Nadal Wins Again At French, Del Potro Downs Isner; Zverev v Thiem In QF

by Staff | June 4th, 2018, 4:54 pm
  • 140 Comments

The fourth round began at the French Open Monday in Paris. Two matches went straight sets, two went the distance.

Rafael Nadal upped his win streak to 13 and 38 straight sets after easing past 22-year-old Maximilian Marterer 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(4).

The German Marterer actually pushed Nadal early gain a quick break. And then again in the third when grabbed another before falling in a breaker. It wasn’t


“The match in general terms has been positive,” said Nadal. “6-3, 6-2 was a very positive 12 games for me. Then, in the third set, I had the chance at the beginning to get the break and probably take an important advantage to close the match, but I didn’t convert it. I then made a couple of mistakes with my serve, and then I suffered in a tough third set. I stopped legs a little bit, in terms of playing aggressive, and that, of course, made the match more equal. He’s a good player.”

The win was also Nadal’s 900th of his career. But he needs just three more wins to get that 11th French Open, which is the goal this week.

Next will be Argentine Diego Schwartzman who pulled off one of his best comeback wins against Kevin Anderson. Anderson overpowered Schwartzman in the first two sets, then led by 5-3 in the third and fourth before Schwartzman, after four straight breaks of serve to start the fifth, gain the upperhand in the fifth to win it 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(0), 6-2.

“It’s definitely one of the most emotional matches that I can say I have played,” said Schwartzman.

“I was a little bit upset because at the beginning of the match I didn’t expect the first two sets [to be so one-sided],” said Schwartzman. “I was thinking about my first three matches here, and I started the match with confidence. And then after one hour I was down 6-1, 6-2… Maybe that just helped me to be focused.

“After the second set I tried to start the third set… more aggressive, trying to play good points because he was dominating the match in the first two sets,” Schwartzman added.

Nadal leads Schwartzman 5-0.

“I know it’s [Nadal’s] second home, and it’s going to be a really tough match,” said Schwartzman. “I need to recover well, because against him I need to run a lot and do my best.”

Added Rafa, “I am in quarter-finals and the biggest test now is the next round… You go on court. You can win, you can lose. That’s the only thing that you need to be ready for.”

In the second quarterfinal from the top half, it will be former US Open champions Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic.

Del Potro gain revenge on John Isner for two Masters losses at Miami and Paris, with a comfortable 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory.

“Being in the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam, in this particular Grand Slam, is very special, is something I’m very happy about and I’m playing well,” Del Potro said.

“It wasn’t an easy match. John is very dangerous. Nobody knows what he could do, playing in a match,” Del Potro added. “The key of the match was only three breaks.”

Cilic rolled early against Fabio Fognini then hung on in five sets for a 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-3.

“It was a difficult. It was a tough day mentally. First two sets I played solid. I think Fabio was not playing that well. He was missing some balls, and I gave him opportunity in that third set,” Cilic said. “First few games in the fifth set I also was not returning well, and it was who is going to break first, and I was lucky it was me. I just continued to put pressure until those last couple points and then, lucky we got through.”

Cilic is behind 10-2 against Del Potro.

“It’s always a tough matchup between both of us. I think we are always playing some tough matches, and I believe this one is going to be, for both of us, very tough,” Cilic said. “There’s going to be a lot of points played from the baseline that can make a difference… I think, in these kind of matches, not many points are differentiating the players. So it’s going to be extremely important to play every single point on a high level.”

Said del Potro, “Marin is a great player. We know each other a lot. We have played great matches in the past, many five-set matches together… I know how tough his game is, but I will try to be even better than today, play my tennis, and then see if I have a chance to win.”

Tomorrow, the quarterfinals begin with Novak Djokovic the big favorite against Italian Cinderella Marco Cecchinato who is playing his first Grand Slam quarterfinal after the 25-year-old had previously never before won a match at this level.

The marquee match pits Dominic Thiem against Alexander Zverev in a rematch of their Madrid final won by the German. Thiem leads 4-2 overall and will be appearing in his third consecutive French quarter.

Zverev has won his last three matches from two sets to one down.


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140 Comments for Nadal Wins Again At French, Del Potro Downs Isner; Zverev v Thiem In QF

Willow Says:

38 straight sets that is some streak


chofer Says:

On clay, the weather is a factor like in no other surface. You can’t cover it like grass when it rains, and the humidity can make both the courts and balls heavier much more than a hard court does. And, oh, it gets slippery and dangerous to move along. You can dry the lines with towels on cement. Not so on clay.

What I mean is that is difficult to predict a match under these conditions. Because it depends on how quick a certain player can adapt, how he moves, how much spin he gives the ball, etc.

When I was in the old forum of tennis.com, many people, wrongly, assumed, for example, Nadal would thrive in heavier courts like these. They said: he hits with extreme top-spin, therefore he has safer margins. Wrong, wrong, three times wrong.

Heavy top spinners like Nadal can tame the wind with that margin better than flatter-hitters (there’s no such thing as a “flat” hitter, everybody changes spins in this game, more or less) BUT he relishes dry conditions because his top spin has “sting”. The ball bounces higher and livelier. And he (like everyone else) can move better. Nobody wants to “slip” when it’s drizzling. They want to run and slide, which is what you must do on clay. Today the Delpo-Isner match was a bummer because the two giants where absolutely more cautious than ever when they had to move. It’s like they were saying: I’ll run only if I get a chance to get to that and hit comfortably. They didn’t and they didn’t.

Is what happens when you don’t have the elasticity of a Djokovic or vintage Clijsters by nature: they can slide even on hard courts, so there’s no fear of getting a torn ankle.

It is said this weather will continue for the rest of the week, so let’s give some perspective to ALL the preditions we gave here under this new light:

I picked Nole and Zverev for one SF. The letdown: The center of gravity of Thiem is lower than Zverev’s and he’s more elastic; therefore, he has more chances to move along with this weather than I was expecting at the beggining. Don’t bring the excuse of three five-setters in a row because, as far as I’m concerned, he’s a well trained kid and there’s plenty of past champions who have to endure that (Guga, Wilander, Costa, Gaudio among others) so it’s not a matter of fitness. When there’s a will, there’s a way and Zverev is very willing and pumped even higher than ever before for cracking its own Slam ceiling. It’s a matter of conditions. The “flat” serve becomes less relevant. But a kick serve under these conditions? Holy Moly! Thiem has one and only kind of serve: a kick, and it’s a weapon under these conditions. Go figure.

Then there’s the problem of heavier balls, wet strings and grips, etc. No good for the swing; venom for the shoulders and upper torso. Who had surgery with… ok, it’s Djokovic. Look, I don’t know anything about Cechinatto, but if Nole wins (likely) and this weather continues, I only see hurting ojn the horizon. Ouch!

Then there’s the other SF I predicted: Rafa vs Delpo. About Rafa’s not relishing this, I said italready. hHe should win against his actual friend Diego. But watch out for a set taken out as Diego center of gravity… you know the drill. Anyway, I’m pretty sure he won’t play with the kind of joy he has when it’s sunny and dry, but will be enough. Again.

About Delpo. Well, if he’s not the greatest mover when dry, imagine when wet. Only Cilic is almost as tall as him. But, unlike Delpo he didn’t suffer a groin tear a week before the tournament, and has play dozens of matches more on clay than him the past three years.
There’s an advantage there. Cilic BH down the line were hitting strides in the clutch against Fognini. That’s something Delpo can’t handle if he can’t move decently. At least, for now, there’s hope Delpo gets always under his skin. Always. Long time. Since they were playing the Orange Bowl under 14’s and Delpo won. For the most part, he kept winning their matches until now. There were only two “tough” matches between them. One won by Cilic in 5 when Delpo was hurting his right wrist, a month before his fisrt surgery. The other one in DC Final when Delpo won in front of half of Croatia. Let’s see.

We should be care what to pick when it’s raining, no? We don’t gonna wet wet or worse: slip.


el_matador Says:

@chofer
ur posts are joy to read..I have very little insight about tennis like you,sg1(I miss ben pronin,grendel etc whose posts were very insightful too)..hope u keep posting here mate


lylenubbins Says:

awesome post thanks chofer!!


Margot Says:

Thirded! Great post, chofer.


gonzalowski Says:

true, nice reading.
“…thunderstorms will be a serious threat through at least midweek. best chance for any delays to matches will be in the late morning into the afternoon hours, where storms are more likely to be around.


gonzalowski Says:

…temperatures 24-25 C (75-77 F)
This unseasonable warmth is expected to continue through the final day of play on Sunday.

Thunderstorms are forecast to become more isolated from Thursday into Saturday before likely returning by Sunday.”


j-kath Says:

Joining the queue to add kudos to CHOFER’s comments.

PS: Whatever happened to “tennis.com”? I never signed up to it, but it used to bring a wide variety of tennis comments – now it’s inaccessible….?


Willow Says:

Brilliant post Chofer ….


Willow Says:

Gonzo, Okie, Giles, AndiMira, and other Rafa fans, Rafas had his 900 th career win, so much for him having a short career eh ?


AndyMira Says:

Yeah Al!…Thank God for that!…Hopefully,he will play a couple of years more!


gonzalowski Says:

Willow, yes enormous achievement.
Rafa on press room:

“It’s hard to choose, but I could name some victories, obviously the 2004 Davis Cup was important to me, Rome against Guillermo Coria was a special moment, and maybe also Wimbledon 2008, Australia 2009, Roland Garros 2010 and the US Open in 2010”

and 234 victories in ‘Grand Slam’, breaking with Jimmy Connors and staying only in third place in that ranking behind Roger Federer (332) and Djokovic (244)


Willow Says:

Gonzo i like that right till the last paragraph, as per usual he aint given credit in his own right without bringing the other two into the equation, had it a few weeks ago with the other players talking about Rafas greatness on clay, then turning the dicussion into been about themselves, other posters bring up their favorites achievements which are about them and them only which is fair enough, and god forbid a Rafa fan should mention him in the same discussion, dont expect many here would agree with me but who cares ….


Margot Says:

Dom stamping all over Sascha at the mo., and here I was thinking Dom had overplayed by going to Lyons. And now it looks as if Sascha has pulled a hamstring, think it’s gonna be a quick match.


Willow Says:

Zverev has played alot of 5 setters which could be his undoing, shame as i picked him in my bracket against Rafa for the final, my bracket will likely crash and burn ….


Willow Says:

Nice tennis from both, with beautiful shot making ….


Anto Says:

Well its gonna be an easy match for Thiem now I guess. I had a feeling this was the break through for Zverev. May be US open is where is gonna be the real deal.


Margot Says:

Yeah Willow, as they say, you can’t win a grand slam in the first week, but you can lose it. Looks so true here. “Pretty Boy” looks very “Sad Boy” at the mo. :(


Van Persie Says:

Another opportunity for Golden boy to win a 5 setter ;)


Van Persie Says:

If he wins this in 5 now, he’s the MAN of 2018 for me :)


Anto Says:

@VP, Do you honestly believe he can win this match now? I don’t think he can win one set now, let alone 3.


Van Persie Says:

Anto,

I also do believe Santa Claus exists ;)


Anto Says:

@VP

Oh I see what you did there. :D


Anto Says:

Also I think Zverev is down mentally more than physically (Even though its because of his physical condition)


Van Persie Says:

I was wrong with my prediction, told Dom would win in 4


j-kath Says:

Giles: Taa for Judy pic. I also read a piece from the Dutch where Andy is playing next week – but didn’t post it as we were all in middle of FO….now FO down to the nitty, gritty and unfortunately for Sasha we all know who is winning this quarter.


gonzalowski Says:

Willow about comparison between Rafa and others well,I don’t think is a negative thing, not with Rafa and not with any other player. For me it’s very interesting data.

But it’s true that we must give value to any player’s achievements per se, I give it to Nadal, of course.


Willow Says:

J-Kath did you see this https://youtu.be/vfi0kiAcD1w lol ….


chofer Says:

Thank you all, people!!

Zverev did have a bothersome injury, after all. And Novak receiving treatment on neck and shoulder, lost the first. Ouch!


Anto Says:

Novak down a set already. Also he has taken a medical time out for some shoulder / back issue. It will be a shame if he can’t play because of this.


chofer Says:

The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore.

Difficult to play under these conditions. Only Nadal seems safe. And I don’t know how much. He hates this, too.


Margot Says:

Now Nole down a set and a break to the hefty rugby scrum half. Carrying an injury to his neck?


chofer Says:

Margot

His right shoulder.

I said it above. It could happen.


chofer Says:

The thing is not only playing with heavier courts You have to paractice in them,too. And Novak has had a surgery recently.

Nadal and Thiem are the most fit to tame this weather. The likely final now. Regardless what happens from now on.


Margot Says:

chofer, he was having his neck manipulated at one point. And Pech just mentioned his neck again. Seems to be finding some form now, however.


chofer Says:

The tendons ot the scapular goes right to the neck. Anyways, even if he wins, the conditions favours Thiem for a SF.

And Sharapova ain’t winning with slippery courts and heavy weather. No way.


Van Persie Says:

Rafa- Dom final

Hope not: Rafa Cecchinato ;)

Honestly now, I am a Djoko fan, but this Djoko does not deserve to play a FO final this year.


Van Persie Says:

And no way this Djoko could wim against Dom


Margot Says:

Yes, conditions favour Dom. Match against Sascha such a washout difficult to know what his level is at the mo. Didn’t see match against Kei, but read kei played rubbish for 2 sets. Hefty’s drop shots are dreamy BTW ;)


RZ Says:

3rd straight semi at the FO for Team Thiem!

What are y’all thoughts on the tournament for Zverev? I think despite his 5-set foibles and his lackluster end to the tournament, it was positive overall considering he had never made the quarters at a slam.


RZ Says:

3rd straight semi at the FO for Team Thiem!

What are y’all thoughts on the tournament for Zverev? I think despite his 5-set foibles and his lackluster end to the tournament, it was positive overall considering he had never made the quarters at a slam and showed that he can fight through to win in 5 sets.


RZ Says:

Giles – thanks for the tweet of Judy’s pic


Daniel Says:

Zevrev was gassed mentally and physically. At least he break the QF Slams course. Hope this year he is able to rewach at leats semis in one of the next 2.

Djoko having more toruble than I though. About to go to a tiebreak risking getting 0-2 down. Set point for Djoko as I type.


Margot Says:

It feels disappointing RZ. I suppose due to the anti climax? Let’s see how he does at USO, much more suited to his game, I think. Or even Wimbledon. OOOER…tie break…love ties so long as a certain Mr Murray isn’t playing…..


j-kath Says:

Willow: No I didn’t see the “jokes” re Judy/Andy have just looked – she certainly responded well with her big grin!


Daniel Says:

For Thiem is a matter of time (and Nadal eventually really getting old) before he gest his first RG title. With his convincing straight set win, he has a shot at his first finals. And I think he won’t be intimitade with Nadal with his recent wins over him.

First he will have to go with Djoko (if he wins this second set tiebreak) and Djoko rpobable won’t play as last year QF between them.

So he has a potential herculean effort ahead of him: Djoko and Nadal best of 5 back to back in RG.


j-kath Says:

Yeh – Novak not having an easy time – the I-talian is the
one who was suspended for some kind of tennis betting – he’s still up there tennis-wise with Fabio.


RZ Says:

Margot – definitely a disappointing way to end a tournament. I have read that some of Zverev’s previous coaches didn’t like his work ethic. I wonder if this tournament will change that. He showed that he can get through 3 5-setters but wasn’t tough enough for the 4th match. Maybe he’ll do some more endurance training?


Van Persie Says:

Cecchinato played smart. Cannot say Djoko was bad, still many unusual errors for his ols standards


Daniel Says:

Wow, Djoko down 2 sets to love.

This is match he can not afford to lose. Looks like Nadal x Thiem finals. Curious how Thiem will pay his first final. Delpo, Wawa and Cilicl were the last players to win their first Slam final.

Indeed chofer, onditions surely favors him, rain forecasted in all days from tonight on, no sun in RG anymore.


Van Persie Says:

J-Kath,

He was suspended but he won in a trial


Van Persie Says:

Now let’s see if Djoko can win a 5 setter


RZ Says:

Daniel – don’t jinx my boy! Final is not yet a foregone conclusion.


Margot Says:

Thought Nole would sneak that set due to will power alone, but no. Hefty is playing quite beautiful tennis, so light on his feet, such deft, magical touches. But of course loses first game of third!
RZ: Jez Green says Sacha works his socks off so I dunno where the lack of work ethic is coming from. Think the 5 set matches did for him. Conditions were heavy today too so perhaps that contributed as he pulled the ham string during the match, not before


Margot Says:

RZ @ 11.40: ahem..ahem..you jinxed my RG bracket…..


RZ Says:

Margot – I did it for the good of the Tennis-Xers. We couldn’t have you completing a Margot-slam. :-)


RZ Says:

Margot – it’s a case of “he said” but here is Ferrero’s take on Zverev and why he left. https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/he-no-longer-respected-the-guidelines-ferrero-offers-rebuttal-to-zverev


Daniel Says:

Djoko a break up in third set. Baby steps for him now, game by game. Once he closes this set he can start thinking in a potential five set win. He sure have the experience and the longer it takes more the Italian will start overthing whats ahead of him.

RZ,

It would be awesome for Thiem to win this Slam. Then the young gen breakthrough would be real. There is a long time (DelPo 2009) we don’t see a under 24 winning a Slam.


Daniel Says:

4-1 and serve, third set is his. Already thinking in 4th set and comeback.


Margot Says:

RZ: Humph! Clay just isn’t my surface….;)
Sounds like a personality clash with Ferro.
Nole now leading 4-1 in 3rd.


Van Persie Says:

Novak is cramping, looks like it


Van Persie Says:

The Italian looks fresher


Margot Says:

VP: altho Hefty has played better, I feel Nole’s iron will and his greater experience will take him through.
Pech just said Cecc has changed his service placement from the first set, where he was having greater success. Wonder why.
Uh oh, crowd has taken against him.


Van Persie Says:

Thanks for the info, Margot

Did not see 1st set. Was driving home from work. But my father maked sure to tease me on the phone, that Djoko was done, kaputt :)


Van Persie Says:

Also did not see Sascha-Dom :(…was happy for Dim, he’s a hard working boy :)
Sascha’s time will come


Willow Says:

Novak in 5 NID ….


Margot Says:

Nole showing how vulnerable most, but not all, one handed back hands are.
Dom’s being an exception of course….;)
4-1 to Nole


Giles Says:

I see joker up to his old tricks again. How many MTO’s has he had?


Van Persie Says:

(A big ) if Djoko wins, good news is, both semia at FO are played on Friday


Anto Says:

Well I think if Djoko wins today he has a decent chance against Theim.


Van Persie Says:

Depends how he recovers, Anto. But Thiem will be determined and fresher for sure


Van Persie Says:

And also played better tennis at this tournament. Thiem I mean. Cecc broke in the meantime


Willow Says:

Like Nadal Novaks another that takes forever between points ….


Willow Says:

Thought that was long ….


Willow Says:

Better than sex lol


Van Persie Says:

Djoko like in the good old days. What a TB

Idemoo!


Van Persie Says:

Wooow
What a voley!


Willow Says:

Awesome get


Van Persie Says:

Nole, U are killing me :)


BBB Says:

He’s got some serious nerves. Understandable.


Van Persie Says:

Game over.

Good match Djoko, Congrats Cecchinato. Did not expect it.

Cecc deserves it. He kept his cool.


Margot Says:

Great match, such a thrilling tie break! Sorry VP and other Nole fans but Cecc really deserved that, better player for much of the match.


AndyMira Says:

Wohohohohoho!!….THE MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT!!…Full full credit to both for giving us joy & ooh!ahh!URGH!!..AWESOME!!

And Nole is back is think!..


Willow Says:

Wow i thought after Novak went a break up in that forth he would win the match in five, but what a fight back from Marko for a historic win, he just refused to lay down, lovely embrace from Novak at the end, great match, match of the tournament IMO ….


gonzalowski Says:

last tie break was a thriller uff…


Van Persie Says:

Well Margot,

QF was my wish for Nole here, as I was affraid he might lose in 2nd or 3rd round. When he git Cecc as competitor , I got some hopes for more ;)
But pleases, he did not give up easy. Good signs


Daniel Says:

In the past he used to win matches like this. Starting to believe the indian Astrologer Greenstone Lobo who said Djoko will decline after Becker broke back in 2016. He was also right saying Fed could reach 20 Slams.

No expectations with Djoko anymore.

Thiem in finals, he is in goof form, confident and Cecci will have to few the nerves.


RZ Says:

Daniel – “goof form”? You must be thinking of Fognini rather than Thiem. :-)


Margot Says:

Best match of the tournament VP, and best tie for many a long year. And Nole showing the old fire and desire to win. So all good for his fans.


Margot Says:

Lol RZ, and Daniel!


Van Persie Says:

Do not know, Margot, we have to aske Astrologer Greenstone Lobo, if he’s back;)

Daniel,

That was fun :)


Van Persie Says:

What did the astrologer say about Nadal, Daniel ? How many GS? :)


j-kath Says:

Van Persie – Yes, but Marco’s suspension interrupted his tennis career.

Although it was a fascinating match and Marco won – I wanted Nole to win – he began to look like his previous self. However, had Nole won that 4th set he would have faced a 5th – and I had my doubts about him being able to do so – given he’s only just back.

PS: He’s still too thin. However, there seems to be a new tranquility at home and with his team.


Van Persie Says:

J-Kath,

Nole is disgusting thin. No argue from me there. Just want him to see him wanting soo badly to win and then he will quit thia diet. Wighout muscle mass, he will not make it


Van Persie Says:

Sorry for the typos. Cell phone


Van Persie Says:

I am sure Vajda and Gritsch will convince him. But they have to be a bit patient. They know it!


Willow Says:

Commies were saying he might not play the grass court season, wouldnt be doing a press conference, but probably just a knee jerk reaction ….


Van Persie Says:

Personally. If he had win this FO by luck, he would have continue with this stupid diet and ideology. A bit of humiliation from Cecc is not bad!


skeezer Says:

From RG website:
“Italian becomes lowest-ranked Roland Garros semi-finalist in 19 years”.
Yep, this years competition is fierce.

VP,
Note did better than expected for sure. He should be fully ready for a legitimate run at USO.


Daniel Says:

VP,

His popular predictions:

http://www.greenstonelobo.com/popular-predictions.html

He also said last year before RG final That Nadal would crush Wawrinka and he will never catch Federer’s total Slam tally. Because as it seems, Federer has the best astrology of any tennis player who has ever born. 1981 was a great year for sports.

Last year he also said Federer would win AO prior to final and a few years back 2013, when Federer was in a slump that he could reach 20 Slams.
Also last year he said Federer could win Slams until 2020 and he will decline for good around after AO 2020. So he has a 7 more Slams range where he can win more. Taking away RG he won’t play or win, he can reach 23-24 by the time he retires.

It’s funny reading but this guy is right almost 100% of the times. And his Federer predictions were spot on.

This is the other link for Federer and 2020 Slam window:

http://www.dnaindia.com/sports/column-greenstone-lobo-roger-federer-can-go-on-till-2020-win-3-4-more-grand-slams-2586579


Daniel Says:

VP,

One of this days Bruno Soares, Brazilian doubes player was interviewed and asked about Djokovic. He said that he is gald he seems he was back on track, that he had a lot going on last years, with injury, family issues and guru stuff. It was intriguing because when he mention the guru stuff, he did it with a goof face and placing his hand is the air like la la land making fun of it. It must be a locker room thing that most players joke about it.


Van Persie Says:

Daniel,

I was also curious and checked. He said in 2012 Fed would win another 3 FS until the end of 2015. We know he played some finals in 2015 :)

Also WB and many others, me included, here predicted a decline for Djoko after Becker left the camp. So nothing so unpredictable. It was obvious.

Alao I can predict now Nadal might win one more F, as planet Y and X are alligned:)
I do not take this serious.

That dude is obviously a big Fed fan :)


Van Persie Says:

Daniel,

I am syre everyone makes fun of the guru stuff. They must be ashamed, when losing to a guy with this ideology. Nothing unusual :)


Daniel Says:

Indeed, but predicting Fed would reach 20 Slams in 2013 when he was in his worst year was some bold move. And even if he doesn’t win any more that stay as a positive for him. Majority of tennis purist always thought 18 would be his finals numbers and for a lot of years 2017 seems it.

Regardless of him being a Fed fan or not, by his pure “science interpreattion” of his field, he is known as the best there is, and there is a reason why.

Lest see by mid 2020 if his other Fed bold predition of more Slams will come true. He could be right htis year alone;-)

Also hope he is worng about Djoko, but the path does not look good right now. Can’t see him regaining his endurence and power at 31+ and his lighter new frame.


Van Persie Says:

Come in Daniel,

In 2013 Fed has already 17 GS. It was not impossible for him to win another 3. Who knows he, might play another 3 Finals, as I see now the astrologer aees him winning until 2020.
Did this astrologer tell about Djoko he will reach Nr 12 in 2011?. Don’t think so :)

Come on Daniel, you are smarter than this :)


Daniel Says:

I don’t take it serious either, same with homeopathy, but try to keep on opne mind. For some people it works.

But I am guilty of reading horoscope now and than and I met all Aquarium peculiarities;-)


Van Persie Says:

Will stop, too many typos. :D hope you understood, what I wrote


chofer Says:

People

You’re not taking into consideration that with these conditions Thiem has a chance to win it all?

I mean… the whole purpose of my post above was second guessing the predictions we all had, including mine.

I say it again: Thiem has a chance to win it all with the cloudy, drizzy, foggy FO 2018. A much better one than at the beginning.

I hope Rafans here are prepared for this “outrageous” possibility.


Daniel Says:

My main point VP is what he says about Fed overall astrology that is very unique and “explain” his huge success. Of course him being a fan he will study it more than others.

Maybe for Djoko for example he just assessed his Becker ruptura as an 0infliction point and made his prediciton studying his chart or whatever they do.

It’s just predictions, but seeing some come to life is intriguing.

And none ever thought Federer will reach 20 Slams, not in 2013 nor after his 3 losses to Djoko. That was not “easy” to predict at all.


Daniel Says:

chofer,

Actually, when I saw the weather forecast I thougn Thiem chances increased a lot. The soderling match comes to mind in similar waeather.

Nadal started 2 of his 4 matches sow, getting behind. He was down to Bolleli in 2 of the first 3 sets and was down yesterday against Marterrer also.

Facing Thiem, can be tougher and a slow start could mean 1 set down. Thiem likes this conditions and Nadal doesn’t.

I think if they indeed make finals, which most likelly will happen and if Thiem uses the same approach of stepping in and attacking returns as he did in Madrid, he will have a shot. But again, if Thiem is misfiring match can be another eays win for Nadal. Nadla gets better and better as the match went on and hi s level don’t drop. He won’t ve tired or mentally spent. Only a really bad day can derail him, somehting he is yet to have in RG later rounds, semis and finals. Theim will have to take it to him and he is very capable of.


Van Persie Says:

No worries, Daniel, the majority of us is reading the horoscope, almost daily ;) me too

This astrologer wins a lot of money with such a blog and so many fed fans. He is smart ;)

To tennis: yep, Dom might have a chance. Still: Nadal huge fave


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

Hope we will not predict on Friday, that Cecc might have a chance, like Sod. Lol


j-kath Says:

Chofer: I’m not a Rafan – still, I am not prepared for the “outrageous possibility” that Thiem could beat Rafa.


chofer Says:

Daniel

To me, right now is 50-50. Nadal ball doesn’t run as fast as he likes and Thiem usually passive returning has a better edge here. Add his kick with can bouce anywhere on slippery conditions and you have two elements that goes his way. A third one is the movement. You’re afraid to slide because you can fall on your face.

Only Rafa’s mind and experience gives me pause. ALL the conditions are in Thiem’s favour.

BTW, I’m no even sure of a Delpo win now. Cilic has sliglty better movement which is crucial to hit the ball with angles and deep. But Delpo can use his slice backhand more, too. The slice BH in these conditions plays a part, as the ball bounce lower and drops dead. But he won’t run any drop shot for the same reasons. The deep shot follow by a drop is deadly here. You don’t even have to be so accurate with it.Let’s see. These weather changes everything. That was the spirit of my first post.


Willow Says:

If Nadal gets past Diego then he will face his toughest test yet against Delpo or Cilic, and both a very big hitters ….


chofer Says:

VP

I didn’t mention Sod. Anyway, I was just warning out. I’m not that sure about a Rafa win now. Let’s talk on Sunday, shall we?


Willow Says:

Chofer curious to know what you think of the match up between Nadal / Cilic if he gets past Diego ….


chofer Says:

Willow

These conditions are way worse for tall, suspect movers like Delpo or Cilic than it is for Rafa. Waaayy more.

The “problem” is Thiem now. Not Cilic or Delpo.


Daniel Says:

Agree Chofer, I want DelPo to win, but somehow feels Cilic seems more ready. DelPo was benefited for a easier draw also, but he has that HxH with Cilic, let’s see. Maybe if the match gets to tough he will think QF is alreayd a great result considerign he wasn´t even sure of playing, or maybe he will be pumped up to go the distance. It’s a Slam after all and he has a great chance for another smeis, something he hasn’t reach in a long time.


chofer Says:

Daniel

Agree. But it’s a pity that had to happen on the second week. I’m sure none of this would be happening with the conditions of last week. None.


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

I did not say you mentioned Sod, was not a quote.
Was just joking. I also give Rafa 75% chances. Ha has atill to play quarters and semis.

I will brag a bit now: I was under the few here, who predicted Dom as 2nd fave for the title. Do not forget that :)

We ahall talk on Sunday, then


chofer Says:

VP

I didn’t know. So I guess your winning the bracket challenge, then?:))

Thiem won over Rafa in similar conditions in Buenos Aires, a few years back. I was there. I give him more chances than you. Unless Sun re appears on Sunday and all is dry. Then, I’m not.


chofer Says:

Any way, how BOLD of you to choose Thiem as a second favorite, knowing his seed was low enough to have faced Rafa in the QFs intead of a (possibly) final, now,

That’s really bold:))


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

I did not participate to the bracket challenge. I predicted here, at the beginning of tournameny a Rafa- Dom final. :)

Margot,

Please confirm.

JK,

Nole said he did not know, what he should do further. He did nor say, he would skip Wimbly. Media just assumed it.


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

I knew Zverev would not make it to the final, Nole the same. Madrid has different clay and altitude.
Dom was the only one clay court player, who has beaten Rafa lately. So, second fave for me. Not bold at all.

Off now, posted soo much today. Hard day for me :)


chofer Says:

I hope Nole is available to play there. Grass is kinder for the body. You don’t need to swing that hard:))


chofer Says:

VP

I picked Zverev just because 1) He was playing well enough to have a good Slam 2) I thought his Slam jinx would end someday 3) Most importantly, by any meeans he would face Nadal until the finals, being the second seed.

It made sense to me.

Thiem, otherwise, would face a tougher road not being seeded between the four.

I still think the arguments are futile if we not 1) Know the draws beforehand and 2)The playing conditions, especially on outdoor clay.

What’s happened to Nole’s shoulder would be no that a surprise for all I’ve said in my fisrt post.

I do am surprised about Zverev’s injury. I know he played enough five-setters, but history at RG showed enough younger champions than him (mainly Wilander and Kuerten) who has passed the fitness test with flying colors.

Evidently, Sasha’s body is fragile. Another thing to keep in mind next time around. He’s not 30 years-old with a wornout body.


Daniel Says:

Don’t forget Michael Chang as a young winner in Garros also.


Willow Says:

I Predicted a Rafa / Zverev final, but i knew with all the 5 setters it would be his undoing ….


j-kath Says:

VP: Loads of newspapers on same subject, i.e Novak + Wimbledon. It’s a bit of a maybe but he actually did say it. The reality is he was possibly very upset. Be a shame if he doesn’t – wee Andy may be there and he’ll be
much less advanced in his recovery than Nole


j-kath Says:

And so it goes on – it seems Andy Murray has postponed his return again.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/murray-delays-tennis-return-from-injury


Chris Ford Says:

I just didn’t expect Novak AND Murray would be out of the competitive mix for half 2017 and all 2018.

The talk of Djokovic being able to be thought of as Federer and Nadals companion in the GOAT Triumvirate has faded. Considerably.

I hope is isn’t kicking himself 20 years from now on what could have been. You can’t avoid the specter of injury in any top athletes career. Bad luck to Novak there. But the rest of it is self-inflicted or half self inflicted. Wife troubles. Dismissing his winning team. The love guru mess. And his stupid vegan diet. He still may regroup and win some more Slams and YECs, but he will not match or exceed Rafa or Roger’s level of success by the stats, at least.

And Andy just seems to be injured more than not and coming across like he will be satisfied with what he has done in the sport if he quits tomorrow.


AndyMira Says:

Chofer 3:02pm…”Outrages” possibility?..hahaha… Yeah!..Considering his record is 79-2 here…But,don’t worry!..I always prepares myself with the possibility that Rafa might lose too!…IF certain condition might happen,like today & not only in the final against Thiem/Cecchinato…coz we all know that wet,cold & rainy condition will give Rafa nightmare!

Rafa also tend to get nervous when he worries about something..in this case..rain & wet condition will make his topspin suffered greatly..And when he’s nervous,everythings become chaotic..And the players like Schwartzman,New Thiem[sascha too in Rome] knew this weakness..And believe me!They will use it against Rafa relentlessly!

BUT….Rafa’s greatest treasure…is mental toughness & iron will that is so hard to crack…The big question is…whether they can stay with Rafa for 2,3,4 hrs with high level/intensity without dropping their own level?I only know 1 man can do that…Nole in his peak years..Even then he failed many times…There is a reason why Rafa is 79-2 at RG Chofer…”2″there bcoz he had a problems…Everyone knows what the problem was…RG is not Madrid…Rafa loves PC very much….The stadium suits him..But,i also acknowledged..that the possibility always there for other players…if they ready to suffer that is…The Great Novak once said..The greatest challenge on clay..is to play Rafa…


AndyMira Says:

JK…As much as we were so disappointed & frustrated about this latest news…i think,it’s wise of him to postpone the comeback…We don’t want him to rush the decision & then suffered the possibility of setback due to his still unhealthy & unfit physics…As a fan,we will wait for him,no matter how long…C’mon Andy!!


AndyMira Says:

Btw…is it just me or u gals also noticed that Andy ‘seems’ a little bit thin in his Jaguar vid?


Margot Says:

Even if Andy returns, which I am beginning to doubt, I don’t think he will be likely to get anywhere near his previous level. Age, injury, being out for a whole year etc.


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

Yes, I took into consideration a Rafa_Dom QF. I also assumed, Dom might be the only one to defeat Nadal. Did not see other guy from actual tour deserving the title apart of Rafa and Dom. Other winner of this FO would be a huge surprise. That is my argument.

J-K,

In his press conf he did say, he did not know. Did you read something else?


Van Persie Says:

P.S. for El-matador,

Only to say: BBB and Chris Ford are also posting, as Djoko fans. And Czarlazar aswell :)

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