Nadal, Nemesis Fognini Set Up Miami Open Semifinal; Federer-Berdych Thursday

by Staff | March 29th, 2017, 11:02 pm
  • 209 Comments

No. 5 seed Rafael Nadal and his nemesis Fabio Fognini set up an unlikely semifinal on Wednesday at the Miami Open.
ADHEREL
Nadal overpowered No. 13-seeded American Jack Sock 6-2, 6-3 while Fognini upset No. 2-seeded Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2.

After dominating the first set, Nadal went down a break 2-0 in the second with Sock having four chances for a second break. But Nadal turned up the heat winning six of the last seven games of the match.

“I think I was under control during the whole first set. In the second set, it was so important to save that game at 0-2, 15/40, and then get the break back in the next game,” said Nadal. “It was two positive things in two straight games that probably created a lot of damage to him.”


Nadal leads the career head-to-head with Fognini 7-3, but the Italian underdog’s game has always given the Spaniard trouble, and saw Nadal go down at the 2015 US Open on the big stage.

Fognini advanced to his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semifinal, winning his first match in three attempts against Nishikori who was ailing with injury.

“I’m feeling really good on court and other times, so this is the best thing that I can have this week,” Fognini said. “I’m happy about my performance. Of course, the result is positive. It’s like a dream maybe. I’m just trying to be focused on my game and do my best.”

The 29-year-old Fognini became the first Italian to reach the Miami semifinals in tournament history. He is the first unseeded player to reach the Miami semifinals in 10 years.

“I mean, Rafa, everybody knows Rafa,” Fognini said about the semifinal. “We will see.”

Added Nadal on the matchup, “I know him very well and he knows me very well. We played a few times and he’s beaten me a couple of times, too. It’s a tough match… He’s playing well, so it will be a good challenge. I need to play my best, keep playing aggressively like I did today and hope to have my chances.”

Matches on court Thursday in the quarterfinals will be (4) Roger Federer vs. (10) Tomas Berdych, and (16) Alexander Zverev vs. (12) Nick Kyrgios.

Federer leads the Czech 17-6 winning their last six (plus 14 straight sets). Federer is 16-1 on the season and he’s trying to sweep Indian Wells and Miami for a third time.

“I wish it’s going to be like the Australian Open, but I know it won’t be like that,” Federer said of his win over the Czech in Australia. “Just not reality that you can come in and just beat top 10 guys basically at will.

“I think it’s going to be a tough match. He’s beaten me at the, I don’t know, Olympics, US Open, Wimbledon, in big moments, so I know he can do it.”

Berdych did upset Federer in Miami in 2010.

Kyrgios just beat Zverev at Indian Wells and will look to return to the Miami semifinals. Zverev is playing in his first Masters quarterfinal.

MIAMI THURSDAY SCHEDULE
STADIUM start 1:00 pm
WTA – [12] C. Wozniacki (DEN) vs [2] K. Pliskova (CZE)
Not Before 3:00 pm
ATP – [4] R. Federer (SUI) vs [10] T. Berdych (CZE)

Not Before 7:00 pm
ATP – [16] A. Zverev (GER) vs [12] N. Kyrgios (AUS)
Not Before 9:00 pm
WTA – [11] V. Williams (USA) vs [10] J. Konta (GBR)


You Might Like:
Rafael Nadal: Fognini Has Amazing Talent, He Can Hit Winners From Every Part Of The Court
Fabio Fognini Fined $27,500 For Being An Overall Idiot At Wimbledon
Fiery Fognini Loses 1st 13 Points Then Wins ATP Sao Paulo Championship
Fabio Fognini Fined For US Open , Could Be Suspended From 2 Grand Slam Events
Del Potro Rolls Into Beijing SFs, Will Face Fognini In Los Cabos Rematch

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

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

209 Comments for Nadal, Nemesis Fognini Set Up Miami Open Semifinal; Federer-Berdych Thursday

Kimberly Says:

Just returned from a great night session!

Not sure what Kerber problem was but uncharactertic errors, double faults on key points and luck of effort and energy throughout her underwhelming performance. She seemed annoyed also. Venus had great energy, played within herself and closed the net at the right moments. She is playing terrific tennis this tournament but kerber did help her out a bit.

Then the show everyone was waiting for. Stadium packed. Cocktails flowing. And the player I watched play mahut yesterday was nowhere to be found. Instead was Rafael nadal!!

The sock forehand is an awesome weapon so awesome that he leaves to much court open. And even the points he hit winners he was evidently frustrated at just what does it take to win a point against nadal. And nadal was impenetrable defense transitioning on a dime to offense. The match was only contested early in the second and while they both have a lot of brawn, clearly Rafa had the brains, winning points wiit play patterns that clearly had sock pretty frustrated.

I did not go to the day session but I will tomorrow! Feel badly as I have my day session to some homeschool tennis students who are Japanese thinking they would love watching nishikori and then he lost!


Aced out Says:

Everyone knows Rafa indeed and so shall you Fabio …. In the meanwhile check this write up out on Rafa, Roger, Novak and Andy http://www.138mph.com/decoding-the-big-three-murray-part-ii/


J.S. Says:

Kimberly….
So happy to see Rafa play so well against Sock, I admit I was nervous! Sounds like fun…..cocktails and a full house!
Enjoy and keep the reports coming :)


DC Says:

While Sock has definitely improved , he’s still not skilled enough to beat the top players when they are playing their A game.

Fognini on the other hand has been playing extremely well and when he’s playing well, his offbeat game has troubled Nadal.

It’s going to be an interesting tournament from here now.


skeezer Says:

Rafa is loving the slower surface, this kinda of speed is his sweet spot, and it shows. It is allowing him more time to get into position, and recover more. He is looking poised to win this whole thing.
Not feeling it with a Fed win over Bird this time. Hope I’m wrong. Fed’s game imo has been slowing down due to the surface, and can’t play as aggressive as he would like. Also his unforced errors are creeping back up. Hope Bird has an off serving day and that Fed has a good rest prior.


RZ Says:

On a tangent about Jack Sock, last year he said he was going to stop playing doubles to focus on his singles game. Yet he seems to be playing as much doubles as he had in the past, if not more, with many different partners. Maybe that statement was his diplomatic way to break up his partnership with Vasek Pospisil?


Daniel Says:

Skeeze,

As long as Fed does it in straights. The match will Berdych won’t be ling like Agut, 2 h 2 sets. They both have the serve and will go for a killer shot fast so won’t be that demanding on paper. It could go the distance but I hope not.

If he wins he will have to return tomorrow night to face on of the youns at least he will have. Some 3-4 hours more as that second semis should be 9 pm local time. Than a day rest for Sunday final. Scheduling is not bad but he got donhisnpart and winnas fast as possible.
Let’s see if he will play like Agut match or as the others, maybe that day was just his off day and he still won in 2 tiebreaks.


J.S. Says:

Okay I have to ask this question…..

Who do you think will win Kyrgios or Zverev??
If Nick shows up, I think he has the advantage, no?


Daniel Says:

Yes J.S. Nick has the better serve also.


RZ Says:

@J.S. – Nick has the better game, but Sasha has the better brain. So it depends on whether Nick is feeling motivated and can maintain focus.


J.S. Says:

Daniel and RZ I agree with you!!

But, Nick is a show boat and will LOVE the Big court setting…..Brain or Brawn??

Another 1am start time for me, UGH!!!


Pamela Says:

Nick has been playing really well and for the most part… has his temper in check… I think Sasha has a hard time with Nick’s game… last time (was it only a week or so ago?) Sasha looked like a deer in the headlights… Should be a good game though


Daniel Says:

Nadal served much better agaisnt Sock, deep serves even second serves. Sock was only able to make a few attacks on second serve qhen re run away completly and went for the winner as he left deuce side wide open. Foggy return better, let’s see how their serving goes.
Prblem for Foggy is that he always have some Double Faulst and he is not sure to hold all the time. Even agaisnt Kei he eas broken so, how mant time he will break Nadal will be key for hik because he’ll sire get broken eventually.


J-Kath Says:

Aced Out: The article you signal tennis fans to read was posted approx. 10 days ago….probably before you started to post? Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.


lakie Says:

It is Aced Out’s blog.


jatin Says:

Fed starts with a break.. amazing


jatin Says:

Serve comes out for a rescue


jatin Says:

Berdych hitting some deep and hard forehands.


FedExpress Says:

yep jatin, think federer will have to tough it out


J.S. Says:

NO way!!! Fed will win easily…..in 2


jatin Says:

As long as he serves well, he will be fine :)


jatin Says:

MAGIC


FedExpress Says:

oh that half volley drop shot, orgasmic


jatin Says:

135 mph ace from berdych


FedExpress Says:

berdych arrived, birdshit appeared


jatin Says:

Berdych Brilliance


jatin Says:

WOW… what a point by fed.. taking the ball so so early….


FedExpress Says:

*disappeared


jatin Says:

Fed on fire


FedExpress Says:

that backhand was porn


jatin Says:

FIRREEE


FedExpress Says:

orgasmic


jatin Says:

fED Express
LOL


FedExpress Says:

too good from fed


jatin Says:

GOD mode ON

What was that last shot…. Probably one the best drop shot I have ever seen from Fed.. Berdych completely clueless


jatin Says:

I have never enjoyed fed game this much… This is out of this world stuff


FedExpress Says:

dont get broken here fed


the_mind_reels Says:

Federer just hit a dropshot that left Berdych absolutely floored. I think Roger was at his chair drinking water before Berdych had picked his jaw up off the court.


FedExpress Says:

berdych ball bashing now. understandable


FedExpress Says:

and berdych isnt even playing badly


jatin Says:

26 minutes of absolute masterclass


jatin Says:

FedExpress
He is actually hitting some great forehands, event trying to take the ball early.


steve-o Says:

Flawless, aggressive tennis from Federer.


J.S. Says:

HAHA FED EXPRESS HAVING FUN WITH HER LIVE FEED!!!! XOXO


FedExpress Says:

*HIS J.S.


Daniel Says:

Hate this scheduling, another Fed match I am missing. Living work now but take 30 min sunway to arrive home. If he keeps this pace I will miss it entirely. But hope he wins as fast and unsweating as possible😜


FedExpress Says:

BP Berdych

unexpected


jatin Says:

Wonderful return from berdych
Break point chance


jatin Says:

Great forehand to save


jatin Says:

Another amazing forehand by federer


FedExpress Says:

He is just brilliant.


jatin Says:

Daniel
I am just glad I could watch him play, even if it is 2:00 AM midnight here (its better than day timings a as I couldn’t watch while on work) . I know how you must be feeling now.
Hope you can catch some highlights.


jatin Says:

What a backhand winner from fed


J.S. Says:

Sorry FedExpress – Orgasmic made me think differently
NOW I AM MORE IMPRESSED!!!

Chill…..Fed is fine, he is on a roll!! Just hope he can beat Kyrgios

PEACE


jatin Says:

TOOOOO goood


the_mind_reels Says:

This is outrageous tennis right now from Federer.


FedExpress Says:

highlights wont do justice, jatin

he has to watch the whole match


jatin Says:

JS
Who knows, maybe Zverev would beat kyrigous ?


J.S. Says:

NO WAY – JATIN
I sure hope you’re right though! Would love that!


jatin Says:

FedExporess
I agree.


FedExpress Says:

But Fed has to be careful

sometimes one break can be enough to change the momentum

like vs raonic at wimbledon the 13th game in the 4th set. broken from 40-0 and rest was self destruction really


FedExpress Says:

fed is the most complete player ever and in every department at least top 3 of all time


jatin Says:

He is TOO solid with his serve these days


jatin Says:

JS
Should be a cracker of a match.


jatin Says:

Backhand return


RZ Says:

@Fedexpress – except for break point conversion. I’m sure he lags quite a bit on that metric.


jatin Says:

sweet forehand from berydch


FedExpress Says:

crunch time arrives

both hitting the ball very hard and some sumblime touch in between


jatin Says:

Yeah, hope fed serves well


FedExpress Says:

fed making some risky 2nd serves


FedExpress Says:

2 BPs berdych

oh mannnn


FedExpress Says:

berdych serving for the set

shiiiiiittttt


Okiegal Says:

Fed lost serve……ummm


FedExpress Says:

fed completly lost focus


squirrel Says:

Just got my streaming working and all of a sudden, berdych serving for set 2?! Nooo. Aller Roger!!


Okiegal Says:

Berdy will follow suit I bet!


jatin Says:

COMONNNNN


FedExpress Says:

ohhhhhhhhh federer

you had him there

fed is showing frustration


FedExpress Says:

oh mannnnnnnnnn

sht feeling now

fed had so many chances in this set. the last point. uffffffffff


squirrel Says:

Ouch

Fed’s backhand fails him….maybe he’s runnimg out of gas? Can’t blame him though..


jatin Says:

Berdych played great in last 2 games.


Okiegal Says:

I was wrong….second set Berdy….I’m surprised……


jatin Says:

Fed will win this one


squirrel Says:

Hopefully jatin

Berdych is reading very well Fed’s serves and that’s dangerous..


jatin Says:

1-0
He will break tomas now


Daniel Says:

Guess I’ll got to se the end after all


J.S. Says:

I still think FED is okay…..
BUT didn’t want him to go 3 since he plays tomorrow.

Credit Berdych deserved that set. Still rooting for FEDAL final!


squirrel Says:

First time ive seen this year Fed is not controlling the rally. Berdych is in charge


jatin Says:

Tomas is showing the game with which he had troubled fed in the past.
But, fed just won’t lose today, not by showing such awesome tennis for most of the match.


jatin Says:

Comon fed, just try your best in this game.


jatin Says:

0-15..


Daniel Says:

Fed had a FH to go 0-40 but dis nothing to do shot. Should have broken to love. Still 2 BP’s.


jatin Says:

15-40….. FOREHAND


jatin Says:

Still have one


jatin Says:

Amazing anticipation
40-40


squirrel Says:

Damn..missed opportunity..


Daniel Says:

Morale game to Berdych, very dangerous.


Daniel Says:

Thank you berdych, should be 0-30 after sabing that game. Huge improtant point.


jatin Says:

Cant believe what I am seeing…. such dangerous returns from berdych


jatin Says:

3-2…


Daniel Says:

Even in middle of third set this match is umder 80 min. Will be faster than agut match even if ot goes to a tiebreak.

We all knew Fed wouldn’t have same easy task he had in IW where he won all mathes in straights, got a walkover and several matches just a bit ober 1 hour. Here wiuld be harder, as it was in AO later rounds.


jatin Says:

Last I saw fed playing amazing well and still lost was against Tsonga in Wimbledon 2011 quarters. It was very heartbreaking.


jatin Says:

SLICE
0-15


Daniel Says:

Wow, he almost broke Berdych spin, ebe qith ball out


Daniel Says:

Berdych is attacking Fed’s BH deep and heavy in that corner


jatin Says:

30-30


Daniel Says:

Huge anticipation for a Djoko like FH return winner😜


jatin Says:

on it on it on it
30-40
COmonnnnnnnn


jatin Says:

Advantage fed… please


pitchaboy Says:

Federer going back to old ways in last two matches. More backhand slices than attacking shots and several short balls. Rafa will eat up this Fed.


jatin Says:

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Daniel Says:

Time to serve Fed. Ace!!


jatin Says:

Glad the length of the match is still 1:30 hours (thanks to that breezy first set).


Daniel Says:

Pitchaboy, that has to do with how qell the opponents were playing as well. Berdych was hitting heavy FH to BH corner 1 feet frok the naseine all the time, not much you can do.

Nadal with his huge spin will allow Fed all the tile in the world. And he doesn’t have Berdych’s serve, who saved 3 of last 4 BP’s without even playing the points before Fed broke.

Fed will still eat Nadal serve for dinner amd anticipate hos coirt positin to get Nadal’s FH to his BH on the rise. Nadal is still playing short.


jatin Says:

pitchaboy
Fed won’t be slicing much against rafa for sure ( if both of them even gets there ). He knows how ineffective his slice returns are against rafa.
They do work against big server like tomas through. So why not :)


Daniel Says:

Both Agut and Berdych were hitting flat but even so Berdy missing sometimes as usual.


jatin Says:

15-15


jatin Says:

Fed has to serve it out now… Hopefully he will do it (Bad memories of Donskoy match)


J.S. Says:

I am betting on RAFA in final…..sorry


Daniel Says:

Damm it, 0-40. Now is the time to play os best and close


J.S. Says:

5-3 but 0-40 to close it out!


Daniel Says:

Didn’t even have time to write and he was briken to love. S…t


J.S. Says:

5-4 Break back……


jatin Says:

Things are happening exactly the same as Donskoy match.


FedExpress Says:

wtf was that? any1 explain please


Tiago Silva Says:

Federer seems tired. Cant get focus…


jatin Says:

Couldn’t even explained that donskoy match fedExpress, so how could I explain this one. I have no idea


pitchaboy Says:

That was a hideous service game. I believe the old Fed has relapsed at this time. I agree Berdych is hitting heavy shots but at the AO, Fed did not give him a chance.


jatin Says:

Fed just looks TOO TIRED


Daniel Says:

Yeah, MP Federer. Second serve please Berdych.


jatin Says:

1 point away.. so close.


Daniel Says:

Jes how many BP’s he saved with his serve this set alone 5 or 6


jatin Says:

Fed had match point in that last match here in miami against tomas and lost


J.S. Says:

it’s 5-5 folks…..


FedExpress Says:

surely fed is not losing another match when he had mp

this doesnt fit into this season

2 matches losses this season and two chokes?!?!?!


jatin Says:

Berdych looking TOO good right now… He has all the momentum..


FedExpress Says:

why choking? why?


jatin Says:

Serve coming to the rescue somehow


Daniel Says:

He has BP in 3 of 5 Berdych’s serve games this set. One more game to avoid tiebreak.


pitchaboy Says:

If fatigue is the issue, he will go down to one of the young guys tomorrow. He played three five setters at aO, but of course, his legs were fresher back then.


FedExpress Says:

i had a feeling at 5-2 when he chased down the smash from berdych he looked tired to me

but that service game was just dreadful. the 1st point. was he blind to not see the ball.


jatin Says:

Tie breaker is certain


Tiago Silva Says:

Federer seems tired. Berdych is in the zone…

Let’s how it folds…


Daniel Says:

This court also os too slow. Several of these shots Fed hot to Berdych’ feet wouldn’t retinr the way He is doing on a faster court.


FedExpress Says:

i wont trust fed in the breaker though he won he won a bunch of those lately.

the two ones vs donskey were enough.


jatin Says:

Last time they played the tie breaker here.. tomas won 8-6…
Comoonnn fed


steve-o Says:

Tiebreak, fingers crossed….c’mon Roger!!!


FedExpress Says:

the fabolous 1st set seems a distand memory now, jatin


jatin Says:

Yeah…. 3-3… I cant watch this anymore


Daniel Says:

Time to serve!


Daniel Says:

Berdych woth the minibreak.
Jeez, he was behind out match. 2 serves away from the win. C’mon Fed


FedExpress Says:

two official 3 set matches played this season, and all lost in the 3rd TB after havin MP(s)!?!?!


jatin Says:

Congrts tomas… solid play..
Fairy tale ends….


Daniel Says:

One MP saved by each.

Serve brave Federer


Daniel Says:

My heat!!! And I am goinng to the gym afyer


steve-o Says:

One MP saved…let’s see if he can save another.


Daniel Says:

Yeahhhhh. Berdych showing how to end a topsy turvy match. Woowwww


pitchaboy Says:

Skin of his chinny chin chin.


jatin Says:

AND YET HE SURVIVED


jatin Says:

I have shaking… Can’t believe what I SAW


J.S. Says:

WOW WOW WOW – Amazing for Federer to get last 4 points
KUDOS!!!!


steve-o Says:

Unbelievable! Federer wins the third-set TB, 8-6–the exact opposite of their last encounter on this court!


jatin Says:

steve-o
And after saving match point… Similar scenario…


Tiago Silva Says:

ouch… Federer won. Yes!!!

Altough i dont know if he will have the stamina to beat the kids next round…


J.S. Says:

It is SIMPLY AMAZING TENNIS!!!!
So Fun and happy for FED FANS!!! CONGRATS!


jatin Says:

Congrts daniel, fedexpress, steve o and all other fed fans.
It was the most thrilling match of the year.


Docmed Says:

Let’s give daddy fed a big hug he deserves one already people


Eric Says:

that was one of the most bizarre matches I have ever seen


jatin Says:

Can’t beleive I am congratulating fellow fed fans.. I had lost all hope when berdych hit that down the line backhand winner and leads 6-4. Fed just hung in there like a warrior…


FedExpress Says:

i die every1 when fed plays such matches

congratz daniel, jatin and fedfans

my heart is so weak. i should show more trust into feds mental strength after AO


Docmed Says:

He is truly better with age no doubt


jatin Says:

I don’t know how fed will recover for another potential long match as both the guys are super tough


jatin Says:

Time to sleep… See you tomorrow guys


Daniel Says:

This will just adds up to Federer aura right now. He is winnig saving multiple MP’s


FedExpress Says:

He will surprise us jatin

but to win 2 matches in a row will be tough

nadal fav to win the tournament imo but fed showed in this season who the best player in the world is atm. Fed is.


pitchaboy Says:

Nadal has to get past Fabio who has been a handful for him in the past. Fed will win if he makes it to the final; his chances of reaching there though is at best 50-50. He plays in 24 hours against a young pair of legs in a heavier and slower court under lights.


Daniel Says:

I am so pumped up didn’t even need coffee as a pre work out. Peak Adrenaline


Daniel Says:

Actually Fed plays in 25 hours.
And he likes the dark. He even said that the side light bothered him agaisn agut the same time as today’s match. I think he will be fine at night.

The two young can come to play or be overwhelmed. Thing Fed is fired up nos cloe to the finish line.


steve-o Says:

jatin, after seeing that, I think Federer will win the tournament…he has that extra intangible “it” going for him at the moment. He will just find some way to hang in there when all hope seems lost, and then the next match is a different situation entirely.

If he survives tomorrow, he will have a rest day before the final, mercifully. Will be tricky to play two days in a row, but I think he will figure it out somehow.


Daniel Says:

Also tomorrow they are hoth tall players and Fed can move them around. Their serve will be key


Daniel Says:

We thought the same about those five setter in AO, of coirse a day in betweennis just what he needs but he can take confor that he has Staurdsy off and than 3 or 5 weeks rest if he skips MC.


J.S. Says:

So excited for Zverev vs Kyrgios match – Funny commentators saying Fed should’ve lost……OH MY!


J.S. Says:

The stadium is empty – shocked!!! I would pay big bucks for good seat to this game……


steve-o Says:

Kyrgios wins the first set, 6-4.


steve-o Says:

Zverev is a little bit less aggressive than Kyrgios, he prefers to play longer rallies. But against Kyrgios that’s not an option, if he isn’t hitting the ball into the corners and cleaning lines, Kyrgios is just going to hit a winner before the point even gets started.


Daniel Says:

Yeah steve-o, Kyrgios suddenly hit flat DTL shots out of knowhere. And he tries some variation shots as well, come to the net..slam material. He just needs to want it!


Daniel Says:

Can’t believe we are 2 matches away from third Fedal in 2 months and second big final in same spam. Hope they play all US, Cincy and USO as well. They MUST play at least 1 USO match before they retire.


steve-o Says:

Zverev getting a few more long rallies now…the complexion of the match has changed and Kyrgios is looking fatigued. If it goes to a third, I think the advantage goes to Zverev.


Daniel Says:

What a tiebreak so far.


Daniel Says:

Wow, sensational lobby by Zverev. Set point and serve for him now.

Very surprised by his mentality. And what a way to close, with amazing defense after Kyrgios spanking the ball.


Daniel Says:

Hoping for another tiebreak. Fed needs one of them as tired as they can be for tomorrow, in less than 22 hours, by the time this match ends.

If Zverev wins both semifinalist will have saved MP, awesome!


J.S. Says:

GOOD STUFF


Daniel Says:

Fed x Kyrgios it is. The match that should have happened in IW.


Colin Says:

Kyrgios will need some physio on his knee, it seems, and he’ll have to watch the time violations. His multiple bounces of the ball before serving seem as compulsive as Rafa’s familiar ritual.


steve-o Says:

The knee is nothing. The mind is everything.

Kyrgios will want to give his all to topple Federer again, and he’ll ignore pain and suffering to do it. After the match he’ll have a physical letdown, but during the match I don’t think he’ll feel a thing.

Federer will have to be ready. I do hope he will have enough after today. Fortunately, there won’t be too many long rallies.


Nits Says:

Kyrgios is a sensational talent. His serve main weapon
So unpredictable He can get Federer if he wants that’s the way is for him. If he wants he can conquer all.


skeezer Says:

Nick showed a more mature game than Z this match( I know…Nick a mature guy? Lol).
This kid has uber talent, his head is the only thing that will keep him from greatness. He overcomes that, he will be the next dominate force in Tennis.


Aced out Says:

Federer is mentally tired but he needs to keep it up for two more matches. I hope he can. Here is a take on the mindsets of roger, rafa, novak and andy http://www.138mph.com/decoding-the-big-three-murray-part-iii/


J.S. Says:

Maybe Kyrgios will actually keep the tweeners to a minimum….it drives me nuts! Everytime I start to like the guy he does the show boating and it turns me off!

With that being said, I like Zverev and Thiem as the upcoming youngsters.

Go RAFA!!! and Go Roger!!! I want another FEDAL final :)


the_mind_reels Says:

@skeezer @J.S. — totally agree on the mental/tweener side of Kyrgios. He’s supremely talented, but the guy seems too focused sometimes on how to construct a point so that he can hit a tweener rather than just playing the most effective shot.

That said, his tweeners half the time are more than half-decent, so who am I to judge? I think it will come down to how much he actually wants it, and I think it bodes well for his future that he seems — perhaps just a touch — to be falling more in love with tennis.

Top story: Sinner Settles With WADA, Accepts 3-Month Ban, Won't Miss Rome, Won't Miss French Open
Most Recent story: Frustrated Nick Kyrgios Calls Sinner Ban A "Sad Day For Tennis"