Federer Cruises; Nadal, Djokovic Up Day 2 at US Open

Federer was far from cruising unless it was on the unforced errors cruise line. This is probably his worst opening match at the US open. I think his quarter final streak is going to end soon.

August 29th, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Yeah, it wasn’t pretty. Hope he clean up his game for the following rounds.

August 30th, 2011 at 12:04 am

Schedule:

Nole, Woz, Vika – day; Rafa & Serena – night (Ashe)
Fran, Na Li, Ferrer – day; Blake – night (Armstrong)
Tsonga, Hotsauce, JJ – day; Ivanovic – night (grandstand)

etc… only listed seeds for brevity.

Full schedule here:

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=topnav

August 30th, 2011 at 12:11 am

Usually, Grand Slam will start with the Defending champion, since Kim Cljister did not Play, Nadal should Play at the first day, and its make the bottom half of the draw will start first, but, This US open start with Federer, the Top half, Including Djoker, Why is that? Special Reason or special order? to keep Federer till the end of Tournament? with more days to rest? we all know, That US open will play back to back semi final and final……….

August 30th, 2011 at 12:38 am

felix, novak has extra day’s rest as he doesn’t start until today?

August 30th, 2011 at 12:44 am

Sloppy garbage match from Fed, for the most part. Why in the world can’t he reign in his concentration and focus and quit going on mental walkabouts? Losing serve twice when up 5-1 in the first set? Come on.

And many of the players, including Fed, have noted that the courts are playing slower this year. Are we ever going to get a true fast court slam again? Don’t understand this idiotic desire by the tours to homogenize the sport and negate surface differences.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:05 am

“in his best not-condescending-but-kinda-condescending fashion”
LOL at that!

August 30th, 2011 at 3:18 am

it s still very very fast …fed just mentioned they are a bit slower…let it be hot next few days its gonna be fast as hell

August 30th, 2011 at 9:47 am

From The Guardian

The world No3 put his slight struggles down to adjusting to the slower pace of the courts this year, which he admits he is not a fan of: “It’s just unfortunate maybe that all the slams are too equal. This should feel very different to the Australian Open and it doesn’t. I don’t think it’s really what tennis needs.”

You tell em Fed….

August 30th, 2011 at 9:52 am

the theory behind the slower courts is that fans want to see rallies. However, I imagine fans also want to see variety?

There should be events ranging from the slowest of slow to the fastest of fast. That way everyone is treated to different types of tennis throughout the year.

RG was supposed to be playing faster this year because of the new balls but still looked pretty slow to me. Montecarlo looked so slow even Nadal and Murray didn’t seem to really be able to penetrate the court. Miami was so slow it was called purple clay at one point.Indian Wells is slow. The grass has slowed, although supposably Queens is faster than Wimbledon. Apparently the only fast surfaces left are Cincinatti, Paris Bercy, and O2 for WTF?

The big question is why would the US Open intentionally slow the surface when it certainly is not to the benefit of their players?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:58 am

My three thoughts from the first day at the US Open. http://bit.ly/qxNYGV

August 30th, 2011 at 9:59 am

If the courts are slower than usual then it’s a great shame. The flushing meadow courts have traditionally been the fastest courts at the GS level and I cannot see why the organiser’s would want to change that. I really hope it’s the same as before andnits just federer who feels that they are slower than usual. Things should be more clear as to the speed of the court once del poto, soderling have played.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:11 am

Most players said Canada played faster this year. Some liked it and some didn’t. But the consensus seems to be that the USO is playing slower. The warm up masters events should match the slam that follows, ideally, for some kind of consistency – even JMac noted this during Fed’s match last night.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:13 am

during the match last night one of the Mac brothers mentioned asking the tournament director about the surface. he said that the TD said they have the same surface this year as the past several it just has not been played on as much (which apparently smooths it out makeing it faster) due to the storm. so it may speed up as we go along.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:31 am

Kimberly says

“The big question is why would the US Open intentionally slow the surface when it certainly is not to the benefit of their players?”

That is the million dollar question. There is a little history there.

Back in the ole Wimby days, there were big servers (Stich, etc ) and there were no more than 1 or 2 shots in a rally. More than that, serve it, point over. I remember commentators back then worrying about what fans think about the game at that point, as there really seemed liked there was no play. I mean how interesting is it to watch some 2 guys just serve all day through the match? Anyways, much has changed, and it seems we are on the other extreme now. IMO they missed it. That was only one tourney. Why they have slow them all down is not on the players, its on the organizers who don’t play the game. Follow the money.

You are right Kimberly we are missing variety. We get it mostly from the baseline. Tennis as so much more to offer. TIme for a little move back to the middle?

tennisfansince76 I would to expect you to chime in on this you have seen this evolve from the beginning, no?

August 30th, 2011 at 10:37 am

In his best not-condescending-but-kinda-condescending fashion
—
That is why the members of Rafa Nation call him, the The Arrogant One.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:00 am

that little chick was giving sharapova a run for her money. that would have been a great upset. glad she didn’t go away in the third.

up until about 3-0 in the third set, giraldo was still pounding balls at federer…not the cleanest match, but some super fast rallies. fed’s volleys were kinda sketchy.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:01 am

I don’t think the courts have been slowed down. Extra factors like weather, humidity, balls used, etc. affect the courts as well. Nothing new here.

If Nole can’t win this USO (which I strongly hope and believes he will) then I’d like either Murray or Fish to take it. :)

August 30th, 2011 at 11:11 am

Considering the pounding rains and other environmental factors, it’s understandable why the courts are playing slower. Once the sun begins to shine and the temperature heats up, the courts will be zipping along.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:29 am

Ferrer drops set 1. Injured? Slow start? lets see if he rights the ship.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:50 am

@kimberly looks like hes getting his act together now by taking the 2nd set,im watching tsonga whos looking impressive took the 1st set,and is now 5 3 up in the 2nd set,i dont know if its my imagination but tsonga looks much leaner,like hes lost weight,azarenkas through,and lisicki who will play venus next,which should be an interesting match.

August 30th, 2011 at 12:33 pm

@alison—and he got his act together. A few slow starts today, Wawa, Ferrer and Meltzer. All seemed to be corrected.

August 30th, 2011 at 2:38 pm

Gulbis is serving for the match over Youz. Happy to see Ernests doing well.

August 30th, 2011 at 2:41 pm

nole up next,hope the shoulders ok,hope conners ok apparently hes suffering from food poisoning,and was sick before going onto court,also good luck to baltacha and keothavong who both play later.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Alison, your “youngster” not performing well…

0-6.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Nole looks good thus far, but too bad his opponent is ill. : /

August 30th, 2011 at 3:18 pm

looks like conners going to have a tough match,and just got bagaled,noles showing no mercy.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Jane, he’s gonna retire…

Not a dream first match for Novak. Additional rest won’t hurt him either, but a real match could help more.

Arm and shoulder seem fine, apparently.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:24 pm

Niland, I mean…

August 30th, 2011 at 3:31 pm

hi duro,yeah my 29 year old youngster is getting the stuffing kicked out of him at the moment,men against boys,sorry no pun intended,by the way where have you been all day dear sir.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:34 pm

phew, Duro, I haven’t been following the match, and when I saw “Jane, he’s gonna retire…” in the preview of the recent comments my heart skipped a few beats!

August 30th, 2011 at 3:37 pm

baltachas struggling also,lost first set 6 2.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Waiting for the real stuff to begin, my fair lady.

I’ve been accused of hitting on you for calling you that, yesterday…

You are British, aren’t you? And where the real ladies come from? UK, of course.

I don’t know if I’m allowed to anymore… ;-)

Sorry for your “boy”. Worst possible debut on the biggest stage. Not talking about result and his game, of course.

Cheers.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Not much of a match, but poor Niland, with his sickness. He works hard and qualifies for a slam, then he draws the number one and then, to top it off, he gets food poisoning!! No “luck of the Irish” for him. :(

But of course I am happy Nole is through. :) He can always hit on the practice court if he wants, or just rest up that shoulder. Nole had apparently asked for a Wednesday start for a little more time for his shoulder to heal, but they told him no. So this short match is may be a good thing.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:46 pm

Stu, even mine ha ha ha ha, when I read it!

That’s why I explained it so fast!

August 30th, 2011 at 3:47 pm

so dissapointed i was really looking forward to this match,gutted to say the least.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:50 pm

@skeezer:

I remember well the serve only time. And honestly, I prefer these baseline rallies.

When they started slowing down the surfaces, nobody counted on the new racquet strings. That’s what really changed the game. The “spaghetti” strings were once forbidden, and I believe that the ATP and the ITF should make some order in string technology. But it could be to late, since it is already a big industry.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:52 pm

Wow, just goes to show how much Nole’s serve has improved since last year!

2010/2011
Aces: 191/260
Double Faults 226/101.

That has to be a huge reason for why Nole’s been so successful, getting the serve back on track. Because one of main reasons he stayed number 3 last year, imo, was his great return game, and now with his serve back, it all clicked. Plus his movement is slightly better, as are his forehand and volley. Another big factor, of course, has been confidence. But those serve stats ESPN gave are stiking.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:52 pm

Jane, did he ask it really? If so, then it’s the best scenario for him.

His shots looked crisp and powerful, clean and convincing. I liked what I saw…

August 30th, 2011 at 3:53 pm

Did not see nole play, but for those who did how was serve today? Did he serve at a good speed?

August 30th, 2011 at 3:54 pm

@Skeezerweezer

Hmmmm what to say. i actually like the game the way it is now although it may have swung too far the other way. like for example Miami is too slow it seems to me. i think Wimby is still fairly fast. there are plenty of aces on grass and there was plenty of power tennis on display this year on the grass. the danger it seems to me is herd behavior that all the tournaments will settle at about the same speed. it is nice to have some variety although i dislike both extremes ( W in the late 80’s and 90’s was unwatchable and old clay court tennis was good only for insomniacs ). i have 2 rules. players should not be able to simply live off their serve and it should be possible to hit winners after some suitable amt of working the pt. anything w/in those parameters is good. as for the USO this year it remains to be seen if the courts are slower. they say they haven’t slowed them down. there were plenty of rallies last year. it wasn’t like it was boom boom tennis.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Jane,

“That has to be a huge reason for why Nole’s been so successful, getting the serve back on track.”

Naaah… It must be “The Egg”.

August 30th, 2011 at 3:57 pm

@Skeezerweezer oh and thanks for the shout out!

August 30th, 2011 at 3:58 pm

duro,duro,duro,these people are so small minded,that i dont take any notice anymore,let them say what they like,thanks for the words of comfort after my young 29 year old got beat,they cheered me up no end,dear kind sir.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:01 pm

Brando, no signs of problematic shoulder whatsoever…

About serve, I didn’t catch the “speedometer” but since I developed the micro eye for the Novak’s performance and state, I can tell you that his serve went from 197-204 km/h. Second 179-181.

Namely, Novak is ready!

Prepare for the clash, Brando!

August 30th, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Duro, now I can find the exact article where I read it, but I did find this quote which says Nole was rumoured to be “looking for a Wednesday start”.

“Djokovic pulled out of the final of the Cincinatti Masters last week with a shoulder injury and the word is that the number one is looking for a Wednesday start to recover. The match will be live on Sky Sports, the Leader understands.”

http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/limerick-sport/niland_to_face_djokovic_in_us_open_1_3007897

August 30th, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Nole looked great out there but then again Niland was not much opposition. i didn’t know he had food poisoning, that might explain it a little bit, though Nole didn’t show any mercy.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:16 pm

@ duro: lol, I thought he would be fine. He’s fully fit and in all honesty he’s in the final barring maybe federer beating him in the semi. But roger needs to improve ALOT in order to do so. He would first of all have to get to the semi in order to face him and is that a certainty? I would say it is far from one atm.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:16 pm

Nice video of Nole training his younger brother :)
The game is called “The clock”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImHcLt-ljB8

August 30th, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Alison, you’re welcome, but don’t get used to it, words of comfort I mean… Your other Brit won’t lose so easily. Well, final, maybe. To Nole, of course.

Jane, thanks. You shouldn’t bother finding the source. I was just afraid that Nole didn’t feel comfortable with his arm yet…

Brando, I’m not counting on anyone but him (Fed) in the semis. He always finds a way…

August 30th, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Maybe Ivanovic and Hotsauce should get back together? Maybe one of them would start winning again, or both?! :p

August 30th, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Milos, that was a sweet video. :)

Nole is apparently on his way to the studio, so we can hear more from the source himself.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:38 pm

Miloše,

God bless you!

You showed us the future champion and number 1.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:39 pm

@brando,not that this was much of a contest to speak of,unfortunatly for us rafa fans noles shoulders fine,the serves fine,the movements great,all said through gritted teeth,not that i would wish nole any injury to make things any easier for rafa,we just have to accept that nole is better,end of story,however it will be intersting to see how rafa plays tonight,and what he has to offer.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:43 pm

^ Yes, looking forward to seeing Rafa tonight. I am curious to see his serve especially, because last year here it was almost unbreakable. His fingers are better now too so he should be able to hit his backhand effectively again. Golubev will be a good opening test for Rafa; although Golubev has been in a bit of a slump, no doubt he has game.

August 30th, 2011 at 4:52 pm

@alison: the wish is for rafa to win and most ideal scenario would see him getting the win against nole. Is it possible? ABSOLUTELY. But 1st rafa needs to step his game up, match by match. My wish for tonight, besides the win, is for rafa’s serve to be firing. That would be a good basis to start his defence from.

August 30th, 2011 at 5:02 pm

glad to see baltacha go through shame her opponent had to retire like that,looks like she would have gone through anyway though,after connors match this has cheered me up,good luck to keothavong ,and sorenson tomorrow against soderling.

August 30th, 2011 at 5:15 pm

@brando,agree,agree,agree,hopefully hes looked at his matches from last year,and is working on that serve which was brilliant last year,however that was then,this is now,there were promising signs a couple of weeks ago,against dodig even though he lost he was brilliant for a set and a half before going walk about,barry cowan actually said thats the best hed seen him play in a long time,actually the best out of the top 4,sorry im a bit torn though i would love for rafa to defend the title on one hand,on the other hand id love muzza to win his 1st grand slam,if either of them beat each other,i hope they are the ones to win the final.

August 30th, 2011 at 5:34 pm

@TF76 & mat4

Yeah I mostly like it now the slower stuff, but am more of a purist with the slams. To win on a variety of surfaces & speeds makes the most complete player, and this is what makes Tennis stand out over most other sports. You have to have a game that can win on all types of tennis court surfaces, not create all like one another, whats the point?

That said, i get no thrills watching guys dueling it out with just serving also, nor watching a live version of pong either. Creating a balanced playing field of diversive court surfaces imo is what makes the tennis sport so unique. How many other sports are played on just one surface? Plenty. To each their own.

August 30th, 2011 at 6:05 pm

Ok ok I will say it. The Rafa girl fan club gets to say how sexy hot Rafa is so;

Ana is one hot babe.:)

August 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm

Blake is in Fushcia-Red Fila. I don’t think I have ever seen him in a similar colour. Come on James. Give that J-Block lots to cheer about!

August 30th, 2011 at 6:18 pm

@Skeezer:

It is not my point. I, too, would like tennis to conserve his physiognomy.

What bothers me is that it becomes a bit like F1. The technology changed at the beginning of the 80, and some great players had problems to change their racquets and their game.

It happen at the beginning of the 90, with new materials, lighter racquets, bigger heads. Tennis wasn’t what it meant to be anymore.

How many more slams would have Pete won without the advent of the Luxilon strings? Take the case of Roger Federer: he grow up in a time where spins were not so excessive, when the ball wasn’t rebounding that high, and the courts were faster. Can he adjust, now, to a new game with three dimensions instead of two?

I really hope the ITF will put some limitations on strings. Serve and volley has died because of the new strings, not because of the speed of courts.

August 30th, 2011 at 6:24 pm

@Jane:

I think Black had a lot of bad luck this year, lost to many close matches. I would really like him to have a good tournament.

August 30th, 2011 at 6:27 pm

^True…especially the string technology…

The players have changed there techniques also to adapt….this one blows me away…sliding on hard courts? Wow. don’t ry this at home;

http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-sports/2011/08/30/sliding-into-shots-now-trend-on-hardcourts/

August 30th, 2011 at 6:29 pm

^meant for mat4

August 30th, 2011 at 6:30 pm

There was a good article about Djoko’s inserts that allow him to slide.

August 30th, 2011 at 6:32 pm

@Skeezer:

I can’t find the article about the inserts now. There are made by an Israeli company, and their compounds are top secret. Djoko, winning the AO, throw his racquets, his shoes to the public, but not the inserts from the sneakers.

August 30th, 2011 at 6:35 pm

@Skeezer… agree on Ana, she’s gorgeous. But then so is Nole. :p

August 30th, 2011 at 6:45 pm

@mat4…

Yeah when you find it let me know. Interesting stuff. To add to that,..did you see how they are getting into the art of shoes that can accommodate the sliding? The future tennis shoe on HC? ( warning….try at your own risk…we are not responsible for severe ankle turn-age. lol )

August 30th, 2011 at 6:45 pm

@Skeezer:

Here it is: http://www.shalomlife.com/culture/15548/the-jewish-mind-behind-novak-djokovics-success–page1/#

August 30th, 2011 at 6:51 pm

@nina,nole and rafa are both gorgeous,they both have beautiful girlfriends too,anna is gorgeous,much prettier than sharapova with more class too,although i think sharapovas a much better player.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:00 pm

I remember that article mat4. I think Nole is a bit like Elastic Boy or Gumby: uber flexible. I have seen pictures of him stretching which underscore how flexible he is. Being naturally or genetically flexible probably goes a long way to helping Nole stay (almost) injury-free, I suspect, probably more so than the inserts.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:01 pm

OK, time for Rafa !! lets gooo!

August 30th, 2011 at 7:19 pm

Rafa stayed with the neon-yellow accents like last year.

So, Nalbandian and Renolds are still at it, just starting the third set. The second set took 50 minutes – long points? I haven’t seen any of it.

Blake seems to be cruising.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:19 pm

@Jane:

it is clear that he is an exceptional athlete.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:20 pm

Even Cahill is waiting for the “serve”. bring it on rafa!

August 30th, 2011 at 7:21 pm

golubev played good last year. i think his ranking got to the 30 something, then things went downhill for him. So this round might not be easy for rafa.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:39 pm

WOW! what a volley!

August 30th, 2011 at 7:42 pm

Rafa steady the ship.

August 30th, 2011 at 7:50 pm

great pick up from rafa

August 30th, 2011 at 8:01 pm

Agree Kimmi: Golubev is very talented but I guess he had been on an 18 match losing streak until recently, not sure why, if it was injury or just a slump or what.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:02 pm

I see Rafa is still keeping the fingers taped up.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Solid set by Rafa. Over 70% first serves, 3 aces, and more winners than errors. He did get broken but he recovered well to get two breaks and the set.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:08 pm

Oh I see Blake dropped a set. After dropping set one, Nalby is now up two sets and a break in the fourth.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:10 pm

after a sticky start looks like rafas now getting in the groove,great rafa wins 1st set 6 3,love the look,and that shirt clinging to his sexy bod,he takes his shirt of,i wonder if the girls would agree with me that shirts should be made optional,anyway without sounding shallow rafas playing pretty well,so far so good.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:12 pm

If Golubev had less errors and more first serves this match could probably be even closer.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:22 pm

wow, golubev fought out that game..he manage to hold this time.

@jane. golubev is in a slump. if only he could relax and stop those going for broke shots, he could get back to the top again.

giraldo is another one who needs to think when going for his shots.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:27 pm

rafa fingers are always taped up though..for blisters i think.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:28 pm

go nalbandian..he needs some confidence.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:29 pm

ah golubev 0-30 more UE

August 30th, 2011 at 8:31 pm

break…seriously, i want rafa to finish soon. c’mon serena.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:33 pm

is blake happy?

August 30th, 2011 at 8:34 pm

wow just broke back,come on rafa get that 1st serve clicking,get that percentage up again.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:34 pm

Funny-intense reaction by Blake on the winning winner. Nice to see him fired up and perhaps relieved at the same time.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:35 pm

come on rafa.. yes, get that serve firing now…

August 30th, 2011 at 8:35 pm

come on rafa that was sloppy.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Golubev is still not above 60% first serves. But he is winning 50% of second serve points to Rafa’s 40%. Plus he has hit quite a few amazing winners, but still more errors. Rafa needs to protect his serve better and step in, be a little more aggressive.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:45 pm

Sorry he is at 61% now, and Rafa’s converted only 3 of 10 bps, which is part of the issues, as Golubev is 3 for 3.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:47 pm

he is missing routine forehands… rafa has to win this one ugly…

August 30th, 2011 at 8:48 pm

Yesssss, come on now rafa…

August 30th, 2011 at 8:54 pm

Rafa has begun targeting Golubev’s backhand and it seems to be working.

August 30th, 2011 at 8:54 pm

what a fight by rafa..he is happy to break. golubev will be gutted though..how many set points??

August 30th, 2011 at 8:55 pm

GOLUBEV is hitting HARD!! and they are going in.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:00 pm

Finally found a link.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:00 pm

@jane,it reminds me of the sharapova game yesterday,hopefully rafa will find a way through even when not playing well.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:01 pm

Golubev luck is gone. rafa breaks here and serve for the second set

August 30th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

I think he will alison. He has the first set, unlike Sharpie, and now Golubev is kind of choking (though that is due to Rafa knowng when & how to pounce also!) so he may have the second set too. He will find a way. Golubev is now losing concentration too.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:08 pm

ha ha ..was that ball in? rafa breaks.

Serena please! i am ready for some women tennis.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Poor golubev, he deserve to get a set!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:12 pm

Tie break..Oooops! i thought it was over for golubev here.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:15 pm

oh god jane a tie break,i dont like rafa in tie breaks,i remember the one he played against verdasco a week ago,it was not comfotable to watch.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:19 pm

How many FH errors from golubev?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:19 pm

great tie break so far by rafa

August 30th, 2011 at 9:20 pm

going for broke does not work now golubev..

August 30th, 2011 at 9:21 pm

set! crazy set that was. golubev will say “if only?” woulda coulda…

i hope rafa cruise from here!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:22 pm

He really imploded. I mean, Rafa knew when and how to pounce (i.e., when he was serving for the set) but then Golubev has only himself to blame for losing focus and hittinf error after error. Rafa got steadier, while Golubev’s go-for-broke style caught up to him. He needs to reign it in at least a little!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:23 pm

rafa takes the 2nd set,phew a sigh of relief,but to be honest golubev should have won that set,however im not complaining.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

uncle toni: rafa playing terrible.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

alison, I empathize, but Rafa is looking more Rafa-like as the match progresses, and he now has a very secure lead. Now you can relax and enjoy!!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Hello everyone! I’ve been reading tennis-x fopr about two years now and I have finally summoned enough courage to post.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:27 pm

what! that going for broke went in on break point again..here we go.

At this rate, Serena will be out at midnight

August 30th, 2011 at 9:35 pm

god rafas determined to make things difficult for himself,another sloppy game and golubev breaks rafa in the 3rd set.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Did they say Golubev had 7 (!) set points! He will rue those chances.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:37 pm

thanks jane your a very wise lady.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:38 pm

golubev would have given anyone a problem i think..he has so much talent but his head needs to be sorted out

That single handed BH is beautiful.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:39 pm

Nah, alison: I am just used to watching Rafa. He is one of the most tenacious competitors I’ve ever seen. Ten slams, right? :)

August 30th, 2011 at 9:41 pm

Hey, did I just see Rafa hit a couple of those “da bomb!” serves from last year here? That last serve looked pretty wicked to me.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:42 pm

i thought so too jane. he is warming up.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Agreed Kimmi. He has played some great tennis tonight. Imagine if he reigned in the errors and got in a few more first serves! He is a guy to watch. How old is Golubev?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

i suppose this has been a good test for rafa,its made him dig deep,i wonder if brandos watching this.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:44 pm

So nadal got B- from johnny mac.
i wonder what he gave federer?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:45 pm

quick check at ATP, he is 24

August 30th, 2011 at 9:46 pm

^ I mean Golubev @9:43, was responding to your comments @9:39 Kimmi.

Seems like everytime Golubev breaks he has a bad service game. He hasn’t been able to maintain leads at all.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Well, at 24 he still has some time for everything to click.

I can’t remember JMac grading Fed but I remember him saying it was a roller-coaster out there, lol. Fed finished strongly though.

alison, yes. It is a good test for sure. Rafa should have it easier next round; who does he play?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:48 pm

thanks again jane,yeah your right,i know you dont win 10 grand slams for no reason.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:49 pm

wow! more impressive perfomance. he just save 4 BP.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:50 pm

@ jane, counting the chickens right? golubev could be making a comeback of all we know!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:51 pm

alison – federer has won 16 and still losing. rafa is having it tough with this guy..

golubev might get that set

August 30th, 2011 at 9:52 pm

@jane sorry i dont have a clue,who he plays next.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm

oh man, golubev save a 0-40 game and then breaks.

big question, can he serve it out now?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm

True Kimmi. But I just cannot see Rafa losing. Though I can see Golubev getting a set, now.

Rafa was trying to hit rocket serves there, but they weren’t working, hence the double fault. So he is trying the right things.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm

if rafa gets out here he plays the marathon man. Mahut

August 30th, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Golubev..can he? or can he not?

August 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm

less than impressive performance from nadal tonight.

August 30th, 2011 at 9:57 pm

Both Andys tomorrow. Golubev is great at the net!

August 30th, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I think rafa will still win this set.

I know golubev has insurance break but he get too nervous..aaaaah, match a pick up volley. this guy has good hands

August 30th, 2011 at 9:59 pm

Now Golubev will try again (!) to serve out a set. Kimmi, exactly, can he? Can’t he?

August 30th, 2011 at 10:01 pm

Why does he have to replay it!? I don’t get that. Seems unfair not to win a great point like that.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:04 pm

Ugh, collapse again. But he has suffered a few bad calls now imo,

August 30th, 2011 at 10:05 pm

@kimmi yeah i see what you mean,i didnt see feds match but from what i can gather,his game was also a bit topsy turvey.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:05 pm

Rafa 7 of 21 bps. But Golubev, for the life of him, utterly can. Not. Hold. A. Lead.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:06 pm

I think Rafa’s serving has picked up: he is now winning 48% of second serves too.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:10 pm

Great last game from Rafa, with two excellent passing shots.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:14 pm

congrats to rafa, great come back…

August 30th, 2011 at 10:14 pm

Rafa’s right: mentally he was really strong tonight, coming back from breaks, staying positive. Good for him.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:19 pm

@kimberly a less than impressive game from rafa,i couldnt believe it he looked to be cruising in that 1st set,the next two sets were up and down to say the least,still im just relieved he managed to get through in straight sets,he did get lucky i have to admit,golubev will rue those missed chances.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:22 pm

the problem with this performance is, if he plays against a player who can hold his serve, then he will be in trouble.
he needs to sort himself out, he was broken too many times today…..so is my federer.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:28 pm

OMG, almost sleeping time for serena match..too late..too late.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:29 pm

Glad rafa won, always important to find a way when youi aren’t playing your best.

But golubev must go up there with troicki. To blow a double break lead in the third and seven set points in the second, is impressive.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:30 pm

The commentators said it was a lot like early matches Rafa had at last year’s USO (Gabashvilli) and at this year’s FO (Anujar) – & guess what? Rafa won both of those slams. Rafa also lost in the semis in Canada and Cincy last year but still won the USO. So I wouldn’t count Rafa out. It is quite possible he could defend the title.

This little Serbia girl is going to be a snack for Serena, ha ha. Just kidding. But, seriously, we all know Serena is the lady to beat here!

August 30th, 2011 at 10:32 pm

Expected. Spirited effort at times by Gulby, but with his unimpressive 17 match losing streak you were always waiting for the implosion, and it came again and again.

With this draw Rafa should win in straights until Murray.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:33 pm

god rafa must have more bouce than zebedee,anyway girls jane,kimberly and kimmi,as you seem to be the only ones on this forum i will bid you all a goodnight,its 3.30 am in the uk and im now off to bed,enjoy watching serena,ive loved reading all your posts,and ill chat to tomorrow.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:34 pm

I like Serena’s hair right now.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:34 pm

Night alison.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:35 pm

night nit alison

August 30th, 2011 at 10:38 pm

I will stay up to watch the match. It takes me awhile to fall asleep after rafa’s matches plus I am interested in seeing serenas level. I remember in 2008 rafa played fish til late and I ended up not sleeping.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:40 pm

Nice colours for serena. like the dress too

August 30th, 2011 at 10:40 pm

Serenas dress is great

August 30th, 2011 at 10:40 pm

Agree. Nice dress and dress colour.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:43 pm

Oh I didn’t realize li na lost!

August 30th, 2011 at 10:43 pm

Kimmi, I suspect it will be a really short match, so you can probably watch.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:44 pm

Yes, FO champ out (Li Na); Wimbledon champ out (Kvitova); AO + last year’s USO champ out (Kim, didn’t play)

August 30th, 2011 at 10:47 pm

sad for for Li Na and petra.

yeah, looks like it will be quick.

August 30th, 2011 at 10:51 pm

Women’s tennis is a big joke now…a disaster…please give all the gslams to serena moment she enters one!! Just no one can touch her now

August 30th, 2011 at 10:52 pm

gannu..did you see bartoli beating her at wimbledon? just dont count your chickens yet!

August 30th, 2011 at 10:54 pm

Mind you that was her first tournament back Kimmi. She has since won Stanford and Toronto. It is hard to bet against Serena.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:00 pm

Okay I am outta here, night all, looking forward to Muzza tomorrow. :)

August 30th, 2011 at 11:03 pm

Kimmi… please give her some break.. though she is super natural it was highly unlikely that she wud win wimble don after having played 2 matches in an year… so wimby was anyways not a consideration..she was playing 10% of this US Open serena…. I challenge that no one will even come close to beating serena,,., just will smash every opponent… dontknow we could ever have been so certain of a player winning since graf days

August 30th, 2011 at 11:09 pm

So then last 4 slam holders not in the draw for the ladies. Who won the one before that? Wimbledon 2010, thats who will win this one. Her day dreess is the same but in scarlet.

August 30th, 2011 at 11:22 pm

I think azarenka is the only one with a real shot of taking Williams out,

August 30th, 2011 at 11:26 pm