Another Easy Win For Nadal In Barcelona, Dimitrov Saves MPs v Jaziri

by Staff | April 26th, 2018, 11:54 pm
  • 78 Comments

Rafael Nadal upped his clay win streak to 16 and his set streak on dirt to 40 after pounding countryman Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-1, 6-3 in the third round at the Barcelona Open.

“I am in a good dynamic,” Nadal said. “And it is normal that after last week in Montecarlo I fell a bit, but I think today I played better than yesterday, although after the match with Roberto Carballes I ended up with better sensations”.

Nadal, who is seeking an 11th title at the event, will next meet Martin Klizan in the quarterfinals Friday. After stunning Novak Djokovic in three, the qualifier Klizan took out 12 seed Feliciano Lopez.


Grigor Dimitrov was pushed to the brink and then some by Malek Jaziri 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(8). Jaziri held match points at 5-6, 30-40 in the third and again at 8-7 in the deciding breaker.

Dimitrov next faces Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarters. The Spaniard also had to save match points, vanquishing three in a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(6) victory over Adrian Mannarino.

Dominic Thiem powered through a tough first set then cruised over Jozek Kovalik 7-6, 6-2. The Austrian gets youngster Stefano Tsitsipas who impressed with a 6-4, 7-6 win over former French quarterfinalist Alberto Romos.

In the other quarter, comeback story David Goffin will face Roberto Bautista Agut.


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78 Comments for Another Easy Win For Nadal In Barcelona, Dimitrov Saves MPs v Jaziri

autoFilter Says:

“I am in a good dynamic”

Wow. Haha. This is what I love about Rafa.


Anto Says:

Who is this Stefanos Tsitsipas? He just beat dominc thiem 6-3 6-2. He defeated Albert Ramos Viñolas and Schwartzman enroute to his QF match.


Margot Says:

Anyone else as impressed with Tsitsipas as I am? He just thumped Dom pretty comprehensively. Just gets better and better every match. He’s fast, strong, has an excellent serve and is great at the net. Hope he gets to Rafa, then we’ll really see.


chofer Says:

I’ve always thought the generation 97-2000 would take over when the Old Guard retires. That leaves people like Zverev and under 21.

Chung, Tiafoe, Rublev, Khachanov, De Minaur, Shapovalov and Tsitsipas. (And my personal bet: Felix Auger)

The latter is 6-3 5-2 over Thiem now. Guess what? This tall hard hitter, all-court mover was number one in Juniors and has wins against 90% of the aforementioned. (I checked it out at the ITF page!) He’s 19.

Tennis it’s either old or too young. There’s life in the beast for 15 more years…

Chau millenials!


chofer Says:

Margot, Anto

Bingo!


chofer Says:

The last generations that impressed:

81-82

Federer, Coria and Nalbandian battled it out for number one. Ferrer, Robledo were top 10. Roddick was number one a year later.

87-88

Murray, Cilic Delpo battled it out. Djokovic never played the whole ITF circuit. He was too good apparently, and had wins iver the aforementioned.

Rafa is 86 and never played too much in juniors. His rival was Gasquet.

Next: crickets…

Next: 97-99.


chofer Says:

You could add 89 and put Nishikori, too.

But next, still crickets.

Everyone wonder why ’93 lone-genner Dimitrov was too good? He had no competition!

The early 90s sucks and blows crickets.


Margot Says:

chofer: We say “jinx” in the UK and I have no idea why. Obviously we are founder members of the Tsitsipas fan club!


chofer Says:

Margot:

LOL!


chofer Says:

A Tsitsipas-Rafa final would be fitting (and highly probable) since 13 years is mathematical true about the years that separates on great generation and the next.

13 years!

Unheard of.

BTW, Borna is 96, therefore too old, and too hot to be a champion. He could model for tennis cover-boy.


chofer Says:

Anyone else have the theory of names, too?

I thought Tsitsipas was too hard to pronounce to be a champion. Hello, vowels? Sampras was easier for export:))


Markus Says:

Dynamic translates to energico in Spanish which in turn means energetic or powerful in English. So it may sound weirdly funny when Nadal described himself but it was accurate. Even by itself it was apt. He has been dynamic since his return.


Markus Says:

chofer, Tsitsipas has a nice alliteration to it. I find it easy to pronounce and remember.


Margot Says:

chofer: how about “Young Greek god?” or YGG for short. Or Icarus as he’s gonna be flying close to the sun, Rafa, and then and then…. Of course his wings might not melt and we’d have to rename him…;)
Please forgive me Rafa fans, for even thinking such a thing…;)


Daniel Says:

Dimi also out to PCB. Was pretty sure it would be Thiem x Dimi semis.

Now hoping the young Aquiles to reach finals. At leats Nadal will face someone new. The player who challenge him the most this last 7 matches was Carbales Baena, a first time encoutner. PCB has no chance at all and will win 4 games at most.

Also Tsitsipas can use the points to increase his ranking.


Daniel Says:

Finally Nadal baking his first bagel this clay season, about time!;-)


RZ Says:

Chofer and Margot – I can be a non-founding member of that club. I’d have preferred to see Thiem win, but I do like Tsitsipas.


RZ Says:

@Daniel – 2nd bagel I think. He served a bagel last week, much to the dismay of us Team Thiemers.


chofer Says:

Margot

:))

I get it. So probably Rafans, too!

Markus

I’m dyslexic. Tsitsipas takes me an hour to spell:)) Pero hablo bien español, olé.

Prediction day:

The no-vowels Greek God reaches the final, when he’s the first man on Earth to take a set off Rafa, pretty surely a TB.

Then, he proceeds to be the first man, post-millenial gen, to win a Slam (before Chung or Zverev!). Where and when? Stay tuned! But beware, he loves clay!

Parthenon is re-named Tsitsiphanon to the joy of dyslexic scolars, who drop out out of disgust.

Remember, I’m dyslexic and you read it here, first!


chofer Says:

RZ

Thiem is generation Meh. Like Dimi.

There’s no greatness in them. Born at the wrong time. Sorry.


Anto Says:

Klizan up a break in the second set. May be he will be the one to break the set streak of Nadal.


Anto Says:

4-2 to Klizan. He is playing good. Nadal not that good. More and more likely for him to get this set.


Anto Says:

He is using drop shot very effectively vs Nadal.


RZ Says:

@Chofer, he’s certainly had a meh ending to 2017 and beginning to 2018. But I think Thiem will bad a FO (if nothing else) in the next few years. Rafa has to retire eventually.


RZ Says:

^ bag, not bad (and no, that wasn’t a Freudian slip, LOL)


jalep Says:

Tsitsipas win over Thiem is unbelievable to me. He’s up to #32 in the live ATP Race ranking. #51 in the regular rankings.

But I do like his wonderful Greek name and his tennis.

Yeah, surprised when I watched a match at MC — Very good on clay.


chofer Says:

2030 prediction:

A post-post millenial champiom from North Korea named Hon-Sung-Bah-Ton wins Wimbledon, defeating Xolon Poxiocateaptl from Mexico by way of Mayan descendants, while booth reporters live choke and die from rolling their tongues trying to call the damn match, which even extends to five sets with all breakers, except for the fifht, which goes 132-129 to the third Wednesday, adding injury to insult.

Queen Elizabeth II is still alive, though.

Remember…


Margot Says:

chofer @ 11.18. Fabulous post!
RZ @11.07. Of course and welcome. I love Preppy boy too, you know, but gotta say young Icarus looks more talented to me.
AM: Busta-Gut suddenly remembered how to play tennis and Gorgeous Grig forgot. GG was furious at the end of the match, but alas, dunno why.


RZ Says:

Chofer, let’s hope for your and Daniel’s sake (as well as those of us who’ll still be reading your posts on Tennis-X) that no one named Xolon Poxiocateaptl will ever play tennis professionally. :-)


Markus Says:

chofer, tienes dyslexia pero deletreas bien aqui en TX … mejor que Daniel. :-)

Hey, Klizan is a break up on Nadal in the 2nd set. Doubt if that will last.


Anto Says:

Klizan to serve for a set against Nadal on clay. The very first guy to have such an opportunity after 16 matches (i guess)


chofer Says:

RZ

Thanxs? :))

Markus

Gracias, gracias..

HR

Are you losing a set? How come? My crystall ball is exploding!


Markus Says:

Grigor seved. It may be out. Tsitsitsipas had a half-hearted return. Grigor hit the return and missed. The umpire ruled the serve in. Grigor lost the point Grigor complained. Umpire kept firm. Grigor wanted Tsitsitsitsipas to give uo the point, or say it was out. Tsitsitsitsitsipas did not. Grigor became furious.


Daniel Says:

Klizan already made history this clay season: held a ser point against Nadal.

5-5. Nadal to win 7-5 now.


Anto Says:

Klizan fucked up. He got broken after having couple of set points. Btw that reaction from Nadal kinda shows he cares about this set streak. At least I think so.


chofer Says:

Tsitsitsitsitsipas becomes bigger by the minute!

A whole quarter draw is given to him. His name is spread all over. He wins that draw by default.


chofer Says:

My crystal ball rests! Tsitsitsitsitsitsitsipas plays directly the final, as his name is impossible to deny!


Anto Says:

Will this set at least go to a tie break? I hope it does. I want Nadal to be challenged.


Daniel Says:

Yeah RZ, forgot about Thiem bagel.


chofer Says:

In all seriousness, tall heavy-flat hitters bother Rafa. The Soderling effect? Anyway, that Greek is playing the final!


chofer Says:

I can’t watch live, since Barcelona is out of scheduled in my Cable-TV. But I remember six or seven years ago that Klizan won Sttutgart (on clay) and I went thinking, boy, If that lefty ever learns how to use the brain! He would be unstoppable.

One of the mysteries of tennis. He has all the shots. I think he won Rotterdam,too. Without losing a set. What a waste.


Humble Rafa Says:

Queen Elizabeth II is still alive, though.

Remember

I thought everything you said was a joke until I read the part. Her Royal Highness isn’t going anywhere. I always worry that Charles will die before her.


Anto Says:

Nope it was not meant to be. The streak continues.


Daniel Says:

He had game point (1 set point) first in last 2 games but couldn’t convert. Nadal keeps his Set streak going.


Humble Rafa Says:

I can’t believe so many people are talking about Greek in public. Those things are meant to be private.


Anto Says:

@Markus, 11:53. Do you mind clarifying what that post is?


Margot Says:

Markus, not our Greek god, was Busta-gut playing Dimi. Dimi was furious started shouting, “I wont forget this!”


Margot Says:

HR I’m sure that is what HRH is hoping. She thinks he’s as barking as the rest of us do.


Margot Says:

Hey chofer, was me who paid you a compliment.
*leaves room sobbing*


chofer Says:

WOW Did Rafa got angry or Klizan started missing out (as usual), or both.

Anyway, I’m looking for live streaming as the F will be between the 13 years old gappers. I want to see that match!

Just a cursory look at ITF webpage and the Greek’s junior achievements and is quite impressive: De Minaur, El Shapo, Rublev. He’s won against half of the next-genners. Singles and doubles.

He has a nemesis, too. Canadian wonder Felix Auger. I think he’s the next one left to show up from that group.


Markus Says:

Oh, that was beyond spelling error, that was Carreno-Busta against Dimitrov, not the Greek with the never-ending name. Sorry!


chofer Says:

Margot

So sorry! Don’t leave, please!

Thanks. I was so focused on typing and avoiding dyslexia:-

I have everyone checked here, as far as whom they like or root for. In the abcense of Sir Undy; who’s your favourite?


RZ Says:

@chofer – I watched Felix Auger at Indian Wells last month. I really liked his game. Lots of potential there.


chofer Says:

Markus

I think the unpronounceable Greek has had, recently, a nasty fight with another player. But I can’t remember who!


chofer Says:

RZ

I’m totally behind him! He reminds me of Pete Sampras when a fisrt saw him, minus the serve and volley. Which is a shame, since I think he’s the most natural athlete of his age group.

By far stronger than El Shapo, Rublev, etc. He’s class 2000 so he’s not even 18! He has the elasticity of a basketball player. Pretty much like a Venus Williams for the boys. An incredible athlete. Very raw.

I wish he goes to the net more, though.


Margot Says:

chofer: of course I forgive you! I am a tennis tart so at the mo my favourite player is the lovely, young, Greek god. But of course I will change my favourite tomorrow….or even sooner…;)


chofer Says:

Margot!

You could make a very unfaithful girlfriend go blushing!:))

Stick to your man! He, he.


chofer Says:

Ohh Here it is!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwmwmSM4RTo

Against one of his junior rivals, no less.

Margot, I told you that he was trouble. You know that he’s no good!:))


j-kath Says:

HR @ 12.13pm
Don’t worry they’re talking Greek….think Tower of Babel! And PS: As far as half of the UK is concerned, Elizabeth II has still to be born.


Markus Says:

chofer, I think it is that other player whose name is a challenge to dylexics. He has an unlimited number of Ks in his name.


chofer Says:

No,no it is no Kokkinakis, It’s Daniil Medvedev!


chofer Says:

Well Kyrgios, Kokki, now Tsitsipas. Must be in the blood, isn’t it? Hot-tempered!


Markus Says:

I’m all wrong today. I’m useless so goodbye, everyone. My brain needs some tuning up.


Markus Says:

I’m all wrong today. I’m useless so goodbye, everyone. My brain needs some tuning up. But before I go, let me recapitulate:
Verdasco vs Kkkkkk
Medvedev vs Tsitsitsitsitsipas
Dimitrov vs PABCDEFG

Are those correct now?


Humble Rafa Says:

I think the unpronounceable Greek has had, recently, a nasty fight with another player

Hoofer,

This?

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Tennis_Interviews/53536/daniil-medvedev-speaks-about-hot-controversy-with-stefanos-tsitsipas/


Willow Says:

Ill join in the chorus of approval for the the young Greek god, very exciting player to watch ….


Humble Rafa Says:

Greek man of importance today.

Nickname is “Stef”.
He grew up idolizing someone who is Arrogant and in my stable.
Shares favorite surface with cows (Oh Oh)


Humble Rafa Says:

He has one handed backhand..

That may doom his career.


Daniel Says:

Djoko declined wildcard for Estoril, will only practice next week. He will drop to #13 as Agut will pass him. But as Fed won’t play Madrid he will still be #12 seed. Will not receive by and have to play first round.


chofer Says:

HR

He plays with a good amount of top spin, so it’s not that a straight thing, he.

He’s a mixed bag. Can do a little bit of everything but doesn’t have a HUGE weapon. Quick and fast. His BH can misfire, sometimes.

Not the way Thiem’s does, but a western grip goes a long way with top spin. Sometimes, the ball just stays on the racquet and you overdo that torque thing with the wrist. Instead of hitting a BH you look like you’re trying to fend off a mosquito with it. Weird. When the ball lands deep and fast, it can caught you off guard.

Make hit his BH on the run. And slice your serve WIDE to that side, Unless he learnt how to lob with top spin or block it back with slice, it’s a good tactic.

Everything wide to his BH it’s good. Everything predictable to his BH it’s bad. He likes to invert to play the inside out FH there. He’s fast. Beware.

Stay away from his FH. Unless, of course, you can play it wide out there or make it play on the run. I think I have a thing with the angles. I like geometry.

He likes to end the points at the net. Already said he’s fast? Good hands.

Kick serve. What about that trend? What about baseliners with kick serves? What about claycourters with kick serves!! That’s useless! That’s timidity. Serve and volley, damn it! That’s what the kick serve was created for! But is “safe” bc the ball bounce safely inside the box (and slowly, too).

I think he’s more technical sound and more aggressive than Thiem, though, but my mother also is also more aggressive than him.

He plays similar IMO. But more inside the baseline.

Best of all it’s his head. Hard to believe he’s only 19.

That’s all about I can say about him. Isn’t the Tsi-Tsi Fly responsible for paludism? Is there a vaccine?


chofer Says:

Not everyone can play a one handed BH with the mix of balance and power of Stan Wawrinka. That’s for sure.

It’s better than Gasquet’s, Haas’s, etc. That’s a semi western there. Hits flatter. Not exxagerated backswing. BH is better. No mosquito chasing.


Humble Rafa Says:

my mother also is also more aggressive than him

Watch what you say about Timmy boy. He MAY be my heir, future king of clay (after 2040).


Okiegal Says:

@Chofer…..You are not gonna believe this. I was going to post a comment that I thought I would call the kid from Greece “Fly”…… Because when I saw his last name I immediately thought of the tsetse fly!! (pronounced set-see)…….LOL…….funny, no???


Margot Says:

Great punning guys n gals, but I’m sticking with Icarus until when/if he beats Rafa, in which case I will re-name him Apollo!


Margot Says:

PS Love your in depth analysis chofer! And good to see Goffin back where he belongs too.


Anto Says:

Anyone seeing Nadal vs Goffin match? Some very good tennis played by both. Hope this continues till the end of the match.


Anto Says:

After keeping up with Rafa for most of the first set, he kinda gifted the crucial break and hence the set. The streak continues.


Anto Says:

Fantastic performance from Nadal thorough out the match.

Top story: Sinner Swallows Up Zverev For Second Straight Australian Open, 3rd Slam