Nadal Avenges Almagro Loss, Now Faces Fognini In Barcelona; Lisicki Eats Two Bagels In Stuttgart

by Staff | April 23rd, 2015, 12:23 am
  • 96 Comments

A day after stunning 2010 champion Fernando Verdasco, youngster Andrey Rublev was at it again on the red clay courts of Barcelona, leading another former Top 15 player, Fabio Fognini. But a set a 2-0 lead in the second wasn’t enough as the Italian came back to end the 17-year-old’s run 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

The flashy Fognini now has a rematch with Rafael Nadal, who he beat in the semifinals at Rio in February. Nadal avenged a 2014 Barcelona loss to Nicolas Almagro, crushing his countryman 6-3, 6-1.

During Nadal’s match, a couple got engaged in the stands.


“I heard the crowd screaming a little bit, but I didn’t realise what was going on,” Nadal said.

Nadal is now 12-1 against Almagro, and he’s 4-1 against Fognini. And Rafa could run into David Ferrer. Today, Ferrer dispatched Albert Montanes. Next up is Elias Ymer.

In a battle of 19-year-olds, Ymer of Sweden took down the returning Nick Kyrgios 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(7) saving two matchpoints. The Australian was playing his first event since rolling his ankle at Indian Wells.

US Open champion Marin Cilic continued to struggle, falling to veteran Victor Estrella Burgos. Ernests Gulbis’s slump continued. He lost to Benoit Paire.

Marcel Granollers beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a mild upset.

Top seed Kei Nishikori also returns tomorrow against Santiago Giraldo.

In Bucharest, Ivo Karlovic ousted Borna Coric in three. Tomorrow Gilles Simon faces the returning Janko Tisparevic.

The women are in Stuttgart this week where Belinda Bencic, Angelique Kerber, Sara Errani and Zarina Diyas were first round winners. Errani ousted Aga Radwanska while Diyas handed Lisicki her first career double bagel, and that in front her home German crowd!

“Obviously, a first round match against Errani is not fun,” Radwanska said. “I think it was just a few points here and there that made the difference in the match. I had some chances and a few points that I just didn’t finish.”

Simona Halep won her second round match in three over Garbine Muguruza.

Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova who plays Kerber are the feature matches Thursday.


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Rafael Nadal Faces Fabio Fognini Friday In Barcelona; Kei Nishikori Win Streak At 12
Nadal in Barcelona, Sharapova in Stuttgart: Previews
Nadal’s Clay Campaign Shifts To Spain, Murray Wins; Wozniacki Faces Jankovic In Stuttgart
Verdasco Stunned By 17-Year-Old Rublev In Barcelona; Nadal Seeks Revenge On Almagro

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96 Comments for Nadal Avenges Almagro Loss, Now Faces Fognini In Barcelona; Lisicki Eats Two Bagels In Stuttgart

chris ford1 Says:

Sabine is another victim of “Daddy coaching”. I think it hurts the careers of people like Wozniacki, Lisicki, Bartoli. Maybe even the Williams Sistas, as far as Serena wanted new tactics has consults with other coaches, a hitting partner that kept having her try new stuff. While Venus played the low IQ power game that gave her great success with her Dad the main contributor. Which worked, until it didn’t anymore in the mid-2000s.
Sabine is the worst affected, probably could benefit the most from “Daddy changeout”. Right now she is the Gael Monfils of the woman’s game. What she can do can astonish. And the next match she is a blubbering wreck self-destructing, with the emotional maturity of a 7 year old wanting Daddy hugs…


Wog Boy Says:

Has nothing to do with tennis apart of two “bagels” and “cracking” horse race today in Sydney:

http://youtu.be/TISkoeEjL40


jane Says:

looks like kei is off to a good start in barcelona and klizan won again today. foggy just got the first set off rafa.


funches Says:

Since the start of 2005, only two players have beaten Nadal more than once on clay–Djokovic, who has done it five times, and Federer, who has done it twice.

Fognini is one set away from doing it twice this year.


Dc Says:

Nadal is lucky to have played in a weak clay era


senthilvel Says:

Gone Gone Gone.. 3rd Round.. Lucky year for Joker


Emily Says:

Rafa did not take advantage of his opportunities, 3 out of 14 BP converted and was broken serving for the 2nd set. Maybe the talk about his lack of confidence was not him playing possum, b/c he did look frustrated out there. Not taking away from Fabio’s play, however, but there were a lot of UE coming from the other side of the net.


Zozza Says:

Nadal loses to foggy the crazy erratic italian again twice this year
He is finished
Djokovic will win French open
Retirement must be close now

I hope he doesn’t do what leyton Hewitt did & keep on playing coz his legacy will be tarnished forever by losing to lesser players !
Nadal showed today that he is no where near the player he once was by losing to the crazy Italian yet again
Madrid he will lose early
Rome also

French open out in 3 round
Should he meet Fognini GOD help him
Another loss is coming

Djokovic will win French
He would never lose to Fognini coz he is better than Nadal !

Very disappointing match from Nadal
It’s time he retired !


skeezer Says:

“Nadal is lucky to have played in a weak clay era”
LOL, what era is it now for him? Strong, weak?
Congrats to the Fog.


Okiegal Says:

@Chick……I suppose this loss is bittersweet for you. Kudos to Fogi for the second time. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Rafa play so poorly as he did today. My guy has definitely lost a step and an edge he used to have. How many losses on clay is this?? Regardless of how many, it’s still a heck of a record!! Pull it together my man, Frenchie time is a comin’…… :) Again congrats to Fogi fans, he was the better player today!!


Wog Boy Says:

Not quite a confidence boost for Nadal, looking at the stats he couldn’t hold his serve in the second set. Was he so bad?


sienna Says:

Fognini the new claygoat.

total shutdown for Teamnadal.
Something has got to give. they must regroup and WILL find answers.

but my o my how the mighty fall.


Brando Says:

Just completely disgusted.

I don’t mind Rafa losing. You win or lose, part of the trade. I don’t mind him even get whupped bad. Can happen if a talented player just simply plays amazing. Fair play to them.

But to play like a complete and utter p—y like Rafa is playing like right now is not only unforgivable but completely unwatchable.

Put simply:

He’s playing like a mental midget.

The one we know as a Lion is playing, walking around on the court and behaving like a mouse. Period.

Rafa’s fit enough. His movement’s good enough. His strokes are still top drawer. Nothing is the issue.

He’s had PLENTY of time now to get into his groove.

And BARRING Novak and Tomas EVERY single one of his matches lost this year was winnable and to a player who wasn’t even playing anywhere near top draw.

And yet Rafa still loses: why?

Since he’s playing like a complete and utter wimp. A shadow of his former self.

He goes down 0-15 on his serve and panic is written all over his face. It’s just beyond ridiculous.

Novak had a awful stretch in 2010. It’s fine since he had servitis- a technical issue.

Federer had a poor 2012. It’s fine father time plus a back issue.

Andy had a poor year last year. It’s cool he’s on a return from serious injury.

But Rafa is the WORSE one of the bunch since he’s fine but he’s losing these matches mentally by playing like a complete wuss.

That MP: Fognini didn’t even bother running since he knew Rafa should make that shot 10/10. Forehand side, completely open court, plenty of time for the shot, enough room to follow through and yet Rafa missed a absolute SITTER.

It’s PATHETIC to watch and I ain’t watching no more.

I’m down for my guys loses, beatdowns, 2011 RU shows. Sign me up.

But tuning in to watch him play like a complete, utter p—y, a player who panics even over the slightest of things, makes a ordeal over what actually is a genuine walk in the park:

Sorry: i’m out from that BS show.

Congratulations to Novak and his fans for winning the FO and clean sweeping the Clay swing since Rafael Nadal is long gone:

All that remains is mentally weak individual who bears the name of champion but sports the behavior of a wuss.

Hate to say it but that’s the truth as I see it. Out!


Emily Says:

Here comes the hyperbole…I love how twitter exploded as soon as this match ended (at least my feed does, since I really only follow tennis-related accounts).


Okiegal Says:

@Emily…..Didn’t you know that Rafa is a big liar?? He’s reeking of self confidence…….NOT! Rafa tells it like it is, his confidence is down the tubes, imo. What will it take to get it back? A tournament win under his belt, I suppose. He’s got to work the problem out that’s between the ears. I believe he went two steps back in this match…..but on to the next one…….


jane Says:

it’s funny about confidence because just recently, after monte carlo, rafa spoke about feeling focused and calm:

“I’ve got a very good feeling about the way I’ve been playing lately. It’s not only about winning or losing, it’s about focus and being able to keep calm”

fognini is a good clay-courter, though it is surprising that he’s beaten rafa twice this year.

wog boy, not sure what is up, because rafa’s first serve % for the match was high (70%) and in the second set quite high. but foggy was all over the second serve judging by the stats. rafa was up a break twice early on in set 2.


Zozza Says:

Brando

Well said !!!
I am shocked i thought Rafa was starting to play well especially in Monte Carlo but losing again to Fognini is an absolute disgrace !
His serve is terrible but I think it’s mental !

Worst effort I have ever seen
Retirement is close
The French open he won’t make the 4 th round on this pathetic form
It’s time to retire or perhaps bring in Agassi or Sampras to help him out
Djokovic will win everything like I predicted

Tennis is over for me


Wog Boy Says:

Can we just stop saying Nole will win FO, firstly I don’t count Rafa out, not yet, secondly there is quite a few players who can beat Nole in Paris. Did we forget how much Nole struggled last year againsc Cilic and Gulbis, year before Seppi (two sets up), Tsonga (few match points)? What about Roger, Stan, Raonic etc. Rafa is not the only player who is good on clay, slow down people, please.


Okiegal Says:

“Brando, Brando, wherefore art thou Brando”….Lol
I thought you had forsaken us……Been fighting Rafa battles with a leetle army!! Lol I will read you post now!


Wog Boy Says:

jane, thanks.


Brando Says:

@’Wog Boy:

‘Was he so bad?’:

He’s worse than in 2011.

In 2011 whilst I did not think Rafa was playing his absolute best, he was playing well anyhow just one guy was better. Consistently better.

But this year though there is no one guy. It’s anyone from 1 to 200 who has a shot. And the reason is simple:

Rafa has checked out mentally.

He’s created a mountain out of a molehill in his mind. He panics at the slightest sign of a possible contention in a game and drops the towel immediately.

He’s playing like a complete wuss who gives up at the first sign of trouble and get’s despondent, negative EASILY.

I hate to say this about my favourite but this is how I really see it.

Rafa’s just WAY TOO MENTALLY WEAK right now.

And I cannot see him winning anything let alone a MS or (I feel ridiculous mentioning this) a Grand Slam when his attitude is like this.

Put simply:

At the top level it’s more mental than anything else. NONE of these guys are doing anything new technically or gamewise. It’s the same old, same old most the time.

Right now though Rafa mentally is not even top 20 material.

He playes like a below 50 rank player.

Talented, has some shots, gets some leads and then suddenly capitulates mentally over the slightest thing.

I wish he was rather getting beatdown, outclassed, outperformed. Atleast I would not feel frustrated since he’s getting beat by better players.

But right now he’s offering no fight, resistance or anything but rather:

He’s defeating himself with his extremely weak attitude.

I NEVER thought I would say that about Rafael Nadal but it looks like that to me.And right now:

I think he probably should take time off the tour. I don’t see him winning anything in clay like this. Play it, once he wins nothing:

Take time off tour. Have a holiday. Forget everything. Clear your mind, be fresh and hungry.

Since right now he looks like a over anxious, panic ridden player and it’s over anything or everything.


jalep Says:

It’s a trick, Wog.Boy. Don’t believe this Rafa . All part of a strategy and Rafa will come out with secret weapons at FO ;)

Can’t believe that was the real Rafa.

And didn’t know Flavia and Fabio are an item! Forza d”italia!


Hippy Chick Says:

Zozza he lost,but for gods sake no bloody retirement talk,if your a fan get behind the guy,for the love of god please your depressing me….


Zozza Says:

Wog boy

Please get real Nadal won’t win the French !!!
On this pathetic form he won’t win many games
What if he faces Fognini again ?
Who will save him from his 3 rd defeat
The Italian is talented but can go crazy but he has always troubled troubled but never really beaten him until this year
Nadal needs another VOICE someone else who has played tennis & won slams must be called in to help him
Why not call Agassi or Sampras for advice
Becker has helped Djokovic

It’s time uncle Toni went on holiday


Zozza Says:

Hippy chick

LEGACY is important
He must consider retirement if he doesn’t win a single clay court title this year
I know it’s hard to take
I was very worried from the start of the match
Fognini was beating Nadal easy

It’s time for hard decisions at Nadal headquarters


Wog Boy Says:

@Brando,
Thanks but he looked good in MC, at least to me.

@jalep,
Well, last year Rafa came to FO with secret weapon, FHTTL, one he hardly used prior FO and then killed Nole whit it, we will find out in one month time;)


jane Says:

“Can we just stop saying Nole will win FO, firstly I don’t count Rafa out, not yet, secondly there is quite a few players who can beat Nole in Paris. ”

i agree wog boy. and as hippy has opined many times, it’s possible neither novak nor rafa will win it.

as for rafa, as we talked about on another thread, roland garros is a different situation for at least a couple of reasons: best of 5, larger court, etc. so we shouldn’t jump the gun.

didn’t he lose last year in barcelona to almagro? so, it’s not that different this year?


Zozza Says:

Brando

Well said

I think anyone in the top 100 can trouble Nadal even on clay


Okiegal Says:

@Brando…….Should have read your post first! Sounds like you’re out of the battle business! He did play poorly, as I’ve already stated. The mental thing on his confidence…..harder to cure than an injury. He’s just getting too nervous to compete when he’s under pressure tense moments. Not being a tennis player, but is he making poor shot selections? I thought there were times he went one direction and I felt he should have gone the other. He seems to be shying away from his bread and butter shots….just not confident, imo.


jalep Says:

Hippy Chick. Ignore zozzzza!


Brando Says:

@Okiegal:

LOL. I am very busy in private life atm, and I always check out of here during clay anyway. Prefer to watch Rafa do his thing as opposed to see the diatribe he get’s on here during the swing for a variety of reasons.

But right now I am considering tuning out altogether from watching this clay season since the guy I see on the court who- apparently we are told- is Rafael Nadal is:

Panic ridden, overly anxious on every point, lacks any semblance of self belief, confidence, has no conviction in his game and bears the look of a defeatist who believes he cannot win and is a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

In short: mentally is gone.

All due respect to all the winners, but for me Rafa has LOST EVERY single one of his matches mentally this year.

His opponents did not even have to play anywhere near their best.

He’s weak, his fragile mentally and that is more tougher to fix than a physical issue. If you have a injury: you go to the doctor and rehab is prescribed.

Mentally though he has to figure it out himself and I do not see how he can do so right now.

He’s ONLY got 2 Master Series: he’s going to get spanked there since right now every match is tough.

He has to FIGHT to win every single one of his matches:

How the hell can he realistically be expected to win v a Novak, Federer, Wawrinka or Kei at this rate?

No chance. He’ll get spanked out of sight.

I feel sorry for him. The poor guy is his own biggest enemy. Because he’s Rafael Nadal people are expecting wins from him and for him to walk on water since it’s clay. But the guy i’m seeing on the screen is not Rafael Nadal.

He’s some mentally weak player who has zero self belief in himself. Without self belief, you can NEVER achieve anything in any aspect of life let alone a highly competitive sport.

He’s basically beating himself right now I cannot stomach no more since I have seen 4 months of this stuff!

:-((((((((


Zozza Says:

Jalep

You can ignore me
So can hippy chick

But you will see I am right

Nadal is finished
He will never win anther slam
Finished on 14

I rest my case


Zozza Says:

Jalep

You can ignore me
So can hippy chick

But you will see I am right

Nadal is finished
He will never win anther slam
Finished on 14

I rest my case


Truthsquad Says:

Rafa fans…wow, don’t be so quick to bail on your guy! I’m more of a Federer and Djokovic fan myself, but I respect Rafa’s talents and record too much to write his obituary this quickly! He’s had a couple of questionable losses for sure, but he will recover, make adjustments and improve, and still has plenty of time before the French Open. When he shows up there, he will be a different player, and if he makes it through the first couple of rounds, he will be extremely tough to beat. Having said that, I do think we are in the Djokovic era now.


Wog Boy Says:

“didn’t he lose last year in barcelona to almagro? so, it’s not that different this year?”

Good point jane, not just Barcelona, but he lost early in MC too. Then he won Madrid, play final in Rome and stormed FO, right?


Emily Says:

@Wog Boy, I agree about this supposed certainty over Novak winning the French. Is he the favorite right now, of course. However, this is tennis and I don’t remember Cilic being the favorite at the USO. Mathematically, he has the year end #1 basically wrapped up, but no tournament win is a guarantee.

Several people are clearly worked up right now, to say the least. Take a break, and realize that there’s another tournament next week. We’ve seen Rafa have bad days and though I understand people are worried, remember he’s had amazing days as well. No way should he retire right now, I’m sorry, but that idea is ridiculous. As any Red Sox fan could tell you, you should never lose faith or what’s the point of supporting a particular player/team.


Zozza Says:

The truth hurts

Djokovic show is upon us
Even though I have supported Nadal all his playing years
I think Djokovic at his best right now will win all 4 slams this year

Bravo Nole
Even though I can’t stand you I still respect you as a tennis player


Zozza Says:

Federer will retire with 18 slams
Djokovic 16
Nadal 14

My prediction


jalep Says:

Carry on @ Zozza. It’s your right and opinion.

Time will tell. Meanwhile I can’t take you seriously regards Rafa retirement rhetoric.


tennisfansince76 Says:

Look on the bright side nadalistas. He should be well rested for Roland Garros!


Brando Says:

Re Novak:

Never say never but the ONLY way he can lose a tennis match right now is he he doesn’t turn up or get the yipes mentally.

He’s way, way above the rest right now. Since put simply:

WHO THE HELL CAN CHALLENGE HIM?

Federer? He’s no.2 and he’s 33. All due respect to the GOAT but everyone knows IF Novak plays his best there is only one winner. The one who has father time on his side.

Murray? I won’t bother. We all know the deal there.

And Rafa? Everyone knows here i’m a ardent Nadal fan. And yet you see me calling a wuss, mentally weak, pathetic.

It’s all for a reason:

He’s playing rubbish. Fact.

He’s been rubbish for over 10 months. Fact.

He’s NOT the same player he was and that-for me- is because mentally he’s extremely weak right now.

So in short:

Who the HELL is anywhere near Novak’s level? All his traditional rivals are NOWHERE near their top game and the rest are just not upto it.

Hence:

I get why Novak fans are not counting any eggs yet. I get it and I don’t blame them either. But the truth is the truth and i’ll say it:

Right now Novak does not even need to play his best to win titles. Period.

The field is that abject, piss poor that why should he have to play his best to win?

Why playing your best when you know you can outlast a player physically in this age of physical tennis (Federer)?

You don’t have to.

Why play your best when you know the guy across the net is a mental midget right now who is a ticking time bomb (Rafa, Muzza)?

You don’t have to.

Hell:

Has Novak even REALLY played his best this year? For me:

No.

And it’s because he does not have to. He was way better in 2012, 2013 and certainly 2014 for me.

He can switch off at times randomly this year. Probably because he get’s bored to death by facing a toothless competition.

Bottom line:

Tennis right now is one very, very, very good player who can play alot better than he is right now: Novak.

And a whole buch of names- some legendary, famous and some hyped- who make up the rest since they have REAL WEAKNESS (of varying kinds) to even pose a challenge.

I’m sorry but:

I apologise to all Federer fans on behalf of all those who called 2003-2007 a weak era. It was not.

This year is it. And I call it:

‘The toothless year’.

Quite frankly the sport seems extremely poor right now outside Djokovic. Fair play to him and his fans: they are blameless.

The rest of the field (Federer,33, aside)- especially those with youth and age on their side-
need to take a long, hard look at themselves and ask:

WHY am I playing like such a abject, mentally weak player?

I’m thinking of you Rafa and Andy especially.


Okiegal Says:

@Brando……No, he isn’t the Rafa we know and love.
Like a baseball player, he’s in a severe slump. I hate to see him like this, but only he can fix it, but easier said than done when it’s mental. I wish him the best…..I’m not gonna write him off yet!! I will still watch him play until he hangs it up!!


mat4 Says:

weak era, no weak era, weak era, no weak era…

The past is history. The future is mistery. But today is a gift… that’s why we call it: present.

———————————–

If Novak wins 10 slams, I’ll be more than happy. He hasn’t won the FO yet. Don’t hurry.


Okiegal Says:

@Brando…..Just thought of something…Rafa was playing better with bad knees! Lol


jane Says:

“not just Barcelona, but he lost early in MC too. Then he won Madrid, play final in Rome and stormed FO, right?”

i believe so, yes, wog boy. so we just need to wait and see, as usual.


Brando Says:

PS:

A question:

Since USO last year at it’s end- early September- till early May certainly. A period of say 8 WHOLE MONTHS:

Name me ONE MERE TENNIS player who Novak Djokovic has lost a match too?

Barring Roger Federer on 2 fast HC (Shanghai) and Ivo Karlovic in 3 sets in a measly 250 event that was nothing other than a warmup event:

NAME ME 1 PLAYER Novak has lost to in 8 months on the tour?

You won’t be able to since he’s beat anyone and everyone. Period.

The truth is this:

BARRING Federer on a fast HC, best of 3 match Novak has lost to NO ONE in a tennis match for over 8 months in a 500 points plus event. Period.

He’s way above the rest right now. Period.

With that fact I ask:

Name ONE PLAYER who can challenge him right now on reasonable, consistent level with a REAL, REAL THREAT?

Just one. If your honest you’ll say:

NO ONE. Since the rest are just piss poor right now. That’s the sad reality of the tour.


jalep Says:

Yes. Rafa lost to Almagro last year in an early. This is not a crisis for Rafa.


Zozza Says:

2013 Rafa please come back

No one is here to challenge Djokovic

Nadal will retire after the 2016 Olympics I hear but how will Rafa improve his mental game ?

People can ridicule me by saying Nadal is finished
But let’s judge after the French open
Where Nole lifts the trophy & Nadal is at Mallorca relaxing

Bravo Nole even though I don’t Like you
I must say this
You’re the best player currently

Congratulations


Brando Says:

@Okiegal:

LOL, he was.

I’ve always believed in calling a spade a spade- NO MATTER what it means to do so. The truth is all that matters. That’s it.

I love Rafa. He’s my fav. I’ll always root for him. But I got to be honest and say he’s playing like a wuss. He’s beating himself.

If Rafa turned up onto the court and there was no other guy across the net…….. he’ll still find a way to lose since he’s playing piss poor.

Take today’s match for example:

Honestly I was way more anxious than the Monte Carlo match (pre-match) against Novak. Why I hear you ask? It’s because I had this feeling deep inside that Rafa is going to lose against Fabio since he’ll have anxiety against him due to the Rio loss.

And hey presto he lost. Fabio didn’t even play well. Just Rafa, his nervous state was enough to lose the match.

Why should Fabio bother with anything when Rafa is doing all the work for him anyhow?


Daniel Says:

Didn’t saw the match. But indeed Nadal
Is going through a mental walkabout.

The good thing in tennis is just 1 big win and can’t revert thay.
But hard to see him magically winning French Open poor on confidencif he doesn’t win at least one of Madrid or Rome. Because if he gets more losses specially to Novak or another top player or a player he usually owns on clay (everybody;-). It’s going to be bad.

Last year he also lost early in MC and Barcelona but were insignificant compare to this because henhad reached finalz in Miami, Australi, won Doha and Rio. He was getting to finals.
Now he has 1 final in Buenos Aires and Madrid is the tournament he is most vulnerable so he can lose there depending on his draw. And if he loses ealry again there almost certain he will get a below top 4 seed in RG which can further harm his confidence.

Every tine he steps on court players will believe more, the locker buzz must be high.

But again, just one big win can pit him back on track. He has 2 tournaments to solve it out.


Hippy Chick Says:

^You dont have faith in your favorite do you?^


Zozza Says:

Nadal needs to marry his girlfriend & have kids
Don’t worry about tennis no more
Let Djokovic win all the trophies

The only trophy Nadal will win is probably
250 tournament
Those are the only ones he should enter
Or perhaps he should get a wig & play in the WTA
Maybe not serena will probably beat him there also

Nadal should join the circus after today’s pathetic effort
He should become a clown


Markus Says:

That was a shocker. Not just the loss but by the way Nadal lost. He did not have the fuming bull look I used to see. The one that scares away his opponents that enables him turn matches around to his favor. I can understand Brando’s frustration. That is probabaly what all Nadal fans feel in general.


Hippy Chick Says:

Markus exactly….


Zozza Says:

Markus

Well said

I hope Nadal just starts playing better


sienna Says:

Wow Just reading the comments. Nadal fans are taking him apart. is that the support hè gets after all that sacrifice and hard work?
the guy leaves his hart on the court. Het has fought so hard all of his tennislife and he doesnot deserve fans like that.
Shame on you.


Hippy Chick Says:

To be honest i dont know whats more annoying the way Rafas playing or Zozzas never ending negative posts,who makes a manic depressive like me feel even more manic and depressive….


Markus Says:

I think Zozza is just extremely annoyed at how Nadal handled that match. She is merely venting her frustration. I think she feels it will hurt less coming from her than from a Nadal hater who simply delights in any Nadal loss and wants to rub it in.


mat4 Says:

@HC:

Now you know how I felt in 2013… ;-)


Zozza Says:

Hippy chick

I am angry Nadal lost but more so how he played

You can judge my comments how you want


sienna Says:

yeah right Zozza a Nadalfan? in your wildest maybe.
She is aan Novak fan let there be no misunderstanding.

Nadal should become a clown!


Hippy Chick Says:

Mat4 yeah fair enough,TBH i wont care if he loses all the CC tournie lead ups if he wins RG then all this will be forgotten,or any of the other GS this year,thats what the players really want,i will carry on watching,whats annoying is retirement talk and predicting the guys done,or posters belittling his achievements…

BTW I still stand by FF been the hottest guy on tour,and Flavia is gorgeous,they make a beautiful looking couple,just thought id get that in ;-)….


Hippy Chick Says:

Zozza still it wouldnt hurt you to be a bit more positive though,at least get behind the guy….


Okiegal Says:

I will have to agree with Brando at 12:30 post. Mark my words, Novak is fixing to make this era of tennis look mighty weak…….he’s just that good right now. He might lose a set here or there, but he just shifts to another gear….and then it’s all over. The only way he’s gonna lose is if someone slips him some gluten……heck, I think he could win on one leg. :)


Okiegal Says:

Zozza is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He or she is no fan of Rafa and writes and writes comments like another poster used to. I can’t think who atm…..or maybe just a coincidence…….whatever…..


Hippy Chick Says:

Okie i think we should all try and get behind our guy though,i can handle him losing its all part of the game,but all the negativity is whats seriously doing my head in and making me want to call it a day for now,and although i dont always agree with what Giles says far from it,and ive been on the recieving end of his virtual tongue many times,but i will say this at least he gets behind Rafa and backs him win or lose and stays true to rooting for him,its the sarcastic barbs towards other posters and players that ive never cared for,but its still better than the woe is me lets get out the violin stuff coming from Zozza,id kill to see Giles hear now saying something positive….


Okiegal Says:

There’s no reason to be angry how Rafa played, disappointed maybe, but not angry. He’s human, going through some rough times the few past months. Hopefully he’ll get it together. If he doesn’t, he’s entertained us many years and I will remember those good years with fondness!! He played poorly, that’s it!!


van orten Says:

Nadal entering the time I ll start to like him .. vulnerable and maybe winning a few more slams and every now and then showing people why he is so great and the best especially on clay by winning some spectacular matches the same fed has been doin for the last 3-5 years ..you have to allow Nadal to lose on a regular basis from now on. make your peace with it. ouch ) And enjoy while he is still around …sound familiar??
It is Djokovic chance to get away with a few slams in next couple of years. But expect him too lose sometime even big finals every now and then too.18,16,14 I’d take that …next generation knocking


Hippy Chick Says:

I think he could win a couple more GS at best,but i think Feds 17 GS is now out of reach,and the domination on clay is over,his best shot will obviously be the FO and the USO is his second best GS now,the AO he has done well there but has only won it once,and W where he was once good on where he won it twice hes now terrible on,playing Queens might help his GC prep like it has in the past still JMO….


funches Says:

I’ve thought Djokovic was going to win Roland Garros the last four years, and he didn’t do it.

He’s the favorite this year, but Nadal is not the only player who can beat him. Nishikori can, too, as he proved at the U.S. Open last year. Nishikori was playing unbelievably on clay last year before he hurt his back against Rafa.


Brando Says:

Re Rafael Nadal:

I see it like this regarding his scenario in all the honesty I can muster as an individual:

What’s his worst, absolute nightmare case scenario?

He goes title less this year, suffers beat downs one after another.

Me? I can accept it. Such a thing we have to see when our fav winds down. It’s just a reality of life on tour, sport even. Happened to certified legends like Pete Sampras. Even Muhammad Ali got beat badly towards the end of his trailblazing career.

So i’m cool with it and can stomach it. Totally on Rafa’s side with that. I’m with him for the beat downs anytime.

Career wise worse case scenario?

He get’s stuck on 14 Grand Slam slams, wins no titles at all, maybe get’s surpassed by Novak Djokovic on every front.

Again:

I am very, very cool with that since people will still call him a top 5 of all time tennis player.
I can accept that, have no qualms and I am totally with Rafa on that front with joy.

But his present scenario?

Losing matches without any real resistance, a shockingly self defeatist attitude, being weak, playing like a complete wuss.

My take?

I WILL NOT AND NEVER WILL SETTLE FOR THAT RUBBISH FROM RAFA.

Sorry Rafa I love you my man and i’m down for whatever may be you’re worst but I cannot and will not stand for you downing tools and copping a spanking one after another without any resistance.

Sorry but that’s not you. You’re not that guy who goes down without a fight.

YOUR THE ONE FAMED FOR FIGHTING ON EVEN ALL ELSE HAVE QUIT OR WRITTEN YOU OFF!

I want Rafa back! I’m fed up for tuning into this guy who has his name but not Rafael Perrera Nadal’s fighting spirit, nature and verve.

And I ain’t going to be a hypocrite either:

Last year I labelled Novak a bit of choker, mentally weak after he won wimbledon. I said why at the time and I stated my case with support even from Michael.

It annoyed many. I can understand why.

But NOW i accuse my guy of the same and even worse: being a total and complete wuss.

I hope that shows to those dismayed, annoyed with Novak label by myself can see that: hey Brando just calls it like he sees it- no matter what or against him. He’s called Rafa a complete wuss and worse, and that’s the guy he’s rooting for so he ain’t knocking just certain players he’s actually willing to hit hard against those he loves!

Honestly:

I love sports. I just love competition. It’s the best form of entertainment in today’s world. Better than film, music, theatre etc.

But competition cannot and does not exist without the competitors possessing a spirit: one of fight, ambition, desire and relish of the challenge that they face.

I fell in love with Rafa Nadal- like a millions others around the world- the sportsmen for not just his game (which I love and find highly enjoyable to watch) but his:

Being. This is one guy who the moment I laid eyes on him he oozed one thing more than anything else:

PASSION. Absolute, unapologetic, naked, primal passion for the sport of Tennis, the competition that it brings, the challenges it possess.

He could not care less what the reputation of a player is, how great their talent, what the stage is, their rank, reputation etc. He cares for none of that.

ALL he’s about is fighting for each and every single point against any player, in any match or any court around the world since he cares so damn much about it all.

He’s so damn passionate to win, compete and face the odds no matter how bleak since he just does not know how to go about things in any other way.

And I just loved that about him.

This guy though that I see in 2015, on 23rd of April is NOT Rafael Nadal but some imposter. An imposter who is mentally weak, lacking in spirit, fight, conviction and whole load of other traits that I just cannot stand.

Long story short (apologies for length of post):

I just want to see Rafa Nadal again.

He does not need to win titles for me. He ain’t got nothing more to prove. Period. The ONLY question he has left is:

Is he going to be GOAT or not? That’s it. Period. And that is not a question but a privilege rather.

The results do not even matter to me. I mean that completely.

ALL I want to see is the Rafa Nadal we all know: one who fights tooth and nail for very point, set, match without fear and a firm resolve to fight till death.

The one who said last year in the RG final that he went for it knowing his body was tiring big under the hear since he said to himself one thing:

I RATHER DIE THAN NOT GO FOR IT.

THAT Nadal I want back. The one who’s so fearless some call him a lion on a tennis court since he rises with a spirit in extreme situations when others routinely wilt.

I want that Rafa back: the real Rafa!

I, like many of his million fans hope he reappears soon and for now i’ll end on saying if I hit hard against Rafa today it’s because I care about him and cannot stand this false state of his being at the moment. It just ain’t him. Wish you the best Rafa, and as always: Vamos!


Brando Says:

PS:

Apologies about the above 1.55 post. I recognise it is way, way to long but hey: I feel better for blowing off steam in that post. When you gotta let it out, you just gotta let it out is the motto.

I’ll keep it short from hereforth peeps.


jalep Says:

Had to go refresh my memory as to how Rafa went through cc season 2014.
Lost in quarterfinals – Monte Carlo
Lost in quarterfinals – Barcelona
Won Madrid
Lost in final – Rome
Won the French Open

Too soon to panic or write him off.


Giles Says:

Oy Zozo. Did you say you’re a Nadal fan? Who are you trying to kid, eh? I defy you to go to a pro Nadal forum and repeat the cr@p you have offered us here. You will be ripped to shreds for sure. You are just a troll of the worst kind. Unlike other Rafans I am not going to condemn him for today’s loss. He is the one out there playing and only he knows the issues he is having, be it mental or tennis wise. He had a bad day at the office, it happens to the best and Rafa is no exception. I have faith and every confidence that he will “Alright on the Night” as it were. Rafa will be back.
Vamos Champ!


TennisVagabond.com Says:

The Rafa-pessimism here is out of all proportion.

He is having a bad stretch. It could end at any time.

That said, it does present an incredible opportunity to Djokovic. Like Alexander, his rivals are in disarray, allowing him to stride the world a colossus. No one know how long Rafa will be in the funk, but every tournament it extends is more chance for Novak to grow his lead on the field. Federer is not going to get better. He will get his licks at Novak once in a while- when he gets that far. Murray is no match for him until further notice.

Is there anyone who believe Kei or Cilic are ready to seriously battle the #1 week in and week out?

The field is wide open for Novak. It doesn’t follow that he’ll run the field. The question will be, how dominant can he be over a lower-level field. Can he rack up another 90% season? Having done it before, against a more GAME Murray, Fed and Rafa, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.


Colin Says:

I wish people would stop dragging Andy into this discussion. If you resall (some clearly don’t), in Nole’s wonder year of 2011, Andy held match point in Rome (on clay!)to be the person to stop the amazing run.

He didn’t convert the match point, but then Federer failed to do so on a certain evening in New York against the same player. Does that make Roger a choker? Of course not.

Though I don’t make predictions, I’ll say this much: firstly, an old fashioned Grand Slam, all 4 majors in a season, is highly unlikely nowadays for anyone. Secondly, right now Andy has less of a mental mountain to climb than has Rafa. Perhaps when a certain person has done with the dancing, he can help Andy do it!


Colin Says:

“Resall”?? I made a new word, Ma!


Travis Bickle Says:

I wouldn’t worry so much if I was a Rafa fanatic. The way I’ve always seen it – no one betas healthy Rafa, especially on clay.

And health consists of two aspects – physical and mental. Rafa may be physically fine but his mental health is a bit off these days, and that makes him unhealthy, hence he was beaten. I’ll repeat it – no one beats healthy Rafa on clay!

He has always suffered from phobias and fears (he’s afraid of darkness and his uncle for example), as well as his OC Disorder (bottles, lines, serving motion tics and rituals). However, that has not prevented him to win matches. I believe this time his mental health is affected by his love life. Rumor is, Juan Monaco is in a serious relationship and has no more time for Rafael – at least that is being said on Argentinean tennis forums.


Hippy Chick Says:

Can we leave all sexual connotations of players out of tennis please?,hello SEAN RANDALL MODERATION PLEASE….


Margot Says:

@Colin
Jonas is in Barcelona with Andy now.
Am fed up with Andy being dragged in to the arguments too, usually in such a derogatory way :(


Giles Says:

Travis Buckle. Newbie here or just some hater who has changed his moniker? Whatever… Ok now you’ve had your fun so I guess it’s time for you to jog on. Sigh, another ignoramus on this forum!


Travis Bickle Says:

I see some of the people here are clearly homophobic!!!
What is wrong with talking about sexuality – it is part of life like everything else. And if sexuality means attraction to the same sex, so what – it is 2015 not 1915!
If a male tennis player is in a serious relationship with another man or woman, that affect his love life and, by extension, his game.

When Moya dumped Pennetta, everyone was talking about it, as well as when Pennetta hooked up with Fognini – positive results of which we saw today in the staright sets trashing of King of Clay.

Sex affect everything – hippies knew it and were vocal about it during 70s. I am sure HC is aware of that, being hippie herself.


Hippy Chick Says:

Yes im well aware of it,but Rafael is in a loving and commited relationship with Xisca whos female,however it has nothing to do with tennis,and as for calling me homophobic HOW DARE YOU….


Travis Bickle Says:

@HC
Come on, don’t be naive!

Loving relationship – you cannot know who loves who unless is you!
Committed relationship (examples of that are Roger/Mirka, Novak/Yelena, and Andrew/Kim)


KatH Says:

@ Colin & Margot

Confirm your stands. Andy’s had his own slagging off – let him be. Rafa and Rafa’s so-called fans need to sort out their own house…instead of trying to dump it at other player’s door.

@ Sienna
For once I agree with Sienna re. her comment that it was Nadal’s fans who seemed bent on taking him apart.

On the basis of loyalty and fair play give Nadal a chance – this is when he most needs his fans.


Hippy Chick Says:

Travis Bickle just because a couple aint married doesnt mean they are not commited a piece of paper wont change that,Rafa and Xisca have been together for many years,and both are busy with their careers,so are saving marriage till after his career in tennis is over,anyway this is a tennis forum not marriage or relationship guidance,so leave it out eh?….


Hippy Chick Says:

Jeez people dont have to like the guy or his tennis,but are we now stooping so low that we are insulting the players private lives,sexuality and relationships?….


madmax Says:

So, yes, he’s still building, still trying to find what he calls the “right mentality.” And the progress is there to see. He’s admitted to getting winded late in matches this season, but he’s running — and stopping and starting — at full speed without pain. A very good sign for a guy with a history of knee and back problems. And he’s using a new, bigger racquet, which is giving him even more spin than the already unmatched spin he’s famous for.”His balls are different from any other player. They have this spin, plus they bounce a lot higher,” said 98th-ranked Lucas Pouille, Nadal’s second-round victim in Monte Carlo. “He was able to take advantage of my weaknesses. He was very solid and he played better and better as the match went on.”

Taking some positives – read above from The Oregon.


madmax Says:

And when Rafael Nadal is at his best on clay, he doesn’t need to exploit weaknesses: he can win by playing straight at Djokovic’s many strengths.

— Douglas Perry

Every player has a spate of matches that aren’t up to scratch. Give it time.


sienna Says:

travis bickle funny stuff on the hipster.

chickie get on with it. Your guy will be fine nice free weekend with xis. He will make it count maybe a januari baby girl.
come AU open…..


chris ford1 Says:

Rafa on his loss – “There is no other way forward other than to accept it or die.’

Woah Rafa, woah! It’s just a phase of your whole life!
Somebody put Rafa on suicide watch if he loses the next 3 clay events!


Okiegal Says:

Suicide comment even in jest, is in very poor taste. His comment reminded me of one that I’ve heard time again…..”We might not win this game, but we’ll die trying”……..I can’t believe people paid any attention to it.


Okiegal Says:

@Giles 3:46

DITTO!!!


sienna Says:

his clayrecord is 329-27
try in showing stats to getfacts as they are.

more important focus on this year. losing to fognini is big but he will easiley organisatie handily dump him at Garros.

Come Garros and he will be fine.


Hippy Chick Says:

Sienna well thats what passes in your mind for humour then good luck to you,me id prefer to talk tennis,and not discuss the sexuality of players….

Okie damn straight girl,whats going on with this forum just lately?….


Okiegal Says:

@Chick……I wish I knew! I’m in awe of some of the comments lately. Leaves me shaking my head. People getting into their personal lives making accusations when there is not one ounce of anything to back it up. RIDICULOUS!! Oh, well……..

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