Federer Darts Past Darcis, Murray Struggles At US Open; Djokovic, Nadal v Fognini Friday

by Sean Randall | September 4th, 2015, 12:05 am
  • 244 Comments

Roger Federer kept on rolling. The Swiss has been playing some of his best tennis in years today crushing Steve Darcis 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of the US Open.

Federer has now held serve an incredible 72 straight times since his 34th birthday last month – we should all be so lucky. He won Cincinnati and he’s won his first two matches in New York quite easily.

“Doing the right things on the court,” Federer said tonight after breezing past the man who knocked out Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon two yers ago. “It was pretty on the easier side, you know, so I was able to mix it up, was attacking, was also staying back some. I was pretty much all-out attack as much as I could. Obviously I have to manage that against different players when the scoreline isn’t maybe so one-sided.”


So Federer has looked excellent, but I’ll temper it by saying frankly, he hasn’t played much of anyone. That changes in the next round when he takes on Phil Kohlschreiber and we’ll see where his game is really at.

While Federer had a light workout, 2012 champion Andy Murray was nearly sent packing. The World No. 3 talked about Adrian Mannarino being a tricky opponent and he was right. In stunning fashion, the unheralded Frenchman led a flat Murray by two sets in Ashe oven. Murray then kicked it into gear as the lefty began to wilt in the stifling heat and the Scot cruised in the final three sets 5-7, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.

“I’m proud of the way I fought,” Murray said. “It was not an easy match to come through at all. He was making it extremely difficult for me, as well. Thought he played some really, really good tennis. He has such an unorthodox game, I didn’t really feel that comfortable at many points out there in the match. But, yeah, I was happy, very happy with the way I fought through that, you know, finished the match stronger than him.”

A concern for Murray? Yes. But he did get through it and looked good at the end.

One former champion did lose and that was 2001 winner Lleyton Hewitt who fought hard but at 34 just didn’t have enough left to complete the comeback against countryman Bernard Tomic.

Tomic jumped out to a two set lead over Hewitt, but couldn’t close it serving for it in the fourth. Hewitt fought back and actually served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth but failed to win another game falling 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5.

“I left it all out there again,” said Hewitt. Yeah, obviously you go through the pain barrier out there on the court. Everything happens so quickly. It was the same as Wimbledon. But, you know, was a great atmosphere out there on that court. The crowd was really involved. You know, it was nice to be able to turn it into a decent match.

“Tennis has given me the life that I have, and that’s the best thing. Obviously I’ve had a lot of success. A lot of hard work and dedication and sacrifices. But obviously at the end of the day, you know, tennis has given me this great life.”

I was also always of Hewitt’s playing style. He fought like few others and he really maximized his game. He’ll be missed.

Heat claimed promising Jack Sock while his countryman John Isner had no troubles with former US Open semifinalist Mikhail Youzhny. Isner’s looked good – he hasn’t dropped a set nor been in a tiebreaker, but once again who’s he played?

Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, Donald Young and birthday boy Dominic Thiem were also winners.

Overall, it’s hard to get geared up much for the first four days at Grand Slams because the top guys usually have little opposition thanks to the 32 seeding. That changes tomorrow when we finally see some good matches with real upset potential.

Novak Djokovic takes on Andreas Seppi who beat Federer in Australia in this round. I don’t think that happens Friday with the way Novak’s been playing – he’s looked the best of anyone, though again he’s had a great draw.

David Ferrer faces Jeremy Chardy and I think given the lack of tournament play from Ferrer I like the Frenchman in that.

And in the big match Rafael Nadal faces rival Fabio Fognini. Under the lights on hardcourts I think Nadal gets through, but Rafa still doesn’t look very sharp – and he may never again – so the Italian has a shot.

“The beat me twice this year. Before he didn’t beat me. He played great in Beijing. Finally I won the match. He’s a big, talented player. He’s a tough opponent for everybody when he’s playing well. So for everybody is a tough opponent, not only for me.”

It should be a fun match and a decent barometer for where Rafa is at.

Defending champ Marin Cilic has played well and he hasn’t lost a set yet. Milos Raonic faces Feliciano Lopez in a serve-fest. I think I like Lopez there over the ailing Canadian who’s now bothered by a back.

ESPN/ESPN2 has full coverage once again.

FRIDAY US OPEN SCHEDULE
Arthur Ashe Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Elina Svitolina (UKR)[17] vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)[13]
Not Before: 1:00 PM
Belinda Bencic (SUI)[12] vs. Venus Williams (USA)[23]
Novak Djokovic (SRB)[1] vs. Andreas Seppi (ITA)[25]

Arthur Ashe Stadium 7:00 PM Start
Serena Williams (USA)[1] vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)
Fabio Fognini (ITA)[32] vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP)[8]

Louis Armstrong Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Marin Cilic (CRO)[9] vs. Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ)
Eugenie Bouchard (CAN)[25] vs. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)
Jeremy Chardy (FRA)[27] vs. David Ferrer (ESP)[7]
Madison Keys (USA)[19] vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[15]


You Might Like:
Nadal Dumped By Darcis In Wimbledon First Round Shocker, Is The Knee Again An Issue?
Nadal Cruises Into Beijing QFs, Will Face Isner Friday; Rublev To Meet Zverev
Federer Survives, Serena Rolls At Olympics; Murray, Djokovic, Venus Today
Murray Wins In Munich Clay Debut, Thiem Crushes Fognini; Federer Friday In Istanbul
Fabio Fognini Fined $27,500 For Being An Overall Idiot At Wimbledon

Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

244 Comments for Federer Darts Past Darcis, Murray Struggles At US Open; Djokovic, Nadal v Fognini Friday

Margot Says:

Andy “struggles” indeedy but his supporters were having breathing difficulties all of their own watching that one.
RZ and Markus, your double act on other thread was soooo funny!, Hope you both keep your promises now…;)
@the DA
Was cheered by the fact that at the end of the match Andy looked fresher than at the start. Only Andy eh?
BTW Somewhere, lost in the mists of time, I’m pretty sure MMT was very complimentary about Mannarino’s ball striking. Of course could’ve been some other dude.


Michael Says:

Against Fognini, it is going to be very tricky for Rafa. But, the way he is playing so far in this tournament with renewed confidence, optimism, dynamism and aggression which was lacking all through after he made his come back, gives me a positive feeling that he should come through this tough encounter in 4 sets. But, Rafa’s path is strewn all through with very tough opponents and especially that much anticipated marquee clash with Novak in the quarters. It remains to be seen if he can go all through which if accomplished will turn him to be the centrifugal force he once was.

Well I agree with Sean that Roger is on a big roll and after winning Cincinnati, his moral and confidence levels are sailing at a new high and he thinks that he is right now playing his very best Tennis. US open is one of the favourite hunting grounds for Roger as he has made six consecutive finals here in the past. But his victory march ended in 2008 and since then, tasting the coveted crown once again has been elusive despite semi final stints on quite a number of occasions especially against Novak with match points in Roger’s favour which he lost by a combination of brilliant play by the opponent and some stroke of luck. And so this is the tournament, Roger heavily fancies to end his slam drought that has been daunting him right since 2012 !!

Novak seems to be in great touch but is yet to be tested and Andy appears to be a bit wishy washy. But who knows, he might have reserved his very best for the later stages !?


Colin Says:

Andy and Kim didn’t time things as well as they might have. If Andy had been in Miami for his usual training block, he’d have been better prepared for the humidity in New York.

Having said that, on BBC Radio this morning they said he had a cold. It’s been wet in London, but not particularly cold yet, so I suppose he could have caught the cold during his night matches in New York.

In the end though, it’s as you say, Margot. He just can’t seem to win the easy way.


madmax Says:

Well done to the Fed!

Federer, 34, needed just one hour and 20 minutes to see off Darcis and set up a meeting with Germany’s 29th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The Swiss star’s victory against the world number 66 in Thursday’s night session equalled Serena Williams’ record for most US Open wins under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I’ve enjoyed myself so many times, so many years. It’s wonderful that I can still experience it and play this well,” said 17-time Grand Slam winner Federer. “I hope this is not my last one, of course.”

Always a worry when up against a guy who beats any one of the greats, Darcis, the Rafa slayer, 2 years ago.

Federer played sublime, beautiful tennis. Was awesome to watch him.


Margot Says:

I saw that already madmax ta.
And Andy is “dour?” Yeah, right.


Thangs Says:

/* but Rafa still doesn’t look very sharp – and he may never again – so the Italian has a shot. */

Wow Sean, you couldn’t stop adding ‘he may never again’


sienna Says:

Anticipation is growing. If this continues then tables could be turned on Djoker. Federer with new armour and new found confidence.

Usually Kohlschreiber and Seppi can make a dent in a match against anybody but I doubt it will happen this time.
They look invincible and are playing pure hard killer tennis. It is like they are out there to impress the others.
It has been going on for a few slams now but the way the are going on about it in these early rounds are just incredible. The difference is shocking and reminds a bit of WTA slams a decade ago.


jane Says:

missed all of andy’s match but was tracking scores until after the third set (and the beginning of the 4th). once he won that 6-1 i knew he’d come back and take the match but had to run out.

didnt see any of fed either, though i saw his pink shoes on twitter. :) looks like he did race through easily. he’s on a roll.


jane Says:

so is hewitt officially done? was that his last match, or will he finish the year with smaller events?

i think rafa will cruise by foggy. just a hunch.

hoping novak doesn’t get embroiled in a long one with seppi but andreas likes the big matches: he almost beat novak once at the french, took andy to 4 or 5 sets at wimbledon this year, and then of course beat fed at the AO. he seems to rise up for the slams.

it’s supposed to get a bit cooler now, which is good, though early next week looks hot again…


Giles Says:

https://mobile.twitter.com/AndrewProchnow/status/639669969186357248
Is anyone aware of these stats on Rafa? If not educate yourselves.
Vamos Rafa!


Wog Boy Says:

jane,
Hewitt is not officially done, his last match will be at AO, as it should be. That will be his twentieth AO, and then he is taking over Aussie DC team.


Jock-KatH Says:

All the “biggish” names have been mentioned by Sean in this article – but what about Stan??? I say: Ignore him at your peril….

Hewitt plans to retire after Aussie Open – likely to be DC Captain thereafter, according to various media-bods.

The Fed. looks like he’s out for afternoon tea – difficult to see him losing before the final unless Stan can produce his magic – not giving up on Andy but a 5-setter this early is a bit worrying.


madmax Says:

Margot,

My thoughts on Andy, being “dour”.

You have to admit, he has improved and you can see why that term has been used – I felt the same at one time – he isn’t my favourite, as you know, he has grown on me though, over time. It’s just maturity, media presence and more of an understanding I think on how to deal with the public in many guises.

It did it for me when he was on mock the hoop and laughing his head off at the skits of himself as a puppet, and the jokes directed at him. He came up smelling of roses I think and won many more fans. Good on ‘im!

Colin!

It was probably a surprise!


Lapinroyal Says:

WogBoy
Just send you ou an email… Would be fun to watch Novak in Belgrade together…


Wog Boy Says:

Hi Lapinroyal, I got it, thanks. Just arrived 2am this morning from traveling (Eastern) Europe. I do have a big problem answering my emails from unknown reason, but I can access them. I’ll wait for the girls to help me to answer yours and I’ll send you my local mobile number so we can catch up in Belgrade, I am not leaving Belgrade until day I fly back to Aussieland. I don’t think it is good idea to watch Nole together, you are Roger fan;) instead we’ll go out to some nice place for a nice dinner and chats, better idea?
Talk to you soon my Canadian friend.


Wog Boy Says:

^^
If you don’t get my email to you through in a next hour or two, let me know and I’ll post my local Serbian mobile number on this thread, so my TX “friends” send me “nice” messages;) That number will be dead when I leave the country, Serbia is nice place, you can by active mobile card in every shop and nobody knows who is using it.
So keep an eye on this thread.


Wog Boy Says:

^^
The email is on your way, methinks, but keep in mind this is Serbia, nobody is in hurry not even emails, they take their time too;)


sienna Says:

eastern europe got big problems. Maybe Wogboy can explaine why Servië isnot willing to take in refugee. And why the asylum in eastern europe is extreme low. Travesty hardship speech comming up….


Noonen Says:

I’ll be so glad when that arrogant so-and-so, Federer,goes away.


jane Says:

sienna – leave it off these boards. it’s not a political forum.

wog boy and jock – thanks for the info on hewitt; of course it makes perfect sense that AO is his last slam.

jock – i hear what you’re saying about andy having a 5 setter and that taking something out of him, esp if he has a cold as margot said elsewhere. but these guys are super fit. i don’t think this dampens andy’s chances providing he’s well. novak had a similar situation at wimbledon, going 5 vs anderson, being down 2 sets, but still went on to win. i think andy had 5-setters when he won his slams too, versus verdasco it was similar. the only real deterrent would be the cold methinks?


Ben Pronin Says:

Federer played so unbelievably well last night. Darcis isn’t top level competition but he’s still a skilled player. For Federer to just plow straight through him so quickly is impressive. There’s winning routinely and then there’s what Roger did. I used to think that the lack of competitive matches hurt Federer when he’d face one of his rivals in later rounds, but I think this is good for him. He’s playing the way he wants to play and he’ll feel good about his game going against the top guys.


RZ Says:

@Margot – don’t think there will be TVs out in the woods, and definitely so cable, so I won’t be watching. But keep your eye on Markus. :-)


courbon Says:

Sienna, you lack of general knowledge is horrible.
Firstly, refuges do not want to stay in Serbia-they do not want to be in Hungary let alone Serbia-they wanna go to Germany, England….
So two guys, named George and Tony, decide to get rid off Sadam ( to get their hands on oil ), and make anarchy for the next 10 years ( and more counting ). I think America and England should take most of them because all this started with instability created by those two guys…
Anyway, this is all empty talk because you hate Serbs, no mater what is explained to you and you will continue posting crap like that.
What about your Croatia-they could take some right? You are hypocrite, uneducated,full of yourself-
Finish with the rant….ah, fell so good….


elina Says:

Still, but not as good as he used to be.


Wog Boy Says:

courbon,
Ignore “šoder damu”.


courbon Says:

Wog Boy-You are right, I should know better


Giles Says:

https://mobile.twitter.com/markalannixon/status/639639370820100096
Geez he’s so full of it. He doesn’t feel the heat or the humidity, he doesn’t sweat – lol. Happy as Larry.


Ben Pronin Says:

Paire up a set and a break over Robredo. Perhaps I was too harsh on Nishikori, Paire is trying to make the most of his opportunity and he is clearly playing well.

Also Kukushkin is up a set and a break over Cilic. So perhaps we jumped the gun attacking Dimitrov, too.


jalep Says:

Bracket update: Margot at the top!

Allez Benoit! 2 sets up on Robredo! Gosh, I love Benny – his tennis, of course.

Cilic getting beat by Kukush King so far… almost 2 sets ahead.


jalep Says:

Indeed a lot of people jumped the gun attacking Dimitrov ;)


jane Says:

i thought paire was fab vs novak in cincy. i’ve missed his matches here, but nishikori was serving for the match wasn’t he? or he had match points?

grigor was down 2 sets, and fought back to win two, but then he caved at the end of the 5th. i don’t know if people are being to hard on him or not.

but both nishikori and grigor have had a lot of hype. neither has won a masters and only one has made a slam final. so i think that’s why people expect more from them.


Ben Pronin Says:

The hype comes from them being very talented youths. And they’re smack dab in the middle of what should be their primes and they’re losing in the first/second round of slams. I think the reality is that Dimitrov just isn’t that good. Meanwhile I think Nishikori is this generation’s Tommy Haas. Loads of talent, great game, and when healthy he’ll go deep in big events. But whenever things are going well he gets hit by another injury and has to start another comeback. It’s tough, for sure.


courbon Says:

B. Paire is exciting player-I would love to see him going deep.’
Jalep-He ain’t bad looking also…+ french charm


jalep Says:

Kei deserves a break from the negativity imo. Just look at him. Playing with the likes of Andy and Nole — he’s simply out-sized by the final of a GS and even a masters. The hype is understandable – he’s Japanese and that’s rare to see near the top in tennis.

Dimitrov has had a lot of hype – far too much, agree with that. But he’s a bit young to write off and no, I don’t agree with Tennis Vagabond and his theory or ‘proof’ whatever that was. Still time for him.


jane Says:

i’d like to see just one of the two win a bigger event – a masters or a slam. then we’ll know they can break through at those events.


jalep Says:

courbon – delighted that Paire is back winning matches. He seems more mentally/emotionally squared away than a couple years ago. okay, good looking too – it’s his smile.


jalep Says:

jane, I didn’t say Kei would win a masters or a GS!

Dimitrov has a better chance than kei, physically and 24 isn’t over the hill.


courbon Says:

jalep-me too. I seen him play 4 years ago and I thought he was great.Then he despaired.Then I seen him 2 years ago playing amazing match the again despaired… so, I’m glad he is playing well and he is still relatively young (26 ).


Margot Says:

@jalep
I saw Paire at Queens a couple of years ago. Forgive me if I’ve told this story before btw. He was playing dubs against a British pair so me and my friend, right up close and personal in the front, were giving them huge cheers and whoops of support and Monsieur Paire was giving us very old-fashioned gallic glances….:)
He was the best server on court, but not the best doubles player and the Brits, established doubles players won, I seem to remember.


jane Says:

it’s interesting that paire is having this breakthrough; he’s 26 so he’s no spring chicken. but he’s always had great talent (and looks…;))

i agree with you jalep that it’s not too late for either grigor or kei, at 24 and 25 respectively. but it’d be nice to see one of them get a bigger title.


jane Says:

jalep my post was not in response to yours, just to be clear. i must have been typing at the same time as you. :) personally i think both are capable of winning bigger titles; they have the talent. i get what you’re saying about kei being small though, and he’s certainly injury prone. but if he can reach a slam final, he’s coming awfully close to the win!


jalep Says:

Margot, I remember you telling that story about Paire, yes. Liked it.

Paire has been plagued with at least 2 injuries (I’d have to look it up). The last injury time out took time out of his career, for sure, courbon. And he’s a gifted athlete – settled on tennis at an older age than many of the top players. But I’ve been following him since his first ATP final – I think it was in Croatia. Wog Boy and I talked about him back then.

jane, I think the ‘lost generation’ applied generally and liberally has annoyed me…lol…plus that, I’m tired and should be sleeping. Tonight is my last night shift – be back to my old self this weekend. Stocked up with a nice Cabernet and Chardonnay.


Margot Says:

Surely Stan’s “late” success should be inspirational to just about everybody, but especially the Kei/Dimi/Paire cohort?


Daniel Says:

Cilic won third and is a break up fourth set after tow on the line FH winners. He has a shot at semis, between him, Tsonga (who won first set) and Ferrer/Chardy


Jock-KatH Says:

Jane @ 10.29

Thanks – and yes I suddenly remembered Andy v Verdasco at Wimb. – inadvertently reminded by Sienna on another thread.

Looking forward to this evening —PS very little mention of Joe Tsonga by commentators – the new dark horse?


jane Says:

poor you jalep; my sister does the nights too, so i understand how difficult it can be.

daniel tsonga is playing well against net-rushing staks. and it looks a bit windy on that court today


Wog Boy Says:

Cilic looks more beefed up, or it is only me.


Wog Boy Says:

^^ “?” At the end of sentence.


brando Says:

@Courbon: surprised you wrote a response to the village idiot here but a brilliant post and I completely agree Britain and America should take in the most migrants. This entire issue arose 10 years ago when these 2 very nations pushed ever so hard for the Iraq war. Remember that BS UN presentation of lie after another by Colin Powell? Anyhow: the pretext, the justification for war? Weapons of mass destruction. And oh: we want to bring ‘freedom and liberty’ to the region. Right got it. Fast forward 10 years: ZERO weapons found, millions deceased, tens of millions displaced, a entire region in chaos with ethnic warfare rife, a sudden militant group emerges in the chaos who have gained weapons, power out of nowhere etc etc. So much for ‘bringing freedom and liberty’. And now the poor innocent people seeking their human right of survival, safety flee and the same countries who ruined their homeland now got a problem with accommodating the people’s whose lives they set into a motion of chaos. It’s absolutely disgusting and pathetic how these poor souls are being treated. GERMANY: major respect for housing over 800,000 of these refugees and welcoming them with love. BRITISH/AMERICAN political mafia: shame on you for being ever so ready to destroy the homes of these poor people yet being ever so slow in helping them when they merely ask for help in surviving. This is a humanitarian issue NOT a migrant issue as some pathetic, rich warlords stooge politician’s are trying to paint it to be. It’s time for some showcasing of heart and decency, NOT this pathetic double standard that has routinely seen certain elite nations ruin many a nations around the world for many decades, centuries on end. Apologies for the rant, but I had to let off. Out!


Ben Pronin Says:

This is a tennis forum.

You can try here: https://www.reddit.com/r/politics


jane Says:

wog boy i can’t see him right now as t.v. showing tsonga, but i did notice in his last match he seemed less lanky.


Wog Boy Says:

jane,
That happened last year prior USO too, he was beefed up too and it paid off.


courbon Says:

Brando-great post.I’m not anti-western or pro russian or anything like that…but, some stuff boils my blood.

Ben-Yes Ben, it is not political forum so next time Sienna writes biggoted stuff on this blog you should say something-because she has been doing it constantly for last 3,4 months but I do not remember you complaining or sugesting reddit to her…


Daniel Says:

Cilic had multiple BP’s to go up 3-0 serve fourth set and now 5-5. Kuku wants a fifth.


Wog Boy Says:

Both of them are really hitting nice groundies, lot of winners, TB now.


Ben Pronin Says:

I don’t read Sienna’s posts. I also don’t moderate comments but I would gladly delete her nonsense. She is flagged often, though, so I don’t know why that one got published.


Wog Boy Says:

I was wrong, no TB, not yet:)


Wog Boy Says:

Can I continue my last post which was about tennis…but Cilic paid the price after the USO last year, his body and mind collapsed.


brando Says:

@Courbon: thanks. Same here: don’t care them at all really since they all look the same to me regardless of proclamations of being upholders of certain values. They are just corporate stooges. But like you, this situation is maddening, infuriating in how callous, heartless some appear to be regarding the dire situation of the refugees. Stems from a place of bigotry, prejudice. Just plain saddening to see. Back to the tennis since it is what the forum here exists for.


Wog Boy Says:

And we have fifth set.


courbon Says:

Yes, go back to tennis!
Comone, Kukushkin-Borat will be proud of you!ù


FedExpress Says:

Kukuhkin playing the role of gilles simon. Better watch out the rest of the draw. Cilic will peak after that


brando Says:

Damn Kukushkin takes it to 5th. Would not surprise me if Marin loses today. He’s been average all year infact: post Open win. Which kinda confirms what many felt about that: a glorious, one off for Marin.


Wog Boy Says:

They are hitting tones of winners but tones of UE too.


Wog Boy Says:

Kukushkin is know choker, hasn’t he choked one against Nole?


courbon Says:

Ben, got it;


Wog Boy Says:

Bugger, there is electrical storm here, I lost the picture on my TV.


courbon Says:

Wog Boy, maybe is Koala chewing your aerial-check that first…


Wog Boy Says:

Or Tasmanian devil, I am on my way to the roof now.


FedExpress Says:

As expected cilic goating now


courbon Says:

Wog Boy, remember Tasmanian devil from Dusko Dugousko? My favorite caracter as a kid


Wog Boy Says:

courbon,
You will be pleased to know that it wasn’t neither Koala nor Tasmanian devil…it was my neighbor trying to steal my areal..I took him out..


Wog Boy Says:

^^ “it was” and not “it wasn’t”.. methinks?


Daniel Says:

Defending champion is through. Waiting winner of Chardy x Ferrer. Think it will be Cilic x Tsonga Quarters and Cilic has a real shot of reaching at least Semis to face most likely Novak.


Wog Boy Says:

courbon,
They are little bloodthirsty and aggressive animals that are very much endangered species, very rare form of cancers is attacking them and there is no cure for that, they are decimated in their natural habitat. They are trying to save them by isolating healthy ones.


Daniel Says:

Love this Novak outfit, blue suits him nicely.


courbon Says:

Wog Boy, thats some tough neighbourhood you live in.Stealing aerial? Phwww;;;
Anyway, Novak about to begin.


Wog Boy Says:

courbon, it is your neighborhood too, you should be quite familiar with it too;)


Daniel Says:

Hmm, Djoko broken to love, let’s see if Seppi holds.


courbon Says:

WB-Read about it.
And Seppi breaks Novak…Novak 7 unforced errors..uh,uh


Daniel Says:

Djoko missing a lot for 3 games, 7 errors already.


courbon Says:

WB- I know, its probably my cousin Steva…


Daniel Says:

Break back, order restored.


courbon Says:

Breaking Bad…


jane Says:

daniel i prefer novak’s night outfit – red with navy trim. i do like him in blue but the white trim seems too preppy and sailor-ish. but if he can sail through this match, i’ll take it. ;)


jane Says:

cool visuals from the NYTs on where it all began for a number of the top players: novak, fed, murray, sharpie, serena/venus, kei, etc. have a look at the courts!

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/03/sports/tennis/tennis-courts.html?_r=1


jane Says:

so far bouchard and cibulkova are even


RZ Says:

Hey all, I’m signing off till Tuesday. Margot, please cheer on Mr. Murray on my behalf and Markus, please keep your side of the bargain. :-)


Daniel Says:

C’mon Djoko, break and lead 2-0, avoid tiebreak


Daniel Says:

Liked to other outfit as well Jane. Also Fed in white and pinkish was cool.


Daniel Says:

Love the USO camera level on players. We can see how flat they hit. Seppi’s balls almost always goes inches above the net.


courbon Says:

White and pinkish? My 7 year old daughter has outfits like that…
Don’t blow it now Nole.


Daniel Says:

Yeah Courbon, but that is the irony, Nike was able to make a cool outfit with it;-)


Daniel Says:

Well, Djoko won’t lose this match now, will go workout. Come back later for Raonic x Lopez which could be a long contested and Nadal x fogging at night.


Wog Boy Says:

How is Nole playing, I can’t watch it, because of f..ing equal rights my girls outvoted me and they are watching some stupid Brad Pit movie..and I can’t watch Nole, equal rights..BS.


jane Says:

ha ha wog boy. too bad girls win. :)

he’s playing good, not great but very solid with flashes of his best. it’s almost like he’s doing just enough to get by?


jane Says:

f-lo and milos wearing enough hair gel between the two of them to choke a horse!


courbon Says:

WB-Novak is Ok-how is Brad?


mat4 Says:

@WB:

I have no doubts that you studied school about Rosa Luxemburg and Clara Tsetkin…


mat4 Says:

Anyway, you haven’t missed anything. Nole is playing crap.


jane Says:

i sure hope so mat4; thank goodness for women who fight for their rights.

meanwhile novak abut to get broken serving for the match? sigh…


Heather-Flower Says:

Fed the Great!….Peter Pan of tennis!….moves like a dancer and never has injuries…sublime, poetry in motion……forever young, and a young god !….Vive Suisse! :) H x


courbon Says:

Thats funy Jane..what’s up with Milos’s “Clark Gabel” look?Is that trend in Canada? No offense, but every famous Canadian I know has dodgy haircut-Milos, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber…you should train some hairdressers in the country not just lumberjacks;


jalep Says:

I’d fight for my right to watch Nole. Sheesh though, he let Seppi break him serving for the match!

Nole’s legs and footwork is mesmerizing to me. Much rather watch him than Brad Pitt.


courbon Says:

mat4, WB skip that class and went to watch “Emanuela” in local cinema…


jalep Says:

Legs and footwork are, not is…
should be sleeping.


mat4 Says:

@jalep:

I much rather watch Angelina Jolie than Brad Pitt. Thanks godness for women who just don’t need to fight… ;-)


mat4 Says:

Nole’s saga in that third set continues…


jalep Says:

haha, courbon you are on a roll.


courbon Says:

Heather, can I have happy pills you are taking?


mat4 Says:

@Courbon:

Emmanuella 1 or Emmanuella 2?


FedExpress Says:

That monkey celebration from nole after he got the break back like he won a gs was the highlight of the match


jane Says:

gosh fedex, you sound like queen-angel-giles. poor you.

AJDE NOLE!! :)

courbon, my dear, you are looking at the WRONG canadians. :)

mat4, BOOOOOOOOO


jalep Says:

mat4

You know? I like watching Angelina Jolie better than Brad Pitt too in general, except maybe early Brad and when he doesn’t try to be serious.

But I have had to fight for my rights – not a screen beauty like Angelina. Would I be working night shift in a psychiatric unit if I were? Hell no!

I’m a feminist too – not ashamed to say ;)

Great match – Cibby and Genie!


jane Says:

“Much rather watch him than Brad Pitt.”

me too jalep. there are a number of others i prefer on the silver screen too.

glad novak came through. it was getting a little complicated for him at the end there.


Wog Boy Says:

Let me start from the beginning:

@jane, thanks for the report.

@mat4,
Sure I did learn everything about Rosa Luxemburg and Clara Tsetkin.

@jalep,
What rights, I am the only man in the house:(

@courbon,
I prefered Pier Paolo Pasolini and “Decameron”.
BTW Frenchie, don’t you worry, you are heading my way..you have girls too:)


jalep Says:

Milos going to retire?


Wog Boy Says:

Finally about movie, it is really stupid and still is going on, Brad Pit is playing Austrian cought in Tibet problems, quite naive movie..and the girls are still watching..Brad Pit, not movie.


courbon Says:

Let me start from the beginning:

@ Jane-I know-cool ones Leonardh Coen,Oscar Peterson,Dan Aykroyd, Neil Young, KD Lang…lots of cool Canadians with cool hairs.

@mat4: Number 1, off course

@jalep:Are you resident in clinic or working there?

@ WB-I know-I already had to watch High Scholl Musical last night…well sort off.
I use to love watching ‘Porky’s’


courbon Says:

WB, you don not have to watch-you can always go and a


courbon Says:

and ask komsinicu to borrow some sugar


jalep Says:

Courbon, do you have to ask? :D

Milos seems fine now.
Genie won!!
ah snap. RBA beat Goffin :(


Wog Boy Says:

courbon,
The problem is, komsinica has pretty big husband and he is at home and I am on the third floor, don’t really feel like jumping of the balcony, those days are gone..long gone..


Daniel Says:

Tennis Gods are against Raonic, what was that return form Lopez clipping the net at 3-4?!


Daniel Says:

S&*^%t, I should have picked Lopez in my bracket, somehow I thought Raonic would rise in slam. Now Raonic 2 sets down, only oracle for him to revert this score, Goffin already out, messing my picks:-(


FlyingDoctor Says:

with goffin out this could be novaks easiest draw


jalep Says:

Goffin retired Daniel…he was my pick to meet Nole next round. But I picked Lopez over Raonic because I thought he (Milos) wasn’t quite over his other injury – maybe.

Milos is still in this. Definitely winning the battle of hair gels.


jalep Says:

Great rally – what a point!


mat4 Says:

It seems that everybody is melting under the sun.

Tennis under the sun… good title for a AG novel… or not.

@jane:

Come on… You can’t be serious… Feminism in the matriarchate… It’s just like the joke about youths wanting more socialism in the Soviet Union.

@jalep:

Joking aside… I don’t like to watch Angelina Jolie. Tonight I’d like to watch an old film, perhaps the Big Sleep with Bogart and Bacall. Or another episode of Inspector Morse.

@WB:

I forgot most of the films I watched, but I still vividly remember the Canterbury Tales. I even believed for years that Pasolini made the Satyricon (it was Fellini).


Daniel Says:

I need Chardy to upset Ferrer jalep. Use the same logic you use ref Raonic: Ferrer isn’t quite there yet. Chardy was a break up but already gave it back.


jane Says:

jalep, good to know you’re a card carrier; us “ladies” have to stick together, ha. ;)

speaking of the “ladies”, i know she is largely unloved and unfriended around here and at large, but i don’t care; i am super happy for bouchard for going this deep – totally unexpected! :)

it’s a shame goffin had to retire with cramps. novak said he wasn’t feeling too well on the court today either. : /

but, hello, novak still could face rafa and tsonga before the final. not exactly “easy” imo.


jane Says:

“the Big Sleep with Bogart and Bacall” – now that’s an oldie but a goodie mat4. lauren bacall had the best hair!

courbon, speaking of hair, glad to know us canucks have good styling going on too! :)

wog boy, poor you; i really do feel for you. it sounds like an awful film.


Wog Boy Says:

@mat4,

I am pretty sure I watched entire trilogy from Pasolini, but I can only vividly remember “Decameron”, I’ll check the other two if I can find thrm on internet.


Wog Boy Says:

@jane,

Thanks, it wasn’t easy to go through the night.


Daniel Says:

Seema Raonic lost his serve. Without it his average at best. Lavks confidence as well. Did not see Lopez winning in three.

Now Serena fighting back and Chardy and Ferrer in a tense tiebreak.


jalep Says:

Well, it’s tough to tear myself away from tennis but somebody has to make some money around here.

Sure hope Chardy wins, Daniel. Bracket needs him. Reckoned that Ferrer wouldn’t be 100% and didn’t pick him.

Also picked Feli to beat Rafa. That was a mistake too, maybe. Lightening doesn’t usually strike twice.

jane, very happy Genie won. Had picked Ana Ivanovic over Cibby anyway. Bracket was already destroyed except for Serena, Vika, and Halep at this point. cheers.


Daniel Says:

Serena with no patience. Two straight games with 15-40 and she isn’t able to break. Another break chance now. She is rushing some points trying to win second ball


Daniel Says:

MS only made 4 Undorced Errors so far and two were Double fault. The longer it takes for Serena to break the more tense she’ll get. She needs to remain calm amd hold her serves, she has the advantage of serving first second set so Mattek can feel the pressure end of the set.

Ferrer close second set. That match can go the distance.


Daniel Says:

Serena breaks and will serve for second set. Tense match, MS is playing as best as she can but in the end is on Serena’s racquet. If she cut the erros and put the returns on curt she wins.


Daniel Says:

Wow, Serema was leading 5-3 30 and missed all first serves making 2 DF’s. MS breaks back. Only positive for Serena is break to close the second and start serving third.


Daniel Says:

6-5 Serena, 1 more shot to break otherwise tiebreak and that would be tense for her.


Daniel Says:

Wow, Serena had 0-40 and got the break and the set on third BP. She is 2-16 in break points.

Now that she got the set think she will play more loose and got the breaks when they present itself.


mat4 Says:

Chardy’s FH is devastating. He has a good chance in this match. So far the better player.


Daniel Says:

Actually he has a good shot at reaching semis, next is Cilic and than probably Tsonga in Quarters. Winnable matches as Cilic is not in super form.


mat4 Says:

Ferrer breaks back. It’s not over yet.

Chardy has always had the potential to be a top 20 player, but he needed time to mature.

Since May, his results are better and better, and now you can notice that he started believe in his chances.


Daniel Says:

Nadal x Fognini with some nice points and they are spanking the ball, 3 breaks of serve already and Fognini had chance to break back again. Nadal leading 4-1, Foginini needs to hold serve because he was broken 2 times he served.


jane Says:

paire, chardy, tsonga and gasquet all still in it. the frenchies are playing well.

seems to me fognini is rushing too much.


jane Says:

there’s the dancer again, at rafa’s match. lol.


Daniel Says:

Nadal is playing great, harldly missing anything and covering the court as well aa possible with defense. Fognini made some nice winners out of nowhere but needs to improve his serve to have a shot.


jane Says:

fognini stands way too far back, so not taking advantage of any balls rafa leaves short. also making triple the errors of rafa. rafa not making hardly any: only 4 midway through second set.


Daniel Says:

Fognini was 40-0 than makes a DF at 40-15 and lose the game because he didn’t come to the net and Nadal hitting as always one more ball until Fog misses. Now wins 5 straight points and will serve for second set. Fognini only ahot was to hold his game and put some pressure


mat4 Says:

@jane:

Fognini is doing n’importe quoi, alterning the brilliant with the stupid. Nadal is playing so short, so predictive. His FH looks so average compared to Fognini’s flat FH, although — and while I always feel some guilt when I write this because of GG and Okie — he’s so ripe, so big, so pumped that, I guess, unca Tony has doubled the dose as a medicine for his recent problems.

I won’t watch this game any more, and I just hope Novak won’t play against Nadal in the heat of the day.


Daniel Says:

Nadal cut the erros and is more agressiva in the FH, which he had a lot of winners but he is still playing short and Fabio is inconsistant. That game 40-0 up at 4-4 cost him ant chance. He should at least prolong that second set.

Will see, maybe he relax as he has nothing to lose anymore and steal a set.


jane Says:

mat4, i shouldn’t think novak vs rafa would be in the day but who knows.

seppi hit 38 winners vs novak in 3 sets.
fog has hit 21 so far.
rafa 12 winners.

but fog’s serving is not cutting it.


Humble Rafa Says:

Humble is back. Not that this forum cares but just pointing out the facts.


Daniel Says:

Fabio stopped the point the minute he hit and raise his finger. Cedric should have allowed him to challenge the call.


Humble Rafa Says:

MTO time


jane Says:

foggy strung together a few really nice games there, finally cut down on the dumb errors into the net and took advantage by stepping into the court. he’s so streaky though.


Daniel Says:

Fognini doesn’t want to prolong this. He came down from 0-40 had 2 game points and makes two double faults. Will have to recover from a break down again if he wants to force a fifth.


Daniel Says:

Foggy returned with the bizarre misses. Feel like Nadal will cruise this set, 6-1 or 6-2


jane Says:

and then out of nowhere foggy does that – sheesh, jalep nailed it when describing him.


Rishi Says:

Watching Fognini play makes me realize that you can switch from being disinterested to nonchalant to brilliant within a few minutes.

That being said…surprise Nadal being broken just like that a couple of times. He seems to be playing right to the hitting zone of Fognini, and the latter just whips a winner now and then.


Daniel Says:

Take back what I said, Foggy breaks back with a bunch of BH DTL winners and hold with relative easy compared to previois games. Nadal maybe got tense and missed a few returns giving Fabio free points. Nadal to serve 2-3 after leading 2-0.


jane Says:

when foggy can cut down errors, and step in, it makes a huge difference. he can utterly dictate with heavy, powerful winners.

but rafa’s gone a little bit off the boil too.
rafa with 14 errors; fog with 40!


Daniel Says:

But almost all service games Fabio broke Nadal gave too many second serves. If Nadal serves well he can dictate with second ball also. But if he gives too many second Fggy is attacking


jane Says:

rafa’s forehand has been firing tonight and the serve has been quite strong too, although the second can still be exploitable. foggy’s come to net 37 times; rafa just 16, even though he has had some opportunities.

it’s getting interesting here. foggy with 15-40. if he can break and serve out the set, we’d go to a 5th.


Daniel Says:

Wow, what was this last FH in the middle of the rally Fabio hit?!?! Amazing power. Broke Nadal again and will serve for fourth set. Audience going nuts!!

Hope he serves and force a fifth


Rishi Says:

Is this the 1st time Nadal is plating a 5th set at the US Open?


Daniel Says:

Fifth set it is. Imagine if Fabio hadn’t lost that bizarre fane second set 40-0 at 4-4?!

He better break ealry because he will serve second and of the set goes close to the end Nadal will raise hos level and Foggy may feel the pressure at the end.
his shot is use momentum and keep playing the way he is, putring the returns on court and smacking DTL winners, ctting the silly errors and not giving free points.


tennisfansince76 Says:

I don’t remember fognini being this heavy of a ball striker


Daniel Says:

Or Fabio should be broken earlier, it work on his side last two sets😜


Daniel Says:

Fabio gives a game to love. Let’s see how he serves now.

When was the last time Nadal lost after being 2-0, Miami 2005 final to Federer?!


Daniel Says:

Foggy holds to love as well with two FH winners.


jane Says:

^ yes, and this is the first time someone forced a 5th vs nadal after nadal was 2 sets up since wimbledon 2008…


Daniel Says:

Regardless of the result this was a thing of beauty to watch. Insane amount of winners from the back of the courr by Fabio. Ball come short or in front of hos body and he unleashes. Remarkable!!


jane Says:

can foggy maintain this outlandish tennis!? it’s been something to behold. he’s just pulverizing the tennis ball.


Daniel Says:

Wow, he is spanking the ball right now. Recover from 40-15 down and wins 4 straigt points to break. Serving next 2-1 leading. Hope the outcome was not as the Last two sets where Nadal broke first but lost both sets. This is an unique performance by Fabio.

But too much game still, 4 more holds or another break.


Daniel Says:

Damm, 0-30. He needs some free points now.


Daniel Says:

Nadal with a Wow game, with 2 signature FH including this one to break. Back on serve 2-2. Amazing match!! One winner after another


Daniel Says:

0-40. Nadal going to the limits and missing 2 balls by inches.


Daniel Says:

Third straight break. If Favio wants to win this he has to hold now. He can’t be giving Nadal too much morale coming back because eventually he will prevail. He needs to hold for 4-2 and put extra pressure on Nadal’s next service game knowing that he broke last two opening 0-40 in both games.

This is it for him!


jane Says:

crazy 5th set; 3 breaks in a row so far!
foggy 56 winners-45 errors.
rafa 28-16.


Okiegal Says:

I don’t believe it’s in the stars for my guy tonight! Foggy playing lights out!


jane Says:

make that 4 breaks. foggy can’t hold the lead. broken easily.


Daniel Says:

Fabio double fault to give the break back. 3 errors afer short balls. Nadal amazingly only have 16 Unforced Errors in a 3 and a half hours match with more than 250 pts played. Wow


Daniel Says:

0-30, will ot be the third 0-40 game Nadal serves?


jane Says:

nadal had a double fault that wasn’t called.
foggy would’ve had a double bp.

but he gets another and converts AGAIN.
5 BREAKs in a row.

can he hold, can anyone hold?


Rishi Says:

Wow….5 breaks in a row. Didn’t see that coming.


Daniel Says:

This is crazy, will any of them ever hold again? 5 staright breaks and Fabio uses a timeless drop shot to break

He needs to serve more calmily, sometimes he rushes too much. Take the pace put of the serve and put all first serves on courr, just to have Nadal second guessing.

It’s his third straight chance to take the lead. Do it!!


Daniel Says:

Sensational FH winner. Now he will unleash, confidence sky high. 40-0


Daniel Says:

Fabio DF at 40-0. Nerves..


jane Says:

jeeeeeeepers, foggy’s shots!


Markus Says:

5th set looks like women’s tennis. Blah!


Daniel Says:

40-30. C’moj Fabio, don’t choke it


Daniel Says:

Can’t believe it, 40-40 after 40-0. If Nadla breaks here Fabio will collapse. He needs this hold


Daniel Says:

He swing volley in the wrong side. I feel sad for him already. This shot could cost him the match.


jane Says:

UM WOW – crazy crazy tennis.
foggy too nervous to hold methinks.


Markus Says:

Fognini is a pusher, by Ben’s definition.


jane Says:

Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard 1m1 minute ago
Fognini has this game in the racquet 4 times now. Deuce.


Daniel Says:

Nadal didn’t miss a single shot this entire game. Another BP. Poor Fabio.


Daniel Says:

Wow, courage!! The brave show be rewarded


Daniel Says:

How can Nadal not miss a single shot for 10 minutes?!?!?


Daniel Says:

If Nadal holds match is over. Why Fabio did you have to DF at 40-0?!?


van orten Says:

Well fognini doin everything to not win this match .
Nadal fightin but come on moonballing galore ..look at his winner ratio…fognini getting broken again after 40:0 Jesus h Christ..let Nadal just win..Nadal is not going to win this open anyways playing that short all the time..


Daniel Says:

Another 0-40. I think Fabio wants to break and miss MP’s next game


Daniel Says:

And he break to love, 7th staright game. Well, one thing is certain, a tiebreak is guarantee. LOL


Markus Says:

Pushers like Fognini, Nishikori, Ferrer don’t win majors.


van orten Says:

Chokin..eh serving for the match now


Rishi Says:

Hehe….did not even imagine this last set would turn out to be so interesting.


kjb Says:

Those last 4 points from Fabio were absolutely ridiculous.


Daniel Says:

Well Fabio, match on tour racquet, again


Daniel Says:

70 winners to 30


Daniel Says:

30-0, one mistake already, 30-15. Two points away


Markus Says:

Absurd.


Daniel Says:

30-30. Kkk


Daniel Says:

Fianlly Nadal makes a FH error. MP Fabio


skeezer Says:

Rafa Nadal…….Poof!
Buh Bye.
Fog da man.


Rishi Says:

Fabio wins!!!!


Daniel Says:

Congrats Fabio, you deserved it. historic match!!!

Nadal, as Fed before, losing a match in a position that never happened before in a Slam after 2-0 up.

But this match was all Fognini, who took everything on the rise and didn’t allow time to Nadal. Maybe Foggy will be the Cilic of this year because if he keeps this level…


jane Says:

incredibly gutsy tennis from fabio.
markus were you watching? he was hardly a pusher, ha ha.

commies rafa fans. so close. he served for it set 3 i believe. but fabio just played out of his skin.


van orten Says:

70 to 30 winners.. aggressive tennis and goin for the shots in the end is still rewarding on medium fast hard court.
Impressive fifth set from both. But fognini clearly with more gas ..rafa devastated..really sorry for him because he knows it’s gonna be only tougher from now on…


FedExpress Says:

Pure magic

2nd time nadal loses after being 2-0 being (miami final 05)
Nadal looked gutted at the end


Markus Says:

jane, I was going by Ben Pronin’s definition of a pusher. A pusher is a good term, from the way I look at it, not the sooty way that Ben makes it out to be. Hurray to Fognini! He played an incredible match.


Markus Says:

snooty, not sooty.


Daniel Says:

It happened to all tennis greats, losses and different kind of losses. After so much sucess they have it’s part of the experience process, cope with this new phase.

But now it’s clear that he is in another phase of his career and when or if he will contend for big titles anymore in weekends remain to be seen, clay next year is my take. But on HC, I doubt it, last HC final he played was Miami 2014, 18 months ago.


Okiegal Says:

Well congratulations to Foggi fans! He played a spectacular match! He meets Lopez next….Rafa had never lost a match in a major where he a two set love lead in 150 matches…..there is always that first time! But all and all I think Rafa is looking better in various parts of his game, he needs help on first serve attempts…..not sure about his shot selections either……but I’m not the one out there having to make a split second decision….I loved the match, even though Rafa lost!!


Ahfi Says:

I guess Djoker can now ‘djoke’ all the way to the final! Nobody left to challenge!……….What a ‘djoker’s’ draw!


Markus Says:

I really enjoyed this match. I would have felt the same had the outcome been different. Thank you Fognini and Nadal for an entertaining match.


danica Says:

WOW!
Fabulous Fabio. What a match! Amazing. Both of them warriors, great shot making, endurance… I am watching this match and thinking: “Nole has no chance against either of these guys.”

Rafa is back. Not 100% but he IS getting there. And Fabio… I knew he was a great player. But some of the shots were just out of this world. Congratulations to him for believing he could pull off an upset. Commiserations to Rafa’s fans and followers, this is a tough one to swallow, but the match could have easily gone either way. That camera view on the way to the locker room was just heartbreaking. Don’t give up Rafa!

Honestly, I am not convinced Nole would win if he faces this Fabio.


Ahfi Says:

Great, great match. They left everything out there. Fognini came out as if he was ready to go to bed… and then when bedtime was around the corner, MAGIC happened! Never seen anything like that! Well, good night, Fognini. Great job, Nadal. Painful to see anybody lose this type of match.


jane Says:

^ that was the weird thing about it. nadal was serving for a routine, straight-set win and then foggy started ripping the ball. once he pieced together those 3 games at the end of the third to break, hold and break again, it turned into an entirely different match. he started to believe. i thought when he was broken at the beginning of the 4th rafa would run away with it, but foggy would not relent and so many of his shots were such high risk. but he didnt back down. the 5th was another thing altogether with neither being able to hold, practically, till the very end. crazy match, so close.

who was that older spanish player who came down to yell at rafa, i.e., inspire him after he lost the 4th?


Michael Says:

Being two sets up against Fognini and to lose is indeed very cruel. Although it is not the first instance and this has happened to every great player before including Roger, yet this could not have come at a worse time for Rafa. He is in desperate need of morale boosters and reinvigorate his confidence at a big venue and the US Open looked like the perfect launching pad. He also appeared to be playing pretty well and it appeared that after some time, Rafa was rediscovering his groove. But it was abruptly cut short by Fognini who had different plans. The problem for Rafa I think comes from the fact that now a days he gets tired too early during the match sweating profusely and his body gets dehydrated soon despite intake of liquids. He is not able to sustain his play in an extended match especially the one which goes the distance as his level of play drops appreciably due to fall in speed, movements and service motion.

The results Rafa managed to achieve after his come back has so far been pretty disastrous even on his favourite Clay surface. People naturally expect more from Rafa as he has set high standards and bench marks in his career and except for the French Open, where he managed to reach the quarters, his record in the other two majors have been quite below expectations. I think this loss would have greatly dented his confidence and I do not see him winning any other tournament in the penultimate stages of the year as we move to indoor courts !!


Margot Says:

Only stay up past my bed time for Andy’s matches so thanks guyd ‘n gals for all your comments. Courbon you were rocking/rolling/inhaling/imbibing, or all of the above….;)
Sounds as if I missed a humdinger.
Comms to OK,GG, Brando and all :'(


jane Says:

at least gypsy might not be too disappointed? i think she quite likes fabio.


FedExpress Says:

That loss against raoinc at iw was the beginning of the end


van orten Says:

Rafas results are normal if you Look at the other top 10 players results this year except for the top 3

Nole fed Andy basically reach the final stages of every tournament they enter in 2015 except for a few early losses for fed in Melbourne mc and Madrid.

All the other in the top ten win a final here and there, reach a semi from time to time but consistently reach quarters or round of 16 or lose earlier. So no surprises rankingwise but because of the standards rafa set it just seems wrong what has happened this year

Can he bounce back? yes he can but I doubt he will win every close match on hc from now on due to his record there since us open 2013 and mostly due to the fact that more and more players can hang with him and make a rafa Nadal look tired and exhausted.
We have always known that shotmaking hitting less winners than most of his toughest rivals in the top 50 would cause Nadal problems in the latter stages of his career, simply because others hit more winners!! That combined with Nadal losing his über- defending mojo we all have been used to makes it all pretty easy to accept why he is just losing a bit more this year


Okiegal Says:

Thanks Margot! With my guy out, going hard for Andy!! He can do this!!!


Okiegal Says:

I thought Rafa looked better tonight than he has been. He fought hard like the old Rafa. I don’t understand why he would hit in the same spot for Fabio to line it up and go for the winner. He did this time and again. That needs to be fixed.


Lesego Says:

Haven’t watched the Nadal – Fognini match but I am willing to guess that every single forehand from Nadal was topspin and directed to Fognini’s backhand. I have always thought that Nadal will always be at the mercy of players who hit their backhands on the rise: Novak was the first to exploit this pattern of play, then a whole host of others have joined the fray: Nishikori, Fognini and even Murray.

I believe Nadal will change his predictive pattern of play but will also need to work on his weak second serve.


Daniel Says:

Agree Oki, Nadal played some points exactly the same from the BH side, when Fabio tryed to corner him there. When he hotted crosscoirt Fabio unleashed a FH DTL winner. Countless times.

But Nadal had the least error match of hos career I think. He missed less than 20 UE in five sets in 306 points. Unbelievable!!

He played too short sometimes but even so Fabio had a clear strategy and when a guy wins 70 out of his 154 pts with winners, not much you can do. That last game Fabio broke were 4 spetacular points one after another.


Jock-KatH Says:

Doubt Fabio has a strategy – he just plays when he feels like it. If it works, it works.


Okiegal Says:

@Daniel, Thanks for the response! Yeah, I saw it the same way. I kept saying Rafa do something different,
don’t hit that same shot in the same spot….Fabio was set and ready for it…..I got so disgruntled. But like I said in another post, I’m not the one out there making a split second decision. But, I liked his fight and his will to buckle down and break Fabio when he needed to……with exception of the last game. It was a battle royal……and he still has work to do…..

Top story: 2024 WTA Finals Day 4: Swiatek v Gauff; Sabalenka Reaches SFs