Federer Downs Del Potro, Djokovic Up Next; Paris SF Picks And Pans

by Sean Randall | November 1st, 2013, 11:20 pm
  • 208 Comments

We are down to the last four is Paris, and like the French Open it’s a star-studded quarter after the popular crew came through today.

Novak Djokovic began quarterfinals proceedings with a resounding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Stan Wawrinka. The win was Novak’s 15th straight but it will most be remembered for a near perfect opening set, one of his best during the streak. Wawrinka, who had pushed Novak to the brink twice this year, had no answer early on.

“Clearly when he plays that good it’s very difficult, especially on this surface where he’s the best, I believe,” said Wawrinka. “Unfortunately he was a lot better than I was today. He put a lot of pressure on me and it was very difficult.”


Roger Federer was next up. The Swiss who has struggled for much of the year earned maybe his finest win of the season defeating Juan Martin Del Potro in three. Because of all the tennis the Argentine’s played, it wasn’t a big surprise to see Roger get through. But still, Federer is playing much better than even a few week sago.

“I think it was a good match from start to finish,” said Federer following his first Top 5 win of the year. “That’s definitely good for my confidence, because those are the kind of wins I need right now.”

And Roger will need that confidence when he looks across the net tomorrow.

Rafael Nadal followed by pasting Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-1 for his 12th straight win over the Frenchman – 19 sets in a row!

“The injury that I had probably makes me play more aggressive than before and that helped me a lot to play better on hard,” Nadal said. “But nothing really changed a lot. Just small things that [gave] me a lot of success.”

And in the finale, in what I would call a surprise David Ferrer continued his title defense with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Tomas Berdych. Ferrer is ranked higher, had the series lead over Berdych but that’s a match the big Czech should win.

So to the semis we go…

Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer
These two former No. 1s meet for the first time this year. In their history, it’s Federer who leads 16-13 however Djkovic has taken three of their last five, all in 2012 including their most recent rumble at the ATP Finals 12 months ago.

After a rough start to the season, Federer’s once again found that form indoors. And I think tomorrow he’ll play well. But Djokovic is fresh, he’s six years younger and let’s be honest, he’s the better player.

“I prefer to play him now than four months ago,” Federer said. “I’m more confident now and I believe again in my chances,” said Federer.

“If I had played a few weeks ago or a few months ago, I might have thought that I was not sure. It might have been more difficult. I believe I can win more now. I will try my best against him because he’s having a very good year again… It’s going to be a very difficult match, but it’s also going to be interesting. We always play very well against each other.”

Djokovic’s won his last 15 matches and today played some incredible tennis in the first set vanquishing Federer’s countryman, Wawrinka. I think in the semis we’ll see more of that.

The only thing that could worry you if you are a Djokovic supporter is maybe he already has an eye on London which begins on Monday.

That said, I can’t see him wanting to lose to Roger. Novak already has his hands full with Rafa and Murray, and he doesn’t want Roger in there as well. Once you have a guy down, you keep him down.
The pick: Djokovic in two

Rafael Nadal v David Ferrer
Rafael Nadal gets another “pigeon” in his path. After dismissing Gasquet who he now leads 12-0 he’ll now face his friend and countryman Ferrer. David at least has a win over Rafa but overall Nadal has dominated with a 20-4 mark having won the last nine.

Like Djokovic, Nadal might also have a bigger eye toward next week and perhaps be willing to hand one to David. But a win Saturday should give him the No. 1 ranking, and that’s an opportunity too rich to pass up.

So this pick is another easy one.
The pick: Nadal in two

Tennis Channel has live coverage from 9:30am.

SATURDAY PARIS SCHEDULE
COURT CENTRAL start 11:45 am
M Mirnyi (BLR) / H Tecau (ROU) vs [2] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA)

Not Before 2:30 pm
[5] R Federer (SUI) vs [2] N Djokovic (SRB)

Not Before 5:00 pm
[1] R Nadal (ESP) vs [3] D Ferrer (ESP)
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) vs [4] I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA)


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208 Comments for Federer Downs Del Potro, Djokovic Up Next; Paris SF Picks And Pans

Steve 27 Says:

If Rafa win tomorrow, he will be the first male to reach 7 Masters 1000 finals in the same year nad will surpass victories against top 10 of Ivan Lendl with 120. Vamos!


Perfect fan Says:

Good job roger….jus keep up the good work.

Congrats to all fans of nole and rafa….

Wat a match nole played against wawa….simply breath-taking tennis….i wnt be surprised a bit if he wins paris and london back to back and probably snatches the YEN1 from rafa.

Though rafa is also showing that he is no pushover in indoors….i cud see the intensity in his eyes for how determined he is to make a great run in this fall indoor season.

Also great to see fed slowly gaining in confidence….not the best but still I m happy to see him building brick by brick.

This year YEC gonna rock….something I am assured of :) Allez roger!!


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Steve 27 thanks for the info,also his 12th final this year should he beat Daveed,vamos Rafa.


metan Says:

Alison,
You have inflicted with Vamos germ :-). Good !

My picks Rafa is in the final and if Maestro gets first set, he will be in the final too. Otherwise it will be the titan battle Rafa and Nole.

Vamos champion!


James Says:

Rafa may be just a match win away from clinching the YE #1. If he decides to go for the record 6th Masters 1000 in a calendar year, I like his chances.

Novak and Roger both played very well yesterday. Fed says he’s confident to take on Djokovic. Won’t be surprised if he pulls off a win over Novak in Paris.

I hope we get a Fedal final. Rafole final is good too if it happens.


Giles Says:

Vamos Rafa!
A Fedal final would be great, no?


madmax Says:

Sean, why don’t you just admit that you got it wrong?

Now you are making excuses that it was because JMP was tired/playing too much tennis. You got it wrong.

Roger Federer was next up. The Swiss who has struggled for much of the year earned maybe his finest win of the season defeating Juan Martin Del Potro in three. Because of all the tennis the Argentine’s played, it wasn’t a big surprise to see Roger get through. But still, Federer is playing much better than even a few week sago.

Vamos Federer! Good to see that you were able to hang on in there and play some great tennis. Loved watching you two play.

VAMOS ROGER!

ALLEZ ROGER!

COME ON ROGER!


Giles Says:

Looking forward to the WTF draw today.
Vamos Rafa!
# EasyDrawForRafa


courbon Says:

@ Hippy Chic: Vamos????? Bloody Giles infects everybody on this site! Arghh….

@ metan: Hi there, I thought to say: Good luck” to your man but there is no need.He has Ferrer in a left pocket…anyway, enjoy tennis today.


Josh39485 Says:

I think we all know what the WTF draw will be though, surely? I’m quite sure they do Seeds 1, 3, 5, 7 in Group 1 and 2, 4, 6, 8 in Group 2.

Group 1: Nadal, Ferrer, Berdych, Wawrinka

Group 2: Djokovic, Del Potro, Federer, Wawrinka

(That is, of course, assuming that Federer doesn’t beat Djokovic today)


Josh39485 Says:

Oh, and good luck to everyone, btw.


Giles Says:

@courbon. Too funny as usual! :-))
Vamos Rafa!


Giles Says:

Josh. Hope you are right.


Josh39485 Says:

Giles. I might be :) The only other way they could do it is by world rankings and entry pts rather than race pts, in which case Berdych and Federer would get swapped around.


Giles Says:

Josh. Don’t mind that as long as Delpo stays away from Rafa’s group. Lol


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/k6222
Josh Berry impersonates the top 8 @ATP WTF.
This guy is too good.


Michael Says:

I have to go with Sean picks. But, I believe that the highly anticipated duel between Roger and Novak will be a lot closer than many believe. Surely extended to three. After some time, I see Roger showing glimpses of his class of yore and he is also serving well. He should trouble Novak. But on the other hand, Novak is very much confident after his double in China and he will be very tough to beat. I would put it as 60:40 in Novak’s favour. As regards the other one of Nadal Vs Ferrer, well it has to be 98:2 in Rafa’s favour.


Josh39485 Says:

@Giles, Yeah, amazing isn’t it? The Federer accent still needs more work, but the rest are virtually spot on!


courbon Says:

@ Michael: I agree. I would ad that second duel will be more like a 99;1 in Rafa’s favour

@ Giles: Thanks for link.It’s very funny, boy is amazing


Josh39485 Says:

@Margot – I had a feeling that Chris Chase wrote that article if it’s from USA today. As a perennial Fed hater, he tries to make a story simply by twisting his words in a particular manner (in fact I don’t think Roger even said that?).


metan Says:

Hi courbon!
Nole is unusual. 3 DF no. But this is just beginning. Let’s see.


jatin Says:

Roger is playing really well. Wow


Josh39485 Says:

The key for Roger is to keep mixing it up – if Novak gets settled, then he will start dictating the rallies.


gonzalowski Says:

uau, great match Djoko-Federer, at this moment. Electric.
Fed playing at high level!

Come on Fed!


courbon Says:

Fed is beating Novak at the moment….Comon Novak!!!!


courbon Says:

@ metan: I know.He has to quickly settle down or….


Ben Pronin Says:

Josh, this is tennis, they don’t go by logical seeds.


Josh39485 Says:

The thing with Novak is that you never know when he’ll come back at you. That said, am very happy with Roger’s level of play – that is a little victory in itself


gonzalowski Says:

Szlatan Ibrahimovic into the crowd


Ben Pronin Says:

Oh man they did go by the seeds for once. Josh you were right about the groups.

Cakewalk for Nadal, as usual.


Giles Says:

Make him run fed!!


Josh39485 Says:

@Ben Pronin – Yep, they did that seeding in 2011 and 2012, I pretty much expected it to turn out this way.


Giles Says:

Josh. Is the WTF draw out yet?


Josh39485 Says:

According to Ben Pronin, it is (was supposed to be out at 2pm). Apparently I was right Lol


courbon Says:

Novaks service game is off today! Flick the switch Nole, flick it quick!!!


Giles Says:

Well done @ Josh! :-)
Where is the draw?


van orten Says:

as always when it matters all the net chords in favour of nole


Josh39485 Says:

Giles. Not sure actually, but the official site says it should have been done. @Ben Pronin – where can we access the draw?


Josh39485 Says:

Ignore last post. It’s been put up on the ATP website itself.


Ben Pronin Says:

No idea, one of the commentators on my stream confirmed it.


van orten Says:

I really like nole but why on earth does he has to punish fed always the same way..letting him have set point only to break his neck afterwards..not funny


Josh39485 Says:

Federer had balls of steel in that last game – wins the first set 6-4.


Jf Says:

Van orten, you should off held off with that comment .


squirrel Says:

Group A : Nadal, Berdych, Ferrer, Wawrinka

Group B : Djokovic, Federer, Del Potro, Gasquet

Lucky Nadal…


metan Says:

Is the signed that Roger has booked his place on the final as I predicted???


courbon Says:

Fed is gonna win. Damn!


Ben Pronin Says:

Djokovic is playing hilariously bad.


jatin Says:

Roger is defending so well


jatin Says:

WOW. The defence. Rog breaks


Giles Says:

Wish Gasquet was in Rafa’s group! Not to worry, I will take what’s on offer.
Vamos Rafa


squirrel Says:

good prediction metan!hope Fed will be able to hold serve in this 2nd set


Josh39485 Says:

Fed breaks! Love u Rog, but I can’t help but think that Novak has other things on his mind…


Jf Says:

Roger might be playing well but it seems
Djoko is beating himself


Giles Says:

Keep it up fed. You can do it!


van orten Says:

wouldnt say lucky nadal..in the end it is indoors and from the semis on it will be very difficult for him to survive with the kind of form delpo and fed and nole are showing


metan Says:

What’s wrong with Nole??


Josh39485 Says:

@metan – Tanking a little?


van orten Says:

how many times fed something on his mind when playing and losing to nole??? no excuses..he still has a big chanve to win this..why so afraid..isnt fed old and done???


Josh39485 Says:

@van orten – I’m a Fed supporter, who is more than a little shocked by what’s happening at the moment! Calm down, lol :D


Ben Pronin Says:

What’s happening is pretty simple: Federer is playing well, Djokovic is not. I think Federer will win in straight sets right now.


jatin Says:

Errors from both. Horrible


youyong Says:

I would never write Novak off until the match is over. Could be a momentum swing in his favour now.


van orten Says:

the same pattern as always guys..out of nowhere the spraying of easy balls begins and there u gooo djoker is back where he supposedly belongs for everyone but real fed fans..leading in the 2nd..not shocked to see fed play well vs nole because he usually plays pretty well vs him..hence his winning record vs him


jatin Says:

Great stuff from fed


Tennis Vagabond Says:

What a match. Vintage indoor Fed. An off day for Novak. Fed looking very much like a slam contender this week.


van orten Says:

nole is not playing bad at all..itss a good match from both..nole is full in the match ..what did u expect..fed losing 1:6 1:6 ??? it never happened vs these 2 and never will


Josh39485 Says:

Vamos Federer!


jatin Says:

Crucial point for fed


Rumble Says:

Nadal gets super lucky with the draw AGAIN! Has all his pigeons in his group – avoided Delpo AND Fed, the two guys who could beat him indoors. Ferrer? Berdych? Wawa? Come on, doesn’t seem like a WTF draw. Weaker than a masters draw.


van orten Says:

oh my god nole is playing so badlyyyy he is leading only 3: 2 in the 2nd set and not 5:0 as he should because fed is number 100 in the world..


Ben Pronin Says:

Van orten, calm down. Djokovic is playing a little better now but he was missing extremely easy balls in the first set.


van orten Says:

still playing bad tennis nole isnt he???


Ben Pronin Says:

Let’s be honest, Federer probably should have won the first set 6-2.


youyong Says:

Momentum swing like I said. Fed in trouble now. Let’s see if he can be broken.


squirrel Says:

van orten Says:
wouldnt say lucky nadal..in the end it is indoors and from the semis on it will be very difficult for him to survive with the kind of form delpo and fed and nole are showing

November 2nd, 2013 at 10:37 am

My point exactly,those three guys are on the other group and only two of them will make it to semis..


van orten Says:

I am calm ..just making fun a bit..fed had one more unforced error in the first


youyong Says:

There it is. Most probably going to a 3rd set now.


Ben Pronin Says:

Federer’s level has dipped quite a bit. I don’t wanna say he’s back to 2013 standards but now he’s missing easy shots. He looks physically spent, to be honest.


squirrel Says:

yeah,he’s sweating a lot as well..hope he’ll be back strong in the third but me think Djoko would win…


Ben Pronin Says:

Federer’s level dipped in the second set against Del Potro, too. So maybe no straight sets but we’ll see.


Rumble Says:

Old man is tired. Same old story. Will lose in 3. Good fight though. Hopefully he makes the semi at the WTF.


van orten Says:

I d say all nole fans can relax now..he did what he always does …winning impossible points provoking mishits by fed..easy mishits maybe but because of the impossible defense not so unreal…think about that when saying nole played bad in the first set


Josh39485 Says:

Deciding set then, as Djokovic takes the 2nd


jatin Says:

Com on fed


Giles Says:

@Rumble. So what?


Josh39485 Says:

Gutsy hold from Federer! The will has not faded, I just hope the fuel tank doesn’t run dry


jatin Says:

30-30 com on rog


Giles Says:

It’s really easy peasy fed, all you have to do is break and hold!


jatin Says:

I think nole wil break now


van orten Says:

double faults no first serves..and there u have the break..im off.have a good day guys..


youyong Says:

Sigh. I don’t see Roger coming back.


Josh39485 Says:

Break for Djoko. He’ll probably wrap this up now, but it was fun while it lasted.


jatin Says:

2-1 bole leads. Comon roger


jatin Says:

Nole I mean


Jf Says:

The inevitable has begun


Josh39485 Says:

Good serving from Fed, but again the key is to try and vary things. Djokovic has dominated from the baseline in the 2nd and 3rd sets, simply because he has far more energy and flexibility to compete from those positions.


Hawkeye Says:

You fed fans are waaaaay too hard on your man. He’s playing extremely well and can still win this. Nole is still playing a bit tight and a slight dip can easily make the difference.

Back your man. C’mon!!!!!!

Whatever group starts on Monday will be tough to win among the finalists tomorrow.


Josh39485 Says:

Come on Roger! As he slips down a double-break…


youyong Says:

Game over unless a miracle happens for Roger.


youyong Says:

No miracle. Nole keeps his chances of finishing the year #1 alive.


Josh39485 Says:

Congratulations to Novak Djokovic, courbon and other Nole fans. Awesome match, really good performances from both players. Looking forward to Djokovic vs Nadal tomorrow!


jatin Says:

Great play by roger but bole was too good today.

Can novak become the world no 1 if Rafa lost to ferrer today and nole win the tournament ?


youyong Says:

Novak has points to defend at WTF, even if he wins this tourney and Nadal loses today, Nadal will need to lose early at WTF for Nole to get back #1. But if Nadal wins today AND tomorrow, he will finish #1 regardless of WTF results.


madmax Says:

Really great match between these two.

Well done Roger. Just sorry that he seemed to lose the will towards the end. The final game was rubbish from him. Like he gave up. But great play during hte first set. Really great play.

Novak is incredible when the chips are down. Without doubt. You think he has gone, and then when his back is against the wall, he comes back! Truly amazing Novak.

Did not like the pump fist in the fifth game. Uncalled for and not professional at all. Crowd thought so too. He should have waited until at least the final game was over.

Margot Says:
Looks as if Fed’s having a “go” at Andy:
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/11/roger-federer-andy-murray/?sf18991166=1

November 2nd, 2013 at 9:32 am

Josh39485 Says:
@Margot – I had a feeling that Chris Chase wrote that article if it’s from USA today. As a perennial Fed hater, he tries to make a story simply by twisting his words in a particular manner (in fact I don’t think Roger even said that?).

November 2nd, 2013 at 9:42 am

Margot why do you always try to start something. You never are prepared to read any of the full comments made are you? Just take what journalists say and twist them because you hate roger so much. I really wish you would start to grow up.

Josh, I know, but your words are wasted on Margot – she has been a fed hater since she started to read trashy newspapers that favour Andy Murray, (and most of them do). No class.


Daniel Says:

Jatin,

No. Nole can only regain #1 if he wins Paris and WTF witout losing a macth and if Nadal loses to Ferrer now and wins only 1 match in WTF next week. Looking by WTF draw and Nadal versus Ferrer today. Nadal pretty much seal the deal. The moment the draw came out Nadal clinched YE#1. Now is just formality. I hope he beats Ferrer and we get another Nadal x Djoko before WTF.


courbon Says:

@ Josh: Thanks .I’m more waisted then Fed by the end…Novak was bad at the beginning and Roger great.And then…well, survived another day.

Commiserationa to Fed fans-Michael, Perfect Fan, Van Orten, Jatin-It’s tough loss but on the other side-thhats the best toiurnament he played this year and signs are positive for his comeback to good level.


courbon Says:

@ madmax: I forgot you! Commiseration but positives are that Fed played very well in the first set and quite OK in second until middle.
Pump fisting? Comone, it’s a tennis, tense fight…? But agree, could wait…but I guess you do not think in the moment like that? Novak is to emotional, hence he ocasionaly does stuff like that ( ripping shirt and similar )
Even Roger has moments like that-remember finger wagging at Novak in 2011 RG?


jatin Says:

@daniel and youyong
Thanks for clearing
@courban

Congrats mate. Your guy played really well. Hoping for Rafa vs bole tomorrow.


courbon Says:

After seeing groups for ATP Final ,I have real sorrow for Gasquet…


jatin Says:

I mean nole.😓


Josh39485 Says:

@madmax Fair enough then.

@courbon – Yeah, he’s starting to look really good again, but if he’s going to derail Nole or Rafa he’ll need to get it done as soon as possible.
Anyway, I think a good tournament for Roger at the WTF would be if he beats Gasquet and one out of Djoko or DelPo to make the semis.


Margot Says:

@madmax
OMG u really are demented.
Chill, just chill.


Perfect fan Says:

Phewww….that was some match. Nole showed us all why he is the most dangerous player on earth….a set and a break down and then coming back to win the match….simply incredible. Congrats all nole fans :)

Well….i m impressed with roger. I know he lost but what character from the maestro. He gave me a huge boost that he will do well in the wtf. I m relieved to see roger playing great tennis again….the first set was a treat for us fans. Go Roger!!


Josh39485 Says:

? Ferrer has broken Nadal for 3-1. Upset alert? Or just a slow start?


courbon Says:

@ Josh: Nah…Rafa had one too many tortillas for luch. As soon is digested, he’ll finish the bussines.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Congrats Nole and fans,the guy doesnt know the meaning of word defeat,bad luck Fed fans he put up a good fight,but Nole on indoor HCs is virtually unbeatable.


youyong Says:

Ferrer is playing well. Could be an upset.


courbon Says:

and Rafa just digested that tortilla and here we go…


youyong Says:

Well done to save 3 set points!


youyong Says:

Solid first set by Ferrer. Hope Nadal can find his way to a win.


Okiegal Says:

Hopefully….slow start for my man.

Vamos Rafa!


courbon Says:

Giles, start hiding behind the couch and put one ‘Vamos’ for me…


courbon Says:

‘ Josh: I read also.Paris is awful for that.My wife was robbed walking between restaurant and the shop -and that was 7m only! Only Barcelona has a better thief’s ( Rome is in a third place )


youyong Says:

Sigh. Nadal is really struggling. Could not convert 3 BPs and now facing BPs in his own service game.


Josh39485 Says:

@courbon: It’s despicable. In Rome, someone did nick my wallet a couple of years back, but the joke was on them – I’d left my money back at the hotel. Not the first big theft I’ve heard of either. I remember someone stealing Olympic medals from British athletes last year.


courbon Says:

He broke Nadal again?


Josh39485 Says:

Nadal broken. Oh dear. Who saw this coming?

I’ll get in on it as well: Vamos Rafa!


courbon Says:

Romanian gypsies-the best in the world!


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Daveeds playing well,but Rafas timing of the ball is crap,and missing all those BPs not good,oh well on to London,looking like Daveeds gonna get the W here,i would be happy to see Daveed defend the title,but cant see past Nole TBH.


youyong Says:

Ferrer is in the zone today. Not much Nadal can do unless Ferrer’s momentum drops.


nitesh Says:

come on rafa


youyong Says:

The disappointing thing is probably David will be crushed by Novak in the final making the year end #1 chase even more nail biting.


youyong Says:

Come on Rafa. It’s only 1 break.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Courbon sorry about your wife its a horrible world we live in.
Josh and sorry you had your wallet stolen,glad it backfired on the culprit too,as they say what goes around comes around,bad Karma will catch up with these people,not only that they get it back 3 fold too.


courbon Says:

@ youyoung: Disappointing depends who you support. I’m Novak’s fan.
But lets not jump to early.Match is still on and Rafa can do comeback.
Also, even if Ferrer wins-he can beat Novak…


courbon Says:

@ Hippy: Women don’t close handbags always. Easy for thief’s.
David playing very well.I feel silly now for all jokes I said today…


madmax Says:

courbon Says:
@ madmax: I forgot you! Commiseration but positives are that Fed played very well in the first set and quite OK in second until middle.
Pump fisting? Comone, it’s a tennis, tense fight…? But agree, could wait…but I guess you do not think in the moment like that? Novak is to emotional, hence he ocasionaly does stuff like that ( ripping shirt and similar )
Even Roger has moments like that-remember finger wagging at Novak in 2011 RG?

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:58 am

No need to commiserate. Am very proud of Roger and what he has achieved, so long as he goes away with positives from Paris this week, and he should, then I think it really helps his confidence going into London.

Courbon, remember there is a difference here. Federer wagged the finger after the match was over, and not before. Novak did this (naughty) during the fifth game, just when it was over, he looked over towards his coach, and when Roger was walking off the court – not professional in my view. Acceptable of course, when match is over. I love Novak’s passion, but it was a bit inappropriate here courbon.

http://www.cjr.org/full_court_press/the_most_hated_blogger_in_amer.php?page=all

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Chase is so popularly unpopular. Chase himself doesn’t know. Sports fans are passionate, both in their love of and hatred for certain teams. As Deadspin’s Drew Magary pointed out in an article filled with some of his most vicious hate mail, they are not shy about expressing their opinions. One Bears fan even gave Magary the ultimate insult: “It’s so God-awful that it makes want to go out and read a Chris Chase ‘article’ and we all know he’s absolutely an abysmal ‘writer’.”

The hatred of Chase goes even beyond the sports world norm. My best guess is it’s a special combination of sports fans’ passionate relationships with their favorite teams and athletes, many of which Chase criticizes as part of his job; Yahoo’s huge reach and audience; the slightly-less-than-savvy Internet user who typically reads the site; and what people tend to expect from a sportswriter (accounts of games, breathless praise of athletic performances) versus what Chase actually writes about (Tim Tebow’s muscles, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder’s new yacht).

http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/23/andy-murray-can-end-wimbledon-pain-says-roger-federer-3852918/

He actually got much stronger. That’s why he increased his chances now by winning big tournaments. He did so at the Olympics, the US Open. Now he’s the favourite every tournament he goes into.’

Federer had no hesitation in picking out Murray, a potential semi-final opponent, as the player he fears most at Wimbledon ahead of Rafael Nadal or world No.1 Novak Djokovic.

‘I think Murray played great last year throughout Wimbledon and the Olympics, and now again at Queen’s [where he won the title this month],’ he said.

‘For me, he seems like maybe the most natural on this surface. Andy sort of stands out a little bit over the others.’

Respect to Roger, for the many things he praises Murray for.

I feel sorry for you Margot. You are the demented one, not me, preferring to believe the gutter trash writer, who likes to describe himself as a journalist. Nothing more than a high school teenager.

Better get back to reading about Andy Murray’s OBE and Kim’s “stunning” dress in Hello Magazine. Give a thought to the soldiers who died though won’t you Margot? (when you are less demented of course), perhaps you are missing TT too much, as your language has definitely changed.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Courbon personally i dont think this Rafa or this Daveed will beat Nole.


youyong Says:

I doubt Ferrer would give Nole much trouble in the final but hope I am wrong.


youyong Says:

Ferrer is definitely the better player today.


Patson Says:

With the sort of Nole wins, I don’t think it matters who wins today.

Ferrer deserves the win today. No question about it.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Alot of BPs squandered by Rafa.


Patson Says:

^
Correction: With the sort of form Nole is in, he’ll win.


courbon Says:

Where are all ‘Vamos’?


Patson Says:

@Courbon: LOL


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

If Daveed can beat both Rafa and Nole back to back then he sure as hell deserves the title.


Josh39485 Says:

@courbon Vamooooosssssss Rafa!!


youyong Says:

Glimmer of hope now! Go Rafa!


Josh39485 Says:

Nadal’s back!


James Says:

Vamos Rafa! ;)

Well, I’m not watching the match. From the comments on here sounds like Rafa is playing bad or Ferrer is playing very well or both.


courbon Says:

@ Josh: I expected Giles but this will do also.Yep, Rafa is back-great comeback is about to start.


Okiegal Says:

That break got a BIG VAMOS from OKIEGAL!!


Okiegal Says:

Don’t give up the ship now……You can do this…..be patient!!! VAMOS RAFA!!


van orten Says:

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahag poor david but nadal is nadal..worth than toothache for his opponents…what a shame..6: 1 in the third for nadal..this match is def. over guys…hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahaahhaahhaahahahahhahayaayayayahahaga


youyong Says:

Ferrer broke back again.


youyong Says:

I don’t think Ferrer is going to let this second chance to serve it out go.


Josh39485 Says:

Ferrer to serve for the match again!


James Says:

This is it, I guess. Don’t see another comeback from Nadal.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Van Orton worse than toothache,geez hes only doing his job,by trying to win a tennis match for goodness sake,what else is he supposed to do?and David just broke back incidently.


youyong Says:

Well done Ferrer! He deserves the win today. Let’s hope Rafa can get rested and have a good WTF.


Josh39485 Says:

Ferrer stuns Nadal! Absolute shocker – but Ferrer really, really, really deserved it!


Brando Says:

Congrats to Ferru- a deserved win!

I hope he does not end up being a lamb put to the slaughter by Novak in the final as I fear he might be: he fought like a champ in this one with Rafa.


van orten Says:

tennis hippy : that was a compliment…his biggest weapon..


Josh39485 Says:

Incidentally, Ferrer beat Nadal the last time they met on a hard court (and actually leads the hard court H2H), so not a totally unexpected victory.

Good luck against Djokovic tomorrow!


gonzalowski Says:

Van Orten has failed today almost as much as Rafa…

:)

Could this result be the best for Rafa? in order to be fresher for Wtf


Brando Says:

Rafa:

Did not play well at all today. So I am glad he avoided Novak in this form to be honest.

He’s got a great draw at WTF to get the 2 wins to be YE no. 1.

Extra rest and practise time shall hopefully help him there.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

No complaints congrats Daveed,no disrespect to Nole but it would be lovely to see him defend the title now,but somehow i dont see it.


courbon Says:

Woow! I really did not expect this!
Sorry Brando, Josh,James,metan, Hippy Chic…he is tired.He had amazing year so is normal.
Gonzalowski and Giles you cheered Federer ( I though he is your enemy??)against Novak ( and always cheers Murray against Novak-actually anybody who plays against Novak ) so no commiserations for you guys!


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Van Orton fair enough,never thought of it like that lol.


Okiegal Says:

I am still loud and proud for my guy….David better player today…..not in the stars for Rafa to win this one, so it seems. What he has done this year is amazing. He himself says “not gonna win every match, no?? But dang it…I want him too. Sorry for Fed fans too. I do not see David beating Novak, however. I am changing David nickname the Beast to the Jackrabbit…he was chasing balls down like crazy. Good match for him today.

Vamos Rafa for next week!


Perfect fan Says:

I think HR doormat comment infuriated ferrer to the extent that he played outta his mind tonite to demolish rafa in 2….gotta say ferrer game screams loud enough to say that he is in top 3 for some bloody reason.


gonzalowski Says:

Courbon you are right :)
Djoko scares us…


Josh39485 Says:

@courbon – Thanks. 2 minor “disappointments” today but I’m really happy for Djoko and Ferrer.

Btw Everyone, the Schedule for the first 2 Days at the WTF is as follows:

Monday 4th November:

Afternoon: Tomas Berdych (5) vs Stan Wawrinka (7)

Evening: Juan Martin Del Potro (4) vs Richard Gasquet (8)

Tuesday 5th November:

Afternoon: Rafael Nadal (1) vs David Ferrer (3)

Evening: Novak Djokovic (2) vs Roger Federer (6)


Brando Says:

@Courbon:

Thanks. No worries to be honest: Rafa tried his best but was not at the races today.

It’s cool.

I’m kinda glad that he’ll have extra rest and motivation to go all out at the WTF.

Plus avoiding your guy in this form is not a bad thing at all going forward.

Your guy will win in 2- likely 6-4, 6-1.


Ben Pronin Says:

This win from Ferrer came out of nowhere. Caught the end of the match and he was playing really well.


courbon Says:

@ Brando: Nadal will for sure be No1.If Novak wins tomorrow and all this late in the year fighting from Novak, is more about reducing points between him and Rafa. ( I think from tomorrow difference in a race to London will be 1400-It was 3000 two months ago!).And most importantly is gaining confidence for 2014.He knew even in a Bejing that his chances are extremely small to end up No1.But lets see first what happens tomorrow-David played very well, so who knows?


courbon Says:

@ gonzalowski:Just joking..(-:


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Courbon just to say i wanted a Nole/Rafa final,i always have faith in Rafa whomever he faces,its also my favorite match up,Murrays my second favorite anyway,i tend to root for the player who beats Rafa,and Davids a nice guy,so i think he deserves a bit of luck sometimes,kind of an underdog/underachiever,but a loveable guy who granted isnt as talented or as sucessfull as some of the other players,but still to his credit works incredibly hard,no offence.


Alex Says:

Hey Giles,

Sorry for the Rafa result today.

Youve been real nice towards Fed, so I thought I would return the favor :)


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Im actually not even that dissapointed Rafa needs a rest,not that im making an excuse here,but Davids such a nice guy,how could anyway not love him.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Courbon especially for you,Vamos Daveed ;))..


madmax Says:

Alex Says:
Hey Giles,

Sorry for the Rafa result today.

Youve been real nice towards Fed, so I thought I would return the favor :)

November 2nd, 2013 at 2:09 pm

Try to see through Giles, Alex.


courbon Says:

Behave Hippy…


Giles Says:

@courbon. I don’t hide behind couches or such like when Rafa loses. He is human after all and today was just a bad day at the office. It happens even to the best. He has had a phenomenal year and I, as a fan, am more than overjoyed for him. My best moment was when he beat joker in RG this year ( joking)!!
Now he has to concentrate on the WTF. At least he will have a couple of days rest and have an extra day to try out the courts in London.
Hand the trophy to joker already. Am sure he is clinging on to his voodoo doll!!
Vamos Rafa!


gonzalowski Says:

Rafa has maybe put all the eggs in one basket:
Wtf basket.
Without Murray, it’s maybe his best opportunity to win it and, at the same time, To retain nº1.

40% of possibilities of winning it for him, IMHOO
(In my humble – optimistic opinion)


Gordo Says:

This of you who were watching Rafa’s winning percentage for 2013, cause he had a shot to have the 5th best percentage of all time; – with today’s loss he cannot finish in the top 5.


Giles Says:

There used to be a fed lunatic on this site by the name of Dave, I think I mentioned it before. He has left the site and not too soon as far as I am concerned. Now unfortunately we have a replacement in the form of @madmax.
No peace for some of us. The beat goes on and on and on.
#BORING
#UNEMPLOYED


gonzalowski Says:

Cheer up, Giles! ;)


Giles Says:

BIPR. ” Rafael Nadal travelling tomorrow to London and will practice in the Arena in the late afternoon”
Vamos Champ!


Giles Says:

gonzalowski . Am fine. :-)


courbon Says:

@ Giles: I was more thinking during the match going behind the couch, because you can not watch!When I’m too tense , I go to garden and dig something to realise frustration!
Bad day at office-everybody have one.And it’s end of season and indoors-not rafas favourite time and place.
At least he has good draw at WTF ,so he will go to semis.


Giles Says:

^^^ Now please don’t start jinxing him!!
Vamos Rafa!


andrea Says:

great win by ferrer. i was hoping he would take it. he’s been the second ‘beat down boy’ on clay for nadal (fed is #1 bbb) so nice to have a chance on hard courts.

novak and roger match was inspired. wish fed would have held the break in the second set and try to close it out in two. novak’s start to the match was pretty flat but once there was a whif of momentum shift, like always, he starts fighting.

nice to see fed moving so well again. it’s like he drank some crazy elixir in the past couple of weeks.


Tennis Fan Says:

Djok is an annoyingly ignorant person … can’t stand him. Glad I wont have to watch him near the top much longer. 2014 will be his unfailing … cant wait.


Giles Says:

^^^ Looks like I’m not the only one. Cheers! :-))))


courbon Says:

@ Tennis Fan: You are annoying and ignorant bloger.I’m glad you do not post that much.

@Giles: Behave ,otherwise I will have to send you to corner.


Brando Says:

@Tennis Fan:

I have to say- I LOL’d real hard at reading your post. But do not be pleasantly amused by that, since the amusement was at how ridiculous your post is.

You embody perfectly- with that ridiculous post- on often random, anonymous poster swan in here (and let’s be honest: usually its the same old comedians with new monikers bringing the same tiresome nonsense) and talk some mindless nonsense at a player they dislike immensely.

It’s silly, unnecessary, bile like rubbish and reflects absolutely nothing other than:

Sour grapes.

Right now you are taking a dump on Nole, tomorrow it shall be a new poster taking pot shots at Rafa, day after to Fed: same old endless nonsense.

The truth of the matter is this:

You do NOT really find Djokovic annoying or ignorant.

What REALLY gets your knickers in a twist is the success he enjoys.

That’s what REALLY aggravates you isn’t it sunshine?

And this is the same for those who hate other successful players: be it Rafa or Fed.

They do NOT really hate the player, they just cannot stand the success they enjoy.

Well all i’ll say to that is:

Tough look sunshine, you better put up with it. Since there will be more that coming soon enough and regular enough to get you peeved on how ‘ignorant’ the player is.

LOL @ these failed street corner Comedians. Someone give them a nickel otherwise they’ll end up a pauper with this atrocious routine!


Josh39485 Says:

@Brando I read your post, and I have this to say: don’t waste your time, man. It’s not worth writing a paragraph about it – simply ignore the post and move on.
After all, the thing that really keeps trolls alive is attention.


Giles Says:

@courbon. Lol. I am actually quite well behaved compared to some on here. Just joking, no offence.
BTW I don’t do corners, am not a footballer! :-)
Don’t worry your man will lift the trophy tomorrow.


van orten Says:

great day of tennis I enjoyed it a lot hope u guys as well..didnt see rafa though ..ferrer winning this would be awesome for him and his generation;)


Brando Says:

@Josh:

Wise words. Noted and applied.


Brando Says:

@Alex:

Yes I did. I meant to reply to it but just did not get around to it in time. Sorry for that.

Anyhow:

There is ZERO need for you to apologize Alex, honestly. It was an episode that I remember in rather amusing terms, a back and forth exchange between 2 posters on a particular aspect they disagreed on.

No harm no foul. And besides: it takes 2 to tango, so if you feel you were an a@@ regarding that then more than likely so was I.

So there is nothing to apologize for as no offense was taken at the time and a warm regard of you as a poster was still held by myself: it’s more than cool.

IF anything you being so forthcoming in this manner reflects very well on your character. You seem to be a reflective personality who is open to changing views he holds in time due to seeing things in a different light.

That’s great to see, and exhibits a sense of maturity that we all- most especially I- can learn from.

Anyhow: it’s great to see you back here posting Alex since I did enjoy your posts and brand of opinion on the game.

You must be cheerfully pleased on how Roger did in Paris this week?

Certainly he fought and played like an equal to Nole for the majority of the SF, and he did better the inform Del Potro. That must have been great to see for a Fed fan.

What say ye on this?…………

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