Murray Secures Semifinal; Nadal, Djokovic Look to Join

by Staff | November 25th, 2010, 11:37 pm
  • 157 Comments

Friday marks the last day of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals round robin play. Group B is set with Roger Federer and Andy Murray advancing. Today, two players will emerge from Group A. ADHEREL

On first at 3pm local time is World No. 1 Rafael Nadal against Tomas Berdych. Nadal leads the head-to-head 8-3 against Berdych having won 7 straight and with no sets lost in over four years now (17-0 in sets, with only three going to tie-breaks). In their most recent meeting, Nadal never dropped his serve in a 63, 75, 64 win in the Wimbledon final on July 4.

If Nadal beats Berdych for the ninth straight time he’ll qualify for the semifinals as Group Winner. If Berdych loses in three sets and Roddick defeats Djokovic in straight sets, Berdych will qualify for the last four.


The the round robin finale at 8pm, it’s Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick. Roddick has enjoyed the upper hand against Djokovic in their rivalry, leading the head-to-head, 5-2. And Roddick has dominated since the start of the 2009 season going 4-0 against the Serb (losing just one set in those four straight wins). The standout statistic there is Roddick’s near-invincibility on his serve: combined over those last four meetings, Roddick is 146-31 on first serve points (82%) and 43-3 in service games (93% – broken only three times).

Whoever wins the second match, there are several scenarios for the group, all dependent on the first match. There are possibilities for a three-way tie at 2-1 (if Berdych and Djokovic win their matches) and another possibility for a three-way tie at 1-2 (if Nadal and Roddick win).

In Thursday’s matches, both Federer and Murray rolled in straight sets. Federer notched his 16th win in 17 tries against Robin Soderling with a 76(5), 63 victory.

After a slow start, Murray stormed past David Ferrer 62, 62 to clinch his semifinal spot.

“I think it’s great. All the best players in the world are here,” said Murray. “It’s not an easy thing to do. I qualified the first time I played it. Last year was obviously tough for me. But this year I’ve won two matches against very good players. I’m glad I got through to the semis.”


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157 Comments for Murray Secures Semifinal; Nadal, Djokovic Look to Join

margot Says:

Fed yesterday, playing lovely stuff,so close u can see the sweat.. bachand humming, just skimming the net like a silent, swooping swallow. Robin’s forehand, so fast you can hardly see it, hurtles past, but back it comes, landing in the far corner of the baseline like a deadly grenade.
Rafa today, oh it’s such a hard life..
Might try and see andy tomorrow….oh it’s such..etc!
i am it :dearie me, what a hard task you have set me but please see above..i am…trying…perhaps I should change my name? Anyway, for you …it’s Christmas Eve, a dentist’s waiing room, the moment before the lottery numbers all rolled into one. Then the shouting and cheering as the players enter, we’re standing, stamping, chanting, the music’s blaring the blue lights are flashing in the darkened and 17 thousand hearts are pumping so hard they echo the beat of the drum.
Suddenly in front of us in the middle of this vast amphtheatre, the players look strangely small, isolated and vulnerable, all their frailties and all their magnificense about to be revealed to the hostile and the worshippers alike.
Enough already! And anyone grinding their teeth and wishing I’d shut up, blame i am it!
BFN darlings.
PS girls, the Bryan brothers have very skinny legs!


margot Says:

Sorry 4 typos, backhand first line of course and “darkness” somewhere instead of “darknened.”
blame too much excitement..


Kimmi Says:

“PS girls, the Bryan brothers have very skinny legs!”

lol margot. Yes, they do! ouch!


Kimmi Says:

match of the day djoko vs roddick! bring it on…


Wheeler Says:

Can anyone find on YouTube or capture the opening sequence they play where you see the names and faces of all 8 players and the music plays? I *love* that.


Dory Says:

Nadal should definitely come first or else we’ll have RF vs Nadal in the semis!!

I lost interest in yesterday’s match after Ferrer blew it after his 2-0 lead.


dunbar Says:

Amazing what one good shot will do. Nadal, after weathering the early Berdych storm, was threatening to overwhelm the Czech when Berdych suddenly produce a blinding winner down the line, following some sterling defence. Nadal thought he’d won the game – hadn’t; for the rest of the game he was mortal and out of it.

Trouble is, it’s all to start again. Berdych has reproduce over and over again. Surely asking too much.


dunbar Says:

Berdych smiles after trying to get cute with a volley – silly ass – repeat after me, elephants must not try and out subtle wolves, they must use their strength – and naturally, Nadal easily dealt with it.
But, perhaps – that smile indicates a certain inner well being? Fact is, by and large, Berdych is on top of his form, and giving Nadal something to think about.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Anyone have a live stream for this? I’m dying to watch!


dunbar Says:

Berdych is winning a surprising a number of points on 2nd serve, the 1st being awol at moment. Meanwhile, Nadal is impregnable on his serve. Is there now a more lethal server in the game? An extraordinary turn of events.


dunbar Says:

for English viewers, just saw the guy who plays Arthur in “Merlin” in the audience. Berdych in control of ralle, but Nadal executes wonderul pass (would have been 0-30 otherwise, 2 pts to set for Bird) (I thought again Bird not going for it quite enough – gotta throw caution to the iwnds to have any chance against Nagal – then ace. Oh, dear. What can anyone do?


dunbar Says:

Berdych at least into tiebreak. It’s a very valiant effort. You feel, though, that it’s just a question of how long the ramparts can hold up against the relentless battering.


Nina Says:

I’m so sorry for Nole, but this is too funny…

Vajda has explained to Serbian media what happened during the match against Nadal. Basically before the match Nole put two lenses (by accident,they’re very thin so you wouldn’t notice) in the right eye and halfway through one separated from the other and began scratching his eye. He of course didn’t know the source of irritation and went to the bathroom to change lens but he just took out one (which was all he thought he had on) and put on another so again he had two on (which counteracts the sight given by the first) and it was all just a disaster.

He says it had never happened to him before in his life. And yet it happened to him in one of the most important matches. Unbelivable. Just unbelivable. Oh Noleee…

Onto Nadal-Berdych… Thomas is giving a good fight, he has improved so much after his first match, maybe that’s all he needs to get his confidence back. Hope Nadal wins in straights. Rafa is looking solid.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Thanks, Nina! It’s working.


Skeezerweezer Says:

Rafa threatens to quit, how uncool was that?


Ike Says:

seems like Rafa had forgotten the basic rules of challenge system :)


Daniel Says:

Nadal is just pathetic. He had afilies the point and the judge gelo for him and berdy had to challenge. If the judge didn’t overruled Nadal would have to challenge and he would have missed the point abusar since the ball was in. He just get pissed with the judge and went to the organizerscompletly showing his distespect for the umpire. Saying he wouldbt play anymore. This was just one of te most spoiled beata I saw on a Tennis court. This just shows how he feros about rules. Unbeliavable. Just ridicoulous artitude!


Daniel Says:

Damm it iPhone. I am just specheless by Nadal’s attitude, cheater.


Ike Says:

let’s all forgive Rafa for that behavior, almost everyone loses their cool at least ones!


Ike Says:

i won’t be surprised if Berdy loses this set 6-2


Lulu Iberica Says:

Hmmm… Don’t like Rafa being a bad sport, but I really admire how he can regain his focus almost immediately. Others often lose to him because they’re incapable of doing the same. Anyway, we’re into the semi now, no matter what happens!


dunbar Says:

I’m not going into the rights and wrongs of it – to be honest, not sure what they are – but I doubt if anyone has ever seen Nadal get in such an exciteable rage at being (as he thought) robbed of a point. The significant thing is what followed.
Nadal actually used the released adrenalin to raise his game – one instantly thinks of McEnroe – whilst Berdych more or less meekly faded away. There was only ever going to be one winner of the tie break.
This is the thing abiout Nadal, nothing gets to him or rather, if something does get to him it makes him even better.
So if anyone is to beat Nadal here, he’s going to have to be a warrior, not just a great player. Let nothing get to you adverselt, ever – that’s Mr.Nadal. Can Mssrs.Fed, Murray or Djoko do same? Very hard to believe.
Bradley James – that’s the name of the actor who plays Arthur (tv serial)>


blank Says:

I didn’t hear it properly, but did the umpire not say it was Berdych challenging that call? If that was the case, then Nadal did have a case to argue.


dunbar Says:

Do my eyes deceive me, but is Bradley james (Arthur) sitting next to Uncle Toni? How does he come to know him?
The energy seems to have gone out of this match. Sad. It was a good battle for most of first set.


Kimberly Says:

Hi all, just came from the gym so missed the drama but think by Nadal winning that set he has qualified yes? I am up at my mom’s house in Palm Beach for the weekend.

So how does the semi work? Winner plays second of each group?


FedEnd Says:

Ball was called out, Berdych challenged the call and it was in. So as per the rules the point has to be replayed. But it wasnt and Rafa was a annoyed.
I dont know what the FEDTARDS are crying about here.
Rafa looming large in the final ??


dunbar Says:

Berdych broken for first time in immensley long service game. he actually won one cat and mouse exchange, and was daft enough to try another, and just dropped the ball into the net at break point. If Berdych had kept winning his serves, in theory he might have sneaked thru. How often have we seen someone totally dominant and yet have one lapse in concentration and lose his erve and the set? But Ndal doesn’t do that. That’s why (imo) this match became kind of formal – you wondered how long Bird could hold out for, you weren’t looking for him to win.
who ever’s gonna beat Nadal has got to be cool, cool, cool. Remember Arthur Ashe beating Connors at Wimbie final? (anyone over 90 here?) Nothing got to Ashe. That’s the only way.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Yes, Dunbar, the energy has died, because Rafa has beaten down Berdych and knocked the fight out of him. Perhaps Berd can make a comeback?


guy Says:

nadal’s rant > it depends whether he was signalling the ball was out or was challenging.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Well, maybe not…


blank Says:

If Berdy loses, this is the best he can do. If he loses in straights, which looks like is going to be the casee, he’s out.

“Roddick defeats Djokovic in 2 sets and Nadal defeats Berdych in 3 sets = Nadal Wins Group and Berdych Qualifies 2nd.”


FedEnd Says:

Rafa is absolutely ripping those mindboggling FHs !!!
He is getting closer to his USO 2010 level.

FEDTARDS…better hope your man gets thwarted in the semis like USO 2010….even God wont be able to save him in the finals.


guy Says:

i don’t think anyone knew what happened. because it depends who made the call and what nadal was doing. the ball was in, nadal made some signal but hit the ball back. there was some kind of late call berdych complained about, then berdych challenged i think. then he got the point. have to wait for the interview.


blank Says:

If Berdych challenged it and won, it should have been a replay, not point to Berdych and move on. I think that’s what Nadal was arguing.


dunbar Says:

berdych broken again – but, this match was finished in the first set.
Yep, Bradley James (“Arthur”) is sitting next to Uncle Toni. The question now is, is he with uncle Toni as in a group, or does he just happen to be sitting next to him, like Blelgium just happens to be next to Holland. In this life, one object is always next to another object, although gaps vary. The thing is, sometimes the objects are next to each other as a result of deliberation, and sometimnes it is just happenstance.

What, I wonder, is is in the case of Bradley James and Uncle Toni?


Mg Mg Says:

Rafa gave a big smile to the umpire after the match. Berdy challenged the call because the umpire called it out.


guy Says:

i think what may have happened, is even though carlos called the ball out [late] he thought nadal had stopped play to challenge[which he may or may not have] and so when the ball was called in, he wouldn’t allow the point to be replayed. the problem was nadal’s ball landed in and play was stopped by carlos’ call so it was unclear whether play would have continued. if nadal didn’t stop play he was robbed a point at a very critical stage and was justified in his protest, but if he was going to stop, carlos was right and nadal was in the wrong.


Daniel Says:

Nadal thought the ball was out, hit and stoped. He would have challegend it. But the umpire also called out and berdy gás to challenge. Nadal dantes tonreplay a point h would have lost anyway because he was ready to challenge fron the monent he hit back and raiaed his arm. He was trying to areal the point or have a chance to replay it because te umpire called out when he shouldn’t. That os the part that disgust me. He lost the point but was trying to use a nas call to revert it. Not worthy, wanting to win ugly. Whatch the replay and you will ser he afilies the point in the midle, even though he returned the ball. He was certain it was out.


blank Says:

When there are lines people so close to the lines and both players have challenges, the chair umpire should just shut up and stick to just calling points and asking crowd to settle down. At the end of this he just looked so stupid and deservingly so.


blank Says:

I agree Daniel. Nadal’s argument was more technical and it’s the umpire’s fault. If Berdy challenges a line call and gets the outcome in his favor, it is replay the point. If we consider what actually happened, then yes, it was Berdy’s point. But the umpire screwd it up and Rafa took him to task for that. He went a little overboard, I agree.


blank Says:

Andy Murray may have lost the SF battle already! Read the last sentence.

“… Q. As you said, it’s a very different scenario playing in the group stages. In some ways will it be nice just to get back to the straight knock out format at the weekend?

ANDY MURRAY: Uhm, to be honest, I don’t know. I mean, you got to try and win every match you play. Yeah, obviously I’m going to be playing against someone like Rafa. So, you know, it’s going to be an incredibly tough match. There’s not really a whole lot of room for error.
But I’ll try. I’ll try and win. But I’m not sure I’ve got a whole lot of chance if I play against him…”


Daniel Says:

Thanks Blank, that is my point.

Regardless of the umpire calling it our or no, Nadal hit and stoped and raized his arms. He was sure the ball was out and stop play. If the umpire didn’t call it out, Nadal would have challenged it and lose the point. He was trying to take advantage of the situation, and this part bother me the most. As if he was frustrated because he was wrong, (this players rarely stop play) and since Berdy had to challenge he was complainning saying he was in the point. But he gave up the point, that’s why the umpire decide in Berdys favor. And then, like a child when you take away the lolipop, he went beyong referee, something you never see on a tennis match, the umpire is the supreme authpority, even if he mess up. It was just beyond ridicoulous for a Number one player, the message he is sent is I am n. 1 and I can do everything.
I think when he treaten to abandon play and he look at the satnds, somebody in his box must have signalized to him how pathetic it was and he cool of and concentrate in his game.

But even so, the stain remains. And this is a guy who have just won the sporstmanship award on the very same court. Disgusting!

I never was a fan of his but in the last two years his game improve so much that you can’t overlook it, but today I just feel sad for him and believe veryu much in his MO: winning ugly no matter what.


blank Says:

But I appreciate his brutal honesty. Hope he doesn’t really think this way tomorrow.

“… Q. I’m intrigued with you saying you don’t think you have much chance to beat Rafa. You beat him the last time on hard courts. Why don’t you think you’ll have a good chance this time?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, he’s obviously the best player in the world. I’ve watched his matches here. He’s been playing unbelievably well. You know, I don’t seem to beat those guys in the big matches. So, you know, I’m going to have to play my best tennis against him to win. I need to do it in a big match, in the semis. I have to see whether I can do that or not.

Q. So you’re not confident?

ANDY MURRAY: No, not really. But I’ll try and win against him…”


Daniel Says:

Blank

Regarding the last sentence: But I’m not sure I’ve got a whole lot of chance if I play against him

I just recall someone here calling Murray a mental case, can’t remember who. Guess he is kind of right. Or he is playng mental games, or he just expressed himslef wrongly, but if he really believs in it, next year will remain between Nadal and Fed.


Paradox Says:

I am a Nadal fan to the hilt.What we like in Nadal is his grace and nice attitude.So i am disappointed in his argument with umpire today.It was a little excess.I wish he will be as graceful and well behaved as before.


andres Says:

What the hell is the matter with Murray, if he thinks that way just hand him the win over and don’t make everybody lose their time. How come a top five player ,and very talented by the way, has so low self esteem. In fact he has no reason to be so pesimist, he only blew it against Federer, the other two matches he played them really well.


blank Says:

That’s right Daniel. And that attitude is sometimes the difference between a champion and a non-champion. Based on Fed’s standards, I remember he sucked big time (imo) in 2008 and mid-2010, blowing up big leads and match points. But he never once showed weakness or mental frailty when expressing himself later. He always said, I feel great, it will all fall in place soon, I want to be No. 1 again blah blah. At that time I thought it was all BS. But, looking at what happened later, I can understand that’s the hallmark of a champion who wants to rise up when he is down. And that’s why Murray, Djoko and all others are still behind Nadal and Fed. And, of course even Fedend mocks him for that talk ;)

Andy M is not doing himself any favors by saying this before a match against Nadal. I am pretty sure after hearing this, Nadal badly wanted to wipe out Berdy and finish at the top of the group by a mile just to play Murray tomorrow.


Duro Says:

Something tells me Rafa won’t win that ATP number 1 sportsmanship award next year. Deservedly.


queen Says:

Paradox, and I loved the fact that he argued. He is not a sheep, he is a warrior. I just prayed he did not walk out of the court because of this lol Love to see him fired up like this. Makes him even more sexy lol


FedEnd Says:

Daniel,

“And then, like a child when you take away the lolipop, he went beyong referee, something you never see on a tennis match, the umpire is the supreme authpority, even if he mess up. It was just beyond ridicoulous for a Number one player, the message he is sent is I am n. 1 and I can do everything”

Are you talking about this incident ???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koTTY3QuLcQ&feature=related
I am with you.
I agree its bad….shit and f*ck should not be used towards the umpire by the number one player….its a disgrace.


Rsutherland Says:

(Incoming, proud troll) –
Daniel, Duro and all of similar ilk …I have no doubt that it would be possible to make video compilations of other Sportsmen of the Year losing their cool, multiple times. Doubtful that the same stink was ever raised in equal manner by you (or your ilk).
More importantly, as a proud troll who gets his jollies reading the comments of sore losers who can do nothing but bitch about Nadal, please, PLEASE continue. I love a good laugh.


queen Says:

Duro, the next year award will be for 2011 we are still in 2010 when he actually won it so it does not count toward nex year ;)


jane Says:

Murray is being honest on one hand. But maybe too honest and self-deprecating on the other. He has beaten Nadal this year, quite handily in Canada, even if we don’t count that he was winning at AO before Rafa retired. Maybe he doesn’t want to go into this match as favorite? Look what happened when he did that against Roger! So maybe he’s playing down his chances so he’ll play loose & free and not get hung up by great expectations? I mean, there might be deeper things going on, so reading it at face value might not be the best way to approach those quotations, is all. I suspect Murray will give his all.

Having said all that, two other things; 1) Rafa has improved, even since Canada. His serve is different, as dunbar noted above. And 2)I have noted before how Murray and Nole seem to look up to Rafa, perhaps because they’re the same/similar age. And it might be a problem both of them have to bury. They need to believe.

It’s funny – margot said yesterday how in some of the comments on the other thread you could substitute Murray for Nole and the comments would still make sense. Both of them have problems in big matches sometimes and with confidence. The other interesting thing, and I notice because I cheer on both, is that when one is doing well, the other often isn’t doing as well. Hence, this may be the reason why these two haven’t played since the beginning of 2009 at Miami, almost 2 years now! I wish they’d both get it together and rise up to the challenges in the big moments against the big guns. How I wish.


andres Says:

To be fair i remember Federer losing his cool at the 2009 US Open and basically telling the umpire to go F**k himself


dunbar Says:

I think guy and Daniel are correct, since Nadal appeared to raise his arm fractionally before the umpire did.
Anyway, Nadal is briefly caught saying “I don’t want to play any more”, and I found the speed of it all fascinating. That kind of childish sulk which for most of us goes on and on, dragging us deeper and deeper into the pit (speaking for myself, anyway) lasted with Nadal for a split second. He instantly snaps out of it, converting all that flaming energy into a desire and intent to batter the living hell out of his opponent. Nothing personal – never is with a true warrior.

This is why I think Nadal is unbeatable when he is like this and badly wants to win. Federer is probably playing tennis at an equally exalted level (at least) and Murray also for one set. But somehow, this seems to be irrelevant. I can easily imagine either Murray or Federer or both taking Nadal apart for a few games, probably at the beginning. Nadal will simply ride the storm, keep his level and then raise it. The other two will drop their levels at critical moments. No, I am not clairvoyant, and here’s hoping I’m totally wrong.

Nadal his usual charming self in interview with Petch – easily deflected the controversy, and promised to deal with it later when he could give his side in Spanish. And when told Murray had expressed a wish to meet him in the semi and asked whether he returned the compliment, he didn’t even raise an eyebrow, but smilingly said he might have hoped for an easier opponent. Wow, this is one formidable geezer, he is so confident he absolutely does not need to boast. When Murray asked for Nadal, there was something of the naughty boy about him, as if he was aware he had made an outrageous choice and rather enjoyed being outrageous.

Meanwhile, is Britain the only country in the world where its national representative is not bound to be favourite with the home crowd? Feeling is, apparently, support will be split more or less down the middle for Murray and Nadal.


queen Says:

OMG blank or whoever the f…, if you claim that Nadal is “non-champion” because he had something to say today you must be delusional. At least he is not talking smack about fellow players after he loses a game just like Federer does. That is probably why he did not get the sportsmanship award…because he talks shit.


jane Says:

Also, I believe before play started Rafa said Nole was the favorite in their group, which could be seen as true and not true – true because Nole has a good indoor record and has won at YEC, but not true because Nole’d just lost early in Paris, lost to Rafa at USO and because, well, Rafa’s number 1. So in light of Rafa saying that, surely there’s nothing too wrong with Murray implying Rafa’s the favorite in their match – he is, after all. Maybe it’s good that Murray is saying that. I don’t know. I just don’t want to knock him because he may be either playing reverse psychology (with himself and/or Rafa) and/or he may be being straight up about what he thinks his chances are.


blank Says:

jane,
I see what you are saying. But I think there is a difference between saying you are not the favourite and saying you don’t feel confident and you don’t think you have much of a chance in that match. That, imo, is negative thinking. If Murray were to deflect the fav tag to relieve pressure, that’s a smarter play.

This again goes back to what you just said. These two, Djoko & Murray, look up to Nadal too much that it just somehow becomes ok for them if they lose.


dunbar Says:

hard to know quite what Murray meant. We do know with Nadal it is a formality when he calls someone else a favourite, and that deep down he certainly believes he will win.

One thing is for sure – Murray was favourite against Federer, and was taken to the cleaners. He hasn’t yet learnt to deal with the pressure which comes with being favourite. So going in as huge underdog against Nadal will help him. Not enough, though, I suspect.

And God, please do something about that bloody serve!


Duro Says:

Hey Sootherland, take it easy, will ya? I was not talking only about today and him loosing cool, but about some additional episodes (two in two days). Further on, it’s not forbidden for the Sportsmanship laureates to lose their cool, but it will certainly affect their chances for the next “elections”. That’s on a serious part of the topic.

Now about your manners. Save your “stink” words for yourself. I made a statement (which is legitimate and truthful), didn’t offend you personally or your champ, I don’t know you in the first place, so I’ll save my cool only once now and ask you politely not to address me directly ever again. So long and cheers.


jane Says:

Blank, dunbar – good points, both @12:18 & 12:20.


blank Says:

queen or whoever the F*** you are. Go and either get your eyes checked or learn how to read. I wasn’t talking about Nadal. Stupid.


contador Says:

Nina @ 10:11 am post:

LOL! nole putting 2 contacts in one eye….(twice!!)

must be nerves….i’ve done that before too- 2 contacts in same eye…. what horrible luck… gotta love nole!


Nina Says:

Jane

“So maybe he’s playing down his chances so he’ll play loose & free and not get hung up by great expectations?”

Exactly my thoughts. Murray doesn’t play comfortably when he’s the favorite and he always has trouble living up to the expectations. After all he’s just 23. It’s understandable. Talking that way is his manner of downplaying the importance of a loss against Rafa. Specially after Federer wiped him off the court. Very clever.

blank

“These two, Djoko & Murray, look up to Nadal too much that it just somehow becomes ok for them if they lose”.

That’s what I was trying to say, well put. It’s reverse psychology. Maybe they don’t believe it themselves, but by just saying it in public it makes it true for them so they can relax and just try to do their thing. If they win, their victories will be heralded as great achievements. If they lose, it will be seen as something expected, then it’s not a failure.

Every player is afraid of failure, even Rafa and Roger. But Andy and Novak are even more afraid of it because they know that the world demands more of them, that they have to step up to the occasion or they won’t be taken seriously. They know every loss against the Top 2 is a backward step in their careers.

But I could be wrong. :)


contador Says:

might as well hand rafa the trophy. i don’t like watching his tennis but it’s obviously the winning tennis atm.

murray sounds defeated, federer will be tired and psyched out if he makes the final… roddick not in form…

nole with i contact lens in each eye is my only hope.

dunbar- grigor is into a challenger semi in finland…

…and duro – ricardas berankis is too! baltic tennis alive and well even without EG


Sean Randall Says:

For the last match, Nadal has won the group, he’ll play Murray tomorrow.

If Djokovic wins a set against Roddick he qualifies. If Roddick wins in straights he gets in.


Nina Says:

Contador

I guess that joke will chase Nole forever. LOL


contador Says:

LOL! nole, Nina. he had to be distracted by something… it’s not easy to do!!


blank Says:

jane, Nina and Djoko fans, Good luck to your guy tonight. I think he would have a better chance against Fed and Rafa/Murray than Roddick. I hope Roddick gets to win something big soon, hopefully a GS next year!

contador,
why do you think Fed will be tired and psyched out if he reaches the final? he has gotten thru all the matches quickly so far and is looking good. There has been no better time for him this year than now, to face Nadal, if that happens.


FedEnd Says:

“federer will be tired and psyched out if he makes the final…”

Excuses have started from the FEDTARDS….we saw this coming….but not so early.


Duro Says:

Yes, he has to be distracted by something… Running, overheated, suffocated, one-eyed, vomiting, asthmatic, blistering, soar-throated, contact-lensed, allergenic, hipper-ventilating Djokovic…

If he fails now, he better doesn’t come home…

Countess, thanks for your effort in translating “let’s do it”! You’re great!

Nina, keep on going. You’re a real fan.


jane Says:

blank, thanks, he will need it as his record against Roddick is not great. I guess he just needs one set, but a win would be better for his confidence. Meanwhile Andy will be gunning for it as he won’t want to leave empty handed, and if he gets it done in straights, he’s still in it. Nole knows he has DC still. We’ll see. It may depend on Nole’s serve or Roddick’s serve. If Nole is not serving well, Roddick can put pressure on him and hold more easily since his is the more reliable serve. On the other hand, Nole has a great return, but his returning against Andy hasn’t always been great. I honestly see this as a 50/50 match.

Duro, for you then, Nole’s neck is on the line!? Ouch.


Nina Says:

Fellow Djoko fans… Ajde Nole!


Duro Says:

For those who didn’t understand, running as a running in the toilet Nole…

Jane, absolutely. No excuses.


skeezerweezer Says:

Daniel,

Mostly agree with you on your at 11:41 am. It wasn’t so much whether who was right or wrong but the handling of the situation by the #1 world ranked leader of our sport.

Paradox,

Huge calling out of your fav on your post. Kudos to you, and not a easy thing to do considering a die hard fan. Let’s hope he doesn’t develop a future habit of this stuff, and I disagree the post that this makes him more of a “warrior”, imo its more of “can’t keep it together” in a gentlemens sport. As a fan, I did not mind his arguing, it happens, and there seem to be some confusion, but for the world #1 ranked player to threaten to quit playing as a result was ugly school boy stuff. Hope that never happens again. He is a classier guy than that.

That said, Congrats to Rafa and his fans….he is looking better and better as the tourny goes….can’t see him losing a match, let alone a set.


dunbar Says:

Skeezer, in calling Nadal a warrior, I am neither trying to compliment him nor insult him – just stating what I think is true. He momentarily lost it – surely that can happen to anyone? – and then instantly converted all that potentially destructive energy into crushing his opponent. That’s the mark of a warrior to my mind. It’s not a pretty sight. Nadal saves prettiness for the interviews etc. He puts himself out on the court, all of himself, including the crap. This is remarkable. I admire it, but (personally) I do not rejoice in it.


i am it Says:

contador Says: “might as well hand rafa the trophy. i don’t like watching his tennis but it’s obviously the winning tennis atm.

murray sounds defeated, federer will be tired and psyched out if he makes the final… roddick not in form…

nole with i contact lens in each eye is my only hope.”

Back to the hormonal county? Why so much hopelessness and panic wen Fed is playing at the top of his game? I like his chances, as much as Murray’s.

Here is my prediction, if that alleviates you, this is Fed vs. Murray’s final.

Margot, if you are around, whether in the dark reporting the invisible or elsewhere, I had to share this with you I saw some of the best tennis of the year coming from Murray against Ferrer yesterday in the first couple of games of the 2nd set(games 2-5).
Tennis was good this morning, too, mostly the 1st set.


skeezerweezer Says:

dunbar,

My response to “warrior” was not to you but in the context of “queens” post. IMO he was not acting like a warrior at the point nor did i think it was attractive. It was a pivotal moment however, as Rafa ran away in the TB and crushed him in the 2nd. No doubt, he turned into “Warrior Rafa” after that incident.


blank Says:

Skeezer,
Please put your WTF hat on and get us some inside scoop news! :-) It’s getting a bit too serious and hot here.


raven Says:

If I beleived in conspiracy theories I would believe that the courts have been slowed down just for Rafa. he has to have luck on his side. But, even though I am not a rafa fan and will never be, even if he wins all the titles forever and ever, I still have to admire his fierce will and determination. I have never seen anything like it, probably will never see anything like it. Here is hoping Nole and Murray stop being so negative.
For the record, I am a federer fan and always will be, no matter how many times Rafa beats him.So, please just let it go. We all here at Tennisx have our favorites, so respect is important here. This is a great website, most posters here are genuine tennis fans, please do not spoil it with your anger and hatred. Cannot understand where that comes from. Not like Federer did something personal to you.


Duro Says:

Haaaaaaaa ha ha ha!!!


dunbar Says:

Of course, warriors come in different guises. Arthur Ashe was a wily warrior.
Although I’d like to see Murray beat Nadal, should Nadal and Fed meet in the final, there is a special fascination. So long since they’ve met, and Nadal has improved so much – what will Fed make of him? And I always feel Federer is himself a very cool warrior. More than anyone, he will go in with the feeling he can beat him. But just how strong is this conviction – that’s the thing.

Contador – thanks for news about Dimitrov. Steadily ploughing forward, eh?


i am it Says:

Margot Says, “i am it :dearie me, what a hard task you have set me but please see above..i am…trying…perhaps I should change my name?”

Try changing your name or whatever, I’d catch you instantly, sweet heart.
I feel guilty for making you try something that is diametrically opposite of you.
Murray has good chances to claim a bolder credential out of this, seriously.


i am it Says:

Djoko almost got broken in the 1st game, not a strong start. Roddick may regret the missed opportunity.


i am it Says:

I don’t see Djoko winning a set, forget about the match. I hope I am wrong.


dunbar Says:

Roddick just plonked a harmless looking ball into the net to give Djokovic break point, and he then breaks. Why do players do this? Momentary lapse in concentration so they get timing wrong? Nadal NEVER seems to do something like that – another warrior aspect? It’s strange, Roddick is a fighter – but giving away crucial points is also a weakness.
I believe if Djokovic wins this set, he’s through to semi. What incentive is there for him to carry on and try to win, especially given tough match with fed tomorrow?

Pride?


i am it Says:

Change of mind: Now I see Djoko winning a set, if not the match.


Daniel Says:

Fedend. No matter what Fed did: cry, curse, break rackets, tell a box to be quiet, ask to remove hawk eye, nothing beata a 24 year old man (boy), Number 1 played in the workd says in a match in the year end finals on the berth of Tennis that he wod stop play. That one is priceles, will linger for a lifetime. I actually thought he was going to quit and my jaw was bigger than spilberg beast.


i am it Says:

dunbar Says: “What incentive is there for him to carry on and try to win, especially given tough match with fed tomorrow?

Pride?”

200 ranking points.


jane Says:

Still can’t decide. Very close match. And as the announcers said, this set isn’t over. One break isn’t a lot. Djok at 44% first serves in for crying out loud! Rod’s at least at 67%, that’s a little more decent.


Fot Says:

Roddick doesn’t seem like he has a lot of power on his shots anymore.


i am it Says:

Congrats to Djoko for qualifying for the semi. He will be playing Fed tomorrow.
Now go win the match !


Nina Says:

Anone has the feeling this WTF are kind of disappointing? There was no match where both players were at a high level at the same time.

Roddick’s performance here is shameful, what is happening to him? I’m no fan of Andy but I feel bad for him. Nole is crushing him right now. :o

On another note, Nole is in!!!! woohoo!


jane Says:

Yay Nole! More like it. Other than his crappy first serve % that was a nice first set: patient, good droppers, taking fair advantage of all second serves when he got them, and converting his only two break points. Dare i say too that his second serve is better? Could it be that both Murray and Nole are improving their second serves?

As for Roddick, he moved nicely (fun exchange at the net when Nole hit a good dropper, Rod got to it, Nole got it, and Roddick finished it – think it was game 3), hit some good slices, but his shots weren’t as punchy as they were versus Nadal in round one (agree with you Fot). Also he is not hitting aces like he usually does.


blank Says:

Congrats Novak. Poor Roddick, hope he can at least make a match out of this. But doesn’t look good for him.


jane Says:

That was a better service game from Roddick. Holds to love.


i am it Says:

Unlucky A-Rod to lose a game on double fault. He is not playing horribly bad but his serve has deserted him today. Djoko seems to be heading to win in straight. I am a bit surprised with this lop-sided match.


jane Says:

Good defense from Andy, but Nole put it away – fun point.


mat4 Says:

Djoko doesn’t serve his first serve under 125 mph. It changes his game completely. He looks more and more like in 2008, the IO FH added. He lacks precision and %, but let’s hope he will improve.


mat4 Says:

ARod is left without game against Djoko. Usually he serves well a waits for Djoko’s UE. Now, the situation has changed. First, Djoko is serving much better, and it changes his frame of mind. He takes more risks, he is less nervous, and has an additional margin.


jane Says:

It’s not that Andy has served badly – definitely not his best, but not badly either – but he’s not had many aces. Only one double but very ill-timed. He was getting in more firsts than Nole for the match (high 60s throughout set 1) but that’s evened out in the second set. Nole’s still at only 57% firsts (Rod at 61%) but Nole has been able to back up most of his second serves. In short, from my view, Roddick hasn’t hurt Nole on the return at all.


jane Says:

Nole’s defense, too, has been very strong today – he’s putting shots back in play that could be winners, like in that last point.


Eric Says:

roddick’s first serve is 61%?? seems more like 0%… rather horrible.


mat4 Says:

ARod is finally playing agressively, the way he should have, but lacks luck a bit.


jane Says:

Oh getting interesting here – love-30 to Andy. Can Nole close it out??


Eric Says:

Haha. Two shanks, two aces. Has Nole been possessed by Federer?


mat4 Says:

About serving… two aces when they are needed.


jane Says:

Nice clutch serving at the end from Nole; now that was the Nole of 2008! Much better. Phew!

Sad for Andy, as with Ferrer. But Andy can take away the positives from his first performance versus Rafa – very close. Today he wasn’t as strong, a little more oomph needed on his baseline game I thought.


i am it Says:

Their 1st serve % were about the same, 61-62%. Djoko made much out of A-Rod 2nd serve, winning most points. He hit more winners and committed less errors.
Congrats to Djoko for ending A-Rod’s winning streak of four !


dari Says:

So, things went 1234, with the highest ranked in the groups never dropping a set. Congrats to fed and good luck tomorow in the semis!


Daniel Says:

Nina my thoughts too. And all top 4 are trough, we couldn’t ask for more. Let’s hope the semis and finals are better.


jane Says:

Well, that leaves me cheering for the two underdogs in the semis. Seems about right. Go Nole and Murray!!

margot, I hope you get to go see them. Cheer loudly!


mat4 Says:

AR needs to be more aggressive. It is not always easy, but you can’t just wait against somebody who’s making half of his points serving.

At the beginning, he played a lot of slice, to slow Djoko’s baseline game. Maybe it was the good way, but he had to accelerate more often, to use Djoko’s shorter balls.

And yes, I also think that this Nole is near the Nole we know from 2008.


jane Says:

“Their 1st serve % were about the same, 61-62%. ” – yes, you’re right, i am it, by set two they’d evened out. But in set one, Roddick was around 67-68% and Nole was 47-50% for the first set. In the second set, Rod’s dropped and Nole’s came up. But what matters, as you note, is that Nole was able to capitalize on many of the second serve points when he got them. Not Roddick’s best match indeed, but a solid performance from Nole.

Nina, it’s true that most of the matches seemed lopsided – or they were close for one set and then a wash out second set, with the exception perhaps of Soda/Ferrer and Roddick/Rafa. Was it like that last year too? Can’t remember. Anyhow let’s hope they all play well in the semis.


goat galz Says:

Von
Dory predicted Roddick 0-3 but you laughed, “LOL, no kidding, everyone in the group beats Roddick??? Well, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Care to make another intelligent prediction?


Duro Says:

And where’s Kimmi? Kimmi, is it gonna be our scenario finally?

Nole-Murray finals! 7-6; 6-7; 6-6 47:47… Nole on serve 48-47! Murray on second serve! Nole down the line backhand! 49:47!!! 7-6; 6-7; 7-6! Nole champion! Standing ovations… And I woke up :-(…


Nina Says:

Yeah, I agree, Nole is improving his game and close to his best form from 2007-08, but still a long way to go. Until he starts beating Roger and Rafa consistently we cannot talk about his resurgence.

I believe Nole had chances to beat Rafa the other day, today the match was completely one-sided, so it’s difficult to assert his form just yet. Tomorrow against Roger will be the real test.

People saying Roddick didn’t play awfully in this match is weird because in my opinion he looked uninspired, sagged, slow and defeated. It was not a pretty picture. Maybe I had more this impression because the commentators were saying that non-stop. They even said Roddick played like he had retirement in mind pretty soon, like he wasn’t motivated to play anymore. I don’t know if there is any truth on that, but being defeated in your 3 matches here is a serious warning for Andy. He played great against Nadal but he then lost all confidence on himself in the following matches. I think Rafa can do that to you. When you think you’re close to beat him he always finds a way to turn that around in his favour. It must be really frustrating. Poor Andy. I hope he at least can win Wimbledon before saying goodbye.


jane Says:

Nina, we were listening to different commentators; I didn’t hear that from the ones to which I was listening (streaming fromsport.com). I thought Roddick played just an average match – not great but not near what he’s capable of; that said I feel like I can gage Nole’s form better after that match than against Berdych. Nole defended and returned well, and he served pretty good too. I felt much better about his play today because he came on court to win, whereas against Berdych it was like he came on court to get by.

Re Andy R. “I hope he at least can win Wimbledon before saying goodbye.” ME TOO.


leo vixen Says:

Since Wimbledon Berdych has mentally checked out. Even if he has glimpses of brilliance by taking a set to tie break AND THEN LOSES THAT SET, he basically packs his bags and goes home. I just wish he would, for real,by conceding the match and putting all of us out of our misery of having to watch a match with only one player left on court. Tomaz, grow a spine and learn to fight! You won’t last long in the top ten if you carry on like this. And I’m not even a fan. Are there any Berdych fans, btw?


leo vixen Says:

Oh, yeah, one Berdych fan; Lucie Safarova. He must seem like a God to her.


Duro Says:

First half of the year Nole couldn’t serve his first delivery even near to 125 mph or 201 km/h. Now he does it regularly. His second serve is deep, it has strong kick, very well positioned and comparing all of this to his previous problems,(not to mention sometimes even 11 double faults per match) he gained a new confidence and once lost assistant in his serve. Ben liked to point out often that his second serve used to be 118 mph! That was 2007/2008 Djokovic. His style and game never actually deserted him, but serve surely did. Lets see what’s he capable of… Don’t be too much surprised tomorrow if the youngsters do the job. I think Murray will, at least.


Ben Pronin Says:

If we have Murray-Djokovic final to end the year I will be sooo happy.


jane Says:

^__^ Me too!!!!


Nina Says:

Duro, Ben

Nothing would make me happier, believe me. I think it’s time already, why not? A Djoko-Murray final, AWESOME.

Nole was specially good on his second serve today, I think he won 80% of the points? And when he had a decent first serve he volleyed a little bit with success. That was great to see, he has to add that variety to his game if he wants to improve.

Sometimes I have the feeling that he plays difficult tennis (contrary to Roger, for example, who makes tennis look easy), because it seems like he has to win everything from the baseline with clinical accuracy. Painting down the lines, which he does beautifully sometimes. But it must be so hard at the same time. Understandably he can’t sustain that level in every match but when he does it’s a marvel to watch.

And about those drop shots… they have to go! Why does he insist on hitting them? More usually than not he shanks them at the net. It’s disconcerting and frustrating. It gets me on my nerves. He has lost so many important points by just doing that. I wonder what’s the reason behind them? What makes him do that when it’s so obvious that it doesn’t work for him? It’s a big mystery to me…


skeezerweezer Says:

margot,

Thanks for the “at 02” live report. It was “lovely” enjoyed your write :-). Have a great time! Thanks!


sar Says:

I was hoping he wouldn’t play today but I was wrong. At least he’s got his points, is in the semi and got over a personal hurdle that was a long time coming. Let’s see tomorrow.


Fot Says:

Congratulations on all the top 4 players making the SF. I guess this is good. The 4 top players playing on the last weekend of the tennis tour. Now I hope that my Roger can come through to play for the 5th Year End title in his career.

Good luck Roger!


Kimmi Says:

woooo. did djoko crushed roddick or what? i guess he wanted to qualify… (btw i wrote the same thing about muzz yesterday).

congrats to djoko and his fans, at last he beats his nemesis..long time overdue.

Djoko and federer to meet again for the 5th time since wimbeldon. hmmm!

Muzza vs nadal is intersting. Hope muzz can bring it on!


Duro Says:

Sar, I’m happy for you ha ha ha! You were so afraid! Well, it went well. More belief!


Nina Says:

Djoko-Federer, Murray-Federer, Djoko-Nadal, Murray-Nadal… those are becoming classics already. How many times have they played this year? can anyone post the stats? It’s more about the Big 4 than ever.


Kimmi Says:

contador – i have been following dimitrov too this week.. in helsinki. this is big challenger tournament. 125 pts for the winner.

tomorrow he plays Berankis..dont know the guy, just hoping grigor wins. if he wins tomorrow he should be able to break into top 100..fingers crossed.


Kimmi Says:

djoko federer matches are always VERY close. they make me nervous..oh well! i hope fed come out the winner tomorrow.

Murray, you can do it. just concentrate and play your aggressive game. aah nerve racking!


dunbar Says:

Nadal says:”If you talk to the specialists of tennis, everybody can say the conditions are a little bit easier for Andy than for me here, the court is a little bit easier for him than for me. But the only thing that really matters is what happens tomorrow.”

Why are the conditions a little bit easier for Murray than for Nadal? Are there any “specialists of tennis” here who can enlighten me?

Drop shots. Evidence of the player’s genius when they work, of his terminal imbecility when they fail.


Kimberly Says:

so many people here pulling for the murray/nole final.

I’m a traditionalist. Bring on FEDAL


dunbar Says:

Contador and Kimmi – following up on what you have said:”With the points won so far Dimitrov would be ranked at about No 105 and this wouldguaranteea place in the main draw for the first Grand Slamtournamentof 2011 – Australian Open.

In the semifinal match on Saturday Dimitrov will play the 20-years-old Lithuanian Richard Berankis, ex Junior No 1.”
Getting closer all the time….


dunbar Says:

Kimberley, I agree. Murray/Nole would be good too, as for that matter replay Djokovic and Nadal. In fact, any combo. FEDAL, though – how long’s it been? Into the torture chamber again, where hope wars with grim expectation….


Kimmi Says:

dunbar – “Nadal says:”If you talk to the specialists of tennis, everybody can say the conditions are a little bit easier for Andy than for me here, the court is a little bit easier for him than for me. But the only thing that really matters is what happens tomorrow.””

nadal playing it down again. how is this easier for murray who has not won a HC Grandslam? who is not # 1 player in the world. who has not won all his matches in his group..

dont understand!


dunbar Says:

Kimmi, I presume he means the slow surface suits Murray’s game more than his own. But is that true, and do “specialists of tennis” actually believe that?” i thought, anyway, Murray prefered a fast surface.


Kimmi Says:

dunbar – ah, so dimitrov is playing the guy who used to be a junior # 1.. hmmm, then the guy must be good. he is in the semi afterall. well, grigor is good too. I hope he wins. the guy is ranked few places below him. grigor grind out some tough matches to get to the semi…hope he still got it


Kimmi Says:

dunbar – imo nadal is an all court player. he prefers clay but he is done very well in all surfaces so far. he is better that most if not all in players on all surfaces. to beat 3 top 8 players on the way to the semi says a lot.

I think he is playing it down again, just like when he said djoko is the favorite just before their match.

if he beats murray tomorrow, wait for him to say is is not the favorite for the final.


Kimmi Says:

“he is better that most if not all in players on all surfaces”

s/b he is better than most if not all players on all surface


skeezerweezer Says:

Yeah typical playing it down, why is every match “difficult” and “impossible” but then Rafa kicks butt, his opponents know better than to listen to that stuff. You want to beat Rafa? Just do it. This year, they haven’t.

Surfaces: This is a slow indoors court. Don’t let the ziz zag talk fool ya. Advantage; RAFA.


dunbar Says:

yes, I think Dimitrov’s initial appearance on the ATP tour – like at Queens – was premature. Now he’ doing, as you say Kimmi, the hard grinding. Taylor Dent said not so long ago that there wasn’t much difference between the Challenger circuit and the main tour. Just a few points in it between the players. So it may be that Dimitrov is at the moment kind of completing his apprenticeship. So if he gets to the AO, it won’t be like he’s a novice, he’ll already be a seasoned performer. Hope he gets a good draw, and get to the 3rd round or so. He’s a better prospect than Tomic – and Tomic came so close to beating Cilic at the AO this year. (was this year, wasn’t it?)


guy Says:

you people are unreal. a player gives other players respect by saying the matches will be difficult because of the ability their opponents and you have a problem with it.

after years of federer dismissing other players as easy to handle and nothing to worry about etc, it’s actually good to see a no.1 giving the players below some kudos.

the reason djoker is a fav against nadal on hardcourt is because the hardcourt H2H proves it. the reason murray is a difficult match on hardcourt in england is pretty obvious. he beat nadal last two times on hardcourt as well.

and as for nadal’s behaviour yesterday, he confirms he did not challenge. therefore he was robbed a point to go down 15/30 putting berdych 2 points from the set. it was extreme incompetence from the umpire and every player on tour would have been outraged and rightly so.


simba Says:

I can’t wait for Nadal to put a beatdown on Federer in the Final.


Kimmi Says:

guy – i dont have a problem if nadal says the match will be very tough, murray and djoko are very good players..the match could go either way.

But to make murray and djoko the favorite and he is the underdog is where i see it wrong. djoko was the favorite on clay too when they met btw. lol

I am afraid i can never understand it the way you do, sorry!


dunbar Says:

guy, Nadal put his arm up. What was he up to? Does what he actually did match with what he said he did? Does he properly remember – no need to accuse him of lying, this was a very very heated moment. He temporarily lost his mind – like Daniel, I thought for a moment he was actually going to retire. He recovered his mind with extraordinary rapidity. He’s an amazing man with a unique mentality, but don’t lets have fairy stories about him.

guy, hardcourt h2h proves nothing. At best, it can be suggestive. The game in general, and Nadal’s game in particular, is in constant flux.At the moment, I would guess Nadal is most peoples’ favourite on any court.

“a player gives other players respect by saying the matches will be difficult because of the ability their opponents and you have a problem with it.” Well, this is it, isn’t it? Is he giving other players respect by making them favourites, or is he – legitimately – trying to take the pressure off himself? I don’t think the issue is black and white, as some do. But I think to take Nadal absolutely literally is a bit naive, or possibly disingenuous even. Everyone has a bit of an agenda, it’s called being human.

Your remarks on Federer are equally black and white, and not (imo) credible. I’d say Federer is a good deal more candid than Nadal, which doesn’t make him a better person, just different.


Ben Pronin Says:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EObHpj9sw&feature=recentu

It looked like Nadal raised his hand to challenge because the linesman called it in but then the umpire agreed with Nadal so Berdych challenged. Berdych was right and won the point. In that situation the point should not have been replayed since Nadal stopped the point by his own accord. At least that’s what it looks like.


i am it Says:

Nadal says:”If you talk to the specialists of tennis, everybody can say the conditions are a little bit easier for Andy than for me here, the court is a little bit easier for him than for me. But the only thing that really matters is what happens tomorrow.”

I absolutely agree with Rafa that Murray is the favorite tomorrow, slower hard court being his best. I can go a step further and say this: Murray will beat Rafa, possibly in straight sets.
If Murray cannot beat Rafa on hardcourt, where can he? On clay or grass? I don’t think so. Can he win a Slam while Rafa is around?


Nina Says:

I vote for Murray too.


steve-o Says:

The Nadal fans complain that he doesn’t get enough credit for his prowess on hard court. Then they turn around and say that he is not the favorite here because hard court doesn’t suit him.

For the record, I give him full credit for winning the US Open. He has proven himself beyond a doubt on hard courts and he has been by far the most dominant player this year. That’s why I’m saying he’s the favorite for tomorrow against Murray, especially in light of his ability to be at his best in the biggest matches.

Either he’s proven himself on all surfaces, which makes him the favorite anywhere he goes (given how well he’s played this year), or he hasn’t, which means the doubters’ criticisms have merit. Pick one and stick with it. I don’t really care which one you end up picking. But pick one, please. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Sad to see Roddick’s struggles. I was hoping he could win one match, at least. His season’s over now, hope he can refuel and comes back strong next year.


Skeezerweezer Says:

Dunbar,

Great post IMO

guy,

You people? You mean you, right?

Rafa threatened to quit, fact. Bottom line. World #1 in a hissy fit and threatened to take down the tourney unless he got his way. Unacceptable. It says “my way or the highway”. The rest is debatable(on what happened). The other posters have stated there stance quite effectively. Try another approach. This is not a winnable argument.

How about this, Rafa got emotional, shouldn’t have happened, but he managed to take the decision and channel the anger into a beatdown, winning the TB in short fashion, and the crushing Birdy in the 2nd. All better ?


contador Says:

i am it….LOL! i will neither confirm or deny the “hormonal charges” none of your beeswax, baby! : )

Duro, i am glad u approve of my serbian cheer! one of my favorite serbian chatters on the livestream link uses it …too many other words, phrases are not in translation tho…hahahaha- i try…

Kimmi, blank, Dunbar…

“baltic boy” barenkis in helsinki challenger vs g-force! now there’s a stream i must find!!

if nadal starts whopping murray , i wont watch. i must say the rafa rocket serve has been making it’s appearance more – he even used it as a second serve to get outta deuce trouble! switched to a challenger stream cos the nadal;s berdych beatdown was sad and saw adrian mannarino beat kontinen in a close one. mannarino is a young frenchie and their match was great! i actually prefere many of the challenger matches to the nervous nelly matches i’ve watched from the O2 this week : ferrer, berdych, roddick, soderling, murray. novak.. .none of them put on their best perfomances imo, though i love novak for walking out with the pirate eye patch on! just love that guy!!

call me what you want, i am it…but i don’t want an “old” and all too likely to be “tired” at this stage, federer, after playing all week, going into a fedal in which he just might want to beat nadal so bad he’ll be overly “psyched ” and lose. he’s a senior citizen on tour. he’s played some beautiful tennis recently. in shanghai he did in the final lost to murray. in paris he was playing great but lost to monfils. sure he won basel and stockholm. it’s my picking…rather see djoko win unless the miracle happens and fed’s in 2007 form and can win this thing! i say may the best man of the two win – thi strongest one on all levels to at least make it a competitive final against rafa…..that’s what i hope.

my pick is still nadal over anybody. and will be thrilled to be wrong.

fedend you flaunts the idea; not that i like it… but it’s true. 29 is past the prime in tennis years. your very psuedo is feds excuse, dude. THE END

my prediction: nadal in 2
djokovic in 3

final – nadal in 2

hurry up grigor!! and get well, Del Potro!


jane Says:

contador ” i love novak for walking out with the pirate eye patch on! just love that guy!!” Me too. Unabashedly. And I like Murray sporting the argyle. Why not wear your stripes.


WTF Says:

Kimmi says:

“nadal playing it down again. how is this easier for murray who has not won a HC Grandslam? who is not # 1 player in the world. who has not won all his matches in his group..

dont understand!”

What he’s saying is that Murray is a better HC player than Nadal. As for why Nadal has won a HC GS but Murray hasn’t — that would be due to other factors such as pressure and inexperience in finals. He twice reached the final.

I think it’s pretty clear that Murray has a better game on fast surfaces than Nadal, which is why he said that. He’s not saying that he can’t or won’t beat Murray. He’s not playing it down. He’s only saying that the conditions favor Murray a little bit more. He’s not the kind of player that gets cocky and overconfident even when he is a favorite.

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