Del Potro Goes Down In Return, Teens Delight; Nadal, Murray, Tsonga In Action Friday In Miami

by Staff | March 26th, 2015, 11:17 pm
  • 73 Comments

Juan Martin del Potro’s long-awaited return to tennis was cut short today by Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 7-6 in the first round of the Miami Open.

Del Potro, who hasn’t played since Sydney over two months ago, showed signs of rust and ineffectiveness of his surgically repaired left wrist.

“I don’t feel frustrated,” del Potro said. “I have to take the positive things on my comeback. I think I just played another official match after one year, and it’s a good signal for the future. It doesn’t matter the score for now… I don’t have any physical problem after the match, and I will be recovering soon for the future.”


The former World No. 4, who once beat Rafael Nadal en route to the Miami semifinals, admitted he might have to learn a new backhand.

“I got depressed for a while in the past,” he said. “In the end, I want to play tennis. If I have to learn a different backhand to keep playing, I will do it. I think is the biggest goal for me is to keep trying and stay mentally strong enough to go through all of the injuries.”

Other results on the day included three more teens advancing as Borna Coric, Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev joined another teen, 18-year-old Hyeon Chung, in the second round.

The 18-year-old Coric came back to beat Andreas Haider-Maurer 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(3). Zverev, 17, ousted Australian Sam Groth also in three, 7-5, 6-7(5), 64 while another 17-year-old, Rublev became the third-youngest player to win a match in Miami history, behind Fabrice Santoro (17 years, 3 months) in 1990 and Boris Becker (17 years, 2 months) in 1985 following​ a 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over Pablo Carreno Busta.

Americans Ryan Harrison and Steve Johnson also fell on the last day of the men’s first round.

Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt was in a late-night battle with Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci.

Tomorrow, 4-time finalist Rafael Nadal opens his bid for a first Miami title against Nicolas Almagro. Nadal turned his ankle during practice earlier in the week.

Two-time champion Andy Murray is also in action along with 2010 finalist Tomas Berdych, who plays Chung, and Stan Wawrinka.

After months dealing with a forearm injury, 3-time quarterfinals Jo-Wilfried Tsonga makes his 2015 debut at night against American Tim Smyczek.

“I don’t have big expectations for this tournament,” Tsonga said. “I’m just happy to be back on the court. The only thing I expect is to play my best tennis in the moment and that’s it.”


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73 Comments for Del Potro Goes Down In Return, Teens Delight; Nadal, Murray, Tsonga In Action Friday In Miami

chris ford1 Says:

Congrats to Hyeon Chung, 18 and the Wimbledon juniors RUP last year, on his 1st ATP Tour win. There will be more. The 6 foot S Korean trains in Florida at Bollettieri-IMG tennis academy.


Giles Says:

I see Delpo is still whacking the ball as hard as ever! Hmmm


Kimberly Says:

Hi all I went yesterday with some of the women on my tennis team, was at the Delpo match and the bottom line was he hit a great foreahand but his backhand was ineffective, and he double faulted, three key double faults, two in the tie break, one to give away the mini break he had, and then to give the mini break and Pospicle a match point on his serve. Was a fun match to watch with crowd firmly behind Delpo. I had never seen Pospiscle live and watching him, one can understand his success in doubles, huge serve and good at net.

Watched Nadal practice with Robreddo, one never knows in practice but he was hitting huge. Djokovic was practicing with Wawrinka. Nishikori was practicing with Berdych.

Watched Mc Hale play Petkovic was not incredibly impressed with either.Watched Johnson lose :( Watched Zheng lose to this 17 year old girl from SPain who absultely crushed the ball. Watched a bit of the doubles as well. I have to work today but I will probably go tonight.


jane Says:

thanks for the update kimberly; lucky you!


Colin Says:

Perhaps Delpo should experiment with a single handed backhand. His height would would help him get on top of the ball, which is the problem for single-handers. Mind you, he might then injure his right wrist!


brando Says:

Really feel for Del Potro. At one time he seemed he could be the one after fedal after blasting them both at USO in 2009. He had a powerful, aggressive game with a bring it on mindset that seemed to indicate a sure fire fan favorite to reign but injuries completely derailed his career.


Okiegal Says:

Agree, Brando, a real shame for DelPo.

@Kimberly, love your updates on the tournament. I know you’re having a great time….keep them coming!! Love hearing it first hand. :)


Daniel Says:

Wow, Nadal with his signature FH DTL passing shot to win first set. Almagro had 3 BP’s and couldn’t convert.


Okiegal Says:

@Daniel….How about the net exchange of shots….another WOW!!


Daniel Says:

Nadal returning everything back in court and Almagro going crazy LOL
Missed a smash like a Sunday player. Nadal made 2 DF’s and even so he couldn’t force a BP. Match over and Nadal in one of his best matches all year. Flawless defense.


Okiegal Says:

The wind just turned an umbrella inside out!!


Okiegal Says:

Not much of an exchange at the net, between them….


chris ford1 Says:

Another year, another what his fans and media will call a Heroic Comeback after ever so unfortunately missing a huge chunk of his hated 2nd hardcourt swing.
Rafa sure is lucky that these long injury absences have never happened in clay season and how his miracle powers of recuperation always seem to have him ready to hit every clay tournament he can possibly fit in.

On another Comeback, Vika destroyed JJ 6-1,6-1


Hippy Chick Says:

Who says and who knows if he will have a heroic comeback?….


brando Says:

@ChrisFord: what’s with the random butthurt? Who’s calling this a miraculous comeback? Name someone? And what HC DoD Rafa miss out of choice? Cite evidence for it? Are you really dumb enough to think rafa willingly choices to get injured out of choice? Seriously man: grow up. Recently your posts just get even more bizarre and bitter.


brando Says:

“Rafa sure is lucky that these long injury absences “: just about the most dumbest thing anyone has said on this site. Ever. That a player who has suffered many long injuries can attribute some good luck to such issues. What a bufoonish thought!


Hippy Chick Says:

If he has a season like he did in 2008,10,13,i would say these were great years,but its too early to say that at this point in the season ,especially given that hes won only one 250 title,who knows what will unfold?….


SG1 Says:

brando Says:
Really feel for Del Potro. At one time he seemed he could be the one after fedal after blasting them both at USO in 2009. He had a powerful, aggressive game with a bring it on mindset that seemed to indicate a sure fire fan favorite to reign but injuries completely derailed his career.

———————

Let’s hope he can win another slam or two in his late 20’s and perhaps early 30’s. Perhaps his tennis age is a little less than his chronological age given all the time he’s been away. I’d like to see him play one of these years. Specifically want to see him blast those forehands of his.


Brando Says:

@SG1:

With you completely on the wanting and wishing to see it happen, but I just do not see it.

I think with Juan Martin, unfortunately, his game has stagnated, not blossomed at all due to his injury scenario. To some he’s still the same game wise as in 09′. This may be true.But only because he’s just not had the chance to improve, develop his game as surely it would have done had he not been injured.

He’s essentially stuck on ground zero, and IF he has a injury free period he just has too much to do. He has to work his way up ranking wise, build up match fitness, form and confidence, adapt to a ever improving field etc. All of that before he can even work on improving his game.

The latest talk on him-changing his BH- just sums up his scenario completely. At this late age he has to change his game just to even exist on the tour!

And it’s just sad! As Juan Martin Del Potro was a definite multiple slam winner for me. 100% believe in that statement!

Pete Sampras once famously said:

You have a strong serve, FH and a big match mentality then you will go a long, long way.

Juan Martin Del Potro had that way more than anyone else on tour today right now barring Roger Federer (Delpo’s serve is way better than Rafa’s no question, as otherwise Rafa has him beat in 2/3 of the other 3 elements).

His serve was brilliant, the FH missile like and that big game mentality-for me- is only 2nd to Fedal on tour.

USO: He won it.

Wimbledon: Playing injured he pushed Novak to 5 in SF 13′.

FO: In his debut GS SF he pushed Fed to 5 in 09′.

WTF: Reached finals in 09′ and should have won after beating MVP Federer.

Davis Cup: Gave Rafa a huge fright in the final on Clay.

Olympics: Beat Novak to get a medal and was oh so close to beating Federer on Grass to play the final.

So barring AO (which he surely would have nailed at some point seeing as he made major noise everywhere else):

Every big stage: Delpo stepped up, performed like a true Champ and showed his class.

Now just imagine if he had a genuine chance to nurture his game, dig deeper into his talent:

I think he would have KO’d the tour. Ultimately for me:

Had Del Potro not been a injury prone player by now he won have won multiple slams, been world number 1(see above his all court credentials) and been a huge international favourite with his attacking brand of tennis.

You doubt that? See what Federer, Nadal and their camps say about Delpo circa 2009. And note how Nike cided with him and not the others also.

He’s the biggest unfortunate story in the game in terms of ‘what could have been’.


Brando Says:

Wow!

Juan Martin Del Potro in the calendar year 2009 aged 20:

– AO: Reached QF.

– FO: Reached SF. He lost in 5 to Federer and one of the sets he lost was in the TB.

– USO: Win! The 20 year old blasted Nadal in SF and then outlasted, outfought a 28 year old Federer in his debut final!

20 years old and he beats the HC GOAT in a fight on his turf! Just let that settle in your mind.

WTF: RU. He beats Indoor GOAT Federer. He should have won the final. (still feel peeved at his loss to Davy after all these years).

Just look at that astonishingly good performance for a 20 year old! Look at how much grit, class and game he showed for such a young player!

That’s Nadalesque for such a young player!

Del Potro is only behind Rafa for the Open Era longest winning streak as a pro on tour!

So much promise, such a great career surely ahead of this youngster aged only 21 and yet already with such a winning pedigree, grit and armed with probably the best naturally aggressive baseline game on tour.

Even Federer would probably cede: actually Del Potro’s serve, FH and mentality would give a REAL run on the talent front.

He was that damn talented!

Then boom: AO 10′ concludes and the injury issues begin! His career at the top was essentially cut short even before it got started!

Such a shame!


chris ford1 Says:

I believe Rafa and Uncle Toni want to extend his career and knees by periodically avoiding a hardcourt leg of the ATP Tour. So Rafa is not as injured as his camp claims him to be..if at all, on occasion, IMO.

Other players (Delpo, Vika, Serena, Murray) show how arduous and slow comeback from injury can be. Nadal misses 4 months has a couple of rusty tournaments for getting back in the groove and -Tah Dah!! It Is a Miracle!!
Nadal is suddenly as fast and as strong as he ever was – with no skill lagging as part of any recovery process. His miracle quick recoveries are already the stuff of legend.


Brando Says:

^Yeah I think you need to get out more often CF1. Seriously.

Otherwise next you’ll suggest Rafa timed his appendicitis intentionally for the fall, that he decided to forfeit 4,000 ranking points, 3 titles with a ‘sudden’ wrist injury all because he wanted to enter himself into China Open, Shanghai and Basel to maintain his sneaky ways.

LMFAO: life’s a treat being a Nadal fan since you’re always guaranteed a laugh from the butthurt haters with some of their genius theories!


Brando Says:

PS: A question:

Is Rafa’s performance in DOha, AO and Rio already the ‘stuff of legend’ in your mind already CF1?


Humble Rafa Says:

His miracle quick recoveries are already the stuff of legend.

I normally don’t reply to people with the number 1 behind them. Your lineage is not worth my time. The Arrogant One’s Davis Cup recovery didn’t bother you but mine did?

Can I have whatever you are smoking, Mr. Lowly 1?


mat4 Says:

@Brando:

Let’s be honest here: some of Rafa’s injuries were quite troubling.

Although the following article is very harsh (it is a site where the main presumption is that all the top players are doped), it describes well Rafa’s injuries history, and it does seem unusual:

http://tennishasasteroidproblem.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/curious-case-of-rafael-nadal.html

I wrote recently an article in French where I made the hypothesis that Rafa’s injuries were often of psychosomatic character, under the pressure of expectations, or the end of such pressure. I’ll mention here the AO 2011 injury, which was a perfect example.

Then, Rafa is not a native English speaker, so this could explain his sometimes very confused injury descriptions. I wouldn’t know to describe my current health condition in English myself.


chris ford1 Says:

Humble Rafa, I was equally impressed with Roger’s miracle comeback so he could get Davis Cup title off his bucket list!!
And a digit adder at beginning or end is just how certain sites full of names already taken let you use your handle..
For something that should get you to reply – how about something with a one in the middle?
Like No1e.
And a further thing to deal with..for you. In two weeks, No1e surpasses Rafa in weeks as the #1 player.


chris ford1 Says:

mat4 – I don’t imply Rafa’s long absences are PED related. It is a discussion that should really only happen if Rafa fails a test for sure. Otherwise, it sullies a reputation.

Looking at recent years, I just think Rafa and Uncle Toni think he needs serious recuperation time to help the knees recover that the Tour doesn’t provide – and prolonging his career is the main goal, not cripple Rafa chasing too many trophies. If he can get an extra 3 years from time off, it is worth it because longevity means more than being at every Masters and Slam and done with the game at 30..


mat4 Says:

CF1:

“I don’t imply Rafa’s long absences are PED related. It is a discussion that should really only happen if Rafa fails a test for sure. Otherwise, it sullies a reputation.”

I didn’t write, nor think so. There was a good description of Rafa’s injuries on THASP, I just gave the link to that article. I made it clear that the article was harsh.

I wrote precisely what I meant: “troubling”, “psychosomatic”. I am sorry for the misunderstanding, but my English is very crude.


mat4 Says:

CF1:

I often read your posts and find that you are a interesting and balanced poster, even when we disagree.


Okiegal Says:

I think most everyone believes Rafa is OCD. I’m no psychologist, but I think paranoia coincides with this OCD problem too. After reading his book, I’m sure of it. He has lots of hang ups. He’s afraid of dogs, for one. (me too) Doesn’t like the dark, leaves a light on. I think in one tournament he had a niggle and immediately had an MRI or something. When any part of his body has a problem he sees about it as soon as possible. He gets scared. Rightfully so. Tennis is his livelihood and he wants to play as long as possible. I don’t think he’s the only one that watches his schedule now days. The Williams sisters didn’t play every tournament. Roger Federer would pick and choose. ..Rafa does it and there something sinister going on…….


Daniel Says:

In todays match one of the ball kids drop one of Rafa’s bottles and he was about to serve, stopped and pointed to his bottles so the boy had to correct them. Even Almagro laughed.


Hippy Chick Says:

Mat4 from the other thread it doesnt matter what you call me its all good,anyway he can speak for himself, but i believe Giles second post on this thread was alluding to the idea that maybe Delpo couldve been serving a silent ban?he comes back on tour and hes immediatly whacking the ball as hard as ever hmm,i mean come on if we are going down that road are you not just a little bit suspicious?hes also a big built guy,so dont you think Giles has a point?….


Hippy Chick Says:

Well i hope Chris Ford1 is right and Rafa does have another great year,number 1 ranking or no number 1 ranking?….


Giles Says:

HC. Why is my post being misinterpreted?? I was just commenting on how hard Delpo was hitting the ball having just come back from a long injury break, that’s all. Who said anything about a silent ban? Why are you making up stuff?


mat4 Says:

@Alison:

I watched the TB of his match against VP. Clearly, DelPo’s BH is a mess. It was a mess also before he got that “silent ban”. And he had two operations of the left wrist, it seems.

Then, why are you doing this? I really try to be nice. I did give a link to THASP, but there, you have a lot of posts about Novak too. They did a good review of Rafa’s injuries, you don’t have to agree with the author’s others opinions. Please read my post at 10:16.


mat4 Says:

@Alison:

There was a lot of suspicions about DelPo in 2009, that’s all I know.

I believe that the blood passport has changed everything. Gebhard Phil-Gritsch mentioned in a recent interview that the quality and quantity of testing has improved a lot. So, I guess that the ITF and the WADA make a bit effort right now.


mat4 Says:

… a big effort…


mat4 Says:

@Alison:

If you’re really interested, something for you:

http://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/2jw3qe/c_roelant_ama_60_itf_atp_player

I gave this link in an other thread for different reasons, but you can find here something. And don’t say you didn’t ask for.


Giles Says:

mat4. How many years is it now that you have been harping on and on and on and bloody on about THASP?? Give it a rest pleeeeease!


Margot Says:

@ Brando
The point you make about JMDP applies to Andy too I think. While the other top players were improving their games, Andy was coping with returning from surgery. He has lost a year really. Not something you can easily do at nearly 27.
@Mat4
You’re English is very far from “crude.” If I tried to converse with you in French, you would howl with laughter! Lol it’s the “English disease” being c**p at other languages.
However, for what it’s worth, Cymru Am Byth!


Margot Says:

PS Andy is of course, “nearly 28.” Oh for an edit button!


jane Says:

daniel @ 11:36 yesterday, yes, here’s a video of it.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/rafael-nadal-water-bottles-miami-key-biscayne

seems miami had some inclement weather yesterday: wind, torrential rain, etc…

speaking of which: earth hour today. one hour we could all go without power.


jane Says:

“Del Potro is only behind Rafa for the Open Era longest winning streak as a pro on tour!”

perhaps that comment refers only to 2009, not sure.

anyhow the longest winning streaks are:
1. borg – 49 matches *and* 48 matches!
2. villas – 46 matches
3. lendl – 44
4. djokovic – 43
5. j-mac – 42
6. fed – 41
7 connors, muster, fed – 35

—————–

definitely delpo would’ve been such a threat had he been able to circumvent injury. but unfortunately we can never know. : /

it’s clear though that there is a very good chance, like djoko and murray, delpo would’ve stayed at the top, pushing for the big titles.

his career high was world #4 in april 2010. but by sept of that year he started to drop due to injury.

from 2011-to summer 2014, he stayed in the top 10. so he did show real consistency during those years.

his next best year, after 2009, was 2013, when he reached as high as 5 in the world.

but then, he plummeted again due to injury.

that means that after both of his best years – 2009 and 2013 – he was injured. clearly the way he hits the ball takes a toll. it’s such a shame indeed.


Margot Says:

@ jane
Watching Simon match now and it must be considerably cooler, many of the audience have nice little cardies on. Also spotted a gillet.
Me oh my, some of those line judges are…..searching for an appropriate word now……..unfit! That’s it ;)
“Earth hour?”


jane Says:

i just turned on the scores margot. maybe i’ll look for a stream.

oh, maybe “earth hour” is not a popular thing in uk, though it does seem to be on the radar. here’s a link:

http://rt.com/news/244889-earth-hour-lights-out/


Margot Says:

Thanks for the link jane. Things like that are usually on my radar, but this has passed me by :(
There was something…but it was a couple of weeks ago.


Margot Says:

Just found it in “The Guardian,” but tucked away. Perhaps it was on the news this morning, but UK is heading for an election and everything else, except that awful plane crash, has been somewhat side lined.
Of course it is something all our politicians should be head lining :(


jane Says:

yeah, it doesn’t get enough publicizing here either, hence my shout out. there should be an “earth hour” every month, really. not just once a year. sigh. oh well. on a positive note, i guess we can observe our own earth hours!


Brando Says:

@Jane:

There you go again! Despite my posting towards you, requests you still read and comment on my posts, LOL!

Seriously:

I’ll cut you the slack and stop being a prick towards you. I hope I did not hurt your feelings with some of my posts, if so: I apologize.

Re Del Potro:

That comment by myself was in reference to a winning streak for a teenager on the tour. I think it’s on Juan Martin’s wiki page that he was on a great run as a teenager.

Circa 2008/2009 he was making real noise as a young upstart in the game for sure.

I think he would have definitely- and I say this as a Nadal fan- would have challenged a serious way the likes of Rafa, Fed, Novak and Andy.

His talent, mentality and the serious accomplishments he was making prior to his first big injury in 2010 suggests that he would have done so.

It’s a loss all round for everyone since Del Potro is a champion with a different game, style and individuality that he would have been great to see at the top with the others.


jane Says:

brando, to be clear: i don’t poodle after your posts. i read most of them, and try to do so with an objective eye, which is always easier-said-than-done for a lot of us probably. but i am really not here to fight with anyone. life’s too short. thanks for clarifying re: winning streak for teenager.


Brando Says:

@Margot:

Re Andy:

Completely agree.

It was a huge change for him in his career when he won his first Grand Slam. It’s a life changing thing. He set on a new path, no longer seeking a Grand Slam title but to now become a serial winner of them.

A new ambition, mentality, aspiration.

Pre injury he was: Win (USO 12′), RU (AO 13′) and Win (Wimbledon 13′) in 3 consecutive Slams played.

That performance is-quite clearly- that of a absolute elite level player. Actually: the best on tour since you are 2/3 for wins and RU in the other Slam.

Then injury hit. Operation had to be done. Coach was lost. A new team assembled. A new game strategy had to be set.

Add in inevitable form/confidence issues due to embarking on a return to the tour after a layoff, it’s quite clear to me that injury has crippled Andy’s progress big time.

The thing with Andy is that he’s not a naturally, overly confident player like Federer and form matters a great deal to him.

Struggling for a while- which can happen post injury- eat away at the confidence he built up prior to injury and inevitable when ANYONE continuous to experience failure for a prolonged while then doubt is only naturally going to affect you.

I feel for him since he’s had ALOT to deal with and sometimes-actually majority of the time- people do not take that into consideration when they assess his situation.


Brando Says:

@Jane:

No need to say that, I know you don’t poodle after my posts. I definitely don’t consider you or anyone else on here as such for sure! I just used to say that as a mocking remark. My bad. I won’t call you that no more.

For what it’s worth: I don’t think your a bad poster at all. A bit pessimistic, cautious at times? Perhaps. But that ain’t a crime. That’s just about the only negative I can say, but that’s on me not you. I do think you seem to be a genuinely nice person and I do give props to folks who spend their lives trying to cultivate young minds such as you do.

So I definitely don’t look down on you or anything.

And yes I agree life’s far too short: the crash in Europe just underscored the point-in a truly tragic manner- that it is fleeting and you just never know when it’s over. And whatever time you have, whatever the number, it’s always far too short.

No worries re the teenage streak.


Margot Says:

Brando, unfortunately for Andy, unlike what the song says, time is not on his side. This next 12/18 is absolutely crucial regarding more slams. Obviously, as he’s 2nd in the race to London, he’s doing well otherwise. His serve seems to be so problematic at the mo. too.
BTW Jo-Wilfred is wearing the most gorgeous pair of “long” shorts seen this side of paradise. He really ought to be giving Rafa and Deliciano some fashion tips ;)
Am soo sorry for Amalgro….such a shame he….looks 50….


Brando Says:

@Margot:

I’m kinda ambivalent about that. More players seem to play at a high level, be consistent, be a title contender going into their 30’s now more than ever.

I can only see that increasing since it’s basically due to the ever improving conditioning, health, lifestyle facilities available to players. So I think Andy’s window of opportunity to win a major exists until age 32 for me.

But I do agree with you that the next few Slams are quite crucial, urgent in how far he can go. Put simply: he needs to win ASAP. Earlier the better, since the longer without one the tougher it naturally gets.

Re Serve: Big time! I cannot think of a single thing that gets me more riled up watching sports than Andy’s 2nd serve. It just makes me fume!

Side note: I have seen you mention cricket in passing comments in the past Margot: who are you rooting for in the final tomorrow?


Margot Says:

Here’s hoping your optimism is right Brando!
Cricket? NZ! Tho I wouldn’t want them getting too confident as the Rugby World Cup is coming up. In fact, Rugby has taken up all my spare spectator energy this past 2 months. Last Saturday! Wowzer!
And JW wins. So good to see him back after such a long absence, like JMDP. He looked pretty good too, leaner than sometimes.
And, blimey, he’s almost 30. Perhaps your theory of longevity is right, Brando?


Margot Says:

PS Think McCullum is a terrific captain and presence on the field. He reminds me a bit of Botham in his pomp.


Margot Says:

Oh my word, anyone who thinks Goffin looks young should have a look at Rublev :0 Looks about 10 years old! I thought he was a ball kid at first!


mat4 Says:

@Margot:

It is an answer to the other thread. Unfortunately, some coaches make young players play with inadequate racquets.

As you have read, Murray was the best in his generation, somebody everybody knew he would be a great star. Similar about Djokovic.

The part about PED is also interesting, and he seems quite sure about his allegations. Since he still is a sparring partner of Fed and some other players, he seems to have informations from those circles.


Okiegal Says:

Regarding the bottle incident…..it was extremely windy, as we all know, a little gust of wind could have easily caused the bottle to roll on the court, which could have disastrous for Rafa. Had that happened, it would have been his fault. Rafa always thinking. The title of the thread said he was “bossy”……Why couldn’t it have said a concerned Rafa…..Oh well, to put him in a bad light seems to always be the motive.


mat4 Says:

@Margot:

Didn’t answer before (watching the elections…).

Cedric Roelant gives himself the answer:

“Racket was around 12.2oz (360g), a heavy racket is definitely better than a light racket for competitive play, my problem was that I was still growing and the racket was too heavy for me (I was 13 at the time).”

I also have a problem to understand the following paragraph:

“As far as body preservation goes, play like Murray. If you have a lot of upper body strength (due to swimming) it will make you endure longer but you might lack the fast twitch muscle fiber optimalization which creates most power.”

I really have to check very often the meaning of words in English to be certain that I have understood well. Here, I don’t see the connection between the first and the second sentence.

Cymru Am Byth! — Sorry, after all this years, still haven’t worked my Gaelic the way I should. Language history is so complicated. I recognized immediately the language, but I had to check. Yes, forever, and let the Celts rise again to their long forgotten splendour!


mat4 Says:

About Nishi:

His health is the key. Way before he made the top ten, he was no 5 in the Advanced Baseline rankings. His win/lose ratio at tennisabstract shows him probably as the no 3 right now.


Margot Says:

@Mat4
Yes, I read that about the weight of the racquet but he didn’t say why he played with it. Who was making the decision? A bad one in retrospect.
I don’t understand about “body preservation” and Andy either. When Andy was in rehab from his op. he did a lot of swimming but I’m not aware he does much regularly.
My family is from Pembrokeshire originally, where the last French invasion took place, of course.


Okiegal Says:

@Margot My ancestors migrated from Pembrokeshire to the Americas……my maiden name is Johns….. spelled various ways. We might be kin! :)


Margot Says:

Lol OK
Your ancestors emigrated to America, mine, lacking a certain ambition, “emigrated” to the coal fields of South Wales! Didn’t fancy too much travel..;)
Have read somewhere that all native Brits are descended from a very small pool of medieval families anyway, can’t find reference which is irritating. This, plus fact I have rellies whose second name is “Johns” and well, anything is possible!


Okiegal Says:

@Margot…..My family story is a tale of 5 brothers coming to America from Wales. Some say the variation of the name went from Jones to Johns. There is also a German family group that was spelled Shantz that was Americanized to Johns. Who knows?? We all descend from Adam and Eve, huh?? Lol

Margot, I meant emigrated and not migrated….got my wording screwed up……I knew better, but my mind didn’t!! :)


Margot Says:

@OK
Have you done your family tree? It’s fascinating. I’ve traced both sides to the 18C. But the family name on my mother’s side is Phillips! Lol, everyone not called “Jones” in Wales seemed to be called “Phillips.”
They went from a very small village, Dinas, to the mining towns of Neath and Merthyr.
On my father’s side they seem a bit more middle class. But my gr8 grandma was widowed very young and left with 4 sons, who seemed to do well, so she must have been a heck of a woman!


Okiegal Says:

@Margot….It is fascinating! I love trying to find
the next generation. I’ve hit a brick wall at 1800
With a 3x great grandfather. My sister-in-law married a man named Phillips! So who knows! I have heard that there are lots of Jones in Wales. Didn’t about Phillips though. It truly is a small world when it comes to genealogy.


Hippy Chick Says:

Mat4 the only thing i was doing is asking you what i thought was a reasonable question,ie wondering if you had ever been suspicious of Delpo regarding doping,and i did read the link,and as ive said before i would be dissapointed but not entirely surprised as its the world we live in unfortunatly,i just dont know why you used that tone when all i did was ask a question,you didnt here me say you were not nice did you?….


Hippy Chick Says:

And Giles my apologies for getting hold of the wrong end of the stick….


Hippy Chick Says:

Just to say Mat4 im not here to fight with anyone,only to give my opinion on tennis,but i shouldnt have to keep on apologizing for having a difference of opinion or asking a reasonable question should i?….


mat4 Says:

@Alison:

Sorry, I didn’t see your post until now.

No, you don’t have to apologize for your words, it was OK. I just wanted to avoid certain polemics, and in one of my posts I wrote it. Written words are sometimes very… untruthful, they are much harder that one wanted to say, especially when one doesn’t write in his mother tongue. Sorry.

About DelPo: yes, in 2009 there was a certain strange in his physical aspect — he suddenly looked much stronger, and yes, I had the same suspicions I had about many players of the top.


mat4 Says:

… a certain change…


Hippy Chick Says:

Thanks Mat4….

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