Federer Stunned By Isner In Paris, Nadal Survives To Face Warwrinka; Djokovic v Berdych Friday

by Sean Randall | November 5th, 2015, 6:32 pm
  • 206 Comments

With all of the Top 10 players on court Thursday and only eight spots in the quarterfinals available, someone had to lose today in Paris. And the biggest stunner was Roger Federer as the Swiss was bounced by American John Isner in 7-6, 3-6, 7-6.

“When I saw the draw and I saw I had a possibility of playing him in the second round,” Federer said. “It’s the kind of draw I don’t really like to see.

“I think with him it’s more can he serve big when he really needs it the most? Does indoors maybe help him there a little bit? Potentially. He’s got the size, got the power, got the angles. I thought he did very well today when he needed it. The breakers, he served great. Those are the ones he needed. That was the difference.”


The slow court actually played into Isner’s hands as the big man was more able to hit and serve through the court than Federer. That and Roger played two rather poor tiebreakers to give Isner one of his biggest match wins in quite a while.

“This is a very big tournament,” Isner said. “He’s an incredible player. My favorite player and the greatest of all time, in my opinion. It was a huge win for me. I’m very proud I was able to get it done.”

Federer also dismissed a right arm injury he first developed in Basel last week. Fortunately for Roger, he’ll have 10 days or so off before the London Finals, and Paris has never been a tournament he’s down that well at – reaching the final just once in 2011 when he won the title.

“I was just feeling my arm, but it didn’t affect me in the third set and it’s not serious,” Federer said.

He also brushed off any Basel hangover. “Maybe the eye was a thousandth of a second slower,” said Federer. “I mean, what do you want me to tell you? I was definitely not tired from last night. I was ready to go today.”

And for Roger when you play Isner this is often the result. You play tiebreak roulette and when you do you are going to lost a few. I’m sure he’ll trade losing these two in Paris overover losing two to Isner at the US Open two months ago.

Rafael Nadal also struggled with another serve-bot big man in Kevin Anderson, but he advanced saving a matchpoint in the second set tiebreaker to prevail 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.

Once Anderson, who rarely pulls out the big matches, lost the second set there wasn’t much hope for the South African, though he did hold break chances against Nadal in the third.

Credit to Nadal who’s starting to find the range after tough start to the year. This was a match I think he would have lost in March.

While Federer and Nadal went the distance, Novak Djokovic ran his win streak to 19 beating Gilles Simon 6-3, 7-5. The slow hardcourts set up perfectly for Novak who curiously was five times in the match.

“It happens. In sport there are days when you just lose your rhythm. You’re trying a bit too much and you lose a bit of confidence,” Djokovic said. “It was frustrating, I can assure you, losing four service games in (the second) set … It hasn’t happened to me for a long time.”

Also on Thursday, Andy Murray destroyed David Goffin 6-1, 6-1 (Murray’s lost just 4 games in two matches). David Ferrer overcame a break down in the third to end Grigor Dimitrov’s 2015 season. Kei Nishikori’s injury issues continued as he retired with a bad neck to Richard Gasquet, and Tomas Berdych beat up on JW Tsonga in straights.

So the quarters for tomorrow look like: Djokovic v Berdych, Wawrinka v Nadal, Ferrer v Isner and Gasquet v Murray.

Obviously I have to like Djokovic and I’ll take Murray who seems to be playing well. I’ll also with Ferrer over Isner who may have a letdown after that big win over Roger. Though Isner’s only win over Ferrer in six tries came at this event four years ago.

“It’s been a while since I have played him,” Isner said. “That’s sometimes how it works out. You play a lot of the top guys, three, four times a year. Some you never play. This will be a tough challenge for me. I know going in he’s never going to give up and he’s always going to fight. He’s an incredible player with an unbelievable work ethic, and he’s earned everything he’s ever gotten. It will be a fun match.”

And in the big match, I think I’ll go with Nadal. Rafa leads Stan 13-2 but obviously Stan’s much improved of late (however Rafa crushed him in Shanghai last month!). I just think Rafa’s actually got some confidence and he even played well last Sunday in his loss to Federer. So maybe a three set win for Rafa here?

And I’ll say again, the courts seem to playing very slow!

Tennis Channel has full coverage starting a 8am ET with Murray-Gasquet.

FRIDAY PARIS SCHEDULE
COURT CENTRAL start 2:00 p.m.
[10] R. Gasquet (FRA) vs [2] A. Murray (GBR)
[8] D. Ferrer (ESP) vs [13] J. Isner (USA)

Not Before 7:30 pm
[1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [5] T. Berdych (CZE)

Not Before 8:30 pm
[4] S. Wawrinka (SUI) vs [7] R. Nadal (ESP)


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Stan Wawrinka Survives In Dubai; Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych On Court Wednesday

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206 Comments for Federer Stunned By Isner In Paris, Nadal Survives To Face Warwrinka; Djokovic v Berdych Friday

Ben Pronin Says:

I agree with all the picks. I’m curious to see how Wawrinka-Nadal plays out. Will it be more revenge serving from Nadal ala Shanghai? Or will Wawrinka get his teeth into the match and actually make a match of it?


RZ Says:

“Stunned” is an overused word in tennis, especially when it describes someone losing to a top 20 player in a 3rd set tiebreak.


AndyMira Says:

Glad rafa passed the test of Anderson..it was never easy to square with a big server but it’s seems like that’s what rafa got lately..going to QF of course stan got the upper hand not only he played earlier yesterday but won in straight sets but rafa of late is a very different species than a couple of months ago so..


Dave Says:

That’s a good question Ben. If Stan can get his teeth into the match, I think he will win. That is a big if though. You just never know which Stan will show up. I can’t believe how slow these courts are playing this week. I noticed that Novak seemed to be fighting a bit with the longer rallies. He could struggle against Murray on a court this slow. Murray was in great form in Shanghai and look what happened. I think Rafa is in form enough to get a set off of Novak if they were to meet. I still don’t think he is ready to win against him though. He is getting closer and closer every week though. It will be an interesting few days coming up. From what I have seen so far, it seems like Murray is the only one that can beat Novak at this point being realistic. Having said that, anything can happen.


jane Says:

murray’s side has opened up with fed out. he should make it to the finals as i can’t see gasquet or ferrer beating him, and he usually handles big servers with no issue. on the other side, it’s tough to say who will come through.


skeezer Says:

“Glad rafa passed the test of Anderson..it was never easy to square with a big server…”

Rafa is lucky he didn’t have to face Isner. Anderson is no Isner.


skeezer Says:

“My favorite player and the greatest of all time, in my opinion. ”
Preach it John. Just another validation of who’s the GOAT.


AndyMira Says:

To skeezer,what are you talking about when you said rafa was lucky he didn’t have to face Isner instead of Anderson?Did you mean Isner better than Anderson who takes novak to 5 sets at Wimbledon?Or Isner serve much bigger than Anderson who served at one point to 232kmh?One last point rafa’s h2h vs Isner is 6-0!


skeezer Says:

Apples oranges…Isner took Rafa to 5 @ FO. Isner can play way better than Anderson indoors, plus Anderson is a well known cough cough finisher.
Anderson 95 ranked
Isner 13 ranked,
Shall we continue?


montecarlo Says:

Anderson is Isner + Knows how to hit groundstrokes


montecarlo Says:

And Anderson is ranked 12 and not 95 :D


jane Says:

this year, i do think anderson has stepped up his game and it’s more rounded out than isner’s, but i think isner is mentally tougher than anderson, a better finisher generally speaking.


AndyMira Says:

And Skeezer still not answer my question why he thinks rafa is lucky he didn”t have to face Isner?


AndyMira Says:

Agree with jane but sometimes isner also a choker,can’t finishing up when needed most especially when dealing with top players..but then very rarely players can stay on the same level with top players for hours that’s why the big four has dominate the tour for years.


Wog Boy Says:

jane,
Agree on both, Anderson improved as a player particularly his ground strokes but is known as a choker ..but I don’t mind he is a choker:)

I thought somebody is going to pick on what happened in Gasquet/Nishikori match last night (I saw that one but fell asleep for Nole’s), Nishikori served and after he hit thr ball racquet fell out of his hand, Gasquet won the point but Nishikori went to complain to chair umpire wanted to repeat second serve. I don’t understan on what ground he was asking to have another go at second serve, after he went on and on Gasquet steped in and told chair umpire to give Nishikori to have another serve. As of lately (since Chang is his coach) Nishikori is becoming little bit edgy (cocky).

Here is the link:
http://youtu.be/XukZc3eUYog


skeezer Says:

“answer my question why he thinks rafa is lucky”
It just was my sarcasm from the rafanatics who always claim Fed is lucky. I don’t believe in luck as a general rule. Realisticly, it’s a rarity in life.
Most all the time you make your own luck, which is working hard enough to put yourself in an opportune situation. Then good things may happen if you can work yourself there and continue to work your craft.
Smack talk luck is as good as the Lottery. So if you believe in the chances of the lottery, then good luck with yourself and your ticket!


jane Says:

true about the big 4 domination andymira.

wog boy, looks pretty straightforward to me. he dropped his racquet; he lost the point. the commentators even said he put stuff on his hands for grip. maybe he used too much, so again, he’s culpable. don’t see why he thinks he’d get another serve. i agree with you; i think chang changed kei’s demeanour somewhat.


FedExpress Says:

the chokers forget how to to choke vs fed


AndyMira Says:

To Skeezer,yes i’m one of rafa fan but i’m not one who claim that Fed is lucky..if he won then he won and deserve it..although i’m clueless here..lucky?in what terms?


Margot Says:

Lol RZ
“Even Isner” can win sometines. ;)


Travis Bickle Says:

Stunned by Ramos in Shaghai, stunned by Isner in Paris…
When something happens fairly often it can hardly be called stunning.
Does the cheesy SABR cliché now means “Stunning Adieus by Roger’?


montecarlo Says:

@wogboy

If you look at the replay, nishikori’s serve was let and thus he rightfully demanded and got a reserve.


AndyMira Says:

To Travis Bickle,It’s not nice to say that..and it’s not fair to judge roger like that nowadays..and i find your comment disrespectful to the great champion that he is.


Travis Bickle Says:

AndyMira, I apologize to being disrespectful to the great champion. I would go now and edit my comment to be “nicer” to the great champion, but this site does not have an “edit” feature.

I will be completely honest and let you know that I also disrespected the great champion by applauding his double faults and wildly cheering his unforced errors :-(
I promise I will change my ways though.


Wog Boy Says:

@montecarlo,
I saw that, but I am pretty sure chair umpire knows the rules better than you and me and that is why he gave the piont to Gasquet, and didn’t want to change his decision until Gasquet himself requested. It has something to do with dropping object on court or something like that, so unless you know more than chair umpire I’ll take his word against yours.


Rafavisionerix Says:

“Nadal´s crossing of the desert” by Guillermo Vilas

“Nadal has nothing to prove” by Jan Kodes

“The transformation of Rafa Nadal” by Emilio Sanchez Vicario

http://www.thetennisbase.com


roy Says:

losing to isner/karlovic/raonic on an indoor/fast court, 3 sets, can happen to anyone, even djoker this year. basically, anyone can lose a few breakers, or drop serve once. it’s not a huge surprise. isner’s win over federer on clay in davis cup, THAT was a shock, but hilarious too.


Wog Boy Says:

“I will be completely honest and let you know that I also disrespected the great champion by applauding his double faults and wildly cheering his unforced errors :-(

TB,
You didn’t ?


Chrisford1 Says:

Pictures of present and former players dressed for Halloween.
pic.twitter.com/jYlqP5qNy2

Now maybe Bickle is too down on Federer, but you have to admit his SABR “Stunning Adieus by Roger” was quite clever. And more a crack at the Roger obsessed writers than a dig on Roger himself.

The Fedtard writers and many of his fans just don’t get it. They typically, since the golden years of Fed being the only big fish around, pronounce how “Shocked!!” they are that Roger did not win all 4 Slams and everything under that. It has persisted, and just gotten ridiculous since 2013, denying he is in his tennis twilight. In that twilight, just like other older “greats” in tennis and other sports, he has become inconsistent but far less so than Agassi or Connors. In fact, aside from a few early exits, since 2014 he has been outstanding, week in and week out
In 2014 he gave Novak a real contest for #1, had him on the ropes at Wimbledon.
In 2015, he was #2 or #3 all year. Only one to beat Novak twice. Made two Slam finals. He obliterated Andy at Wimbledon. But sometimes, its over, to a nobody or top 20 player by the QFs.

And back to Bickle, his 2nd post is more clever innuendo about disrespecting a great champion and cheering his double faults and unforced errors.
Knowing full well that one of the more tawdry moments in tennis in 2015 was twenty thousand drunken Fedtards loudly disrespecting a great champion at the USO. That was hard to forget, as well as “tennis’s greatest sportsman” not trying to rein in his fans or slam them after the Final.


J-Kath Says:

A bit of cheeky nonsense is OK me thinks.


Gypsy Gal Says:

I thought Kevin Anderson was ranked 12,not 95? and was 10 as recently as October?….


AndyMira Says:

To TB,he!he!of all the reply i could imagine i got!!well..


Gypsy Gal Says:

AndyMira as a Rafa fan, from what ive read,youve always been quite fair and reasonable when it comes to Roger and Novak,youve even gone out of your way to defend Roger on this thread,im scratching my head as to why people would actually find that fanatical hmm?….


Gypsy Gal Says:

J-Kath as long as thats all it is,as long as people dont start to get personal….


AndyMira Says:

To GG,i don’t know whether you just complimented me or not,if not that’s ok..as we all know Roger,Rafa and Novak respect each other very much,no matter how fierce their competition on court was,the’re always gracious with each other,never bad mouthed each other and always complimented when needed..that being said..why we the hardcore fan can’t act like them?It’s not like we can have them much longer..3,4 years and the big four will dissolve permanently..and i for one will feel very very sad when one day Roger and Rafa will no longer chase the ball on court…


Gypsy Gal Says:

AndyMira it was all complementary,and i completely agree with your post,anyway im enjoying the way Rafas playing lately win or lose,going for his shots been more aggressive,although he has another tough match against Stan today,if he wins that he plays Nole i assume eek,but thats like saying i will wake up in the morning unless the unthinkable happens,like Dave said on the other thread i dont think Rafas at Noles level yet so no great expectations there,just hope that he can put up a better account of himself this time,on the other side i hope Andy makes the final and hes playing great tennis this week,would love a Nadal/Murray final,dont really get many of those anymore,and would love to eventually see that in a GS too….


FedExpress Says:

when will the groups for the WTF be announced?


Giles Says:

Next Friday I guess.


AndyMira Says:

GG,I also very happy with Rafa’s game right now..if only he can change a little bit more like more shots down the line,make his opponent run left and right that will surely make them unbalance..i’m sure he will gain more point..if you notice everytime he got the ball,he always gave them back to his opponent repeatedly..4,5 times in a row..the bad thing is his opponent already know this and they just stand there..waiting..and suddenly BAMM! they whack the ball down the line and there goes the winner..i think he let the opponent dictate the game and make him run which is bad for him considering his history with injury.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Andy ill call you Andy if thats OK?yeah true when BP up in that very first game he let KA off the hook by doing exactly what you said,KA was actually a sitting duck Rafa shouldve gone across the court,but the positive thing is hes been more aggressive,and seems although maybe its my imagination to be finishing points off quicker,and has more pop on the serve,and is getting cheap points by serving more aces,his game seems different lately,or maybe thats just me?….


calmdownplease Says:

The Gasquet/Muzz match is BANGING already
some great stuff being played by both of em.
Although Andy’s serve is off right now.
Now there’s a surprise.


AndyMira Says:

GG,you can call me anything you want,Andy,An,Dy..i’m ok with it..our man Rafa has endured so many injuries through the years..one of the reason why his serve don’t have a pop before is because his back injury from last year..i’m pretty sure it’s still troubling him..also his shoulder still give him trouble but like you said everything is working perfectly well lately..also the slower court maybe give his topspin a pop also..let’s hope he can pass a stan test later k?


Gypsy Gal Says:

Andy yeah unfortunatly its on while im at work,and i dont finish till 10pm,its something i hate as its on my mind while im working….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Rafavisionerix @3.41am, many thanks for that link loved it,and your post very true,another thing quoted yesterday by one of the commies was Rafa is the second best player ever after Coria at converting BP oppotunities….


AndyMira Says:

GG..sorry to hear that..although i’m sure you can always access the game by phone but it’s not same like watching your 40inch flat screen at home right?


Gypsy Gal Says:

Andy my mobile is very basic and can only make calls,also, 27 old people,some have pace makers,im afraid we are not aloud to have phones on at work unfortunatly,anyway ill cross my fingers and hope for the best,if not then no disgrace losing to Stan anyway,cheers though speak later….


AndyMira Says:

GG,good luck with your work..hopefully we’ll hear some great news later k?


Daniel Says:

Nadal, Berdych and Ferrer are atill fight to see who will enter WTF as #5, 6 and 7. Today can determine it. If Berdych loses to Djoko and Nadal beats Wawa, Nadal enter London in front of Berdych and only way for him to not be #5 is if Ferrer wins the title.

Almost sure Nadal will enter London as #5 and Federer as #3, which have them 50% chance of landing in the same group together with either Djoko or Murray. That would be 3 Big 4 in the same group, 1 guarantee to not play semis.


Daniel Says:

Just saw scores and Gasquet broke Murray third set. Did not see that coming.


Ben Pronin Says:

CF1 @ 3:58… I think you’re reading too much into the term “stunned”. If you go by the actual definition then the word is overused in all of sports, not just for Federer.

Stunned, shocked, upset… upended? I can’t think of too many others but these are just used when a favorite or heavy favorite losses, usually unexpectedly. Using “stunned” to describe Federer’s loss to Isner has nothing to do with a few fans who are still stuck in 2006 and think he should’ve won all 4 slams.


Daniel Says:

Murray just broke back, order restored.


Ben Pronin Says:

Gasquet winning a surprising amount of free points off his serve.


calmdownplease Says:

Great match bar the Muzz serve (WTF!)
Most fun of the tourney so far.
Felt a little for Gasquet even though he is from France
Joke!
Hope he makes it to the WTF, he would be a worthwhile replacement for Nishy.
weeeeeeee!


RZ Says:

@cdp – Gasquet is pretty much guaranteed to be an alternate at the WTF – unless he pulls a Dmitrov and decides not to play (doubtful, he’s played before as an alternate). Only Isner has a chance to pass him but he’s about 400 points behind so not looking likely.


Ben Pronin Says:

I’m kinda enjoying this new fighting Gasquet. He couldn’t sustain the high level in the end but he didn’t give up.

Murray pulls through. Could be a blessing in disguise. Something of a wake up call after 2 easy wins. I think he’d rather face Isner than Ferrer right now. Ferrer-Murray is going to be a long slug fest.


J-Kath Says:

Andy’s serve improved 3rd set – not before time. Got back for 2nd set –
oh my – GG – got my crystals out pronto!!!!
CDP – Yes, Richard at WTF – he has improved so much the last 12 months.


Giles Says:

WTF draw will be live on Sky Sports at 7.45 pm next Thursday. Vamos Rafa!


Margot Says:

OMG Dunno how Andy got out of that. Eek!
Gonna call him Houdini from now on.


Daniel Says:

It is confirmed Nishikori won’t play? What was tge reason he retired againt Gasquet?


Margot Says:

WTF groups announced Thursday night, according to Petch.


jalep Says:

Yay!!! PospiSock beat the Bryans!! hehehe…

Well done Andy… Congrats Andy fans! He’s going to pull a Montreal #lucky Rafa #even Andy can!

Heading out with my friends but will be checking scores.

Ajde Nole!


Daniel Says:

Ferrer just broke Isner, looks like one semis will be Andy x Ferrer and the other Djoko x Nadal or Stan. Even so, the best slow court players in the world in semis although Murray likes a fast HC as well and Djoko plays wel everywhere. But Ferrer, Nadal and Stan sure do enjoyed more success on slower courts.


RZ Says:

Apparently this is the first time Murray has made the Paris finals. So now even Andy has been to the final 4 there. Also he’s made the semis of all the Masters this year.


RZ Says:

@jalep – yay for PospiSock – still in the running for the WTF.


Daniel Says:

What happen with the match, suddenly scores vanished? Did someone retired?


Daniel Says:

Probably a bug, now returned and Ferrer closed the set 6-3


J-Kath Says:

Jalep & RZ

Evidently you found where I hid your “evenAndy” toys.


RZ Says:

@J-Kath: I think of it as a challenge. How many ways can I incorporate “even Andy” into a tennis thread?


Margot Says:

@RZ
“Even Andy” hasn’t made the Paris finals yet.
But it is the first time he’s made the semies.
;)


Chrisford1 Says:

Toss-up between Andy and Fed who has been the most consistent player in this year next to Djokovic, who obviously is having one of the best years any pro in the ATP ever had.
RZ points that Andy’s record making at least the semis of all the Masters is an achievement, and finally advancing to make the semis in Paris for the 1st time in his career. Not to mention winning a Djokerless clay Masters, beating a subpar Nadal in the Final.
But even Andy had problems with an early boot in the 4th round of the USO, and his infamous thrashing by Roger in the Wimbledon semis.

Still, if Andy gets more heart, he should become Novak’s greatest rival in the next few years, barring another Nadal resurrection. The Davis Cup or an improbable Barclays championship in London would do wonders in that area. Always thought Andy was more a “tennis genius” than Djokovic, an instinctual gifted shotmaker a la Fed. As has been said a gazillion times, Andy has the talent and gifts to be a #1 some day if he can get it all together.


RZ Says:

@CF1 – good question. I think Fed and Andy both have had very good years and with Paris, WTF, and Davis Cup still to go, the results of those would weigh in on who has had the better year.


Chrisford1 Says:

Yow! Ferru is showing again the nickname “Little Beast” is no accident as he tears the servebot apart.
Nice guy John Isner was again shown he has a ceiling in his career. Can have a great day and beat anyone, but will not sustain it for a trophy unless he is in an ATP 250 with a weak field.


FedExpress Says:

what a useless mug isner is


Ben Pronin Says:

Murray has been more consistent all around. Especially at this point, I don’t think there’s much debating that. The big difference is the duo major finals Federer reached vs Murray’s one, particularly significant is Federer’s win over Murray en route to one of those finals.

But as we say, tennis isn’t about h2h, it’s about how you do against the field.


FedExpress Says:

but ferrer is a bigger mug


Daniel Says:

Ferrer served for the match and was broken. Isner with minibreak in tiebreak now close to force third set


Ben Pronin Says:

Everyone a little presumptuous… Isner sets up a set point for himself with a clutch DTL backhand winner.

And a bomb pushes it to the third set!


Daniel Says:

And Isner will serve first Third set Ben.

The longer it takes the more it favors Ferrer but Isner definetly can win.


Ben Pronin Says:

This isn’t best of 5. If this set goes to a tie-breaker, it favors Isner. Not by much, though.

But definitely an interesting turn of events. How often does something like this happen to Ferrer?


Ben Pronin Says:

Really this favors Murray.


FedExpress Says:

wow. ferrer has been anything but clutch. 5 Bps wasted in the first game


courbon Says:

One thing is for sure-Rafa and Stan will finish very late tonight….


Ben Pronin Says:

Ferrer double break lead. Man what happened to super serving Isner? Broken so many times today.


J-Kath Says:

Ben – How does it favour Murray – He is one of two players able to deal with big servers (Nole being the other)


Ben Pronin Says:

Wait, what? Are you saying only 2 players can deal with big servers?

I’m saying the longer Isner-Ferrer goes, the better for Murray. He’s coming off a long-ish 3 setter so it’s good that his opponent will be, too.


Margot Says:

@Kath
I agree. Playing Ferrer is likeely to be gruelling. How I remember that infamous AO where David wore Andy out and he ended up knackered and with blisters for the final.
Much better for Andy to face Isner.


J-Kath Says:

Courbon – Where have you been? I’ve missed you. How’s your two sons – taking after their mother I hope.?


courbon Says:

Margot-your wish granted. Murray will face Isner…ups, Ferrer. (-:


J-Kath Says:

OK – Ben now you have explained – it wasn’t clear before. Seriously, others can occasionally beat big servers but not often – it doesn’t seem to create the same problems or Nole or Andy. Permission to prove me wrong ….


J-Kath Says:

All I can say is “C’mon Andy”.
Expect a slaughter in tod-day’s next match.
Off to do something boring – prepare dinner while the neighbourhood sents off Catherine wheels and I think my roof is coming off.
Seeyah. Cheers to Margot.


courbon Says:

J-Kath-I’m around, working a lot, playing tennis, sex, lies and video tapes…usual.
Now, I will repeat again-I have two daughters not two sons! Comprende?
My daughters have best of two worlds-Mums brain and Dads look.
P.S; -If I remember well you are from Edinburg? I just started working for on lady from Edinburg, here in Gascony.


Ben Pronin Says:

Federer and Nadal have very good records against big servers. No one really likes playing them, and they give them lots of fits, but wins are wins.


jane Says:

andy would’ve probably preferred isner, since he’s 5-0 over him, but he still has a big lead on ferrer at 10-6, so andy in the final most likely. let’s see how the other side plays out.


FedExpress Says:

why is birdshit still playing vs the big guys?


Ben Pronin Says:

^I don’t understand the question.


Margot Says:

Not exactly ecstatic courbon……Both are trixy in different ways.
Am really surprised Isner won. Last time I looked Ferrer was winning. He had a long difficult match previous round, perhaps age is at long last taking its toll on his type of tennis?


RZ Says:

So how quickly is Djoker gonna take out Berdy? I say under an hour.


Dave Says:

No Way. It will be more than an hour.


Margot Says:

Lol Courbon…..just checked score, thought WTH? Then checked your “oops!”
@RZ
6-2, 6-2. You reckon? Possibly a bit longer than an hour….a bit. ;)


RZ Says:

Yes it’ll probably be more than an hour. Just being snarky as I don’t particularly like Berdych.


Ben Pronin Says:

Surely it’ll be longer than an hour. Berdych is pretty bad but he’s not utterly incompetent.


FedExpress Says:

Berdych has strange knees


courbon Says:

Margot, that what heavy drinking of wine does too you…it slow you brain reflex…


FedExpress Says:

Berdych hasnt one convincing service game but still on serve


jane Says:

oooofffff, this court is disproportionately slow and sticky, making points tiresome to watch. what were they thinking making paris indoors – previously one of the fastest courts – into one of the slowest? we have clay and other slower hard court tournaments already (e.g., miami).


Ben Pronin Says:

Cruising on serve the whole time and now facing break/set point. Embarrassing stuff.


J-Kath Says:

Courbon @ 3.00pm – That’s why you forgot you’ve got 2 girls and not two boys….needs a friend to remind you. C’est la vie!


Margot Says:

@Courbon
You or me hon?……….;)
Must be so dispiriting being Berdych, so near yet so far and old father time marching ever on.
@jane
Agree re slowness of court making it tedious to watch. The comms were saying how well Crasquet was moving and how he was getting to the ball. I just thought the court’s so slow, he had a lot more time than usual.
Humidity indoors doesn’t help either does it?


courbon Says:

j-Kath- hmmm..; you may be right…anyway, I have two kids-and that’s a fact!
My man is struglling with Bedrych…


courbon Says:

1. Both ( I love wine )
2.Poetic and so true…
3. Crasquet? Joke or just too much of wine….?


Ben Pronin Says:

Margot, exactly what I’ve been saying! The courts are so slow, for guys like Isner and Gasquet, who don’t move well, don’t actually have to. The ball just loses all momentum upon hitting the court, but still bounces high up, so players have a relative eternity to get to the ball.


Margot Says:

@Ben
Wow! We agree…;) Makes it tedious to watch.
@Courbon
Always called him “Crashquet.” It fits. Tho a bit less these days.


J-Kath Says:

PS to Courbon

Am not from Edinburgh but did live there in-between bad moves….had a Georgian house in the “New Town” that we were renovating until the sunny skies of RSA promised improved sun tans….


courbon Says:

J-Kath-RSA? And all this time I thought you are watching tennis while rains…( it does rain a lot. But I love Edinburgh and Scotland ).
One thing I have to say-if you have a mix between Scotish and South African accent, I feel sorry for you…(-:
Margot:Ah, got it. Seriously, it is so slow…Nadal and Stan will finish at dawn ( he, he, he…good for Nole-if he pass Berdych! )


J-Kath Says:

Courbon – It is worse than that – my husband is American…I also love Edinburgh and Scotland…now live south-west Scotland from where the majority of my family originates….next time around I want to be born French


Daniel Says:

I don’t understand Djoko sometimes, why chase that ball from
berdych, fall and now risk lose tiebreak because he is still recovering. Sometimes you just have to conceed the shot to the other player and move on.
Hope he can regroup and avoid a third.

This is the best Insee Berdych play since AO


Daniel Says:

Unlucky Berdych, didn’t chaenge and the ball was good, 5-3 Djoko


courbon Says:

J-Katch- Ouch! American? Well, nobody is perfect… ( Some like it hot-best line! )
I like France, but French can be difficult…and


courbon Says:

…and all that kissing every time you see somebody


Daniel Says:

What a turn of events, now set point Berdych 6-5.


courbon Says:

Argghhhh!!!! Novak goes on my Nerves tonight!


Ben Pronin Says:

Berdych seems to have woken up out of a half-year long slumber. I think the last time he played this well was against Djokovic in Monte Carlo. After that he slowly and then rapidly became terrible.


courbon Says:

and here goes third set…


Daniel Says:

This is the Berdych we know, 2 FH errors in a row DTL

March point and serve Djoko


Daniel Says:

Damm Djoko


courbon Says:

Daniel, dont worry -this is only Novaks tactics to prolong the match so Stan and Rafa play all night while he sleeps …


Daniel Says:

Damm, touched the line. Djoko would have won the match in that shot. Berych already gor an impossible slice


Daniel Says:

Yeah!! Djoko one win away from another final amd going for history with 6 Masters won in a season.


courbon Says:

Finally! Berd was pretty good tonight…Novak average ( by his standards ).


Ben Pronin Says:

So passive, Novak, so passive.


Daniel Says:

Yeah Courbon was thinking about this, they will start minimum in 15 min, 22:45 hs local time, if it goes three sets and the way the rallies are eternal that could end after 1 am and tomorrow they will have to return 5 pm local time.


courbon Says:

Good night everybody


Daniel Says:

But we saw Djoko raise the level last two rounds, plus Nadal doesn’t have Berdych serve to win some free points, Djoko sire will broke his serve more easy than Nadal breaks his. Wawa, if come thorugh Nadal, could be a challenge for Novak.


Ben Pronin Says:

If Novak had to play one of them today, I’d prefer it to be Rafa. Wawrinka converts those set points and keeps blasting away. He won’t miss those shots like Berdych.

Nadal, though, yeah. He doesn’t have the big serve. He wouldn’t miss those forehands either but I think he’d have more trouble getting to that point.


J-Kath Says:

I find myself feeling sad for Tomas – he played as hard as he could play …not that I wanted Nole to lose – but it was the huge effort Tomas put in that I kinda felt – oh Tomas, it will never be enuf, and that’s what’s sad.


Dave Says:

For some reason Wawrinka doesn’t do well against Djokovic in best out of 3 matches. The best of 5 set matches are usually 5 sets. But the best of 3, Stan doesn’t seem to bring it against Novak.


Daniel Says:

2 lucky net balls for Nadal and he breaks, Wawa with awfull first serves, 3 out of 8


Daniel Says:

Hope Becker is tacking notes, Nadal BH on this courr is pretty solid and he is angle it a lot. Have to go to hos FH, which neither Anderson nor Wawa were doing. But I guess by now Dioko knows this already


Daniel Says:

They both are playing with too many spin, gosh can’t someone hot a flat shot for a change?


Ben Pronin Says:

Novak did the same thing, too much spin. I’m guessing it’s the surface. Why not take advantage of the high bounce?

True, Dave, true. Stupid Stan.


jane Says:

stan’s drinking espresso on the court. lol!

i think he needs it because he’s awful today.


RZ Says:

@Jane – probably he was watching the early matches and noted the tiresome points, which made him sleepy. :-)


Chrisford1 Says:

Daniel, where Djokovic has been eating Rafa’s lunch the last few years is working Nadal to protect his backhand, shot after shot until Nadal is way over and deep, leaving his forehand side open to a putaway shot. Clean winner, or one Nadal sprays or sails long, or returns it short for a net putaway.

Yes, his weakness is on the forehand side these days, but the backhand is what Djokovic hits to to achieve court positioning dominance over Nadal. 2-5 to Nadal’s backhand, then going for the strike to the forehand side.

Devious Serb!

I thought it would be 2016 when Nole got to a positive H2H over Fed and Rafa, but it may happen in 2015 at the upcoming WTF. So I hope Nole and Rafa play the Paris semi. That would tie up the wins/losses between the two. No guarantees though…Nads is looking a whole lot better now than he has in 2015 including the China swing.


Daniel Says:

cf1, bur latelly he is moving Nadal side by side more, 2011 he was hamerinf the BH but nowadyas he is movimg him and waiting the short ball for the kill. At least I am not seeing the constant attack on BH corner.

In the meantime, Wawa just doing a Nadal on Nadal and breaking back when Nadal serve for the set, 6-5 Wawa now.


jane Says:

it could be RZ… novak-berd was dull! so was what i saw of ferry-john. missed andy-reeshard as too early.

maybe the espresso will work!?


mat4 Says:

Hi, jane! Glad you’re here.

The surface is so slow, Novak just couldn’t hit through the Birdman. Then, the rebound is very high, and Berd used it well against Novak’s second serve return. And then, you can’t really hit flat against players using so much spin.

I hope that the courts won’t be alike in London.

The winner of the current match could make the final easily. Stan looks like a tank for commandos.

Take notice of the rebound in the current match.


jane Says:

hey mat4! quite the shift in surface this year indeed.


Daniel Says:

Wawa is not unleashing BH DTL, he had the shot on set point and played with way too many spin and Nadal attacked first


jane Says:

sorry margot, just saw your comment now. has it been more humid inside than usual? suppose that too could be a factor.

this tiebreak is interminable. everyone with the tiebreaks today…


mat4 Says:

Yes, I plan to sleep a few hours then to wake up for the second set TB. Then repeat the process.

After Shanghai, a very fast surface, this look like slow motion.


mat4 Says:

I just noticed that Berdych is playing doubles right now… Bon courage!


mat4 Says:

Incredible rally: Rafa first hit one of his legendary CC FH, but the court is so slow that Stan was clearly faster then the ball and managed to play a defensive shot. Then Rafa smashed, but then again, Stan jumped higher and made a smashed lob.

It’s for Ripley’s “Believe it or not”.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4,
Surface they use in WTF in O2 is identical to this one in Paris, I just hope that they layed it differently, to be faster.


mat4 Says:

WB:

I know it should be identical. But it never was so slow in Paris.

BTW, glad you’re here.


RZ Says:

Sounds like that espresso is paying off for Stan so far.


Wog Boy Says:

mat4,

Thanks, likewise. They probaly layed it differently this year and by adding different ingredients.


Wog Boy Says:

Pity, it is not going three sets:(


mat4 Says:

Hoped too. But it’s not over yet.


Daniel Says:

OMF Wawa, 30-15 and he misses two bizarre easy shots after excellent firrdt serves and short returns.

Sabed BP with another first serve. Still dangerous game for him


Daniel Says:

Sensing Wawa will lose this match kkkk third BP


Daniel Says:

Chokrinka!! Nadal break back with 5 or 6 Wawa errors on this game alone.


mat4 Says:

WB: Is there a way for them to play three sets, and then both lose?


Daniel Says:

Wawa will lose 7-5 this set. 6 straight points lost and Nadal hold to love last game as well. Momentum shift.


jane Says:

lol, wawa with a wee choke there maybe. needs another espresso?


AndyMira Says:

GG,where are you?I just saw the scores..my god Rafa always living dangerously..i don’t know whether my heart can take it anymore..


Daniel Says:

For Nadal is just to hit short that Wawa misses kkk


Purcell Says:

Just throw it away Stan………off to bed.


Daniel Says:

5-2 Nadal and 2 serves, third set it is and expect Wawa to implode and decide to go to bed.


Daniel Says:

Wow, what a mistake smash by Nadal!!


Daniel Says:

Back on serve, 4-5 Wawa serving


Wog Boy Says:

Danirl,
You spoke too soon, you jinxed Rafa.


Purcell Says:

Why don’t you just throw it away Stan?


Purcell Says:

Oops….congrats dear boy………


jane Says:

stan held on… and he may need espresso tmrw too.


AndyMira Says:

Rafa waste plentiful of chance to grab a set but just blew it away..i should’ve known to not count on him too much these days..


Wog Boy Says:

Daniel,
It is all your fault:(


RZ Says:

LOL I think for every match today someone has thought the result was going to be different.

@Jane – Stan will need at least 2 espressos tomorrow.


Daniel Says:

Guess Djoko will only tie his HxH in London. Had Nadal won today he could finish this year with positive HxH versus both Fed and Nadal.

As for Nadal, still playing short and so far for their: 0-3 vs Novak, 0-1vs Murray, 0-1 vs Federer and 1-2 vs Stan. Not beating top players and he won’t be contesting for big titles anytime soon.

But he is slowly building his “aura” back, a lot of scares act this last few weeks and almost did it again today, had 3 set points I think.


Purcell Says:

Grind the beans Stan.


mat4 Says:

It was a bloodbath, today. 6 tbs, 2 close three setters, set/match points saved… and finally, the favourites all won.

I hoped for a third set, in that last match. Alas! Life is so cruel.

Stan looks to be the big favourite to win it all, the way he plays. The surface suits him well too, since his faster than the ball, and he also defends against smashes quite well :-)


Wog Boy Says:

Too many espresso coffees might cause diarrhea.


skeezer Says:

Stan made Rafa Wawa!


mat4 Says:

You won’t believe me, but I felt a little pity for Rafa… especially since he will soon be bald.


Emily Says:

Oh wow, that was nerve wracking. Sorry to Rafa fans, but Stan has needed a win like this for a while. I really think he gets more nervous playing Rafa then Novak or Roger, but he seems to step up when he plays a tiebreak. Coming back from 6-2 in Rome, and 5-2 this time (but Rafa did produce some real unforced errors after getting ahead).

See if he can come back tonight, only has to play the #1 after all


Dave Says:

I think Nole will win tomorrow. Stan has to play within 16 hours of finishing his match. He doesn’t play well against Nole in best of 3 set matches. Has lost the last 7 best out of 3 matches against Nole in straight sets. Having said that, Nole looks more subdued this week than normal. That fire we usually see isn’t quite as strong this week. He is still fighting very well like he always does. I haven’t seen him this vulnerable since the Rogers Cup. He definitely was a lot more comfortable with the hard courts in China.


Okiegal Says:

Congrats to Stan fans. I thought it was a good entertaining match. Rafa 13 wins and 3 losses to Stan….. that’s a good stat. Rafa had his chances but couldn’t get it done. I think he has done well for it to be the worse part of the season for him….loud and proud fan!!


Wog Boy Says:

I guess it is hard to stay focused and motivated tournament after tournament, Nole is bound to have let down, better now than in January.


jane Says:

stan tried very hard to give rafa that second set. rafa said no thanks. lol.

wog boy you made me nearly spit out my good red wine with the “too many espressos” comment, ha ha. :P


Angel Says:

Murray will win this one. You’ll see.


FedExpress Says:

Rafa is back.lol. building his aura back.lol


skeezer Says:

Stan has become THE player that has suddenly put the SCARE into the top 3. He’s beaten Fed, Novak and Rafa in big key moments, and these guys know it. He may not be as consistent, but you do not want to face this guy in the draw. Loving it!


Margot Says:

mat4, you made me laugh with your comment about Stan being faster than the ball! Crashquet was yesterday too. Lol I think I might be!
And the bounce is insanely high. Andy’s second serve was bouncing so high it looked like Isner’s normal serve.
Crazy stuff.
As for Berd, every chance he had in the tie breaks he just whacked the ball out of court. Has he learnt nothing?


Giles Says:

FedExpress. You of all people shouldnt have much to lol about with your fave having been bounced out of Paris. He is resting and maybe you should too.


J-Kath Says:

Hope you are right, Angel, but what do you base your prediction on? (tempted to ask if you have a line to upstairs)……but I won’t be so crass…


Margot Says:

Lol Kath. Lucifer or Gabriel, you reckon?


Wog Boy Says:

“Hope you are right, Angel, but what do you base your prediction on?”

On hate for Nole.


Gypsy Gal Says:

I really wish these people who claim to know so much about the future,would give me some horse racing tips or the winning lottery numbers….


Gypsy Gal Says:

Wogboy hate for Nole,why would you think that,it sounds more like hate for Murray if anything?….


madmax Says:

Some silly comments on this thread about Roger’s loss to Isner.

Isner is always a tricky player. With those incredible serves, no one is safe. Reminds me of Karlovic.

Whilst there is no doubt that Isner has improved in terms of his movement, what can you do against a player who is playing cannon ball shots against you?

It was a close match. That seems to have been strategically missed as an observation.

Could have gone either way. It went John’s way, (I found it a bit boring tbh) and am sure Roger hasn’t lost any time in moving on.

For some reason, Roger has never done that well in Paris, won the tournament once.


Wog Boy Says:

GG,
You’ve been long enough to get to know Angel(a) and his/her “love” for Nole.


Wog Boy Says:

^^ “long enough on TX..”


Gypsy Gal Says:

Wogboy my apologies i read it wrong,he/she said Murray would win not lose,your right i believe he/she is a Fed fan,and just going back some of the comments towards Nadal havent been too nice either,im thinking of that sketch on a French TV programme some years back,when he/she couldnt wait to put up the link for that,so its not just Nole….


Giles Says:

What on earth is the point of patronising fans of the player who has lost a match? Saying “sorry” means zilch. And don’t pretend you mean it either. Just be quiet. Congratulate the winner if you so wish but STFU about the loser. We don’t need your commiserations. Geez !!


J-Kath Says:

I’m sticking with Angel – if she’s wrong then I’ll hastily shuffle to the opposing team.

@ Margot – Definitely Gabriel (unless proven otherwise)

GG: Will let you all know if my other half wins the Lottery tonight. PS: I’ll be claiming most of it so I’ll be paying for all of you to go to Aussie Grand Slam 2016.

Abide With Me.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Giles who are you talking to?….


Giles Says:

^^^ Not to you!!

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