in favour of the match being continued, because the crowd was firmly behind him. He was doing his usual arm raising/flailing and behaving as though he’s some human windmill.

The same situation happened last year in the match between Monfils and Roddick. Roddick claimed he could not see the ball, and Monfils insisted on continuing to play. He begn raising his arms and doing his usual histrionics to rile up the crowd in his favor. And, in the end, Monfils got what he wanted, the match was continue. A few of the anti-Roddick fans on this board were very critical of Roddick and made their some unsavoury comments with name calling, as is usual and customary, whenever Roddick is involved. That said, it would be realistic to say, that Monfils usually gets what he wants at the FO.

To me, it did matter, because Fognini was just hitting out at the ball more by rote than by actual sighting.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:53 am

FOt and Huh, thanks for your kind comments with respect to Roddick’s win over Nieminen. I think andy got a good work-out in that match and should do better as the tournament progresses, that is, if he’s fortunate enough to win tomorrow.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:57 am

rogerafa Says:
Mercer and Dury, said, “well, this has really brought Roland Garros into disrepute. This game should never have been allowed to continue”.

I don’t remember either of them saying anything even remotely similar about wimbledon when they did not stop play in even darker conditions during the fifth set of the 2008 final between Federer and Nadal”.

rogerafa,

mercer and dury dont commentate for the BBC, (but I think you meant the commentators at wimby 2008?). Yes. I watched that match, (as did 11.5 million people in the UK), from my very living room, and yes the commentators did comment on the darkness but nothing was done. They wanted the final (the TV gurus), to be completed even if they played up until midnight!

Even though Fognini wasn’t injured (cannot remember which poster above mentioned that), it was the fact that – even as a member of the TV audience – I had to SQUINT to see the ball! What must both players have been like when they were playing? Makes no sense.

Fognini wanted to stop playing because he couldn’t see the ball, Monfils wanted to continue and got the crowd on his side, booing and shouting.

The tournament referee did not want to stop, but I suspect he carried on because of crowd backlash – very bad, very poor decision making.

I wonder what will happen today?

How many years has Roland Garros been on the map? Lights luvvy, lights! – how can money even be a consideration?, They must be raking it in – multi, multi bulti, bulti billionaires! shouldnt even be an issue.

If the US Open can spend the money, then why not Roland Garros? Should be compulsory!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:14 am

The question also is the fact that the tournament official STOPPED the Murray/Chela match on the next court, but DIDN’T STOP the match between Fognini/Monfils – they had to continue playing? That’s what I don’t understand. Shouldn’t the ruling apply to ALL COURTS?

Isn’t this discrimatory? All four Players were in the same position.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:19 am

skeezer@10.17: it’s not always dark or light, it’s dusk that’s the problem! Depending on cloud situation it could be light at 8.30 or dark so even setting a time cut out is difficult.
rogerrafa: “the British are hypocrites” all of us?
WOw!
jane, kimmi: saw de Baaker won! Gr8. Andy played terrific in the first set but was doing usual walkabout in second, so fingers crossed today and for Djko too of course.
Am frustrated, BBC coverage is very limited. Fine on show court but for Andy’s match all we got was an ariel view!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:28 am

morning madmax: only the mad(!) British are up and posting at this time! Bit damp here, hope the weather at RG is better.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:31 am

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/blog/busted_racquet/post/Darkness-French-Open-match-played-in-near-black;_ylt=AodC31PYnf_bZFGB6VIpEsqyhaN4?urn=ten,243916

The above link depicts the darkness during the Fognini/Monfils match.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:59 am

Horacio Zeballos seems to have a single hand backhand!!!(he’s a lefty 2) Just saw a video of his doubles match…. he played well there… but against Rafa i guess he’ll have to play the match of his life….
VAMOS RAFA:-)

May 27th, 2010 at 5:17 am

Thanks, maxi! And congrats to you on Fed’s win!
Rain again…it doesn’t look good.. :/

May 27th, 2010 at 5:54 am

oh god, how many matches will get in today..play not started and it is 12:20pm now..

May 27th, 2010 at 6:24 am

About the Monfils-Fognini match, once again, tennis officials show poor decision. They should make firm rules on every aspect of the game and implement them to the letter. Almost all other sports do that. Just look at golf. Tennis officials should stick to their rules instead of giving in to a few select players or crowd pressure. They need to have balls… and I don’t mean tennis balls.

May 27th, 2010 at 7:22 am

margot you make a good point about a time limit being tough to set because of dusk and weather and all manner of conditions. The answer is, simply, lights, like at the USO and the AO. Maybe not on all courts, if it’s too costly, but surely some!

Fingers crossed for Andy; Chela picked up in the second set but hopefully Murray will come out today like he began yesterday.

It was a little rainy at Roland Garros last year, but I don’t recall it being this bad. Things are really bunching up.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:32 am

margot you make a good point about a time limit being tough to set because of dusk and weather and all manner of conditions. The answer is, simply, lights, like at the USO and the AO. Maybe not on all courts, if it’s too costly, but surely some!

Fingers crossed for Andy; Chela picked up in the second set but hopefully Murray will come out today like he began yesterday.

It was a little rainy at Roland Garros last year, but I don’t recall it being this bad. Things are really bunching up.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:32 am

Oops – not sure why that posted twice, sorry people.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:32 am

I don’t like how the officials handled the Monfils fiasco, but I don’t think we should all go over zealous and install lights on all courts.

The traditionalist in me still wants to see RG and Wimbledon play in daytime. I don’t think money has anything to do with it. Lights are not THAT expensive considering how much money these tournaments generate. It’s about preserving tradition more than anything. But it’s not just because of that reason either. Let’s face it, by the fourth day of the tournament, 75% of the players are already out. So to install lights on all courts would not make sense. Outer courts are mostly used for the first four days, then they are used for doubles, boys, girls tournaments and so on. Those matches can certainly be played during the day.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:33 am

it wasn’t only dark in the monfils,fog match it was also raining.
fognini had a point really and of course the french crowd made him pay for it.
monfils behaviour was also questionable, inciting the crowd, essentially against fognini.
initially i wanted monfils to win so federer might actually play a seed in the next decade, but now i wouldn’t mind seeing him go down after what i saw.
monfils is pretty useless anyway. for a guy that bases his game on lollipopping the ball back, he saw misses the court a lot.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:35 am

Margot! It’s official! the brits (you and I, in particular (!)), are mad!!!! It’s not been too bad here, a bit damp like you say, but loads of sunshine.

Havent checked the score on murray yet, am just about to leave work, but will watch it later. Am sure he will come through margot. so crossed fingers for you.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:37 am

From now on we’ll get Rafa and Roger play on the same day…Hoorayyyyyy :)

May 27th, 2010 at 10:37 am

Kimo, if you’re a traditionalist and would like to see Roland Garros and Wimbledon played in “daylight,” then the officals will have to schedule such that they pushed back the end of playing time until 7:30 or 8:00 pm. Full stop. It’s either that, or they need to invest in some lighting – at least on a show court of two.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:46 am

Poor Ivano got a beat down in the second set by Kleybanova; I saw that one coming though, and was surprised when Sean picked Ivanovic to get by her.

May 27th, 2010 at 10:55 am

Rain again :(

May 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am

Sheesh, Murray and Chela got in ONE game. Ugh.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am

Maxo, Margot,

Wouldn’t it be tough to play on grass a night in Wimby? Does it get damp there at night? Thoughts?

May 27th, 2010 at 11:21 am

Wow..amazing scheduling by FO guys again. they moved Nadal’s match to tomorrow. Hats off. That means Nadal will play his second match on the sixth day and will play 5 matches in next 9 days.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:32 am

I am just watching the replay of the Monfils match and discover that the referee is a brazilian, Carlos Bernardes. He is one of the top referees in the circuit always in semis in Grand Slams and Masters Cup, he almost never is involived to many polemics on court and he is one of those who avoid arguing, he has a strong presence on court. What the commentors , who knows him personally, are saying is that he would never go against the torunament supervisor. They are implying that he was told to keep playing by his superiors.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:39 am

And what exactly did you want them to montecarlo? Make Rafa play in the mud?!

May 27th, 2010 at 11:40 am

Yeah monetecarlo, Nadal will play second round on Friday and most likelly third round on Saturday. This way he will have one day off between third and fourth (monday), and fourth and quarters (wednesday). At least for him playing back to back days won’t be a problem in this early rounds.
But seems like a lot of people will play tomorrow second round too, if the rain continue.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:45 am

The rain is back on now, so the whole schedule could well get pushed back a day. So maybe all of the matches originally scheduled for Friday could get moved to Saturday

May 27th, 2010 at 11:47 am

My TV just showed Suzane Lenglen is being prepared for play.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:51 am

I hate when the scheduling is screwed up like this; I remember Wimbledon 2007 was atrocious!! All due to rain delays, but one half of the draw affected more drastically than the other. Bummer this.

May 27th, 2010 at 11:56 am

@Kimo 11:40 am post

LOL :).

May 27th, 2010 at 11:57 am

@kimo

They should atleast schedule all main title contenders to play on same day. Rafa has been screwed up way too many times due to this bad scheduling.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:01 pm

margot, Kimmi, did you note that de Bakker has served the most aces so far this tournament? Tsonga is third. Their match should be interesting. I’d give Tsonga the edge in 5 sets, but then again da Bakker beat him in Barcelona.

Haven’t seen Kavcic play before, I don’t think, but he’s got a fair bit of variety. Only 23, from Slovenia, but to me he looks even younger than 23. He broke into the top 100 for the first time in March of this year but is currently #112.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Kavcic just won the second set over Andy. Roddick looks a little rusty, understandably, but the heavier conditions probably don’t suit him as they affect pace. I am assuming he is the fitter one so he should be able to grind out the win. It’s looking like he might break to start the 3rd set.

I hope Murray can get it done in straights!

May 27th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

@MC

I wouldn’t worry about it. Rafa is in the best shape out of most everyone. He and Unc Toni have declared his knees are fine. It’s not like this is the first time Rafa or any other players have had to play back to back. 1 match a day is nothing.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:20 pm

What a point by Roddick to break! Who says Roddick isn’t good on clay?

May 27th, 2010 at 12:29 pm

What a BP by Roddick to go up 3 zip in the 3rd

May 27th, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Quick question for anyone. Am I correct to assume that Fed will have a better chance against Nadal if the weather is wet because this softens the bounce on the clay court. In contrast, if the weather is hot, the clay court will be faster but with a higher bounce and that is more problematic for Fed’s backhand.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

Roddick is coming in a lot today, which is paying off, but I have to hand it to Kavcic; he is not bad!

Murray needs the minibreak back in the tiebreak!! Come on Murray.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:43 pm

Crap! Murray just lost the second set tiebreak.

May 27th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

jane: looks as if Andy’s in for another scrap and the rain is threatening. I feel he can do it but it might take 5 sets which is not good news. No, did not see that about our tulip (!) that’s good news, think I prefer him to Tsonga actually, oops that’s a bit disloyal!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

@Art
This is debatable ( I think? ). We need to get NELTA up here. Your theory based on NELTA is correct, but I have always felt that Fed would do better against Rafa on a fast surface. Faster the better….but then again on Clay from what as been said when it is Hot and dry, which makes the court faster, the ball also bounces higher, which is tough for Fed, good for Rafa. But the taller guys with two handers like DP, Murray, etc. can handle the higher ball better also….go figure

May 27th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Polo: glad to see you here and ready for our doubles, and it’s LLoyd to serve his usual, boring, predictable slow move straight to your forehand and yikes a cracker from you right into Carillo’s gob. What a shot! Oh but now jane thinks it’s out….

May 27th, 2010 at 1:03 pm

Bloody hell, more rain! Will this one go on over 3 days now!
madmax: please just keep those fingers crossed!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

margot – bloody hell is right! “Out” did I say “out”? : )

Skeeze – I tend to agree with your take, in that Fed may benefit against Rafa on a faster surface as it would negate the topspin somewhat. Case in point: Madrid last year he got the win and this year was close. But then again, he beat him at Hamburg, which is apparently slower. So who knows!? As you say, it’s debatable.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Thanks Skeezerweezer. It just seems to me, the weather is the key for Fed to have a chance but just not sure what conditions will ultimately give him the best chance. This would be pretty critical for those willing to take odds on a Fed upset.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:14 pm

akeezer: just read your question. Yes, grass can get very slippery in the evening especially if there’s a big temperature change, then you get the “foggy, foggy dew.” More of an Autumn thing but certainly can happen in the Summer.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:22 pm

sorry skeezerweezer! Just given you a whole new name!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

Jane,

You have to call it “Out”. Never say after the ball bounces “I think that was out…”. Carillo/Lloyd will complain to the umpire ( Skeeze ) about that every time. :)lol

May 27th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Margot, no problem I gave Maxi a whole new name too, go back and look at my post……..MAXO! :)oooops

Anyways, we were discussing lights for the GS’s and I was wondering if that would work for Wimby, that is why I asked…..so thanks :)

May 27th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Djokovic and Troicki in the karaoke booth imitating Nadal and Shakira video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu5_wVUi__4

May 27th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

LOL sar. I think Rafa was going to “introduce” it too, no? : )

Oh lord, Monfil and Fognini the sequel. Will I ever get errands run today!? This stop-start is a drag.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Monfils is much too passive; it’s like he’s just content to keep the ball in play, he’s doesn’t seem to be thinking or looking to end the point.

Roddick has pulled ahead now with the 3rd set his.

Come on Murray – get the early break here!!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:42 pm

As a Brit, even though I want to see some tennis, I can’t help a grim smile when tournaments in other countries are affected by rain. Is it just me, or does there seem to be more rain interruption all round the world in the last couple of years? Whatever is causing climate change, nobody can deny it’s happening (although plenty try to). After all the jokes about the British weather, these foreign people are getting a taste of wetness!

May 27th, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Colin, trust me: in Vancouver we certainly get “a taste of wetness” LOL.

Come on Murray – get cracking.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

LOL sar…what goofballs!

Anyone notice that Nole’s sniffling in that video too?

May 27th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

Art,

As Skeez said it is debatable. There are pros and cons to each that I have elaborated on and provided quotes from each player on this thread and a previous one.

Nadal said he likes it warm and sunny which generates a higher bounce. In Monte Carlo the only difficult set he had in the whole tournament was against Ferrero(he was down 4-3, but won it 6-4) in the type of conditions we are having at the FO right now. There was a rain delay in the 1st set. I don’t remember exactly when it was. The conditions may have just been a mental distraction which brought down the level of his play in that 1st set rather than the conditions somehow making his shots less effective. It will be extremely difficult to beat Nadal at the French regardless of the conditions.

This is what Federer said yesterday in the French portion of his interview when asked about the conditions:

“So, you know, I think there’s advantages and disadvantages, and you’ve got to use them to yours if you can.”

Both players have a lot of work to do before we can be treated to a FEDAL final.

May 27th, 2010 at 1:53 pm

Wow good stuff by Roddick! up a break in the fourth…

TX NELTA….

May 27th, 2010 at 1:56 pm

Haha, love that Fognini pulled it out.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

If Chiudinelli wins the foruth set, I can’t imagine who will win between him and Isner, since 3 sets already went to tiebreaks.

Fognini won, justice was made.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

TX NELTA…

Roddick looking to close out the match…

May 27th, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Brilliant play from Andy to take the third! Come on! And other Andy is fighting back! Come on!

May 27th, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Roddick make it to the 3rd round :)

Where is goat_galz?

May 27th, 2010 at 2:20 pm

Fognini is listed as 5’10 in the bio. He looks shorter than Ferrer who is listed at 5’9.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:27 pm

Congrats to Baggy, Roddick, Fognini (!) and GO MURRAY!

May 27th, 2010 at 2:31 pm

Stu, I did replay that and yes! he is sniffling. I just wish he could get that under control.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:41 pm

I don’t know anything about the game of Roddick’s third-round opponent, Gabashvili, but I know he’s won 12 consecutive sets at Roland Garros – six in qualifying and six in the first two rounds.

Roddick better step it up or he might not make it to his fourth-round date with Ferrer.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:41 pm

It’s Great to see that justice prevailed and Fognini won. Monfils got lucky last year vs. Roddick, when he pulled that stunt, but this time, even though he was favoured, a higher power intervened. Monfils can see in the dark because he’s got a pair of bug eyes. Whappa for justice!!

May 27th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

“skeezerweezer Says:
Roddick make it to the 3rd round :)

“Where is goat_galz?”

It’s shear cropping time for her. — a new wig is needed.

May 27th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Woot! margot, Kimmi Murray is through. : )

May 27th, 2010 at 2:56 pm

Wheeeee jane and kimmi! Come on! Thank goodness it din’t go to a third day. Anyone know, will he ‘n Baggy play tomorrow or is there too much of a backlog?
skeezer: maxo- margi has a certain ring to it!

May 27th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

margot, not sure. They don’t seem to have the schedule of play for tomorrow up yet. Presumably Djoko and Rafa will be on, though. I would imagine they’ll push some matches that were scheduled for tomorrow forward a day as they are going to have to halt play soon and there are still six matches incomplete as I write.

May 27th, 2010 at 3:10 pm

skeezer:
a match a day is nothing?
it can be ‘only’ 2 hours sometimes.
but let’s see how you feel if fed ever had to play a 5setter and back it up the next day against a top5er.
what am i saying, they’d probably just move the tournament for him.

May 27th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Rain is making it difficult for the schedulers!Hopefully the weather will cooperate tomorrow.

Congrats to Roddick’s fans; Isner’s fans; Murray’s fans; and all the others who got through today!

May 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm

one question, how come my tennis club has lights and RALAND GARROS DOESN`T?

May 27th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

not that my club is fancy or anything.

May 27th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Traditionally tennis is a under natural light sports, that’s why. Whta I think they coud do is start a little earlier when they know about bad weather or incomplete matches delayed.

May 27th, 2010 at 4:13 pm

Schedule is out for tomorrow -Murray and Baggy both have to play again tomorrow, against each other, as well as Isner, who plays Berdych. Roddick doesn’t play again tomorrow.

Rafa, Djoko, Fed, Verdasco, Soda, Tsonga are playing.

Presumably this means both Rafa and Djoko will have to play back to back days. Who else? Not sure.

May 27th, 2010 at 4:19 pm

Hewitt, Ferrer, Ferrero, Cilic, Kohls, etc are ALL scheduled to play. The powers that be at RG better be praying for better weather. :)

May 27th, 2010 at 4:22 pm

Yeah Jane, tomorrow will be loaded. Almost all tennis stars will be on court.

May 27th, 2010 at 4:40 pm

“guy Says:

skeezer:
a match a day is nothing?
it can be ‘only’ 2 hours sometimes.
but let’s see how you feel if fed ever had to play a 5setter and back it up the next day against a top5er.
what am i saying, they’d probably just move the tournament for him.”

First of all, I am not alienating Rafa. Where did I say that in my post. I’m talkin everyone, including Fed.

Dude, not that I am anybody, but I have competed in Tournaments, over a weekend, 32 man draw, 5 matches Granted the matches I played were 2 out of 3, not 3/5. play one on Friday , 2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday. And yes matches 2/3 can last 2 hours, easily….

If you’re in decent shape, playing a match a day shouldn’t be a problem for these guys for a “few” days.

These guys are in way better shape at a pro level, they are professional athletes.

May 27th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

LMAO for that Djokovic/troicki video…hahahah guys are funny. love the humour on djoko..way to go, don’t stop man!

Muzzzzzaaaaa (thanks jane and margot)..was following the score. Tough but thru. Baghdatis can be tough but beatable on clay. go muzza.

May 27th, 2010 at 5:56 pm