Raonic Outlasts Berdych, Will Play 2-Time Champ Djokovic For Paris Title

by Staff | November 1st, 2014, 5:07 pm
  • 106 Comments

Tomas Berdych tossed in two double faults at the end of the match to all but hand Milos Raonic a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win in the Paris semifinals earlier today. The Canadian moves on to the Sunday final to face 2014 champion Novak Djokovic who eased past Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-3.

“I got a little fortunate there at the end of the match,” said Raonic. “I was focusing on my service games. I know that’s where my game starts from; I’ve got to take care of my serve. Fortunately, I was able to do so and it worked out at the end there. I’m grateful and I’ve got to keep pushing forward.”

Berdych, the 2005 Paris champ, was serving 5-6 in the third but two double faults put him down 15-30 and then two more errors cost him the match.


“I just totally messed it up with the last game,” Berdych said. “It was definitely the worst game I ever played here at this tournament this year. You have days like this where things are going well, and then just at the last moment, everything is gone.”

The win for Raonic marks his second career ATP Masters 1000 final after reaching this stage in Canada last year. Yesterday, the 23-year-old picked up his first career victory over Roger Federer, a win which eventually put him into London.

“There was a lot of motivation from wanting to make London and I didn’t want to have any type of a letdown today,” Raonic told Sky Sports on court. “I knew I’d made it last night and I didn’t want there to be any doubt in my mind about a letdown. So I put even more pressure on myself to make sure that the mental and physical energy was there, to really push myself, because I really wanted to win the match today.”

Later, in a rematch of Nishikori’s US Open women, Djokovic gained revenge to up his Paris win streak to nine.

“It was a great match,” Djokovic told Sky Sports. “I haven’t dropped a set getting into the finals. I definitely feel fresh and motivated to play well tomorrow. We could see Kei wasn’t serving at his best, maybe he was fatigued from finishing late last night. Regardless, I played well and concentrated on what I needed to do. I served exceptionally well in the important moments and it’s something that encourages me for tomorrow.”

A win for Djokovic Sunday over Raonic will be his 600th and really put a lock on the No. 1 ranking. The Serb is 3-0 against Raonic winning eight of nine sets player.

“I’ve been very impressed with Raonic,” Djokovic said. “He’s one of the best servers in the game. He isn’t missing too many and his second serve is bouncing very high. He has very good movement for somebody of his height. He’s improved his baseline game and he’s a complete player now. He’s experiencing the best time of his career and he’s coming off back-to-back wins against Federer and Berdych and I’m sure he’s motivated to win tomorrow. Having said that he’s one of the best servers, one of the keys of the match tomorrow will be trying to get as many returns back in the court and make him play.”

Djokovic will seek his 20th Masters 1000 title, 6th of 2014 and 47th overall. He will also be gunning for a third Paris title.


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106 Comments for Raonic Outlasts Berdych, Will Play 2-Time Champ Djokovic For Paris Title

Wog Boy Says:

“Later, in a rematch of Nishikori’s US Open women, Djokovic gained revenge to up his Paris win streak to nine.”

Is it my English or Nole and Kei played “US Open women”?:)


Polo Says:

That’s a prime example on how not to compose a sentence.


skeezer Says:

Milos has to play close to perfection like he did against Fed or Nole will win his 20th Masters.
I’m a feelin a Nole win here, Milos’s magic will end.

—–

Jane,
This has to be a “I’m lovin it” moment for you, you’ve always backed Oh Canada and Nole is your fav. Enjoy the final! ;)


Tennis Fan Says:

I’m calling another win for Milos to complete the trifecta


TennisVagabond.com Says:

Novak looked amazing today, finishing with those aces showing he’s got everything working for him. No baby bust here.

Great for Milos, stringing wins against two elite players in a row is a big step. Good luck tomorrow! Another old vs new final, they’re gonna keep coming in 2015.


TennisVagabond.com Says:

I noticed a lot in common today between Novak and Kei, especially their aggressive ROS and use of DTL shots- they;re two of the best in the game at that, but Kei might even be better at DTL FH than Novak, no?


Wog Boy Says:

I remember the match in Rome, Nole was frustrated with not beeing able to read Milos serve, Federer had a same problem here, in Paris. Obviously, Milos has a good disguise when serving, it is not just a power. Milos almost won that match in Rome, just by playing one-two game, and it was clay. He will do the same tomorrow, any rally longer than 4-5 shots he wil lose. The key for Nole is his return, if his return game is on than he stands good chance to pick up his third Paris masters but it is really hard to call this one.


Wog Boy Says:

TV,
I read on the other forum similar post about how Nole’s and Kei’s game is similar and I agree with both of you. For anknown reason Nole is lately not using his BHDTL shot nowhere near as he use to, and I am talking about year or two now, he will need that shot against Milos when he is running around for his FH. I was surprised that Federer didn’t use it more often against Milos, Milos left him open court so many times but Federer just didn’t have a confidence to pull the triger with BHDTL, maybe it was bounce that didn’t give him confidence, who knows?


Brando GOAT Poster Says:

@Tennis Vegabond:

Join the club!

I actually think of Kei as a mini Djokovic:

His return of serve is extremely aggressive and great.

His BH and also phenomenal and as Brad Gilbert said in the USO SF he was actually bettering Nole in exchanges on that side in that particular match.

FH though he has the superior one for me- Kei that is- and it’s actually a thing of beauty. Some of the FH shots he hit v Rafa in Madrid final where just pure awesomeness to the say the least.

IMHO:

Had he been as tall as Nole and as fit then I would have zero qualms and no hesitation to say:

This guy is the next big force on tour, he’s going to dominate, top his generation and he may even start ruling in 2015 and certainly by 2016.

He’s a genuine fighter and completely unnerved by the big stage, big opponent situation.

Class act.

But he is who is, and I actually think due to his height situation he’s actually forced to play aggressive and that really does suit him since he’s quite brilliant of either the FH/ BH side.

He’s a Slam winner for me. It’s a question of when not if with Kei I feel.


Brando GOAT Poster Says:

@Wog Boy:

Excellent post and particularly this part:

‘ For anknown reason Nole is lately not using his BHDTL shot nowhere near as he use to, and I am talking about year or two now, ‘:

Cannot agree more!

It’s astounded to me and has been for a long, long while that Novak hardly plays his best shot, his biggest weapon, the one genuine killer shot he can draw upon in a match so little and nowhere near as much as he should.

It’s completely confounding as to why he does not play it as much as he should.

My theory?

I think he’s a victim of his own talent. Now that sounds crazy but here’s why:

Because Novak is so good good in defense (barring Rafa on Clay he pretty much beats everyone on this front on all surfaces) he knows he can hang with anyone and pretty much win most baseline rallies.

So rather than play the aggressive stroke earlier he likes to play tag and exchange in baseline exchanges with them.

Most especially when he’s nervous: he goes back to this since it’s comfort level in which he knows he’ll outlast most opponents.

When the chance arrives he does- of course- try to kill the point off. And he does at times with the BH DTL.

But it’s nowhere near as much as he should do so with- I think- his best shot. If anything:

He seems more tactically inclined to finish the point at the net than with this stroke!

My 2 cents.


skeezer Says:

Brando,
Those are some very authoritve opinions. Just curious, do you play or have ever played Tennis? Or just watch it on the Tele?


Brando GOAT Poster Says:

PS:

Because of his superior defensive skills at times it can lead him to being a conservative player who does not use his killer stokes such as BH DTL as often as he should.

I recall:

His match v Rafa at Cincy 2008. He played a brilliantly offensive match then, and we must remember:

He was billed as the new MARAT SAFIN, i.e. a offensive baseliner.

Hence my own ‘victim of his own talent’ theory.

I think because he’s so good on the defense front that the can lead to conservatism in his play and that does not lead to him being as offensive as he should.

Hence why many people think of Kei being alike Novak:

Kei plays- and he has to due to physical issues- a aggressive brand of baseline Tennis that was similar to Novak in the 2007/2008 period.

Novak’s BH is superior, but due to Kei’s inclination for offense his use of the BH DTL is alot more frequent. Akin to Novak in the ‘new Marat Safin’ days.

Personally:

I would like to see the offensive Djokovic back.

Realistically:

I think he’s present setup-game wise- is pretty much where it will be until he hits his 30’s.


Wog Boy Says:

@BGP,

I would like to know the reason too. Maybe he was improving FH and FHDTL before and in last year he is coming to the net much more, so maybe he just forgot that he still has one of the best BHDTL in the game:) other thing is that his main battles were with Roger and Rafa and they been trying to outfox each other with different games. This year at RG the shot that killed Nole was Rafa’s FHDTL, Nole didn’t have answer for that…Federer in Shanghai bullied Nole at the net, again no answer and so on.


Michael Says:

Again, I am surprised with the ease with which Novak was able to dismantle Nishikori. By virtue of this victory, he has exacted his revenenge on Kei for the defeat in the semi finals at the US Open. However, I am still not convinced that Novak is anywhere playing near to his level and there is tremendous scope for improvement. I agree with Wog Boy that the devastating BHDLS frequently employed by Novak to unsettle his opponent is strangely missing today in his armoury. Has it got to do with the extra bounce in the court or is Novak still not sure about his timing of shots ? We never know. But the important thing is that he is in the finals and that gives him a good shot for retaining his No.1 title by the end of the year for which Roger was giving him goose bumbs. Still, I think he cannot be sure and a victory for Roger at WTF coupled with a slump of Novak at that venue would turn the scales upside down. But at the moment he is sitting pretty and he should be the hot favourite for the finals unless Raonic brings out his razor sharp serve and employ it to his full advantage.


skeezer Says:

The stuff said here is too funny. Wog boy, you’re buyin into this silliness? Kei plays like Nole, and many think so? Wtf.
Enjoy. I’m out.


Wog Boy Says:

skeezer,
I am only fan, not playing tennis, can be wrong, but I did found similarities, deep agressive return, moving oponent as much as possible and few other things. I didn’t say they have the same game, or did I? I’ll check my posts.


Wog Boy Says:

skeezer,

BTW, am I under wrong imression that you got upset with me?


skeezer Says:

@wog boy
Not upset with u, how could that be? Your analogies have been spot on, its the other poster that is very questionable imo, but whatevers.


Wog Boy Says:

skeezer, so it was wrong impression, thanks.


jatin Says:

Actually kie’s game looks more like Ferrer in my opinion. A more aggressive version of him perhaps ?
Anyway, the only player I would put my money on from this new generation would be Milos Raonic. His serve and forehand when on can unsettle anyone. And his backhand has improved as well.
Nole is playing razor sharp and he is the hot favourite to win this one but milos could be a very dangerous customer. Lets see how it goes.

This year’s wtf is going to be amazing. I hope roger take sufficient rest and come back stronger. His positive attitude after defeat is what made him a champion he is. Look luck mastero. We fans are with you no matter what.


jatin Says:

^^
Good luck I mean


jane Says:

thanks skeezer; yes, i am excited for tomorrow’s final. not a big milos fan myself, although it’s awesome having a top ten tennis player from canada! plus, from the highlights of the fed match it does look like he’s evolving so i am curious to watch for that reason. of course i do hope nole can win his 20th masters and 600th match. we’ll see.


autoFilter Says:

I will be thoroughly shocked if Milos pulls the upset tomorrow. Actually, I’ll be a bit surprised if he even takes a set off of Novak. Either could happen, of course, but I really don’t see it.

Personally, I didn’t think Raonic’s victory over Federer was particularly indicative of any huge leap in progress. I do think, however, that it will likely be great for his confidence going forward, so there’s definitely that, which is huge.

I am of the opinion, though, that Federer came into this tournament running on fumes. I don’t think the court surface was as much a factor as that he was never quite mentally or positionally sharp. At least that’s how it appeared to me.

I’d have loved to see it, but I didn’t have a whole lot of confidence in the likelihood of Federer finishing the year at no. 1. I wouldn’t expect Novak to give up much of his lead on his own, and thus I’d think it would’ve required Roger to essentially run the table for 20ish straight matches at the end of the season. In my estimation, there’s only one guy on tour right now with the right combination of talent and youth to handle that kind of ask, and he’s already sitting on top of the rankings.

Anyway, I just hope Fed recuperates enough to perform well in the DC finals, because I’d imagine that if he were to somehow be the guy to lose it for Switzerland, that’d be the one loss to hurt the most.


Klaas Muizelaar Says:

Nishikoris game is much more alike Aggassi than Djoker. I am waiting for him to step up and never leave the baseline, just like Agassi, which was the secret behind Agassiz aggressiveness and longevity.

And yes, I play tennis.


Daniel Says:

To me Kei’s game resamble Nalbandian. Returns and amazing angles with backhand. Also how they both changed directions.


Daniel Says:

Agaisnt Federer Raonic served 20+ aces in two sets. This can boher anyone. Agaisnt berdych he didn’t reach 20 in 3 sets. He will need that serving display to have a shot versus Djoko and return agressive BH crossocurt as he has. Seems the bounce help his return as the ball land just in his confort zone.


Polo Says:

@BrandoGT: I enjoyed reading your analysis of Djokovic’s and Neisikori’s games, especially the evolution of Novak’s game. That also explains why his games seem to get longer and longer especially when he plays somebody with a similar defensive prone style, like Nadal and Murray. I wonder if this will affect his longevity in the long run. Federer plays a very concise more offensive game. That probably lessens the stress on his body, less propensity for injuries and consequently, helps prolong his career.


Tennis Fan Says:

It was pretty obvious to anyone who has watched Nishikori play that he was only a shadow of himself in yesterdays match. His serve was extremely weak and he lacked any kind of energy. I think he is at a level now that would beat Djokovic on any good day. I think next year will demonstrate that clearly. As far as Raoinic goes… if he plays at tthe same level as he play Federer … Djokovic will lose today. Raonic’s game is improving rapidly and it is coming from his ability to now hit a backhand shot which he never had, and a more penetrating forehand. Once he has improved his net game …. which is good but only average and his return of serve the guy is going to challenge for the top 4. I see that coming next season.


Daniel Says:

4-1 Djoko. He broke and was 40-40 when leading 3-0 where Raonic won a lucky point with two net cords, menaing Rao ic didn’t had an easy serve game so far bit created a BP last game Djoko served.

Looks Djoko will win in straights me thinks.


Daniel Says:

A lot of FH errors by Rao ic who seems a little ansioux. 0-40.


Daniel Says:

Djoko misses a killer shot at 15-40 to break when he was in control of the point. Scond straight Raonic game he has chances and didn’t break. Could have wonthis set 6-0 or serving for 6-1 now.


Daniel Says:

Rap ic won 7 straight points now a d again 0-30


Giles Says:

What? MTO already? Lol


jane Says:

nole has definitely targeted milos’ backhand so far today, but milos is having a poor day at net, with quite a few errors and not nailing the aces either.


tennismonger Says:

2 things Raonic needs NOW:

1) better return of serve
2) a bigger shirt


Tennis Fan Says:

…actually Milos has gotten into many of Djok’s games today and unfortunately has converted numerous break chances. Its really his first serve that has let him down so far today… he has outplayed Djokovic on many of the longer rally’s. Sign of things to come for next year when he puts it all together.


jane Says:

why does he wear that thing on his arm all the time. is it just added support or…?


tennismonger Says:

yeah, guess I wasn’t really paying attention…

but he could definitely use a bigger shirt!


Giles Says:

How many BP’s has Raonic had? Not a single one converted! Pffffft


autoFilter Says:

I think he said it served an actual purpose at one point but then he got superstitious about it, more or less. So, yeah, ‘or’…


Giles Says:

I’m going to nickname him “Sleeve” henceforth


tennismonger Says:

I’m cool w/the arm sleeve…comes in patterns too! Who knows maybe Jim Courier could have played longer w/one.

He said he had “dead arm.”


tennismonger Says:

Tough hold for Milos!


tennismonger Says:

Rafa are you sure you can’t play @ 02?


Giles Says:

Oh, joker has started crossing his chest after a win. That’s a new one.
Most boring match ever!


Wog Boy Says:

Tata Nole played almost perfect match, didn’t drop a set on the way to title.


Perfect fan Says:

Congratulations to Nole and fans….

Quite a remarkable comeback from a minor blip….Also congrats for his 3rd YEN1, which is jus a formality now before getting officially announced at London.

Quite a sight, when Nole is on fire….isn’t it??


jane Says:

happy for nole! 20 masters and 600th win. nice job. :)


jane Says:

thanks p-fan.


autoFilter Says:

Well, Jane, not quite Matrix but none too shabby either. Congrats to Nole and fans.


Humble Rafa Says:

Is there a funeral fund I can contribute to?

Congratulations to the new father and Egg Lover.


Wog Boy Says:

jane, since Nole lost USO to Rafa last year he played 10 finals and won 9 (nine)!


jane Says:

oh i forgot about your matrix comment autoFilter, lol, thanks.


jane Says:

wog boy that’s awesome. merci beaucoup for making me feel even prouder.


autoFilter Says:

I didn’t realize this was win number 600 too. Extra special.

I’m curious: Is anyone else predicting that Novak will end his career having set the bar for Masters’ titles? I feel like he will, and also I’m rooting for it.


mat4 Says:

A few comments about Novak’s game.

First, his previous Wilson racquet allowed him to serve better. In the semi of IW, in 2007, against Rafa, he served 212 kmh in key moments. He lost a few mph after the racquet change.

He plays a very aggressive game today too. But it was clear that on that surface in Paris, topspin was tremendously slowed down after the rebound (same thing in London). Just compare his game here with the kind of game he plays in Shanghai or Beijing, where the surface is different, even with the surface at the AO. The slowing down of the ball takes away one of the main assets of his game, too, the ability to use the opponent’s power to generate speed. Even when he hits a flat backhand DTL, Novak does it with a lot of control, reflecting the power the opponent put in his own shot. He doesn’t hit the ball like Berdych, or Nishikori, or Del Po, far from that.

But Brando is right: under pressure, Novak tends to play safely, with a lot of top spin, and he relies more on his shot selection and opening the court than on hazardous flat shots that can immediately finish the point.

His main problem, here, is his built, his muscle weight. He lacks power. We worked a lot on his FH two years ago but while he speed his here, he lacks a bit of weight in his shots.

Then: if you look at the stats at tennis abstract, you will notice that Novak plays among the shortest service game on the tour (an avg of 6 points per game),


mat4 Says:

Sorry. I wrote this analysis before the match, then I had to go out in a hurry, so I didn’t post it in time.

I see that Nole easily won the final. I am impressed.


TennisVagabond.com Says:

Brilliant finish by Novak. He is playing at such a high level right now, I think there are only two players on tours who have a chance to compete with him when he plays like that.

To me his game looks much more complete since Becker has joined: he is varying his spin, using slice really effectively, much better at the net and serving great.

He is definitely a deserving #1. Kei and the boys are going to have to pick it up a notch.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4, I have 20 years old plum brandy right now, do you want some. It is 3am here, good time for brandy..


Polo Says:

Impressive win by Djokoviic. Anothet great achievement. He keeps filing them up. Congratulations!


mat4 Says:

@WB: I recently drunk a bottle of your pear brandy with one of my colleagues from MNE. But I am getting old, I guess. He spent two months in my (empty) flat near Paris, learning French, and we listened to Aznavour, and Brel, and watched also a bit of Sheila when she was younger.

Old dogs, new tricks or… old tricks.

@jane: what happened to Philip Pelliwo? He seemed to be a great talent.


jane Says:

mat4, that’s a great question! he did so well in the juniors. i am not sure, to be honest.

btw, is it true nole is the first ever to win paris masters titles back to back?


Wog Boy Says:

TV, right, that’s the one, matured in oak barrel in the small homestead in the heart of Serbia, for special occasions:)


rogerafa Says:

A very solid week overall for Novak. Congratulations to his fans. He must now be an extremely heavy favorite to not only win the WTF but to also do it undefeated.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4, I wouldn’t mind if I was with two of you, that’s my music too, plus Gilbert Bécaud. I would bring you some good plum brandy if you invited me:(


mat4 Says:

@WB:

You’re invited in fact. My house is always open. You don’t need to bring anything, I’ll take car of food and drinks.

@jane:

Yes, I read that Novak was the first to win Paris back to back.

Overall, it was a great season for him: WB, four MS, Beijing, tenniswise; and he got his first child, a son (hope there will be more, of course).

I hope that he will manage to win a few slams more. He moves well, but next year he will turn 28, time passes fast.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4, thanks but you know we don’t go empty handed when we are going to visit.
This one is for you, Nole fans (and others) and for Paris, was only once in transit at the airport, next time I’ll make a brake in Paris, enjoy it:

http://youtu.be/NcjwwGcpYiM


FedExpress Says:

When will be the groups announced?


mat4 Says:

@WB:

I prefer this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh8-3hFce5Y

Alyona especially.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4, good choice:)


mat4 Says:

@WB:

Here is a better link, with subtitles in French and English, for those who don’t understand Russian. It is a beautiful love song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bBdFcdPJiQ

Here is the original, with Marina Ladynina:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8WGZfgAJTM

Yes, of course, it is a good choice.


Margot Says:

Was out enjoying the most fabulous Autumn ever so didn’t see match.
But huge congrats to Nole :)
@jane
Milos didn’t play well against Berd either, eg loads of 2nd serves. But Berd kindly choked when it looked all set for a tie break!


Giles Says:

WTF draw out on Monday at 3 pm


jane Says:

ah, didn’t see that one margot. he didn’t really choke today; just wasn’t on.

as for WTF groups, not sure how they work it. obviously 1 and 2 are on opposite sides, but then are the rest drawn randomly?

nole’s had brutal draws the last 2 years.
last year he beat fed, delpo, gasquet, stan, and nadal
the year before he beat tsonga, andy, berd, delpo and fed
hopefully his draw is a little less intense this time.
andy and nole have been on the same side for 4 tournaments in a row, so am hoping that’s finally not the case at WTF.


Hippy Chick Says:

Congrats to Nole and fans Jane,Wogboy,Mat4 Contador,Courbon (where are you lol,miss,your posts),anyway didnt see the match because i was working,but Novak had a great week and was a worthy winner,and on this form has to be the pick for the WTFs,and for number 1 ranking,congrats again :))….


Hippy Chick Says:

Margot lol the weather is positively sick for this time of year,more like spring rather winter,cant believe its November 2nd?
Anyway it wont go down too well with some,but i actually like Novak and Andy been on the same side,it would drive me mad if they were to meet in final after final,and see Andy losing final after final to the same player,like he has lately to Novak,IMO if they meet in semis for a while,then Andy might be under less pressure,and have more chance of turning around,what has lately become a one sided rivalry….


brando GOAT poster Says:

@polo, wog boy and Mat4: thanks for the comment. Great analysis from yourselves also.


jane Says:

thanks hippy.

nole and andy haven’t met in a final for over a year; they’re due! that’d be an excellent O2 final imo. :)


jane Says:

^ and in fact, contrary to your post hippy, andy was doing better when they were meeting in finals so you should rethink your theory. ;)


brando GOAT poster Says:

Congrats to Novak and his fans. Missed the match entirely (sadly this man United fan tuned into a unfortunate affair involving them) judging by the comments here and scoreline it seems like a rout. Year end no1 is close to being sealed deservedly now but more impressive is to win immediately and so convincingly after the birth of his child. Outstanding professionalism that is from Novak!


Hippy Chick Says:

BGP can i ask,how do you feel about Andy and Novak been on the same side s of the draw,do you prefer it,the reason i do is because i believe Andy might be under less pressure,than he would be if they were to keep meeting in a final,just curious on your take??….


Margot Says:

I hope they’re on opposite sides too jane….but somehow don’t think they will be….


Margot Says:

@Hippy
Xpecting Andy to get to the semis, but no further anyway. Unless the xtra points available will make his AO seeding higher? Then, as Polo as pointed out, he might have xtra motivation.
But he’s never done better than the semis anyway.


Hippy Chick Says:

Jane sorry but things have changed lately so i stand by it,the rivalrys become so one sided of late,so its the reason i prefer to see them meet in the semis rather than a final,i can understand if you want your two favorites in a final,with your favorite getting the better of your second favorite more often than not,but i want my second favorite player to gets some wins over Novak,and i believe he stands a better chance in a semi than in a final,lets just say you have your reasons and i have mine….


Hippy Chick Says:

Margot i just dont want Andy to keep coming second fiddle or RU in finals,time after time….


jane Says:

margot glad were on the same side, just hope andy and nole aren’t. ;) i think the week’s rest and also the momentum andy has will be a bonus.

thanks for the congrats all.


Hippy Chick Says:

Jane i had a feeling it wouldnt go down too well(sigh),sorry shouldnt have said anything….


Okiegal Says:

Congratulations to all Novak fans, especially Jane. I called it all wrong . I just knew Roger would win……thinking Novak would be a tad rusty.

I watched Milos and Roger this morning and I believe Raonic has made a few improvements along the way. His inside out forehand was spot on. I still stand by my original statement…..it will be a tall for him to win a tough rigorous five setter, imho. That match went faster than greased lightening for my me. Too quickly for my taste….


Giles Says:

Tennis X quiet today without the fedfans! Lol


Hippy Chick Says:

Okiegal i hope your Aunt is on the mend after her surgery,nice to see you here?….


jane Says:

thanks okie.

hippy, no probs! to each their own.


Hippy Chick Says:

Jane thanks,maybe you will get your wish anyway :))….


Giles Says:

And now spare a thought for Rafa who will be having his op tomorrow morning in Barcelona.
Good luck Champ, hope everything goes well and you will be fighting fit very soon.


Hippy Chick Says:

Yeah of course thanks for the info Giles,best of luck Rafa,really hope all goes well with the operation….


skeezer Says:

Congrats to Nole and his fans. Predicted it.


senorita Says:

Wishing Rafa a speedy recovery.


Margot Says:

@Hippy
Disagreeing with me is fine…. when its you! :) And I take your point absolutely. At the mo Nole definitely has Andy’s number but I’m not sure meeting in a semi or a final would make much difference tbh. Andy just has to figure out how to beat Nole…..lol “just”, but it certainly wont be from 2′ behind the baseline. Do hope Amelie can help him realise he’s gotta come forward. Tricky when defense is his default position, but he is terrific at the net and at his best when playing an aggressive game.


jane Says:

wishing rafa good luck with the surgery of course.


mat4 Says:

I wanted to give some stats from Tennis Abstract a few hours ago, to ponder on Novak’s possible longevity.

Novak plays 6 points in avg in service games (leader: Karlovic, 5.9; Federer: 6 pts; Nadal: 6,1 pts; Murray:6,2 pts).

His hold rate is 87,6% (Isner: 93,1%, Federer: 89,7%; Nadal: 85%).

He plays 40mn per set, 41,9sec per point (Querrey 33,1 mn, 35,5 sec; Federer 36,2mn, 38,3sec; Nadal 44,8mn, 46sec; avg. 39,3mn, 40,1sec). This is the stat that is not so favourable.

Time per match: Djokovic 1h49; Federer 1h38; Nadal 1h55, Murray 1h51.

% of points won: Djokovic 54,8%, Nadal 54,6%, Federer 54,5%.


Ahsan Najeeb Says:

@ Hippy chick. I don’t get it. Being in the same group means you don’t get to play in the semis but you still can play in the finals. Why do you want Andy n nole to be on the same side then?


Hippy Chick Says:

Ahsan Najeeb i wasnt specifically talking about the WTFs….


Hippy Chick Says:

Margot thanks….


Hippy Chick Says:

Jane thanks for the well wishes about Rafa ;))….


Hippy Chick Says:

Margot im just not content in watching Andy playing second fiddle in their rivalry all the time,i know i dont have a choice because i know Novaks the superior player at the moment,but if he can do anything to turn thing around in his favour then im all for anything,and for a start he needs to stop been so damn friendly with not just Novak but the other top guys too,and stop with all those rantings to himself,and i dont think AMs the right coach for him,he needs another direction….


Giles Says:

HC. How do you know Andy is friendly with the other players?

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