World No. 1s Djokovic, Serena Open Play At US Open; Cilic Begins Title Defense; Nadal v Coric

Google’s doodle and logo for the day celebrate the US Open.

https://g.co/doodle/nkrw62

https://www.google.com/logos/doodles/2015/start-of-the-2015-us-open-tennis-championship-5723562658758656.2-res.png

August 31st, 2015 at 10:46 am

Lovely pic of Nole but blimey, I knew a hurricane is predicted, but blizzards! :0

August 31st, 2015 at 11:02 am

Cibulkova beats Ivanovic,sorry for Anna but i love that little pocket rocket,so fiesty,hits the ball so hard,and is very fast for someone so small,love to watch her feet moving….

August 31st, 2015 at 1:27 pm

Cibby was fantastic. But it wreaks my WTA bracket! Had high hopes for Ana – took her to the quarters.
Knew I should have changed that pick.

Benoit Paire has been fighting this 4th set. Benny won the first set — was brilliant. But he kinda went away as he tends to do…Kei took set 2 and 3.

Benny has come back serving fantasic. Tie break – this match may go the distance.

August 31st, 2015 at 1:44 pm

Benoit Paire! gets the 4th!

oh no…hahaha….

August 31st, 2015 at 1:50 pm

Kei going out will crush some brackets. Paire has been up and down mentally, thought he was gone, then comes up with just enough. Maybe he’ll win!

August 31st, 2015 at 1:53 pm

Kei had at least 2 match points that 4th set tie break. He’s a little bit unsettled in the 5th — don’t see that very often from Kei. Paire has easy power when he focuses on playing + his serve weapon. Not at all certain Kei is coming out of this. Oh, the first round matches!

August 31st, 2015 at 2:07 pm

Paire gets the break! What that cracking noise? Brackets breaking…???

August 31st, 2015 at 2:11 pm

@Jalep – with Paire and Kei, it isn’t over till it’s over. Not surprised they are going 5.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:14 pm

He probably injured?!

August 31st, 2015 at 2:15 pm

Not too surprised either, RZ. Paire is working his way back from an injury – had a bad 2014.

But was pretty confident that Kei would get by Benoit. Benoit can win this — just has to hold…

No, van orten. Kei looks fine this time – no mto’s. He’s being outplayed this last set.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:21 pm

Wow, Nishilori out.

See, there is nobody other than Novak, Fed and Murray plying high quality tennis at the moment, with Wawrinka a big if.

Djoko’s draw already opening up.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:28 pm

Congrats Benoit! He held it together. Better man won. Sorry for Kei.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:29 pm

Well, I suppose that’s the main surprise of the first day. Nishikori was a contender, if only a borderline one.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:29 pm

Well, Daniel. Kei missed his chance to win it in the 4th set TB — it was on his racket.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:31 pm

I just hope that Benoit doesn’t lose in the next round. I had been tempted to pick him to win against Kei but didn’t since he’s no unreliable. But it’s nice to see him have a good summer with some quality wins.

August 31st, 2015 at 2:33 pm

its getting easier for novak.iam happy for him

August 31st, 2015 at 2:35 pm

Yeah also thought about it, RZ. Paire has been improving – loved his tennis v Nole – Montreal? was it?

Did not think Kei would go as deep as I picked him to go but didn’t see a reliable alternative. Same with Cilic. Pretty sure there will be a surprise there too.

Fortune favors the brave bracketeer. Someone picked Rafa going out to Coric ;)

August 31st, 2015 at 2:43 pm

Paire has Ilhan next. It’s very possible for him to win, RZ. Allez!

August 31st, 2015 at 2:47 pm

Rock on Roger! Come on!

So much in the tabs right now, about both Fed and Murray!

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/us-open/2015/tough-tests-from-the-start-for-federer-murray_sto4886290/story.shtml

A nice touch from a fan of Murray:

judy murray ✔@judmoo
Man just ran past me on South Bank shouting “Good luck in the US Open. Come on Mrs Muzzzaaaaa”. Hmmm not sure I’d get very far, mate.
1:39 PM – 30 Aug 2015

Let’s get this party started!

August 31st, 2015 at 2:59 pm

Watching Novak against Benoit in Montréal, I wrote how much the margins were tiny among the top players. This match, like many before, confirms it once again.

It seems that there is a shift in physical preparation, and that a blend of power and stamina is not something reserved to “the happy few” any more.

I didn’t believe that Paire would be able to win over 5 sets, but he proved me wrong. He served very well, and was very aggressive on the return, to the point of traumatising Nishikori. I am very happy for him.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:02 pm

Fantastic win for Paire,just wondering if he can now back it up?Two shocks already one on the mens and one on the womens with Anna going out….

August 31st, 2015 at 3:04 pm

Wow out goes Kei. Cilic next?
@RZ
Well, that was remarkably good news re finals weekens..;) But I would never make assumptions, there’s many a slip…eek!

August 31st, 2015 at 3:07 pm

I see JJ( female) is out too. Thought she was undergoing some sort of resurgence.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:24 pm

Margot shes another player that you dont know quite what to expect next….

August 31st, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Literally just saw the first bit on the Open on the Sky website homepage headline. Waltzed to see the draw for the first time- ultra busy these days in life- and the following thoughts:

This is Novak’s pretty much for the following:

1. He’s in the final. Had he had one foot in there prior today with Kei’s loss he’s got both feet in.

2. It all boils down to Murray v Fed (provided they meet):

Andy has a tough, tough ask to win 3 sets v federer. He has lost 5 matches in a row, 10 sets in a row and more to it:

I just don’t think Federer respects his game. He’s just dismissive of it and ultra aggressive. They should meet, Fed I would favour to win based on all the variables and that means:

A: Fed v Novak final:

Novak win. Likely in 3 max 4. A straightforward win.

B: Muzza v Novak final:

Novak win again….BUT it will atleast be a reasonable contest.

Put simply:

This is Wimbledon 2.0 potentially for Novak. Easy ride to the final with a Murray v Federer SF on the other side, determining how easy the final goes for him.

With that prospect: i’ll stick to the football for next few weeks!

August 31st, 2015 at 3:34 pm

Glad to see Mardy Fish win. I hope he has a nice final run.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:36 pm

^Maybe Rafa will catch fire,stranger things have happened^….

August 31st, 2015 at 3:38 pm

Slow down, Brando. Novak hasn’t won his first round match… We just saw Kei lose. Then, I have good reasons to doubt that Fed can beat Andy here.

One of the favourites, probably two, will probably make it to the semi. Then, it depends. Novak has been very consistent over the last five years (and he was also very consistent at the USO since 2007, 8 semis in a row), but a day has to come when he will lose earlier. You never know.

As a nolefan, for once, I would like to see all the other favourites loss earlier, and Novak win a GS without much fight, against an outsider. Just for a change, a nice three setter in the final, an easy walk. I’m getting old, I guess.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:43 pm

@Mat4:

Lay off the rubbish my man.

He’s the undisputed number 1, Mr Consistent in atleast getting to Slam SF’s and now on his favourite surface he has THAT route.

It’s a joke which he should and will feast on and reach the final.

Easily.

IF he gets a 34 year old in best of 5: he’s got it in the bag and no one need tune in since we all how that shall unfold.

IF he gets Andy he’ll be the fresher one guaranteed since Andy has: Wawrinak, Federer and then the final.

He’s guaranteed to have long matches en route.

Hence:

Clear cakewalk. Just like Wimbledon but even more easier.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:47 pm

Mat4, no kidding.

I think it’s foolish to overlook Nadal. I’m sure Djokovic won’t, so I’m not worried about that. But to say he has a cakewalk into the final is over simplifying it just a bit. Like I said in the thread a few days ago, Djokovic is definitely the favorite to win the title, and he’s a heavy favorite to make it to the final. But a favorite on paper means nothing on the court.

Seriously, just last year Marin freaking Cilic won this thing. He won it by beating Berdych, Federer, and Nishikori in the last 3 rounds with a whopping total of 0 sets lost. It was an incredible performance from someone we would have never expected to put up (unless you’re a true Cilic fan and have long believed he’s that capable). But overall that should give all the other guys some serious belief that they can essentially steal this title from the Big 4.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:47 pm

Mat4 lol i love your honesty,and i would like the same for my favorites,if they get a cakewalk to the final so what?anyway after Wednesday i will be away for the Autumn equinox,so ill likely miss most of this tournament sadly….

August 31st, 2015 at 3:50 pm

the top half of the womens draw is such a joke. i feel all want to gift the CYGS to serena. if there was any weak era, this one would be

August 31st, 2015 at 3:51 pm

This is why good as he is, Nishikori’s chance of winning a major is rather nil. He will always be at the mercy of the big powerful players. And there are so many of them that he’s bound to meet one whose game is on. Too bad there are no weight divisions in tennis. Kei could have won them all.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:53 pm

If Andy and Federer meet it will be a tough, tough match for Federer to go 5 sets – and a tough, tough match for Murray as well. God bless whoever wins – as this would only be a semi-final result. The winner of the USO is waiting in the other half.

I hope I’m wrong….but doubt it.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:53 pm

Except for Serena, all of women’s tennis is a joke.

August 31st, 2015 at 3:54 pm

1. No shame in Nish losing to a quality foe in a dangerous 1st Rounder. Kei loses a lot of points, though. Or Ana Ivanovic losing to “mighty mite” Domi Cilbukova finally back to best form.

2. Glad Mardy Fish survived to play another day in his last Slam.
3. Too bad Jorko Neimenen lost in his last Slam already.

4. Hope Rafa is getting much better, as he claims. I want Nole to beat him, of course, but I’d like to see Rafa make it through the early rounds

August 31st, 2015 at 4:03 pm

LMAO: Rafa?

He has not defeated a top 4 player in what? 15 months. He ain’t going to start by beating Novak on a HC.

It is what it is:

Ferrer, Nadal and Berdych were the 3 gimme’s that most the top tier were looking for a reason.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:07 pm

I thought JJ would do pretty well too. Oh well.
Didn’t realize I had missed the Verdasco-Haas match (ladies choice match of the day IMO). I picked Verdasco to win but wow Haas took him to 5 despite not being back on tour that long. Hope he plays at least another year.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:11 pm

There is shame in losing in the first round of a slam where you’re the defending finalist and you’re number 4 in the world expected to make the semis. The opponent being tough doesn’t make it any better. Nishikori is supposed to be better than Paire. And he should have beaten him. Why would you “aw shucks” him? It’s a horrible loss every way you look at it.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:13 pm

Hi, Brando…..The Nadal Gals need more support on TX….Yeah, our guy hasn’t been fairing too well in 2015….Oh, well, we’ve been there before. Just hope he can get more solid. He’s got a tough first round….but by Rafa’s own admission, all rounds are tough for him……ever so humble, as always!! :)

August 31st, 2015 at 4:15 pm

Raonic and Tsonga could both be dark horses if they are rounding into their past top level form. Anyone have insight on their quality today?

August 31st, 2015 at 4:16 pm

subject of football.. Soccer for the US.
Manu fans! How is Van Gaal doing? He is pissing all your money down the drain.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:42 pm

@HC:

To quote a line from the film “Long kiss goodnight”, I am always frank and earnest; in New York I’m Frank and in Chicago I’m Ernest.

Joking aside, I hope that Novak will be able to win this GS, but you really never know. He has lost 4 finals of five, and under the mitigated circumstances of the previous two tournaments, it’s difficult to assess his level.

Meanwhile, the match has started, Souza plays quite well.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:50 pm

While I agree that Novak is the overwhelming favorite to make the final, a roger/Andy semi isn’t a lock. I may be biased but Andy might have to play Stan who beat him last time they met in New York, before he was a slam champion. I never thought kei would get as far as last year but there are still strong players in the draw who could derail this storyline

August 31st, 2015 at 4:53 pm

@Okiegal:

Hi Okie, hope all is well with yourself.

– Re Rafa (taking emotion out of the equation and being brutally honest):

He’s the world number 8. That’s his present reality. And as Rafa said: correctly so. He’s just not playing at a level higher than that. He has not defeated a top 5 player in 15 months.

Honestly: i’m not perturbed or concerned about it at all:

It just is what it is.

A bad season for a professional player one that he’s never had but Federer, Novak etc have all had.

For him the season’s a write off and it’s about 2016. He’s probably got his sight’s set for that already. IF that is a write off also:

All good. He’s 30 so it’s normal to decline and he’s top 5 player of all time universally accepted already.

As for the Open:

IF Rafa could get to the QF and win a set off Novak: I would take that right now and be very pleased with it since it would indicate real improvement for him, one that better’s AO, FO and Wimbledon.

Sure: it’s nothing to shout about. But from Rafa’s level is right now it would be a improvement even if it’s a meager one.

And that’s what it is about for him ultimately now in 2015:

Not winning titles, being in finals etc since his level ain’t anywhere near that height. Just improving from where he is and getting some consistency in his play.

IF he bombs out early here: all good. Was not expecting a deep run, let alone a win so a loss is no big deal.

Honestly:

I think Rafa has accepted his reality and has moved on appropriately. So has the media even.

I think Rafa fans and tennis public need to accept that he’s justifiably a no.8 at the moment, that’s his level and expect from him realistically based on his reality of last 15 months.

ONLY clowns and morons would expect something big from the player we see today. Idiot’s who deal in suspicion or fanciful thinking.

Realists- like Rafa- know it’s all about just improving performance, trying to build level of competitiveness, follow the process of a player trying to develop his game etc as opposed to anything else.

I think he’s doing fine and IF he can be competitive in his matches even if he loses them then that’s acceptable for him right now as no.8 and something to build on.

since 2015 reality is:

Outside Novak, Andy, Federer, Wawrinka, Kei and Tomas:

Rafa is not doing that badly. He’s doing fine. That’s something and he’s going about it rightfully in trying to build from there. Unfortunately he has Novak but hey: seed 1 getting seed 8 in QF is standard so no complaint’s about it.Now’s the time to just accept reality and get to work about improving on it.

Rafa is and that’s good enough for me.

August 31st, 2015 at 4:53 pm

Mat4 i have no unrealistic expectations about Rafa winning the USO i was actually joking about him catching fire,i just hope he beats Coric,that will do for starters….

August 31st, 2015 at 5:16 pm

Brando read the above post to Mat4,just trying to put up a positive front for our guy is all….

August 31st, 2015 at 5:19 pm

lol moderation, what a joke that is in the first instance.

August 31st, 2015 at 5:19 pm

LMFAO:

Do a long post = goes to moderation

Call moderation a joke = instant post

LMFAO: thanks for the laugh TX, a nice chuckle!

August 31st, 2015 at 5:21 pm

@Emily:

Agree.

Andy got a rough house draw here. Wawrinka is the toughest QF opponent possible for any in the event and Fed in SF is a tough out for Andy. BUT:

He’s a Champion and these are the kind of challenges you have to deal with. You got it? Show it. Face the best and beat them. No offence to your fav’s but:

I hope Andy loves this draw and thinks ‘right. i’m going open a can of whoopass on these chumps!’ He’s got the game to beat them all. Every individual match atleast 50/50:

Time to step up like Champions do is the call for Andy!

August 31st, 2015 at 5:25 pm

Rafas match is on at 3.00am BST,so i cant watch it as i have to get up early in the morning,will go to bed hoping for the best,doubt ill sleep very well as the match will be on my mind too much,jeez its too stressfull having a favorite….

August 31st, 2015 at 5:25 pm

Does anybody know who is commenting on Eurosport?

August 31st, 2015 at 5:37 pm

Novak serves up 3 breadsticks,i dont know if he was that good or Souza was that bad?but had it been a boxing match it wouldve been stopped ages ago….

August 31st, 2015 at 5:59 pm

Gypsy Gal, the safe answer to your question is that Novak is that good.

August 31st, 2015 at 6:16 pm

Now that Kepis out, one of Ferrer (who is about town his match which inside after so many weeks of), Tsonga, Cilic or Dimitrov will be in semi finals.

August 31st, 2015 at 6:19 pm

Ferrer won his match in 4. Thank goodness, otherwise today may have resulted in my coming in last in the Tennis-X pool.

August 31st, 2015 at 6:20 pm

Found this on the usopoen.org site;
“John Isner recently observed of Djokovic, “He does everything the best. That’s why he’s No. 1 in the world. There is no surface he’s a slouch on.”

btw, he gave out 3 breadsticks to his opponet today from the Bakery, a nice parting gift.

August 31st, 2015 at 7:01 pm

“Watching Novak against Benoit in Montréal, I wrote how much the margins were tiny among the top players. ”

that was cincy mat4, but i agree; paire played so well there.

i also never know what to expect from kei. he beats rafa and then stands there during his match with murray watching balls fly by. then, he pulls out of cincy at the last minute with an injury after saying in the post-match interview at monteal that he wasn’t interviewed. finals here last year and now out round 1. it’s just crazy. kei seems to be one step forward, and then one of two back, much like dimitrov maybe?

“I think it’s foolish to overlook Nadal. I’m sure Djokovic won’t”

ditto ben. last 3 opens he played he won 2 and was finalist in the other. yes, he’s had a bad year. but you never know when a champ like rafa could catch fire or roll into form. never counts him out for sure.

also agree with you about fish. happy he could win that match.

i missed all of nole’s match except for the last 8 games or so. looked like he was hitting the ball better than at cincy, thankfully. he said that with the roof structure up it’s less “swirly’ or windy and that he felt he could have more “control” of the ball as a result. that’s good to hear.

August 31st, 2015 at 8:13 pm

*sorry typo – that he wasn’t “injured” not “interviewed”

August 31st, 2015 at 8:17 pm

daniel, who is “kepis” and why is ferrer “about town”? shouldn’t he be playing tennis?

August 31st, 2015 at 8:20 pm

jane, let me translate Daniels phone:
kepis = keo
about town = about to win

August 31st, 2015 at 8:30 pm

haaha kepis = kei
someone translate me.

August 31st, 2015 at 8:31 pm

Hahaha! These typo errors can be so funny. Thanks for the translation, jalep. It’s all kapish now.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:04 pm

Nole looked sublime, jane. Very smooth — made it look simple. 61 61 61

Kei did not have the fire power today – was simply outplayed by Benoit. The other times you mention are no mystery – he was injured. Calf blown out early part of summer then a hip injury prevented him from moving well and playing Murray competitively. Hip injury is why he pulled out of Cincy. He was moving well enough today and no mto’s. Have to believe he just lost to the better player in 5 sets – great win for Paire.

Dimitrov is physically fine – hasn’t had any injuries recently that I’ve heard in the news. It’s something else with him.

Both, (Kei and Grigor) could be considered “flaky” but it’s a different type of “flaky” for each – can’t agree they are much alike other than neither seem able to perform to the expectations of a lot of fans.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:18 pm

lol, Markus. It is funny.

Coric isn’t doing too bad…

that was a terrible smash error from Coric *facepalm!*

Rafa to take 1st set now.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:29 pm

Now he (Coric) is, jalep, Good start but Rafa is starting to show him who’s the boss.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:47 pm

Coric playing very poor….Rafa is steady as expected. Should be a straight sets win tonight.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:48 pm

Absolutely no expert on Rafa…have not watched him enough — but he’s playing some great tennis, I’d say. Making life very difficult for Borna, running him all over – not much of a contest this 2nd set.

August 31st, 2015 at 9:49 pm

Thanks jalep, typo expert;-)

August 31st, 2015 at 9:50 pm

ha ha, i should’ve put a wink. i knew what daniel (or his phone) meant but was just teasing. thanks for translating jalep. btw daniel you’re quite the handsome devil who takes nice photos if that was you in all those pics on your instagram (i think you shared it with gypsy or okie the other day).

jalep thanks for intel on novak’s form and i agree: kei seems to be more physically flaky whereas dimitrov is more mentally flaky (using flaky with “quotes”).

August 31st, 2015 at 9:55 pm

oh and agree on rafa. huge leap in form. as my commentators said: “this is his best performance in ages”. seems like rafa is “rafa!” again no?

August 31st, 2015 at 9:56 pm

anytime, Daniel ;)

Too many of my picks lost today. Probably not even 50% right for the WTA bracket – what’s new.

If Rafa wins (looks likely) I’ll get 21 of 32 picks ATP. But the bracket damage = big blow, 2nd week damage.

Rafa has improved quite a bit from Montreal, no?

Or is it Coric making him look like the old Rafa?

August 31st, 2015 at 10:05 pm

The “flaky” part came from a Gypsy post on another thread, I think, jane. She was saying Kei’s a bit flaky – something like that. Too lazy to look it up.

Anyway, I thought…no he isn’t flaky! Just like the Kei fan I am. ;)

August 31st, 2015 at 10:09 pm

Rafa has the eye of the tiger. Looking very good. Looking forward to a Milos match-up.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:14 pm

no jalep, i think it’s rafa. his court position is way more aggressive. he is standing on or inside the baseline much of the time. also the serve looks better. coric is usually a pretty good returner isn’t he?
rafa’s had 4 aces, no doubles, and 70% firsts with 94% won! he’s won less second serves (43%). he has a few errors but he’s going for winners. he’s also been controlling points, making coric run. i think he looks better, maybe getting closer to his best and rolling into form.

btw did anyone see defending champ cilic today?

August 31st, 2015 at 10:14 pm

Damn, I jinxed Rafa. Sorry Gypsy, Brando!

August 31st, 2015 at 10:15 pm

No, jane. I was busy watching Kei lose to watch Cilic. Wish he’d been looser – then he might have had a chance in the 5th set. Cilic’s opponent was Guido Pella. It was a straight set win but the score included two tiebreaks, not sleek and elegant like 61 61 61.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:22 pm

Rafa looks very fit, extremely focused, and he is playing closer to the baseline than I’ve seen in a long time.

Well. McEnroe just basically copied what I was saying.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:24 pm

Hmm. One concern in this is Rafa’s second serve is, again, weak. He’s only winning 37%, but he’s getting so many first serves (68%) its not endangering him. If that first serve % dips…

August 31st, 2015 at 10:32 pm

They both look extremely wet, Borna and Rafa. Men in black – swimming seals come to mind.

Didn’t notice Nole even needing a shirt change ;)

August 31st, 2015 at 10:33 pm

Still leaving too many balls short too, a lot are landing around the service box. The court positioning is positive, but Novak would eat up those short balls.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:34 pm

i liked novak in royal blue but wasn’t too fond of the white collar.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:35 pm

^ speaking of (wet or dry) shorts…

ump called time on coric or what are whistles about? i missed that but my commies thought it was a “harsh” call.

yeah rafa looks SOAKED! :O

August 31st, 2015 at 10:36 pm

I MEAN shirts.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:36 pm

Rafa SO good at the net. He’s not shy if forced to the net, but I don’t understand why he’s never incorporated this in his overall game plan.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:43 pm

@Jane….You were right the first time….Rafa’s short are dripping wet….

August 31st, 2015 at 10:44 pm

hahahaha….jane. dammmit. every single time I post is a reminder of how much I need an edit option here – especially this time of night.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:46 pm

i would LOVE an edit option jalep. i find i am almost worse in the morning when i haven’t yet had my coffee, or worse in the evening when i have had my wine (or 2, he he).

okie i guess they’re soaked all over! looks humid.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:50 pm

Rafa is looking better than I’ve seen him look. In a while. Also I like what I see in coric. Barring injury a future top 4 player. He’s still not physically mature though. Return of serve, court position and point construction are where he is falling short against Nadal. And as I write this he takes set 3.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:52 pm

Me too, jane, same, +1.

Borna got a set.

August 31st, 2015 at 10:54 pm

Gosh Johnny Mac says it’s a shame this is first round for Borna. Could not agree more.

Tough break for Borna having to play a hungry Rafa 1st round.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:06 pm

my commies (british) said “out of nowhere rafa played a horrible game” which is why coric got the set in their opinion

August 31st, 2015 at 11:08 pm

They are both more aggressive this 4th set, a bunch of DTL winners from both wings. Coric saved a BP, 2-1. Indeed Nadal is playing much closer to baseline, returning inside the court even some first serves. Also his defense is excellent, seems he really does like this big courts. Think the match with Raonic will be a good one and than Novak,who looked sharp today.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:11 pm

Jane, Coric broke first and served 2-0 30-30 when he was broken with two bad mistakes. So he had his chances since the beginning in that set.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:13 pm

@jane I don’t know about terrible but he definitely tightened up at 4-5

August 31st, 2015 at 11:14 pm

Commies are Commies. haterz…

j/k ;)

August 31st, 2015 at 11:17 pm

Enjoying this a lot. Borna isn’t going to win, but he’s doing well. This is definitely an improved Rafa from what I saw of him the last two tournaments. Court positioning, yes and mentality is positive.

Wow, Coric … nice smash! Hang on Borna.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:24 pm

Wow, Nadal winning two amazing points at the net and a low volley inside out, nice!

August 31st, 2015 at 11:30 pm

Don’t listen to jalep, coric lol. U have played well but its time to go

August 31st, 2015 at 11:30 pm

Navdeep – you have to be loving this.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:42 pm

Rafa looks great; but those two weaknesses, the 2nd serve and short groundstrokes, will put an upper limit on his game and aspirations right now. He’s closer, though. He is hitting a lot of long balls, but too many are by the service line.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:43 pm

But, I wouldn’t write off Rafa with Eye or the Tiger, and he has it.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:43 pm

Congrats Rafa and fans.

Great effort from Borna. Next time, next time…

August 31st, 2015 at 11:45 pm

I m in a meeting jalep. Just following the scores.Don’t know how the match panned out

August 31st, 2015 at 11:47 pm

Just saw the draw and Nadal could play Fognini third round if both wins next match. Hope they meet, last 3 clay matches were all close and about time they plain hard. Curious to see if Fabio will still bother Nadal here.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:50 pm

mat4 says:

“It seems that there is a shift in physical preparation, and that a blend of power and stamina is not something reserved to “the happy few” any more.”

You’re referring to Benoit Paire, I think when you posted that?

August 31st, 2015 at 11:52 pm

TV,
Spot on call re : Rafa, thought the same.
Coria looked inexperienced in his tactics. Rafa looked good, kinda. Still some work to do. His second serve against a vet, well they will expose that. At times this just looked like a Clay court match.

August 31st, 2015 at 11:53 pm

Agree about second serve still being a weakness but didn’t notice the short groundstrokes, at least not as much

August 31st, 2015 at 11:58 pm

Yes, Rafa’s draw was interesting in that he has a potential match with both Fognini and F-Lo.

And I’m regretting that at the last minute before the bracket closed, I swapped out Rafa for F-Lo in the quarter vs. Nole.

Was doubting Rafa was ready to go that far in the draw this morning; plus that, F-Lo has been almost playing better than ever lately…

September 1st, 2015 at 12:01 am

jalep there is a nice summary of Kei vs Benoit at tennis.com. You might enjoy it? 😊

September 1st, 2015 at 12:20 am

Thanks, jane.

Will check for that.

September 1st, 2015 at 12:26 am

Oh my goodness, Navdeep –

Didn’t realize you weren’t watching.

You would have been very pleased, I think. Borna did manage to get a set but my guess is that this was just about the right amount of challenge Rafa needed to tune up for what’s coming ;)

cheers…

September 1st, 2015 at 12:30 am

Nadal’s positioning was good 1st serve was good more net play mentality was aggressive 2nd serve is still a problem balls are still short @ times so need to work on these two points

September 1st, 2015 at 1:03 am

@jalep:

Yes, I thought of BP. Paire, Chardy, are slowly improving that fact of their game, although I guess they have more to do.

@jane:

You are right, it was at Cincy.

About Coric and Nadal:

I didn’t watch the match, but thinking about it, I didn’t see how Coric would be able to win if Rafa plays a “normal” match, precisely for the reasons TF76 mentioned.

September 1st, 2015 at 1:17 am

As per Ben Rothberg: “Rafael Nadal’s record at the #USOpen since 2010: 21-1.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWLWWWWWWWW”

September 1st, 2015 at 1:19 am

well jane #2 is comming soon. Djokovic playing for keeps. It will need freak playstyle to beat him.

well only hope is Federer servet lights out and its hot day.

September 1st, 2015 at 2:18 am

@jane:

Yes, indeed, great results. Outside RG, it’s the only slam he has won in this decade.

September 1st, 2015 at 2:43 am

Jane @9.55pm August 31st,it was Okie that Daniel said that to,i believe he said feel free to stalk me for more pictures on instagram,or words to that effect,however in doing the bracket challenge i saw his picture anyway,and yes he is a handsome guy,but the most important thing is what you are like on the inside,well IMO anyway,and my husband is hotter sorry Daniel lol….

September 1st, 2015 at 3:58 am

Mat4 but the thing that counts the most is the GS hes won overall….

September 1st, 2015 at 4:47 am

Coric game, at this stage, is more of the CC game, I haven’t seen his match against Rafa (no channel is telecasting USO in the hotel I am staying in Istanbul) but I have seen few of his maches on HC and grass, Troicki bew him a away on the grass and Zverev made mistake (was sucked in) playing CC game against Coric. It was perfect match (match up) for Rafa to start USO campaign.

September 1st, 2015 at 5:27 am

GG, HC, GC…

I am always confused by your changes of nick… Hopefully, you never type spaces after commas so I know it’s you.

Then, I wasn’t malicious. Just stated that Rafa had great results at the USO. I shortened my post, so perhaps one could read it the way you did.

I kicked Rafa so many times now that he’s down, that I didn’t want to do it once again, especially since, you never know, things could turn around.

Then, when I think better about it… Let me enjoy a bit. It’s kinda payback time, and one never knows when it’s gonna pass. To quote Novak Djokovic (who quoted a book about cancer, perhaps a proof that he reads books, unlike Tipsy, who, I can bet, never read Dostoevsky, something you can notice whenever he opens his mouth):

“For each of us eventually, whether we are ready or not, some day it will come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.”

September 1st, 2015 at 5:29 am

About the “overall”…

It’t not finished yet. While it’s very improbable, with some luck Novak still has a chance to tie Rafa for the number of slams. And, for now, he’s the one that “counts”…

September 1st, 2015 at 5:32 am

Ok, I’ll do it again, I was moderated since I miss spelled my moniker.
Coric game, at this stage, is more of the CC game, I haven’t seen his match against Rafa (no channel is telecasting USO in the hotel I am staying in Istanbul) but I have seen few of his maches on HC and grass, Troicki blew him a away on the grass and Zverev made mistake (was sucked in) playing CC game against Coric. It was perfect match (match up) for Rafa to start USO campaign.

September 1st, 2015 at 5:39 am

Mat4 i wasnt offended,i was just saying,and if Novak does surpass Rafa in GS then power to him,it was never about records for me as a fan anyway,it was always all about watching and enjoying my favorite play,about my monikors i have always been honest and up front about who i am and never hidden it,there wouldnt be much point anyway as my grammar and punctuation are quite crap, all the names fit my real life persona,my ethereal friend,i will be gone for a while after tomorrow for the Autumn equinox….

September 1st, 2015 at 7:33 am

@Brando
Yes, the media moved on from Rafa in 2013 crowning Djoray the new rivalry in tennis fighting for YE#1 and virtually writing Rafa off on h/c for ever.

Not only did he end the yearas #1, he beat Djokovic in 2 slams, one on Djoko’s favourite surface at the USO). Nadal aLso won the USO Series winning Canada, Cincy and the USO.

September 1st, 2015 at 11:49 am

Nadal was given the marquee spot on the opening day…..how about that for movind on?

September 1st, 2015 at 11:51 am

senorita. Yep, not bad for the 8th seed!
USO show him a lot of respect unlike the French open. You wouldn’t think the man accumulated NINE trophies the way the French treat him.

September 1st, 2015 at 11:59 am

Senorita a bit of trivia for you,Rafa went unbeaten on grass in 2008 winning at Queens and Wimbledon,unbeaten on clay in 2010 Monte Carlo,Rome,Madrid,FO,and as you say unbeaten on the USO HCs in 2013,i dont know if any other player has ever done that?in 2008 he won the FO and W,as well as the Olympic gold medal on HCs,and GS on 3 different surfaces in 2010,so i think its safe to say Rafa is an all time all surface great….

September 1st, 2015 at 12:19 pm

@Gypsy Gal @12:19…….Ditto, this Nadal Gal agrees! Have a rewarding time during your equinox get away! Hope when you get home you will have found out Rafa won the US Open……one can wish, can’t they? :) Seriously, have fun!!

September 1st, 2015 at 12:36 pm

Okie he had a positive result,by playing positive tennis,i just hope he carries on playing that way win or lose,anyway im so excited about the equinox,wont be posting after tomorrow as i will be on my journey,i will be back for the conclusion of the USO though…. ;-)….

September 1st, 2015 at 12:49 pm

Watching the Berdych match. His outfit looks like it came straight out of the Cirque du Soleil wardrobe. I keep waiting for him to do backflips and somersaults.

September 1st, 2015 at 12:51 pm

@GG
Have a gr8 time. Hope it’s sunny. :)

September 1st, 2015 at 1:56 pm

Thanks Margot,i hope so too,and i also hope for a straight forward Andy win to start my break,enjoy the tennis ;)….

September 1st, 2015 at 2:00 pm

I saw that Laura Robson was up a break in the 3rd set but now Vesnina is back on serve and they are 5-5 each. Anyone know what is happening? (Is Laura getting nervous? Vesnina lifting her game?)

September 1st, 2015 at 2:25 pm

Poor Laura – lost 7-5 in the 3rd after being up a break. It’s a tough road back from a long injury layoff.

September 1st, 2015 at 2:33 pm

RZ Vesnina won….:(….

September 1st, 2015 at 2:33 pm

@GG – yep :-(

September 1st, 2015 at 2:40 pm

Nice to see you posting senorita!

I had to laugh today when Vika asked the umpire if she ever played tennis. The umpire said yes and Vika said probably not very well. Hilarious!

Mary had a little lamb!

Miew

September 1st, 2015 at 6:34 pm

What prompted Azarenka to disrespect and insult the umpire? That’s not nice. She should lose.

September 1st, 2015 at 6:41 pm