Monfils, Woz Hot, Berdych Not at French Open

by Staff | May 28th, 2013, 12:10 am
  • 131 Comments

Every Slam has its lurking former-top-player-back-from-injury darkhorse ready to do damage, and on Monday at Roland Garros it was France’s own Gael Monfils.
ADHEREL
Needing a wildcard to get into the event, the former Top 10er took a 2-0 sets lead on No. 5 seed Tomas Berdych, then held on to defeat the Czech 7-5 in the fifth set.

“I always say they give me wings,” Monfils said of the French crowd and his histrionics during the match. “I feel like I’m flying on the court. It’s something special. I can’t really explain it…I’m a fighter, a competitor, so that’s my spirit.”

Berdych had a hot claycourt lead-up to the French, defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Monfils will next face the unpredictable Ernests Gulbis, another winner Monday.


Others on the upset tip Monday were Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver toppling No. 17 Juan Monaco in five from 0-2 sets down, and Spaniard Feliciano “F-Lo” Lopez downing No. 31 Marcel Granollers 6-4 in the fifth.

Top 10 winners on the day were No. 3 Rafael Nadal from a set down over German Daniel Brands in four, and No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 7 Richard Gasquet and No. 10 Marin Cilic advancing in straight sets.

“That was really tough,” Nadal said of trailing a set and 0-3 in the second set tiebreak. “He was trying to hit every ball as hard as he can. From the first ball, you know, there was not one ball I felt I had time to prepare for. The problem was he was executing that tactic really well. I am seriously happy to be through. I really haven’t seen him play a lot before. I respect everyone I play. But playing like this, I don’t know why he’s ranked where he is.”

In Gasquet’s win over Sergiy Stakhovsky, Stakhovsky grabbed his cell phone from the sideline to take a photo of what he thought was an offending line call during the match.

“He’s a funny guy, smart guy,” said Gasquet of Stakhovsky. “He’s one of the funniest on tour. I have no problem with it. He was pretty sure the ball was on the line. Maybe it’s good, maybe it’s out. I’ve had these problems too. I can understand when a guy is becoming crazy sometimes.”

Other seeded winners of note were No. 13 Kei Nishikori, No. 19 John Isner, and No. 30 Julien Benneteau over young comer Rich Berankis of Lithuania 7-6 in the fourth.

Isner will next face fellow American Ryan Harrison.

“No matter what tournament it is, if I’m playing with a lot of enthusiasm and confidence like that, normally it bodes well for me,” Isner said. “I’ve been playing well, just not really putting it together. Now I play Ryan. I would never have thought we would play one another, coming into the tournament. He had a good win in the first round and is very talented. I would probably rather not play him. It’s tough playing your good friend, especially at a Grand Slam.”

On the women’s side the Top 10 seeds in action advanced in typical straight-set WTA fashion, but some of the lower seeds had some issues against opponents established and surprising.

Moving into the second round in straight sets were No. 2 Maria Sharapova, No. 4 Aggie Radwanska, No. 6 Li Na putting down a stern test from Spaniard Anabel “Funky Cold” Medina Garrigues, No. 8 Angie Kerber, and No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki downing Brit upstart Laura Robson.

“My confidence has always been good,” said Wozniacki, who broke a five-match losing streak. “Experience means a lot. I have been on the tour a very long time and played a lot of matches. I know how to play my best but sometimes it’s not as easy to execute as it is in my head. Laura is a great girl. I’m just glad to be through and feeling like I’m in the tournament.”

Sharapova retired in her most recent match in Rome with illness.

“I was just happy that I was able to finish the match,” Sharapova said. “The last few days and the last week has been really nice just to be able to recharge again and get back out there today.”

Orchestrating upsets were former No. 2 and French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, remembering she is a former champ in dispatching of No. 22 Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 6-2. Joining in the fun were Slovak qualifier Zuzana Kucova upending No. 24 Julia “Gorgeous” Goerges 7-6(8), 6-0, and oppressed American women’s tennis savior Melanie Oudin sending No. 28 Tamira Paszek to the exit 6-4, 6-3.

Others of note into the second round were former champ Francesca Schiavone, American banger Madison Keys, crafty American veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and Canadian riser Eugenie Bouchard.

Matches to watch for on Tuesday include upset alerts Olga Govortsova vs. the incredibly slumping No. 13 Marion Bartoli, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic coming off a loss in his last tournament match vs. David “The Boffin” Goffin, Russian backboard Elena Vesnina vs. No. 3 Victoria Azarenka, No. 7 Petra Kvitova vs. inspired Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai, the ageless Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. ready-to-clutch-up No. 9 Sam Stosur, No. 18 Jelena Jankovic vs. veteran Daniela Hantuchova, No. 23 Klara Zakopalova vs. upset specialist Kaia Kanepi, No. 29 Mikhail Youzhny vs. Spanish grinder Pablo Andujar, and men’s grinder and No. 22 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. shotmaker Dmitry Tursunov.

 


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131 Comments for Monfils, Woz Hot, Berdych Not at French Open

Truthsquad Says:

“oppressed American women’s tennis savior Melanie Oudin”…that’s pretty good description… Thanks!


Michael Says:

The most interesting match was Rafa Vs Brands. The latter just threw every caution to the cold winds of Paris and he was hitting the ball so hard that he seemed to hate it. It is such brand of Tennis which might help you against Nadal especially on Clay if you have a good day in Office. Hitting the corners with fearsome power and Brands did it for almost two sets. He won the first and was leading 3-0 in the tie break when I began to think that the unthinkable is going to happen and Nadal might just lose in the first round which is somewhat like an Earthquake. But after that Nadal showed why he is a Champion and just fought as hard as he can. He won that tiebreak with an awesome shot and after that Brands level sinked and he was never the same player he was when he started against Nadal. But Brands atleast showed that you can trouble Nadal if you play aggressive Tennis.


Nole Rules Says:

Berdych would have lost in the next round anyway even if he had won this since Gulbis was waiting.


Rumble Says:

Lets see how Klizan plays Nadal. He’s a lefty, and can hit the ball hard. Isner is the only one who has taken Nadal to a fifth set in Paris, and quite amazingly, Soderling is the only one who has beaten Nadal in a best of 5 on clay!!

I have a feeling that is going to change this week or next.


Aon Says:

Toby Boss
Nadal forever!
I even named my nephew after you
Rafa, and when I have my own son, I
will also name him after you.
Incidentally, I named our guard dog
Novak and our lovely cat Roger.
Reply · · Like · Follow Post · 15
hours ago

a rafa fan comment from RG news. lol


James Says:

^^ That’s bad lol some fans are really really crazy


James Says:

Michael, Daniel Brands studied footage of the 2009 Nadal-Soderling match and prepared himself very well for the match. To be able beat Rafa at RG he needed to keep playing at his 1st set level which he said was very exhausting for him.


James Says:

Rumble, I expect Rafa to play even better after his 1st round tough match against Brands. It would be too much for Klizan to beat Rafa in Paris. However, yes Rafa is beatable at RG. But it’s gonna require something very special.
More than Rafa, it’s Novak you should be worried about considering form of late. He has a few tricky opponents of his own. But hopefully he’ll make it to the semi final.


Alin Says:

this is the best match so far of Roland Garros, but i think Monfils v Gulbis will be better


Rumble Says:

Nadal has great foot speed and still lots of stamina, So he doesn’t need to force play, just keep returning (a better version of Ferrer, and being lefty helps). That’s why its a pity that it often boils down to whether someone can keep playing good tennis for 3 or 4 or 5 hours, which is needed to beat Nadal on clay. Stamina becomes more important than skill.

that is a pity. As I said earlier – we could take this further and make it even harder to hit winner (by slowing down courts or ball or both), and then it becomes even more a game of attrition. Tennis suffers.

Tennis was grueling enough when Sampras played in the 90s. There were long matches too, but there were shorter matches as well, and we got to see more vareity in players and shots. Now its more like women’s tennis. They all try to do the same thing, and the last one standing wins the match.

Sad.


Michael Says:

James,

That is how good Rafa is on Clay especially where he almost seems invincible. I do not think any player can outrally him from the back of the court, except may be Novak. It is only aggressive hitting on all corners which might fetch you dividends especially if it is your day. But to hit that on a consistent basis is something extra-ordinary and not easy to maintain that streak. There will always be let ups in the match. That is the reason big servers find it so tough against Rafa.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Im not thinking as far as Novak,Rafa beat Brands,and now im only thinking as far as Martin Klizan,and Novak too has some potential banana skins,theres a long way to go before we get that far.


Lesego Says:

Novak has showed how to beat Rafa on Clay.

Attack his weak second serves

Attack his backhand.

Minimise unforced errors.

Case closed.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Michael/James many have tried and most have failed,Brands played fantastic yesterday against Rafa,likewise Isner a couple of years ago,who was the only player to the best of my knowledge to push Rafa to 5 sets at RG,Novak and Roger two all time greats of the game have given it a good try,Soderling was the only player to crack the case,thats how difficult it is against Rafa on clay especially at the FO,trying to sustain that sort of level over 5 sets,not saying hes unbeatable as Soderling proved,but thats how good he is on this particular surface.


gonzalowski Says:

Rumble,
Its’s interesting to me your point of view about today’s tennis.
But, IMHO, there is really some variety. Nadal or Ferrer do it different from Berdych or Fed. Nadal do it different from Ferrer, too.
The “big hitters” has started well (Feliciano, Brands, Gulbis).
It seems interesting coming to RG and expecting for that possible SF with the nº1, on his main goal of the year and his (expected) best way of playing, and with Rafa and his clay playing/his mind.
But agree with hippy chic, there is a long way before that.
Starting the rain… Will be Rafa’s pain? :-)


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Just wondering if we are gonna get any tennis today,the weathers bloody awfull ATM,when the weathers bad you can end up playing B2B matches,Nole will start at a disadvantage,if he doesnt play today.


Alex Says:

They’re taking the covers off on court 6, so should be play in no time.


Michael Says:

Tennis X hippy chic,

Isner Vs Rafa – What a helluva of a match that was ?? I never saw Isner in that good form in any of his matches. He just played his heart out but still it wasn’t enough to dislodge Rafa. So, even the best of Tennis would not be enough against Rafa at Rolland Garros. You need some stroke of luck too to have a chance. About Soderling, well he was the only player to beat Rafa at Rolland Garros and by lieu of that he carries a terrific record not possible for others. The other record he holds is ending Roger’s semi final streak in majors. These two records put together take him to a different level. I am upset that people have completely forgotten Soderling. Where is he and what are his plans ? Will he stage a comeback ??


Ben Pronin Says:

Soderling hasn’t played in like 2 years. People act like Federer’s title drought is ridiculously long, it’s no surprise people would forget him.

I agree with a lot of what Rumble said. I wouldn’t put Nadal and Ferrer in the same category, though. There’s a reason Nadal is an all time great with 11 slams and counting and Ferrer has yet to reach a slam final. Nadal’s forehand is one of the greatest shots in history. That alone makes a huge difference. But Nadal is an enhanced counter puncher, so obviously there are similarities.

That’s sorta the problem. I think Nadal would rather control a match and play aggressive and hit winners. But often times he doesn’t because that’s not his natural game. And when a player comes in and starts trying to smack winners off everything, Nadal is forced to adapt and will employ any tactic necessary to win the match. And in this particular situation, the best tactic is to keep the ball in play until the storm calms. How often do we see this scenario: player starts match going for winner after winner, Nadal attempts to be aggressive but over hits and then starts hitting too short, player starts teeing off and even builds a lead, then Nadal stops trying to go for winners and starts keeping the ball in play and just hitting deep and consistent, player starts to miss more, and the match ends with a flurry of Nadal forehand winners.

So yeah, it is often annoying (for some fans) to watch Nadal constantly wear down players instead because that isn’t classic tennis. But that is modern tennis and modern sports and that’s just the way it goes now. Although I don’t really prefer it, either.


Ben Pronin Says:

Is the Roland Garros live scores giving anyone else trouble? The site is not updating. And the app is so bad it’s actually ridiculous.


gonzalowski Says:

Hard men’s matchs today, the ones of Dolgo, Tomic and Youzhny. The go for a long time, at the moment.


Alex Says:

Rain, rain go away!

Djoko Feed Gofin, some Belgian pastries today.


Alex Says:

Covers coming off again, tennis will resume soon.


M Says:

“Hard men’s matchs today, the ones of Dolgo, Tomic and Youzhny. “

The lovely Sasha is already down one tight set to Tursunov. But now the match is on rain delay.

Who is Bernard playing?


Humble Rafa Says:

Rain, rain go away!

And please don’t come back. You are a pain in my neck.


Giles Says:

Ben Pronin. The Roland Garros site is pathetic this year. Just can’t get it going.


Alex Says:

Tomic the tank engine retires, what a joke.


RZ Says:

Alex, Tomic’s had a hard month. Considering all the chaos he’s been going through with his dad, hitting partner, etc., I think we can cut him some slack for withdrawing from this one match – the first he’s played since all that drama.


RZ Says:

I read in a couple of places that Woz is the type of opponent that Robson has trouble with. Wish I’d read that before I filled out my racket bracket!


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Hopefully David Goffin will be able to stay competitive with Nole,and not suffer too much of a blowout.
Off topic congratulations to David Nalbandians wife who has had a baby.


contador Says:

Novak looks very good in the pastel green polo – nice kit ;)

Appears that Goffin has grown up some – and has landed Lacoste for a sponsor.

And…the tennis is good.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Pleased that Goffin is managing to stay competitive with Djokovic for the moment,although i doubt he will be able to keep this up,sorry Contador i disagree im not keen on Novaks kit,i prefer him in dark colours,i think he looks a bit washed out in that colour :(.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

The tennis is of a very good quality,sometimes i enjoy a match more when none of my favorites are involved,means i can enjoy from a more neutral point of view,when you have nothing invested emotionally you have nothing to lose.


contador Says:

Its all good – hippy chic. I just really like the polo ;)

And this is a very great set of tennis from Goffin – like his game. enjoying this.

But have to say…ajde Nole!


contador Says:

Oops. Maybe I jinxed the kid. soon as I posted the above – he double faults and it’s Novak’s set!


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Contador Novaks not one of my favorites,but i like his tennis,but i hope and i think hes the most likely to come through,im looking forward to that semi if all goes to plan,if thats assuming both get that far,still alot of tennis to be played between now and then,BTW i know you like french players and some new young kid called Lucas Pouille had a good win today,tipped for big things.


Seth Says:

“So yeah, it is often annoying (for some fans) to watch Nadal constantly wear down players instead because that isn’t classic tennis. But that is modern tennis and modern sports and that’s just the way it goes now. Although I don’t really prefer it, either.”

This is exactly why I have such a problem with Nadal’s style. It just . . . doesn’t seem like tennis. It’s more akin to watching a master marathon runner slowly distance himself from the rest of the pack than a tennis match. The player with more willingness to attack, take risks, and who sucessfully executest that plan is who SHOULD win, it seems to me. Of course, keeping the ball in the court is part of the game, but I don’t watch tennis for endless rallies. I watch tennis to see who, from the get-go, is going to come out and take charge of the match.


Seth Says:

*sucessfully executes


contador Says:

Yes, hippy chic – you are right on all accounts.

Pouille won! But I really have no idea who he is lols

Good matches all over the place now – Benny Paire is on but staying with my man Nole for the moment. Goffin is making this a match, so far.


James Says:

So Novak took the TB and 1st set. He hit 12 winners to Goffin’s 15. I guess some tennis fans are gonna find this boring.
But gotta say David Goffin played very well in the first set. He actually looked the better player.


Ben Pronin Says:

They both hit 24 errors, but Goffin actually won 3 more points (go figure). He was the better player in the set but tennis is still the ultimate mental game. Nadal knows better than anyone it’s not how many points you win, it’s how many big points you win.


nadalista Says:

No @James,those kind of stats only spell boring if it’s Rafa playing……………….


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Contador Novaks broken serve now,im just hopeing Goffin doesnt get too much of a beatdown.


contador Says:

Goffin is getting was excelling out there the 1st set hippy chic, but that tie break is affecting his mind and he’s looking winded – tough to hang like that with Novak, point to point.

Definitely Goffin is bringing some great tennis out of the Serb.


James Says:

Nadalista, it looks like Goffin will end up hitting more winners than Novak. Those saying they find such stats boring might come out and express their disappointment with this match too, you know ;)


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Contador yeah absolutely.


James Says:

Agree @Ben


contador Says:

Goffin showing that he can re-focus – some mental toughness right there.

rebreak Goffin!


James Says:

Tennis x hippy chic, Goffin’s show he’s got the skills and brains to hang with the best in business. Would be awesome if he has the heart too. Oh wait he just broke back Nole! This is good!!


contador Says:

Goffin has a cheering section there. Very smartly dressed mates in uniform – what it that?


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Shame he got that break,and was then broken back(sigh).


contador Says:

It is so hard for anyone with a mind to win a match off of Novak, let alone get a set. I do feel for the Goffin. Novak will answer everything Goffin has with interest.

Goffin has to not give up,(even if he loses). Same goes for any underdog vs the top players.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Contador thats the difference with not just Novak,but with all the greats of the game,they have that uncanny knack of what ever anyone does they can still do the same but do it that much better.


contador Says:

Kohlschreiber just won. But Jiri Vaseley got a set.

Jack Sock won? wow, good for him


James Says:

It would be nice to see the young Goffin take the 3rd set. He’s hit twice as many winners as Novak.


Humble Rafa Says:

Off topic congratulations to David Nalbandians wife who has had a baby.

Looking at Nalbandian, I knew the baby was coming. Just surprised that it came from his wife, and not him.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

James yeah i quite agree,Novaks not going to lose this match though dont get me wrong,but its great to see these young starlets rising to the challenge and testing the top players,im loving the Nisikoris,Dimitrovs,Tomics,Raonics,JJs,Brands of the tennis world.


contador Says:

Had to switch streams to watch the 2nd set tie-break in Baghdatis v Paire

Paire got the tie-break and set! Allez Ben


James Says:

Good to see Goffin playing with more confidence in 3rd set.


contador Says:

Is anyone else seeing (and hearing) the French cheering sections? In full soldier uniform – I think they are French – hehehe, sounds like they have been drinking :D


James Says:

Tennis x hippy chic, agree it’s always good to see young good players taking on the top players and doing well. No, Novak won’t fall to him esp not after taking the first set.


contador Says:

Novak to serve for the match


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

James cannot stand Gulbis though,i know hes talented,but his attitude is terrible.


contador Says:

Aw, something about Goffin makes me cheer for him to get a set but…

Match point, Novak! ajde!


contador Says:

Got it!


contador Says:

That was good, good from Goffin and good for Nole to have to fight for it!


jane Says:

Yay Adje Nole! Way to beat Mr. howdy doody Goffin in straight sets, ;) by doing just enough. Goffin has a very solid serve and he is good at net; one would think he could do well on grass. Not Nole’s best, though, by far, but it is passable for now. Let’s hope he can raise his level going forward. At least *I* hope that. :)


Humble Rafa Says:

Mr. Sharapova, I have high hopes for you.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

James i knew yesterday despite Rafa losing that 1st set that he would still pull through,but it gave Rafa a good test,so he will dialed in for the tougher matches to come,that was a good match from Goffin he didnt do anything wrong,he played as well as he could,but when push comes to shove,the top players know how to find that extra gear,they know how to win the big points at the key moments.


contador Says:

Hello Jane … Mr. Howdy Doody, indeed :D

Did you see the French cheering section?


jane Says:

Hi contador!! Yes, well. He looks so young and clean cut, like a throw back to the 50s or something.


contador Says:

And it is a battle between Marcos and Benoit!

Crowd is in an uproar


contador Says:

“Yes, well.” you say, lol, jane – maybe it is a holiday in France?


contador Says:

The Benoit fans are very unhappy about the rain starting…not sure if they can make it go away – they tried. match suspended.


James Says:

Tennis x hippy chic, I haven’t seen much of Gulbis but won’t be surprised if he has terrible attitude.
And yes it was good for Rafa to be tested early. I think he’s gonna come out stronger next round. Nole’s win today wasn’t as impressive as Rafa’s yesterday. But we know Nole can play better than he did today. His real test will come in the 3rd round against Dimitrov Grigor.
More matches to be played but Rafa and Nole will most likely make it to the semi for their showdown.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

James as long as he makes and wins the final,and TBH i dont really care whom he beats to get there either,i cant see past Roger making the final on the other side of the draw,although the odds are stacked against him,im pulling for Daveed to make his 1st ever GS final,Gulbis is very talented and has alot to offer,buthe seems to think hes doing the world a favour by choosing to play tennis,and the way he talks about woman is disgusting.


M Says:

@contador –

“Aw, something about Goffin makes me cheer for him to get a set”

He’s adorable. :-)

And don’t you remember – Roger had some very nice things to say about his play last year. I think even one of the RG Radio announcers (the French ones) called his play “elegant”.


Okiegal Says:

Personally, for me, being Rafa’s number one Oklahoma fan……don’t like all the tests he has been given. I always hated tests, and I’ll just bet Rafa doesn’t like tests either!! LOL Vamos, Rafa, you da man!!! Keep your brand of tennis play rollin’….I for one, love your style!!!


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

M it was a very high quality match,very clean ball striking by both,a shame that one player has to loose in some cases,David Goffin has won the hearts of alot of people today,he gave a good account of himself today,it would have been lovely had he won a set too.


Okiegal Says:

I think Gulbis has a funny personality. I kind of like him…….unless he is testing Rafa!


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Okiegal i agree in that theres nothing wrong with having some easy matches though too.


Bada Bing Says:

Anyone superstitious?

PatrickMcEnroe Patrick McEnroe
“@tennistweetscom: look what appeared after Novak won – wonder if there’s a career slam at the end of that http://t.co/0j9SmMUTu1” nice M


Bada Bing Says:

Has anyone on ESPN or other media posted their predictions yet or is everyone saying Rafa will win. Novak is a major underdog for sure.


skeezer Says:

Fed is the biggest underdog this year.


contador Says:

Yes M, I remember Federer and Goffin from last year! Then it seemed Goffin has sort of faded or maybe I have faded? It is good to see him play again. Did Goffin have an injury last year?

hahaha Fed is the biggest underdog, skeezer :D


contador Says:

And Novak a major underdog? LOL


Humble Rafa Says:

Fed is the biggest underdog this year.

He is more like a dog.


contador Says:

Okay you guys are talking actual betting odds? they all are underdogs to Nadal – true.


skeezer Says:

Rafa love Giles said the betting odds on Fed were 16/1.

Rafa is the overdog.


Okiegal Says:

As a loyal of Rafa, he doesn’t have this one in his hip pocket, I’m sorry to say. I think he comes on court very nervous, and he admits to that very often. He will not only have a problem with Novak, providing he gets that far, but also with less known players. It sees as though he gets off to slow starts in his matches as of late. I heard an interviewer commenting on the problems his opponent had given him in a particular match and Rafa stated that he had problems with everyone he plays. I’m inclined to agree with him. But, on the other hand seems like he finds a way to win. That’s what I like about the guy……he never gives up. Vamos, Rafa and get the “W” for Fr Open 2013!!! Pullin’ 4 u!!


Okiegal Says:

***it seems, meant to say.


Okiegal Says:

@ Bada Bing post 5:33

Well, if Novak wins, there will definately be a pot of gold waiting for him!! LOL


mat4 Says:

Just passing by. Hope I’ll be able to post (and read) more often next week, when I come back from work.

Also hope you have some good time.

And finally, this new tennis x hippy chic posting here, isn’t she our dear Alison?


Wog boy Says:

If Novak wins FO, this is how it is going to be celebrated in Serbia. You have only to multiply it few thousand times, since this was in America.
BTW, I didn’t know it is lega to fire shotguns in the middle of the town in California, have a look and dont blame us, this is fourth/fifth generation of Serbians in California as you can see.

http://youtu.be/CimKkt4sle0


contador Says:

Hi Mat4 *waves*

Come back soon! Write when you can :)


mat4 Says:

Hi, conty. I leave tomorrow, so I’ll make a few posts tonight. Unfortunately, didn’t manage to watch tennis the last few weeks, so, nothing interesting from me.

I read that all the favourites have won (Dolgopolov, Tomic, Berdych and at least ten others excepted). Somehow I feel that this RG could be a tournament with a lot of new faces and new winners. Tsonga perhaps? Monfils? It is so exciting to be a “new face” at 27…

BTW, I know that Murray doesn’t play, but what about DelPo?


contador Says:

Well I have had that feeling before, mat4 – the feeling that it is time for someone to overthrow the top seeds … who knows. There are a few new prospects. How about Lucas Pouilly – the French teenager? I had never heard of him.

Delpo is in Argentina. He had another injury and I can’t remember what it was this time.

I think the match to watch tomorrow might be Gulbis and LaMonf but you never know for sure with those two.


Humble Rafa Says:

Rafa is the overdog.

I now believe that craziness has no limits.

Overdog, really?


skeezer Says:

^yawn.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Mat4@7.16pm May 28th yeah that would be me,i just fancied a new change of monikor lol.


Margot Says:

@conty
According to the lovely Santoro, Pouille (?spelling)
is the future of French tennis. Another 18 year old.
Very good for tennis that these young guys are starting to make some waves.
BTW Delboy has respiratory infection apparently.


Giles Says:

skeezer the geezer. Your luv’s odds have dropped to 9/1.
I reckon the bookies were very impressed by his win over the qualifier. LMAO!


Alex Says:

Lets see if Nadal can do better than the last Major he played..I think he will do a Nadal.

TennisWiki-
To do a Nadal- a top 4 seed loses to a very low ranked player such as Rosol early in a Major.

Only Nadal, has done a Nadal, in the last year. Logic dictates “a Nadal”, Can only be done after the original event took place. Hence Nadal could become the second player to do “a Nadal”.

All admissions before the creation of (the original) ANadal must be disqualified.


Giles Says:

^^^ Still talking cr@p I see. Some things never change. Get a life boy!!


Giles Says:

^^^ Have you been fired from your new job already? Won’t be surprised! #LowLife


Alex Says:

Lmao

Showing your true colors again, hey Giles?

Get a life?

Hahaha, you’re the biggest hermit Ive ever seen, must be a recluse.

You talk so much drivel, wouldn’t be surprised if some of it has dripped down onto your chip stayed sofa.

#LifeispreciousGetHelp
#dontbeahermit

Start here,

Google: Potato Sack exercise for improved strength and fitness.

I know its tough to start here Giles(very advanced), stick with it though.

Best of luck. Remember to shout VAMOS!
Between repetitions, this is key,no?


Alex Says:

^stained-not stayed.^


skeezer Says:

@Alex

Well executed. ;)


skeezer Says:

Giles the couch hermit,

You seem to have a little knowledge in betting odds. You were spitting out proudly Feds chances in the beginning.

But you can’t answer 1 out of 10 tennis questions unless Rafa’s name was in the questions before hand. Just ask nadalista.


skeezer Says:

@Okiegal

stay safe :(


Giles Says:

skeezer the geezer. You still cannot comprehend simple English. ‘Twas not ME spitting out your luv’s chances but the bookies. #FedHasZeroChanceInspiteOf3QualifiersInHisDraw


skeezer Says:

^u posted it dudette.


skeezer Says:

Giles,

what does a gauge apply to in tennis?

#duh


Giles Says:

^^^Sure I posted it just to let you know how the bookies rate your luv’s chances.


Okiegal Says:

@Skeezer

Thanx Skeezer, for your concern!! I appreciate the fact that you can give well wishes to a die hard Rafa fan. You have a great day of watching the French Open and may the FEDFORCE be with you.!! LOL


Alex Says:

So now you’re posting stuff for Skeezer?

“Hes luv’s chances”

Stop reading so much twilight, thats for big people!

What does this crab not do, in a day?

#leavethehousehahaha


contador Says:

hey Margot!

thanks for the update on del Boy :D

yes, Pouille. Maybe we get to see him play tomorrow? I saw a picture of him and read Lucas Pouille twitter that got to hit with Nole and Jo Willi . Maybe a good prospect.

Frenchie crowd is making me pull for the villain, Gulbis . Also made me think of Muzza and how Muzz is inspired to play better when the crowd is against him. That is what it takes in such a situation. Fognini knows how to handle the French as well …hehehe

LaMonf and Ernie is just what I imagined!

Gael about to take the 3rd set!


nadalista Says:

Chapeau La Monf!

I’m sure the better player lost……..

#Gulbis


contador Says:

Match point Gael Allez!

My bracket is toast.


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Thank goodness congrats to Gael,and Roger looks in great form,i really believe he has a genuine chance to take this title,it will be interesting to see how he fares when the quality of his oponents get better,there is a danger that things have been too easy up to now,but for me he has to be the favorite to reach the final on that side of the draw,although its unlikely it would be lovely for Daveed to spring a surprise and make his 1st ever GS final.


Alex Says:

Bennetau gets the break and goes nuts. Hahaha wonder what he will think when he finds out Feds just about finished too.

Don’t think Benny will be fit enough to pose any kinda challenge against Fed.

Benneteau Wins..


Tennis x hippy chic Says:

Julian beat Roger a couple of months back i believe?although that was best of 3 sets,best of 5 is a completely different animal,and Roger will be the much fresher and more rested of the two players,Julian pushed Roger to 5 sets at Wimbledon last year,depends if has anything left in him after such a long and greuling match today.


jamie Says:

Nadal will win RG…..


Polo Says:

I also predict that Nadal will win. And I don’t even have a crystal ball to help me see that.


Okiegal Says:

Rafa gonna try, no?


Okiegal Says:

@Alex @ 10:58 am.

Who are you referring to regarding someone posting for Skeezer?

Did you direct that to me? I am a new poster here from Oklahoma and I think he told me to be safe because of the F-5 tornado that hit Okla a few days ago. I don’t know for sure what he meant but I am posting all on my own. I was just thanking him. I am an hour away from the town where it hit. We have more storm alerts for this evening. Anxiously waiting for Rafa’s match tomorrow!!!


Alex Says:

^

not at you, lol :)


Alex Says:

^
Good luck though.


skeezer Says:

Okiegal,

I saw on the news more potentially bad weather coming your way. Heart goes out to u all there in Tornado country. Nuff already!


Okiegal Says:

@Alex

Thanx for your response. I was just wondering.

@Skeezer We are watching the clouds for sure, but we think we are in the clear tonight…..thank goodness.

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