Nadal v Djokovic, Isner v Anderson; Wimbledon SF Picks And Pans

by Sean Randall | July 12th, 2018, 6:05 pm
  • 454 Comments

And here we are, a Federer-less final four at Wimbledon. The 8-time champion Roger Federer was stunned Wednesday by Kevin Anderson who wouldn’t fold during a 5-set thrilling win. The upset still left two of the Big 4 in the hunt and squarely as the tournament favorites.

Novak Djokovic has seen a bit of a rebirth this event, though we seem to be saying that every tournament. But he has been strong losing only two sets and looked good in wins this week over Karen Khachanov and Kei Nishikori. But next is longtime rival Rafael Nadal who needed to grind out a 4-hour, 48-minute win over Juan Martin Del Potro.

Anderson’s opponent will be another giant in John Isner. The American reached his first Grand Slam semi after outserving a hobbled Milos Raonic. Isner’s taken advantage of a dream draw, but can he go even further?


To my picks.

Kevin Anderson v John Isner
A 12th meeting for two of the tallest players in the game. Isner leads 8-3 having won their last five. So right there that’s advantage John. But Anderson has been playing some of the best tennis of his career the last 10 months. Though, Isner has been hot as well as we saw in Miami.

Like Isner-Raonic, this is also another coin flip kind of match. The guy who serves better will win. That’s what it will come down to. But who will it be?

As I said, the head-to-head gives the edge to Isner. Fitness should go Isner’s way as well – he didn’t play a 4-plus hours on Wednesday. Isner’s been in a better serving rhythm holding 95 straight times. And overall I like his serve better than Anderson’s.

Anderson gets the edge on the return – he did snap Federer’s 85 hold service streak. He also has the motivation having lost to Isner so many times before. Plus he has the experience of having played and won a Grand Slam semifinal – and he just beat Mr. Federer!

So who to pick? I have no idea. If it were on hard court in the U.S. I’d go Isner. Clay I’d go Isner. But grass doesn’t necessarily help the tall guys because the ball stays so low. And Anderson is a tough better off the ground. Then again, it helps the serve.

It’s going to get to tiebreakers and through the years I’ve seen Anderson get tight on many more occasions – though he didn’t against Fed – than Isner. So I see Anderson feeling the nerves, missing his spots on serve and Isner getting a break or a mini-break. Just enough to get through.
The pick: Isner in 4

Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic looks like a man on a mission. Finally. He’s angry, bitter, easily upset. And those are all good things. Very good things. Because that means, or should mean, he cares about winning tennis matches. Of course that doesn’t equate to he’ll win every match, and he might not tomorrow because he goes up against Rafael Nadal.

In their storied rivalry Djokovic does lead 26-25 but Nadal has the edge 9-4 in Slams but off clay it’s 3-3 and at Wimbledon 1-1 with the Serb winning the 2011 final, their most recent match on grass.

So that’s a plus for Novak. And he’s beaten his more than anyone else. Another plus.

But Rafa’s been the more accomplished player of late having won big matches, won titles and proven his in fact the one in better form.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has been a tease of late. Every time he looks to be back, he tosses in a lemon (remember the French?). But I don’t think that happens tomorrow, however, he hasn’t won a match this big in a while and hasn’t even been to a Slam semifinal in almost two years. So why believe he can do it now?

Well, again to me, it’s his on court demeanor. He just looks engaged and full of fury, and that’s what he need and use to beat someone like Rafa. He already knows how to do it, better than anyone on the tour. Rafa knows it also and he knows Novak has the game. Novak played him tough on clay a few months ago, and this time on grass, on which Nadal has really struggled, Novak gets the jobs done.
The Pick: Djokovic in 4

Let’s be honest, both these match could go either way. There’s just not much to choose here.

Obviously in the first match the better server will win. That’s simple. But in the second, I just think Novak has the game and the gameplan to beat Nadal. Except it’s not that simple when you add in all the outside chaos Djokovic has been going through plus the shaky results.

So who really knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Hell, it could end up being two one-sided matches or two very long marathons, that may even bleed into Saturday. I have no idea, but it should be interesting to see!


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454 Comments for Nadal v Djokovic, Isner v Anderson; Wimbledon SF Picks And Pans

Wog Boy Says:

Since the othe thread is little bit stretched for my liking I’ll repost on this one my slightly change original post.

That’s what happens when you become greedy and dump NIKE, they dump you on Court 1 and put Nole on Central Court in QF match, if he stayed with NIKE that would’ve never happened!

On the other note, who cares for tennis when you have best ever organized World Cup in Russia, the winner is Russia, btw, this is last time I cheered Englad😡😡😡
The world cup is so much better without Penaldo, Pessi and Roly Poly Neymar, couldn’t resist to the best add I’v seen recently:

https://youtu.be/hNiRwHgF3V8

Back to tennis, go Anderson, all the way, nice mannered, hard working, modest, quiet man, what a fairytale that would be to win the most prestigious GS.
Cheers to all my friends on TX, they know who they are:))


Wog Boy Says:

^^^^ and go Germany (Kerber)… Germans need you after miserable WC, the worse since 1936 or something like that.


chofer Says:

I apologize here If I offended some Brit people, especially Margot.

My last rant was about a system that is failed and unjust to my view. The perpretators of that are some people who runs the tournament that turns out to be British. That’s all.

I stand by my argument. Imagine the scandal if New Yorl, Paris of Melbourne do the same thing for the sake of tradition.
But enough of that.

I absolutely agree with the predictions here. I’m hesitant about the Rafaole.

But I came to this conclusion: Who’s better equipped on grass to stop the cannoballs of Isner?

And worst of all. Does some really want Isner to wins this? I’ll decree the death of tennis if so (now I’m offending other people, I know)

In my view, the better quipped is Nole. God saves us if neither him or Rafa can’t stop the serve-bot.

That will be a Wimbledon I’ll pretend it didn’t existed.

PS: That was exactly my view of Murray-Raonic years back. I wanted Murray to win and he did.

I want winners to be better.rounded players. It’s just a matter of taste. That’s all.


RZ Says:

Wog Boy – that ad is very funny! Thanks for sharing.


Daniel Says:

If Isner reaches finals there will be 4th straight Slams with a first finalist in that particular Slams and taking out Cilil AO 2018 3 first time ever Slam finals: Anderson USO 17′, Them RG 18′ and maybe Isner.

Curious to see if Isner will be unbroken tomorrow also. So far, 5 matches and he hasn’t lost serve. And he even played that many tiebreaks this tourney, he is breaking opponents.

Aree, slight edge to Djoko for me. If he could push Nadal to a tiebreak in Rome on clay, here with more match played and confidence he should fare better. And Nadal was down 1-2 to Delpo, but Djoko doesn’t have the ace canon.

Hope some quality matches, no injuries and both at least 4 sets.


AndyMira Says:

Well…Ermm…As a Rafan,hope Rafa will win…Tho,it’s not going to be easy,as always…Many factors lead to Novak…He’s much fresher than Rafa..heck,his last match time only half from Rafa’s!..Shoot!!…Hope Rafa still have gas in his tank to spar with Novak…One thing we Rafans will be relieve is that,Novak is not 100% on every level yet,at least that’s what i think…His physicality,his legendary mental toughness…is he ready to dueled with Rafa for 3,4 hrs?…Let’s find out!!…It’s going to be an AWESOME MATCH!!….May the best man win!!Wooohoooo!!….Bring it on!!…..

Vamos Rafa!!


el_matador Says:

I’m not convinced that nole is the favourite(though I’m rooting for him to win the whole thing now that delpo is gone)..yep nole has improved but to me he’s nowhere near the “peak nole” & as daniel pointed out,he wont win as many free points as delpo on serve..my only hope is that rafa will be tired after that tough battle😂..I know that rafa is the fittest athlete in human history but he’s not as young as verdasco marathon+nole marathon years..allez nole!..want anderson-nole final..it will be a fitting tribute to the classic they played in the “hey years” of nole..


el_matador Says:

2012 olympic semi in centre court-roger beats delpo in an all time classic..then gets smashed in the nxt match..
2013 wimbledon semi-novak beats delpo in an all time classic..then gets smashed in the nxt match
2018 wimbledon quarter-rafa beats delpo in an all time classic….????

but I think rafa is too determined to win this wimbledon..he knows that if he wins this wimbledon,the GOAT debate will be back on full force..but my personal GOAT will always be Nalbandian😍😂


chofer Says:

el matador

Delpo is always the “next opponent spenter”. On grass, that’s true.
Andy, twice, knows well. He’s said so, I think. Alas, not enough for a higher seeding between the four. Andy is thankful and appreciative. A gentleman. Others, just elitist jerks:))


chofer Says:

Not even that prevents me to confidently put Nole in the final. Rafa is such a warrior…

Isner is there. I’m so sure of that. H2H, hours less on court than KA; ALL points to him. Hope I’m wrong. I think Anderson is the better player.


Margot Says:

I don’t mind who wins TBH. But, if Isner beats Anderson, whoever wins just better go and win the whole damn thing! Because Anyone But Isner!
1) his tennis, agree with Chofer 2) his Trump loving politics.
Perhaps as Rafa and JMDP played the best match of the tournament, Rafa has earned it more? But we all know in the great evening out of life, that seldom counts for anything.
Apology accepted chofer. It’s all good.


Van Persie Says:

WB,

haha, that KFC commercial is very funny indeed :)

regarding tennis, I think Nole will prevail today, 4 sets.

Anderson to win in 5.


AutoFilter Says:

Well, overall I’m torn. Match for match, though, these are some of my thoughts:

I’ve seen Anderson play what I would call fantastic all-court tennis on 3 or 4 occasions over the past year and a half or so; I have never ever ever seen Isner achieve that (though I’ve definitely seen him serve insanely well and back it up efficiently from both wings). I don’t really see this as the better server wins. To my mind it’s more like, assuming both of them serve at a fairly average (for them) level, the better return game wins. Also, I like Anderson in general, and I loved his attitude, honesty, and introspection in his interviews after his quarterfinal, so I’m really hoping he goes at least this one more stage.

As for Rafa vs Nole, I’m rooting for Novak because it’d be great to see him fully reassert himself as once again in the mix with the top of the top (and also I suspect it’d support him mentally in a wholehearted conviction to own that space). On the other hand, I’m always happy to see Rafa win, but also I think Anderson would have a far far better chance against Rafa in a potential final, whereas if Novak makes it through to Sunday, I imagine there’ll be cold fire flowing from his eyes, and that there will be no shortage of the kind of serves Federer merely kept in play returned for clean winners.

All analysis aside, if at this moment I had to bet my life on this year’s champion, I’d have to stake my soul on Rafa.


chofer Says:

Margot

Wouldn’t he? I’ll stuff myself to death with strawberries and cream. I swear! No one will convince me Isner is not a casualty of the rigged seeding. Sheez! I can’t stand his tennis. And I’m pretty open!

Go Kevin!


Van Persie Says:

Before the tournament, I did not see Djoko reaching this stage of the tournament, as I had the feeling he might meet Kyrgios in the QF, and yes, when it comes to Nole, I am fearing Nick the most, to be honest.
After Nishikori prevailed over Nick, I was pretty sure Nole would go deep in the tournament.


el_matador Says:

rvp,
u’re right..kei is the poster boy of the “not quite enough” generation..he will hit some flashy bhs,engage in some great rallies but ultimately mehh..remember a match in australian open where rafa was not fully fit & literally begging kei to win yet kei somehow lost😂


j-kath Says:

I only hope that the Anderson Vs Isner match does not replicate the Isner vs Mahut match a few years ago!!!

. The winner? Please let it be Anderson….if it is Isner, he may indeed bring Trump to the final and I also hope that Teresa May is also not there…in her own way she has been as damaging to this now very divided country as Trump appears to be in the US.

As for the 2x”N”s….I cannot chose between them. It would be good for Nole, marking his return to full fitness; as for Rafa, such a fighter – he simply does not deserve to lose.


Tennisfan20 Says:

@Margot yeah dislike a tennis player for just having a political opinion of a leader who just talk sht and have done nothing , how about your own politocians , media covering up grooming of more than 10k of kids in the uk? I dont remember trump doing any such shit. And i’m not white so dont play racist card with me. Keep tennis and politics seperated.


Tennisfan20 Says:

I don’t like Isner but if he wins this tournament he would deserve it.


Mystic - Willow Says:

Amen to that, politics should be discussed on the none topic thread ….


Tennisfan20 Says:

Imo Rafa is not gonna win if he is gonna rely on 1 break per set. He gets relaxed after taking a break lead in set and on many games of opponent serve he miss many opportunity to get another break(ao 17 final) 2012 final and did same mistake against Delpo. Djokovic is not as the best but he doesn’t need to be at his best to beat Rafa. He just need to place ball deeper and need to hit his backhand all day (w/o it breaking ofcourse) If Rafa relaxes, it can get ugly . If Rafa is relentless and after every Djokovic service game ,then he is going to win. My pick? Djokovic in 3 or 4.


Tennisfan20 Says:

It seems roof will be closed during second semi, chances are gone.


Tennisfan20 Says:

It seems roof will be closed during second semi, chances are gone.


Margot Says:

Wow, you’re angry 😠 but please don’t mistake me for someone who gives a **** what you think.
I am free to post whatever I like, as you are.
Have a nice day 😊


Margot Says:

BTW Isner has said he will invite Trump to Wimbledon if he gets to the final. It’s not me who brought politics into Wimbledon first.


el_matador Says:

amen margot..but I would like to see trump in centre court😂😂..it would be quite hilarious👌😍😂


Tennisfan20 Says:

haha someome got mad for exposing her hypocrisy and look how i’m morally superior to other. Atleast Isner didnt support a poluticains who kept blind eye to 1000s of grooming in your own Fking country.cupcake your labour , Tory and and bbc didnt even give a flying fk about that but muh trump is evil because he said mean things about women. Noone gives a fk about what a hypocrite like you have to say. Show your holier than thou attitude somewhere else and dont spoil a tennis thread with your politics bs.


Mystic - Willow Says:

Margot im not a Trump supporter , and im not accusing you of bringing politics into things here, to be honest i think they are all a much of a muchness when it comes to politicians, i just disagree with you on the brexit stuff is all, peace ….


Mystic - Willow Says:

el-matador and i apologize to you too on the whole Argentina football quote i said from a couple of weeks ago, extending my own olive branch here lifes too short , as i really dont intent to offend anybody on here, peace ….


Margot Says:

Oh dearie me 😊 TF20, if you think you can draw me into an argument about which political system is worse think again. Just really glad you haven’t got your fingers on the nuclear button, rather than your oh so saintly president.
Tootle pip old chap, just off to demonstrate against the Orange buffoon’s visit.
You just keep on truckin’ you hear.


Andy Mira Says:

M 6:28am…Yayy!!..Way to go Boss!!Wooohooo!!


Mystic - Willow Says:

I Have a weeks holiday as of tomorrow, so wont be able to blog for a while, bit of a relief to be honest lol ….


el_matador Says:

willow,
that argentina comment is no problem..everybody has an opinion & as margot said yesterday every opinion will be challenged..& as an argentina fan,I will always try to fight their corner..
what I was angry about was u calling on sean to moderate ma comment to fedex the other day..u didn’t consider the context of that comment..but anyways u can think that I’m a characterless,nasty,”disgusting” person..I cant change that😂..peace


Mystic - Willow Says:

el-Matador i just didnt like the choice language, but i dont think your a nasty, disgusting, characterless person, but i do agree in that Fedexpress can be quite rabid in his support for Federer so i do take that on board what your saying, never the less it had nothing to with me anyway, so i probably shouldnt have poked my nose in, just wanted to offer an apology thats all ….


j-kath Says:

I’m not even sure Rafa and Nole will get onto court today even if the roof is closed and it runs to 11.00pm!!!!.


el_matador Says:

j-kath,that’s a possibility & I would love it👌..who doesn’t love a marathon?😍😂


j-kath Says:

Willow: Have a good break….is it at one of your Camps?


el_matador Says:

willow,
all good..cheers..& I think u said here in the past that u’re a liverpool fan..so cant be that much angry at u😂


Mystic - Willow Says:

J-Kath not quite, but a meeting with a bunch of our camp buddies, and a little road trip visting in laws, thanks for the well wishes though hun ;-)


Mystic - Willow Says:

el-Matador hell yeah YNWA lol ;-)


el_matador Says:

awesome tiebreak by anderson,specially after going a mini break down initially👏👏
YNWA willow😎


Madmax Says:

Wog Boy Says:
Since the othe thread is little bit stretched for my liking I’ll repost on this one my slightly change original post.

That’s what happens when you become greedy and dump NIKE, they dump you on Court 1 and put Nole on Central Court in QF match, if he stayed with NIKE that would’ve never happened!

Wogboy, you know nothing about Federer, his deals, his charities, NOTHING. And here you are the man who pretends to have been a novak fan. How you can be so two faced it unreal, but it is part of your twisted personality. You don’t know who to support. The kind of person who is here only in the good times, never the bad. Poor show Wogboy. poor show.

I am so pleased for Novak, that he has got better, and stronger and is proving fair weather fans like you, wrong.

Willow and Oki, good luck for your man today as I have said all along, as long as both competitors fight and we have a match on our hands, similarly in the semi finals, no one can complain.

J-Kath, your best friend is back. Enjoy his company.


Madmax Says:

TF20,

Pardon me if I do but in,Margot is cool TF20 – I have just read the posts. All media is biased and edited. Agreed? You want to read about the cultural theorist, Stuart Hall, preferred, negotiated or oppositional reading. I’ll leave it there. You can make your own mind up. Good to keep politics out of tennis, it takes over otherwise.

Now, this match, Anderson v Isner – the match of the long, big hitters. Not what I expected, but it is what it is. First of all, I want to go with Anderson, I watched his interview, such a sweet interview. What a nice man! I have not really paid so much attention to him, but now, he is in a semi final and it is amazing. It would be unbelievable if he got through, I do think though that 5 setter against Roger will come back to haunt him.

Anderson, get jiggy with it!


Madmax Says:

Willow, Oki, I meant, similarly in the quarter finals!


Madmax Says:

Oh No.

It’s a tie break yawn fest with big services ,big guys and big dreams. We know how it is all going to end. A completely shattered Anderson, Isner takes the match. Boring final with the serves from his end.

Nooooooooo!


el_matador Says:

I’m loving this match..hope they share the next 2 sets too..then…let them battle it out until apocalypse arrives😍


ChrisFord1 Says:

Been awhile since we had a men’s Slam semi with two Americans facing off in it. (Kevin Anderson became a US citizen recently)


Humble Rafa Says:

What classic grass court tennis.

7-6 6-7 7-6 6-7 1145-1143


Daniel Says:

Tense set, Anderson broke, serve for the set and Inner broke right back. Isner got a set point on his serve, Anderson reading his serve well, wins 2 mini breaks, have a set point on his serve and makes a double fault.


Humble Rafa Says:

I forgot to mention..tie break scores are 100+ in every set.


Daniel Says:

Isner more mentally strong, but Anderson seems to be finding return timing.

Isner 2-1, cheering for him to finish in 4 now. No 5th et in this match and I want to see Nadal x Djolko before my flight this afternoon.


AndyMira Says:

HR 11:06am…Hehehehe….Funny HR!!


Humble Rafa Says:

I tell you one thing. The two tall men playing won’t be Wimbledon champion. What they are playing is not tennis, it is a serve fest.

A good player will put them in their place in 5 minutes. Not to mention both are mental midgets despite their physical size.


j-kath Says:

Luv you too…empty head….

el – matador: Me too – never thought I would.


Okiegal Says:

Well the serve fest is what it is …. a serve fest!! Place your bets!! Back on serve.


Anto Says:

Kevin is having trouble handling his nerves when he is leading. But when he is down/even he is playing really good.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Just finish this. If roof gets closed , rip Nadals chances


Anto Says:

Now lets see if anderson is able to hold his nerve to serve it out


Tennisfan20 Says:

Kevin should’ve won this in 3 ir 4 sets if not for him choking, his level has been very high.


Anto Says:

from 40-0 to 40 – 40 . Look like anderson is chocking again.


Anto Says:

Oh finally he did hold on to win the set. The good thing is now Anderson have a better chance to win this match (if he doesn’t get tired physically) as he was the one who was returning better. The bad thing is we will have to wait even longer, god knows how long, to have the match we all have been waiting for.


Chofer Says:

Justin Gimelstob is a 🤡🤡 He thinks he is the 😎 when in reality he is a 👻

From my I.Phone with ❤❤❤


Daniel Says:

Ok, now that Anderson took 4th with a break I am backing him up. He has a better return game and broke Isner 2 times already, but Isner has the advantage of serving first, same as Fed did in QF and didn’t capitalize.


Okiegal Says:

@Chofer….a Ghost???


AndyMira Says:

Really,really really really really really really stupid for organizers for not put Anderson/Isner at Court 1….And RafaNole at CC…Why not start 2 matches at the same time like in QF the other day?They even put Fed at C1..but can’t Andrson/Isner?…What if the match drag on till forever like 2010 Isner/mahut??…URGHH!~!…Very stupid!!…Not fair to RafaNole…


Anto Says:

@AM, because this is a semifinal match. It doesn’t matter who is playing in it.


Anto Says:

Isner is serving extremely well in the 5th set. More than 90% first serve in. Until that drops this is going for a long time


Madmax Says:

A slug fest. Whoever wins has dashed their chances in the final on Sunday. That Lactic acid build up.

Rafa will race through the match – as will Novak!


chofer Says:

My God!

Let this torture end! I need to go working! I want the other match soon!

4 hours of this? I’d rather go blind. Thanks.

PS: Dont forget to blow a wind so Gimelstob loses his Godfather Shades and turn to stone when he really sees this match. Remember Gomorrah or the other one? That!

Thank God Almighty. I know you’re not Morgan Freeman.


chofer Says:

Ok Rafaole fans. Expect a 34-32 result. Go to sleep (if you already not, which I doubt)

See you tomorrow, when they play both SF and F.

Blame the seeding system. Yes, Isner needn’t play against one of the trio nor Delpo.

Whoever said here Anderson played better than Delpo must be high on something. Djokovic or Nadal will bring you back to reality. Just wait.


j-kath Says:

AndyMira: I had hoped they would put Novak and Rafa on first – they had to know Isner vs. Anderson would be competitive and likely go to 5 sets…Isner is looking weary….it should be Anderson…..but that’s life.


Daniel Says:

All Federer’s fault LOL

Me too chofer, I vae a flight in 3 hours and had to be in airport 1 hour early, plus transportation, meaning I will hardly watch Nadal x Djoko first set.

Or, if this match goes till forever, they close the roof and Rafole finish tonight at dawn under lights.


chofer Says:

Daniel

There some “fans” of this tennis. I wish them being hit over and over by a ball machine:)))


AndyMira Says:

I know Anto…But,the organizers must know that if it’s involve Isner,the potential of the match going longer is high…And what if RafaNole can’t finish their match bcoz of bad light today?Their match will get postponed & continue tommorow?While one of these giants already resting & RafaNole certainly will have less rest compared to them?I’m sorry but i still think it’s terrible scheduling..


AndyMira Says:

Yeah JK!…That’s what i meant too!…Thank u for agreeing with me JK!!…


chofer Says:

AndyMira

Both the scheduling and the seeding system at Wimbledon is a travesty to logic and common sense. If Rafaole couldn’t finish today, the disadvantage of playing back to back matches ends on zero sum for everybody.


Daniel Says:

Anderson had BP in 2 games already and Inner none in 5th set. Its a matter of time, Isner also looks more spent. And even the times Anderson wen 0-15 below he immediately hit an ace after. Can’t see him cracking, if it was a great return he might, but not today.


Navdeep Says:

This is way beyond tolerable. Finish this dammit !. Serve fest more like a yawn fest


chofer Says:

Daniel

Isner is a sleeping pill, even if he wins. The match with Mahut proves the point. He can’t break even if Anderson played like 5 hours more.

Even his coach is irritating. What’s with Gimelstob gang-in-suit-and-shades attitude? Does he own Wimbledon.? The camera never stops showing him. I don’t even know the face of Anderson’s coach. Must be a person.

Please, someone stop this!


Truthsquad Says:

At work, just checking the score every hour or so. Guess I’ll check back in another hour to see where they are…


chofer Says:

I meant gangster. That’s how he looks like. Why don’t he pull out of the revolver and kill this match?


Van Persie Says:

ok, not the best match ever, but memorable for sure :)


chofer Says:

VP

Fot the score? Mahut is killing it, yet. Not that I liked that match, at all. Everbody wants the other match ASAP. Are you ok?


C!P! Says:

what is the most annoying with these 2 ,that even at 0-30 or 0-40 ,you dont have much hope for a break !


Van Persie Says:

7th set already, I think


chofer Says:

Torture porn is harmless compared to this.


C!P! Says:

it’s like listening to the same song over and over , even a great song becomes annoying after several repeats , what about a bad one !


Van Persie Says:

Haha, I am fine, chofer.
It allows me to clean up my flat and to take a glance at the screen now and then :)


chofer Says:

C’mkon blondie. Brake the capped in reverse one already! Untolerable!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Can anyone tell me whats closing time for todays play on centre court? Will they play beyond 9pm with lights on??


Tennisfan20 Says:

There’s a good news for fed fans, fed didnt play bad. Anderson has been playing remarkably good


C!P! Says:

even though it’s 14-14 ,there is almost no suspense, which is weird


Tennisfan20 Says:

Cip only because you’re not invested and are fanboy of either player. Trust me qualituwise this match has been just superb.


C!P! Says:

imagine the crowd joy if Anderson would break now ,just for Isner to rebreak next! Groundhog day with bad actors in it!


chofer Says:

VP

Oh sure. I am more intrested in typing. Does the audience at Wimbledon like this? I would be booing my heart out there! Bring on Queen Elizabeth to decide the score! Something! No return game whatsoever for these two. US Universities might not teach that, I guess.


Van Persie Says:

I agree, the match is not a bad one, but am to nervous to enjoy it…looking forward for the next one


chofer Says:

C!P!

LOL!


C!P! Says:

i do not agree Tennisfan ,and the crowd in the stands agreed with me ! didnt you hear them chanting “com on guys we wanna see Rafa?”, this is NOT great tennis by no means ,this is great serving and REPEAT .no variety ,no suspense , jsut a waste of time!


AndyMira Says:

Yeah Chofer!…I guess so!…Urgh!!


AndyMira Says:

Uwwaaaa!!…Woke me up if these 2 finish their match guys!…I think i have time to sleep 10 hrs on their play!


C!P! Says:

they couldve made an exception for these 2 : we know you like tie-breaks so much , so you and you 2 only can have a 5th set tiebreak at Wimbledon now, and everyone will be happy!


chofer Says:

Not bad? These people need to be kidnapped by Connors, Agassi, Djokovic, Murray, etc to know one or two things about returning! It’s not a tennis match without that component.

It’s like a game were volleys or forehands were banned!!

As if these two were never broken on their lifetime! We’re not talking legends, do we?


C!P! Says:

tennisfan ,please tell me what is your favorite song ,and please listen to it for 6+ hours continuously ,then come back and tell me if you like it anymore ! it’s pretty much what we are doing here!


chofer Says:

Suddenly people like Kevin Curren, Chris Lewis, Roscoe Tanner, Bobo Zivojinovic are vindicated. They played this kind of tennis.

Did someone remember them fondly? Were they Hall Of Fame champions? C’mon!


chofer Says:

All of them were top tenners at some point. That don’t impress me much.


C!P! Says:

they could at least scream ,to keep us awake!


chofer Says:

The only impressive thing is their endurance on their 30s. That, I’ll give them.


chofer Says:

Andersonnhas a BP. The sky will fall down!


Daniel Says:

15-40, c’mon Anderosn break him and end this agony.


C!P! Says:

2 break points ,dont get your hopes up!


chofer Says:

Erased. Kill me now.


Van Persie Says:

They should learn to use TB in 5th set. Only US Open has this….


C!P! Says:

maybe we will see a break…..tomorrow !


Van Persie Says:

Kevin will break now


chofer Says:

VP

You are asking a TB to people who fucking hand-pick their seedings???)

They drive from the left for Godsake!!:)))


Van Persie Says:

or not…


C!P! Says:

are these 2 paid per game or per match ! i wonder :))


chofer Says:

VP

You are asking a TB to people who f*** hand-pick their seedings???)

They drive from the left for Godsake!!:)))

PS: My comment was banned for sursing. Sorry!


fred stone Says:

This is a good match. It’s big man tennis.
So what?
The roof will be closed for the D-N match and play will go to 11PM, local time, with discretion to the referee when to actually finish.
Will D or N ask to play on, say till 1AM (like the US open), or will they wimp out and finish tomorrow?
Because A beat F he has first seed preference for order of play (being first seed has its ‘play first’ privilege)

Play on…


chofer Says:

cursing, sh***! Or shyt?


chofer Says:

Yeah, Big Man tennis Fred.

Were were you all these years? Under your moniker?


C!P! Says:

these 2 are about to ruin our weekend!


chofer Says:

The’re already ruining the grass they step on. Attila the Hun descendants.


jalep Says:

They are too tall for the dang court dimensions and net. It’s a joke contest. They need their own league. A line should be drawn as to height. It’s a totally different athletic contest when you consider consider it.

Tennis is one on one. Like boxing. There should be different height leagues. I can see 3 catagories. And I’m being serious.

That said, as to a team sport like basketball, if every player on the team was over 7 feet tall, the net should be higher. Pffffft simples. How much skill does it take to dunk a ball into the net if you can just reach up and put it in.

Anyone who knows me has heard this RANT before LOL…..

I’m not watching this nor would I buy a ticket for it.

It is ridiculous. At least with tennis players this tall playing each other have it decided in 3 sets and get it over if you aren’t going to raise the net and increase the court dimensions.


Van Persie Says:

Perhaps WTA final will be also postponed tomorrow, so that this one could finish


C!P! Says:

those who think this is great tennis ,should be banned from watching Federer ,Nadal or Djoko , i mean whats the point, if you cant appreciate true quality ,then you dont deserve it!


Van Persie Says:

^^ that would be fun :)


Van Persie Says:

^^ above was for the WTA final, C!P!


Van Persie Says:

Can they ask for toilet break?


fred stone Says:

… all these years…?
WTF are you talking about?
How many years have U been watching/playing tennis?
For myself the answer is 50+/10.


chofer Says:

Six hours with no breaks in the fifht yet. Of course, this is tennis.

I remember people complaining in the 90s for this. Remember? Journalists, players, everybody. Johnny Mac, too. They were talking about banning second serve. Shorten the service box, etc.

I’m not kidding. That hapenned. Agassi won Wimbledon and everybody breathed again.


C!P! Says:

is there a light at the end of this tunnel ?!


chofer Says:

Fred Stone

Me too! And I meant here! This site! Did you come to tease us or what?
I’m glad yo’re happy with this. That’s you’re opinion and these are mine. Cheers.


Tennisfan20 Says:

I really hope Rafa plays tommorow, today with roof on he got no chance


C!P! Says:

it’s ok VP ,i wont watch that particular final anyway :)


Tennisfan20 Says:

Chofer you wanted fast serve fest of 90s back what you complaiming about?you got 2 great serverd competeting.


j-kath Says:

Chofer @ 1.29pm: Definitely I agree – at least with the “swish” gangster-look.

Van Persie – or they could use “the doubles” rules – first person who gets to 10 points….?


Tennisfan20 Says:

Bar 5-6 people in the players camp noone else want them to fight that hard lol


jalep Says:

If that was supposed to be a snide dig at me VP. You fail.


chofer Says:

Tennisfan20

The serve-bots will have one day more of rest. If I were a Rafan I would be really mad. But not for the roof.


Tennisfan20 Says:

0-30?no problem. 2ace from Isner


Anto Says:

I watched this match till about 8-8 somewhere about when kevin had a break point, the moment isner saved and held the service game, I decided to go watch a series. I am about to finish the series and the match has not yet finished. WTF!!!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Chofer they won’t get since final will be played on sunday.


chofer Says:

@Tennisfan20

2:19 pm Me?’ Where? When? I relished serve and volleyers, sure. Are you suggesting these two are the reincarnation of Edberg Becker or Rafter?? You cannot be serious, as JMac said.


Humble Rafa Says:

It’s only 21-21. I will come back when it is 100-100. You guys enjoy the “tennis”.


fred stone Says:

So, you lay down an insult and call it an opinion.
BTW I don’t comment 40 times an hour just to be heard.


Madmax Says:

What a boring match. Margot was right way early on.


Madmax Says:

Isn’t it just battle of the one who doesn’t blink first.


Anto Says:

Is this match goes on forever, are we going to have the Rafa-Novak match?


Madmax Says:

Tennisfan20 Says:
Just finish this. If roof gets closed , rip Nadals chances

July 13th, 2018 at 11:48 am

Rafa and Novak will play, but tomorrow and I guess these guys have to finish this match tonight.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Say what you want but Anderson(bar choking in 3rd set)has been superb.


armelwani Says:

On Sunday afternoon, Djokovic will become the first ever Wimbledon champion decided by default, as both of his potential opponents are still playing their semi-final!


chofer Says:

fred stone

See what you want to see. I comment many times as I pleased… because the match is not pleasing me. Wecome back to the board. Now I’m informed what kind of tennis you like.

And I didn’t insult you.


C!P! Says:

wouldnt it be fun to see a photo of Rafa and Novak playing cards in the locker room right now ?! :)


Tennisfan20 Says:

max yes roof will favour Novak and the way wimby is takinh bounce , Rafa will be huge favourite but roof destroy equation.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Isner again holding his serve shit.


C!P! Says:

great news Isner holds! i wish they were Fake news for once!


tennismonger Says:

Wimbledon must convene an emergency meeting NOW to invoke the fifth set tiebreaker…effective immediately! ;-)
#insanity


Van Persie Says:

Jalep,

Nothing from my side against WTA, since I will also watch the final and rooting for Angie tomorrow…
A dig at you? Do not mean to offend you now, but you are not that important for me :)
Peace!

J-K,

Well, it is what it is….I am starting to think the other semifinal will be tomorrow


chofer Says:

Cute, You’re thinking about the roof when these two are playing best of five days.


chofer Says:

Well, it is what it is….I am starting to think the other semifinal will be tomorrow

For sure! No roof there!:))


jalep Says:

Oh no. Tell me something I don’t know, VP. Same to you. You still fail.


C!P! Says:

and no grass probably!


Van Persie Says:

Ok, you embarrassed yourself towards me enough now, let’s us move on. Last post from me to Jalep


C!P! Says:

Anderson’s wife :”if you could hold this long in bed Kevin! that i would enjoy for sure!”


chofer Says:

Notorious tennis people in Twitter starting to blame some rules of tennis. And, perhaps, this match. I don’t want to offend evryone else. Enjoy.

Also. Braking News! Rafaole under the roof and artificial lights!


C!P! Says:

i hope you are right Chofer!


jalep Says:

That’s a happy situation. Don’t post to me – even indirectly.


C!P! Says:

i see this match created the situation in here pretty tense ,folks please dont fight ,make fun of the situation ,let them suffer ,not us!


C!P! Says:

if Isner breaks back …..i dont even have a gun in my house!


Daniel Says:

The minute I left home Anderson breaks😜

Maybe I can watch end of Djokal of they also play long.


chofer Says:

WOW This match brings out the worst in people I knew were friendly!

Please jalep and VP. Nobody could be worst that what we witnessed.


chofer Says:

C!P!

You’re fun. Stay forever… or until the end of this.


Van Persie Says:

Jalep,

Tell your relatives, your friends, or whomever bares it, what to tell or what to do. I posted something, C!P! posted something right after, and I replied, my post was not directed toward his comment, but towards mine.
I will post to whomever I want, what I want. Just explained it was not about you.


Van Persie Says:

Well done, Kev!!!

Finally!!!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Finally


C!P! Says:

i never prayed this long for something to happen ! pheeew


chofer Says:

Ok, Kevin.

Bring on the clutches on Sunday. I’m happy for him. But I’m happier this is over!


C!P! Says:

now the real emotions begin!


Van Persie Says:

I hope we will have the match, C!p!


C!P! Says:

Humble Rafa ,i hope you are still fresh ! :)


chofer Says:

Wait for a Kevin on court press conference that runs around another 6 hours. 1.200 journalists were allowed to ask up to 10 questions.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Fate can’t be more cruel tp Rafa than this. He had chance to win this without roof but guess he’s never gonna win Wimbledon again as it seems .


C!P! Says:

as a Nadal fan ,i’m never more nervous than seeing him play against Nole , and now with the roof will be hard ,but i trust his very good level of play he displayed these 2 weeks


Tennisfan20 Says:

Chofer kevin is done for sunday. He played 2 over 4and half hour consecutive matches. Whoever wins this semi should win final.


chofer Says:

Tennisfan20

You’re the FedererExpress version of Rafa. Don’t be so defeatist beforehand.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Cip still there’s 3 and half hours of play left today and if RAFA can steal a set before curfew time then he has Chance tommorow.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Chofer we both know Under roof and against Djokovic we can never be relaxed.


chofer Says:

As long as it is an actual tennis much, I’m fine.

Perhaps an antidote where break points are saved and serves are broken and all that weird stuff.


C!P! Says:

Tennisfan ,who are you ,the Doomsday prophet?!
until Australian 2017 ,most thought Rafa and Roger Slam trophy count is at an end ,and they have 6 in a row now ! dont make assumptions ,the future will just prove you silly !


Tennisfan20 Says:

This site is lot better than ttw where poaster comes to share banters and Gif of WWE and to bully rival fans.


chofer Says:

I’m a Delpo supporter (fan is too strong a word for me and inaccurate) So I’m really relaxed now. In fact, I’m sort of relieved. Because we have another match (apparently)


Tennisfan20 Says:

Cip noone thought because Roger was stopped only by Immortal Djokovic and with him out if pic Roger always ahad a chance. As far as Nadal is concerned he was going through injury and we all know how he come back from injury and when he’s fully rested.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Choffer how much bounce will be affected with indoor condition on cc here?by big margin?


RZ Says:

Didn’t they slow down the grass to avoid these kinds of matches?
Anyway, congrats to Kevin Anderson. It’s hard to back up a 5-set win over a top player with another win (there’s a record of a lot of guys beating Federer or Nadal and then losing in their next matches). And he makes his 2nd GS final in a year. Well done.


C!P! Says:

Mats Wilander thinks Nadal will win in 4 ,is he any good at predictions ?!


jalep Says:

Whatever then. You self-important little VP failure.

Sorry to chofer.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Mats wilander is garbage and he predicts players based on recent performances.


Van Persie Says:

Mats scores more often than Tignor, but he fails too, in many cases


Anto Says:

Oh finally it happend. So is Nadal – Nole match going to happen? Also is the roof going to closed?


chofer Says:

Tennisfan20

If you’re refering to tennis.com now is garbage. I used to be a usual poster there when they have livefire and was the most illuminating exoperience I’ve ever had posting. Of course there were some bullies. But so many people from different countries talking about strategy, tactics. Amazing. I learnt some valuable stuff about Rafa just talking to a Canadian fan who was (is) so insightful of his game and manners that she can practically predict the outcome of his match beforehand.

There were amazing people there. Nole was number one back then so half of Serbia was there too! I remember two amazing ladies and some practical djoker who annoyed the heck out of my Rafan friend! I ended up talking them into being civilized to each other and they were on good terms finally. Until facebook appeared and all went to hell.


Tennisfan20 Says:

If bounce is as high as without roof then Rafa will win otherwise Novak can slay him easily in 4 sets.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Bounce is very low , tough for Rafa


C!P! Says:

the way i see it ,IF nadal wins the 1st set ,it’s pretty much over ,he’ll be in the final ,if Novak wins the 1st set we still have a game ,a gruelling one!


RZ Says:

Chofer – “best of 5 days” made me laugh


chofer Says:

No, it doesn’t pop as much with sun and dry conditions.

But the real game changer are the lights. It changes the vision completely. It takes some time to get used to that.


C!P! Says:

and I say that ,mostly because i dont think Djoko trusts his game completely at this moment in time!


Tennisfan20 Says:

It is playing fast and low bounce under roof.Djokovic again targetig Nadal forehand like he would do in his peak days.


chofer Says:

RZ

Thanks, but it’s not mine. I robbed Bud Collins when he described a soporific five setter at RG in the 70s between Harold Solomon and I can’t remember who.

Credit where credit is due:))


chofer Says:

This is already better than the entire past match.


C!P! Says:

true Chofer ,but still dont want it to last that long :))


Tennisfan20 Says:

Nadal should not employ slice, his backhand is good enough to make winners


chofer Says:

Both are playing well. Hope the keep it up.


chofer Says:

How about that angled FH?


C!P! Says:

slice has its purpose Tennisfan ,you cant just strike them all the time ! slice is a defensive shot ,to readjust ,to reposition


Tennisfan20 Says:

Rafa feeding short balls gonna bring back old memory of Nole dominating him


chofer Says:

Rafa needs to be more aggressive with BH. Firing the FH. Nole finding corners that don’t exist. This is good!


Anto Says:

Nadal is nervous as I expected


chofer Says:

Slice is a good transition shot on grass. It doesn’t have to be defensive per se. The shot was invented for this turf.


C!P! Says:

too early to say anything ,breaks are bound to happen between the 2 of them ,always does!


chofer Says:

A net attacking Rafa is a fearless one. Nervous? I’m glad I can see this with no nerves, then!


Anto Says:

Both of nadal service games have gone to duece. Hope he can up his game. Nole already playing really good.


C!P! Says:

wondering if Roger watches this match ,and who’s his favorite ! :) most likely Rafa


chofer Says:

He’s such an underrated volleyer.


chofer Says:

This is tennis poeple, I’m loving this!


C!P! Says:

Anto ,Nadal ,actually Djoko too are slow starters , thats why he used to receive 1st for so long!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Nadal missing routine shots


chofer Says:

Nadal is returning as well as I’ve ever seen it on grass. The key will be keeping his service. Perhaps he should ask Isner.


chofer Says:

Tennisfan20

You’re ovbs seeing a different match than me. Being aggressive (and sometimes missing) is what he needs. Not hitting short, though.

Unless it is a perf drop, he.


chofer Says:

If anything, he looks hurried.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Nadal cleaely has confidence issie against Novak. He’s missing sinple put away


j-kath Says:

Oh Gosh – How lucky can we be – Andrew Castle is one of the commentators….if you want to hear about someone who won a match in 1934 – hang on – he’ll get there again, and again et al.

Funnily enuf folks – I’ve a sneaking suspicion that Kevin Anderson may do pretty well in the finals….I don’t know what he puts in his porridge, but would like some of it.


chofer Says:

It was down the line Rafa.


Anto Says:

Djokovic is anticipating Nadals shot very mucgh accurately, even when nadal is trying to be aggressive.


C!P! Says:

i dont like how it sounds when they hit the ball now indoors, its almost like a badminton sound


chofer Says:

Formidable!


C!P! Says:

luck is on our side :) thats good to know :)


Anto Says:

@CIP, you supporting Nadal?


chofer Says:

Anto

He’s hurried, not nervous. That’s when he keep eyes off the ball and fail routine.

But better fail those than hitting short. Always.


Anto Says:

Man Djokovic is serving great. Already 4 aces.


C!P! Says:

Yes .i already said that :) ,always supporting lefties ,me being one :) ,and believe it or not i actually have a forehand similar to Nadal’s lots of topspin :) , i only play one handed backhand :)


chofer Says:

Rafaole is back in all its glory thus far. You don’t know how a non partisan but fan of tennis enjoy this!


Anto Says:

@CIP, good to know. I am a Nadal fan myself.


chofer Says:

C!P

Then you have the FH of Shapovalov, too. Who clearly imitates Nadal.


Anto Says:

The thing i always believed is that Djokovic when he plays his best against Nadal, he will win at least 8 out of 10 times .(except on clay) . But the thing is he is going to have periods of bad play and then when Nadal should capitalise on.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Nadal in danger lol


C!P! Says:

maybe Nadal imitates me ,lol, since i started playing tennis before he did :)).
regarding Shapovalov ,that guy is my future favorite player when Nadal is out of competition ,i just hope he wont fail me like Gulbis did!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Novak clearly owning him in ground game


chofer Says:

Gulbis has an atrocious FH!:))


chofer Says:

Nole breaks. Once Rafa finds his range on serve, That’s all he needs.

This isn’t over at all.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Anto you’re greatly underestimating the condition here. Ball is clearly low bouncing , if it bounced anything like in 1st semi, we would have seen different scoreline.


Anto Says:

Well Nole in great form already. Nadal must improve a lot, that too very much suddenly. Else this is going to be finishing pretty soon.


C!P! Says:

Gulbis is one of the most talented players ive ever seen , unfortunately he is not right between his ears! he could have achieved so much ,but he doesnt care!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Slices not gonna work against Novak. Rafa had opening in this point


chofer Says:

I think we can all agree Djokovic is really back. We have a fight.


Anto Says:

@Tennisfan20 but this is what we have. So no point in saying otherwise.


C!P! Says:

there are ups and downs in a match ,for both ,this is just Novak’s up !


chofer Says:

Rafa needs authorithy on serve game. Mind games are crucial, too.

You won’t need your adversary get too confident.


Humble Rafa Says:

Semi finalists are all 30 yrs plus. The young generation is made of the wounded and mental midgets. Sad for tennis. Good for me.


Anto Says:

Finally a love hold from Nadal. That might cheer him up.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Again slicing when he had that shot


Van Persie Says:

Noleeee, 2 sets more, please :D


Tennisfan20 Says:

I dont think Djokovic is back. Condition suits him plus Rafa playing crap and game right in to his hands helping big time. Even a fit Anderson or Isner will give more trouble to Novak


Tennisfan20 Says:

@Anto 8outta 10 times they won’t play indoor so no point in saying he would beat 8 outta 10times.


C!P! Says:

i agreee with that statement Tennisfan, Djoko has adapted better and faster to the new conditions of play!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Organisers totally ruiend the 2nd semi , Jow enjoy 1sided indoor .


C!P! Says:

i dont like Nadal’s movement right now ,it’s like he steps on its fingers ,the steps are a bit awkard !


C!P! Says:

shouldve said toes ,i guess!


All out Says:

Wow.. Nadal on outdoor grass is bearable.. Nadal on indoor grass so far looks terrible. Hope Anderson gets the title on Sunday.


chofer Says:

Djokovic is back if only for the way he pushes Rafa back with his BH. That’s a thing I don’t think I’ve seen him do in ages.


Anto Says:

The only way Nadal is going to win is he serves the best he could do.


Anto Says:

Instead Novak serving brilliantly so far.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Rafa making Novak serve look like Isner lol


Tennisfan20 Says:

Lol rafa going for Lob when he could have gone for cracking passing shot on 3 occasions.


C!P! Says:

wow 4 smashes in a row ,and Novak didnt missed one ,thats rare!


Anto Says:

Nadal is facing break point in almost all his service games. This is gonna be a 3 setter to Novak


C!P! Says:

Anto dont be negative ! alot can happen between now and the end of the game! you’ll only get yourself sad


chofer Says:

Anto

If Djokovic yells for an opportunity lost when Rafa is the one under the pressure… I don’t think so.

Mind game. Rafa knoes this. Now he needs to serve more efficiently.


Anto Says:

@Chofer and @CIP, I know if Nadal indeed keep playing excellent tennis he is gonna have chances. But the thing is I am not sure if Nadal can take those chances.


chofer Says:

The ghosts of Djokovic past yelling.

See Anto??

Mind games.


Anto Says:

Well it seems he did take his first chance. Now if Nadal can hold his serve now. He can win this set. But I am not very hopeful as of now


Anto Says:

See already a return winner from Djokovic. I am fu**king nervous


C!P! Says:

of all the players in the tour ,there is no one i like Rafa to beat more than Nole ,but even if Djoko will win ,i will still love Rafa ,and still dislike Nole, but i wont allow myself to be sad about it! not anymore !


Anto Says:

As i feared he did break back.


BBB Says:

Well, I’m a Djoker fan, but I have the highest regard for Nadal. This match is a treat.


chofer Says:

Ay, the serve. That’s gonna hurt.


C!P! Says:

you wanna go back to watching Isner- Anderson ,Anto ?:)) that was soothing tennis :))


Anto Says:

And he did it by playing anticipating the whole Nadal’s move


Anto Says:

@CIP, I would rather watch a 10 Nadal-Nole match even if Nadal loses it all the 10 fucking times. Because I know we are gonna get great tennis.


Anto Says:

@CIP, I would rather watch a 10 Nadal-Nole match even if Nadal loses of all them. Because I know we are gonna get great tennis.


C!P! Says:

i only missed 1 of the previous 51 matches between them :), so i would know , champion vs champion ,cant disappoint


C!P! Says:

now thats great tennis ! angles ,variety ,spins !


chofer Says:

One thing is hitting short, an entirely different one is hitting wide.


Anto Says:

Oh yeah he break again. Now Please hold the serve.


C!P! Says:

what did i tell you earlier ? Ups and Downs ,Ups and Downs ,especially between these 2 ,it’s a given


chofer Says:

Now, back up with the serve an confidence will get a boost for one and a pause for the other.


Anto Says:

Nadal playing with confidence now. That is the way Nadal will play his best tennis. And he holds. Phew.


C!P! Says:

thats the difference between champions likes these2 and the players in first semi ,you can watch 50 matches and still wont know what happens next !


chofer Says:

Nadal gets wrong just one thing: not opening up the court. Instead, he sometimes try to hit down the center. That’s a gimme for Djokovic. Open up the court with angles is the way.

If you can’t hit deep, hit wide. That’s a lesson from my first professor in tennis.


AndyMira Says:

Yeah Anto!…Phew!!


Anto Says:

Now Novak has started missing and Nadal has started playing better. Their whole h2h has been tale of momentum switches. Just like their matches. My favorite rivalry


C!P! Says:

but as someone of you said ,those screams by Djokovic when he was still in the lead ,might hide something ! makes no sens to be upset when you are in control!


chofer Says:

Another thing that re-appeared in the last game: Nadal’s crosscourt BH. He’ll need it as musch as the serve.


C!P! Says:

you cant hit as you like if you are not in the right position !


chofer Says:

but as someone of you said ,those screams by Djokovic when he was still in the lead ,might hide something ! makes no sens to be upset when you are in control!

Absolutely spot-on C!P! Self.sabotage on TV.


Anto Says:

The moment of truth, Lets see if he can hold his nerve. If he can close it out without a deuce the better


chofer Says:

you cant hit as you like if you are not in the right position !

Of course. That’s why Nadal needs to take control of the second ball. By hittting wide first.


C!P! Says:

beautiful!


Anto Says:

Well he started with a ufe. but then followed with a brilliant point


C!P! Says:

why the hell did we had to wait so long for this game?!


chofer Says:

The serve on the body, Nadal.


Anto Says:

Oh shit BP.


chofer Says:

To the body!


Anto Says:

Nadal cannot mis the balls like this.


chofer Says:

FantasticBH. But the first to open wide is Nole. And it’s dangerous.


Anto Says:

What a fantastic BH DTL to bring up set point. Common Nadal take it


C!P! Says:

1 down ,2 to go :)


Anto Says:

OH yeah, We have a match in our hand people and a great match most probably.


C!P! Says:

just curious, where are you guys from ? i’m a countryman of Simona Halep :)


Van Persie Says:

1-1 now.awesome match so far.

Momentum with Rafa now. Let’s see how Djoko will react now


Van Persie Says:

Me too, Cipi :)


chofer Says:

The good thing is, this isn’t over today. So perhaps with The Sun Rafa will get some boost and bounce.

Only thing he needs is to keep score. Get close.

This set is not that crucial if the match resumes tomorrow.


Anto Says:

Man look at the way nadal sweats. And some stupid people keep complaining that he takes lot of time between serves.


AndyMira Says:

Yeeesss!!…This how he have to play against Novak!…Full of confidence & aggressive!…Then he has a chance…C’mon Rafa!!…Keep it up!!


chofer Says:

Oh we have to Romanians here! Sure you miss some Nasty drop shots:))


C!P! Says:

why do you say this isnt over today ? are not allowed to cotinue past a certain hour ?


Anto Says:

I am from India CIP. And I have only started following tennis this way since about 2013. So never had the luck to watch the 2008 wimbly final, nor the 2009 aus final. But I did watched a lot of FO finals before 2013.


chofer Says:

Yes, the schedule is until 11 PM London Time.

How far are we going?


Anto Says:

Nor the 2012 AO final


Van Persie Says:

they can play 1 hour from now


chofer Says:

Check this stat: Isner had 251 aces the wholem tournament! A record. Not enough to win. And some people call it “tennis”


Anto Says:

Now lets hope Nadal wont have to face BP from the start itself.


C!P! Says:

oh my ,that Wimby final ,but that Ausie Open final was better IMO, if only the ending was a bit different, that slam ,was the best for rafa i think ; and keep in mind Nadal was sick between the semi and the final


chofer Says:

The chair umpire is my countryman. He’s goood.

Guess what I’m comung from:))


Van Persie Says:

Argentina?


C!P! Says:

Mansour Bahrami would be envious of those backwards smashes!


chofer Says:

Open it up. There!


chofer Says:

VP

You just won a blender!!


Van Persie Says:

^ Nah, You mentioned it once here :)


Anto Says:

A good start by Nadal.


chofer Says:

The handle is on Rafa now. Sorry ton say this will be interrupted:((


C!P! Says:

well his accent ,and you being a fan of Delpo says it all ! :)


chofer Says:

VP

Sure!:))


chofer Says:

I have an accent in my writing? I deserve a Nobel!!:))


C!P! Says:

i rooted for Argentina at the World Cup ,that didnt worked well unfortunately


C!P! Says:

i said HIS (the umpire’s ) accent ,and you being a Delpo fan


chofer Says:

I didn’t. because I knew it wouldn’t work out beforehand. I’m a fútbol fan, too.


chofer Says:

And France is so gonna win this.


chofer Says:

And I was happy Delpo beat both paire and Simon. A little revenge, he.


Anto Says:

I am rooting for Croatia. Just because I likes Rakitic and Modric.


C!P! Says:

i m not a hater ,but i hate the frenchies ! now lets go back to tennis :) its worth it :)


chofer Says:

I like them too, Anto. But, like tennis, I believe in hierarchies. And Croatia doesn’t belong there, yet.

It would be a massive upset and a scorn to French Football.
Besides, the Croats are like Anderson now. Working overtime to win.

Frankly, that’s not gonna happen.


Anto Says:

Nadal in little trouble. Hope he can hold


Anto Says:

@chofer, thats one of the other reasons I will be rooting for Croatia because they are underdogs. Also I was originally supporting Argentina because of Messi


C!P! Says:

good hold Rafa !


Anto Says:

And hold he did.


C!P! Says:

that lasso forehand its an absolute beauty ! a unique shot!


C!P! Says:

im a bit of a susperstitious guy , i remember that whenever francisco roig follows rafa in a tourney he doesnt play as expected , this Wimby wasnt the case fortunately ; by the way where is Moya ?


Anto Says:

I just hope even if this finishes very fast, they wont start the 4th set.


Anto Says:

Yeah I am wondering that. Where is Moya?


Van Persie Says:

I have French colleagues, where I am working, they are very nice. Would be pleased for them, if France won, but somehow, rooting for Croatia, as they are the underdogs.


C!P! Says:

i think Djoko kind of lost the grip on the match ,and he feels it


Anto Says:

@CIP , that may be true, but Rafa must continue his laser focus.


chofer Says:

Everbody loves an underdog!

Excep in tennis:)))

Not rooting for Kevin. So sorry.


C!P! Says:

Anto ,absolutely he does! just one of those ups and downs :)


Van Persie Says:

Chofer,

So sorry to tell you, I “loved” him on Wednesday ;)…and liked hom also before. He’s nice


Anto Says:

Also Novak is still holding pretty comfortably. Nadal has to serve to stay in the set. Lets hope he doesn’t have a brain fart game. Like he did against Delpo


C!P! Says:

i fear for this service game!


Sisay Says:

Where are all nole fans in here ?


C!P! Says:

you can be one of them Sisay :)


Sisay Says:

Are they ordered to play at least one tie breaker? Why are both holding easy?


Sisay Says:

Cip, yes i am.


Van Persie Says:

Important hold :)

Sisay, nice to see you again


Anto Says:

Now hold one more time Nadal. Please dont screw up.


C!P! Says:

it only looks easy ,but it’s not!


C!P! Says:

these 2 try hard to play a tie break ,whereas the other 2 ,tried hard NOT to play one!


Anto Says:

@CIP yeah Its definitely not easy


C!P! Says:

and they sure play like they hate each other :)


C!P! Says:

with Bear Grylls in the stands , this looks like a survival game!


Sisay Says:

Thanks vp…you remember me after almost 2 years?


Anto Says:

Tie break it is.


chofer Says:

VP

I watch tennis since the mid 80s. Im only want one thin only: That Delpo wins another Slam. I think, without bias, it would be an unjustice of epic proportions. If only because when he was ascending, that tiny lapses when he was healthy enough to play. All of the four were picking at some point or another. He never had the luxury of “profiting a void” so to speak.

He always head to climb the Slams the hard way. That’s why I would be so pissed off if Isner have won today. Not facing ONE of the Big Four and get to the final before Delpo? No way! You8 have to earn it, dammit!

I have a feeling it will be thus Us Open. If the draw “helps” a little (the draws never helped Delpo, ever)

In short, I want him to get rid off the fastidious tag of One Slam Wonder.

Then, he can rest on a beach forever. Injuries were too cruel to him. And I never said this of other phenoms my country produced. Neither Coria nor Nalbandian deserved it. Because they didn’t work as hard and have so much desire as Delpo does.

That’s the one thing only.


Van Persie Says:

Yep, sure I do, Sisay :)
Well, I would not recognize U on the street ;)


Anto Says:

Nadal already made 3 ufe this tie break. After all he did this set, he is making this mistakes is what is sad


Anto Says:

@chofer, I share your sentiment.


Anto Says:

What a point by nadal to get the mini break back


C!P! Says:

some nerve to do that !


Anto Says:

Another fantastic point by Rafa. Pleasse Rafa take this set point


C!P! Says:

fantastic players ,they both deserve it!


Anto Says:

Oh yeah . Take this set point Nadal Please please please


chofer Says:

This is scorching.


Anto Says:

@CIP, true that.


Daniel Says:

Djoko lacking the killer shot. Several points this tiebreak he held his arm. In the old days he was more brave and took more risks


Anto Says:

WTF should Nadal to get an unreturned serve


C!P! Says:

could it be closer than this ?


Anto Says:

Djokovic saved 3 set points already. This is going to be painful if Nadal loses this set.


Daniel Says:

1st SP for Djoko on Nadal’s serve afer Nadal missing 2 straight returns


Anto Says:

Nadal missed a 2nd serve return. This is gonna cost him sadly. :-(


Anto Says:

Please Nadal at least return the ball


C!P! Says:

plenty of beautiful tennis left…. tomorrow!


Van Persie Says:

Wow, I think I am sweating worse than Nole….

Chofer,

agree, and I love DelPo :)


chofer Says:

The best thing for Rafa is stop now.


Daniel Says:

Yeah!!!! Third set in the bag.

Match finished for the day due to not able to play after 11 pm.

They will have to resume tomorrow at least for 1 set and Sunday again.

What a day at Wimby, Friday 13th. Too bad one of them will have to play 3 days.


C!P! Says:

to be honest i’m surprised by Djoko’s play ,didnt think he could play like this now!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Nadal choked real hard


Anto Says:

@CIP, I think he is playing very close to his best now. What do you think?


Tennisfan20 Says:

Cip Djoko played superb for 1.5 set then he was nothing special. 3rd set was all Rafa but he didnt take chance and even on set point Rafa didnt go fdtl instead he went cross court.


C!P! Says:

the question is ,do they have to continue playing with the roof on tomorrow? cause as far as i know ,i match must be finished under the same conditions as it started!


Tennisfan20 Says:

Rafa was better player in 3rd set


Tennisfan20 Says:

No@CIP


gonzalowski Says:

T20 not a choke by Rafa at all, but….arghhhhh what a suffering!! 😖😖😖 I was about to break something at home.

Not impossible for tomorrow, but..

good night ladies 😔


Anto Says:

Yeah he kinda played defensive when serving on set point. That cost him the set. I don’t think I can sleep now.


Tennisfan20 Says:

Gonza if you notice on many important point and that include set point, Rafa kept on going cross court when he had success throughout match on forehand down the line. See the set point that rafa choked.


Anto Says:

Any idea if this will be the first match tomorrow. Also what is the weather forecast. Is it going to be sunny?


C!P! Says:

i dont like the word CHOKE ,it;s not fitting and it;s not the case . tentative ,hesitant , maybe ,but even if the score is 2-1 for one side ,i dont think there was a difference in the level of play! the way i see it Nadal has room left to improve ,i doubt thats the case for Nole ,but he has one set advantage!


C!P! Says:

what bother me at Nadal was the footing ,his side to side movement . hope that changes tomorrow under the new conditions!


RZ Says:

C!P! – re: the roof, according to the ESPN commentators, both players have to agree to have the roof opened for their match.


RZ Says:

Anto – it’s on 1st tomorrow. Usually suspended matches come on 2nd, but probably because of the final ticket holders and the trophy ceremony after the women’s match, as well as the men’s doubles final, they put this one first.


Humble Rafa Says:

I just learned that Tallner is about to have a baby. Xisca, did you hear that?

Now, I just hope that ripped South African, whatever his name is, is not having a child also.


skeezer Says:

Note needs to bring that BHDTL and make it solid tomorrow. It was his demise today for the most part. Couldn’t hit it or didn’t want to….whatever doesn’t matter. When he could hit it, he would open up the court and the opportunities would follow. Gotta say Novak Djockovich is back, and like I said awhile back, he is going to be DA MAN for USO.
Rafa? Sometimes he looks like he wants it too much. Just do it man, don’t wimper.


BBB Says:

Ah skeeze. I so appreciate these kinds of posts from you :-)


Okiegal Says:

I read on a site just now that the roof would remain closed…..but this could be fake news??? LOL! Anyone know for sure??


Humble Rafa Says:

but this could be fake news???

Did you read it on CNN. That’s the only way you can confirm fake news.


Humble Rafa Says:

Sometimes he looks like he wants it too much. Just do it man, don’t wimper.

That’s an advice someone could have used two days ago.


skeezer Says:

Fed never wimpered. You need to learn what to do when you lose a point. Try harder, don’t use your racket to swat imaginary flies.


skeezer Says:

BBB,
Nole’s attitude, behavior, and play was exemplary. All credit to him. If he continues and gets that BHDTL going, he is in final.


Okiegal Says:

@Humble Rafa 9:25…… No, not CNN…..FACEBOOK!! 🤣🤣


ChrisFord1 Says:

Both guys have to agree to opening the roof. Novak, knowing Rafa well, knows the one place a match can happen that Rafa sucks at. Indoors. They already announced it will remain closed. Luckily for Nadal’s career, no dirt pen has a roof.

Thanks to two servebots that don’t have great returns playing one another, the match will also be played 1st thing in the morning when the air is heavy and the sun isn’t full up and the ball stays low. Another thing Rafa is less than thrilled at.

The Isner-Mahut atrocity of tennis almost happened again. But the match was bad enough in messing up the fans wanting another full match between the legends.


Margot Says:

Fantastic match between two legends of the game. Such jaw dropping play from both. Loving the variety in Rafa’s game and his increasing willingness to come forward. Loving Nole’s amazing retrieval skills and his wonderful ROS.
But the awfulness of the scheduling is also jaw dropping. Why didn’t they put the likely marathon on earlier or Court 1?


j-kath Says:

Margot:

Because of the “likely marathon” I wondered why they didn’t put Rafa & Novak match first. I guess they didn’t move it to Court 1 because of who bought tickets to see the scheduled players on a particular court – could/would they move such numbers from one court to another?


Anto Says:

The match is about to resume. Lets hope for a competitive set irrespective of the winner. Go Rafa. Win or Lose always with you.


Anto Says:

Nadal starting with a break point already. Novak already hitting two return winners of Nadal’s first serve.


Anto Says:

What a hold by Nadal. But it is starting just like the first set. Hope he improves his serving very fast. he wont have another set like yesterday to do that.


Anto Says:

Awesome start by Nadal. He is hitting aggressively now. Hope he keeps on doing that and not become tentative.


Anto Says:

Wow wow wow. This is what Nadal can do if he decides to be aggressive from the start. Go Rafa now go get the insurance break.


Anto Says:

And we are back on serve. Its dilemma now for Nadal, weather to be aggressive always and miss balls or be defensive and get djokovic take control


Margot Says:

Come on Rafa, we all want a 5th set!


Anto Says:

come Nadal please serve it out.


Anto Says:

Well it aint happening. If Nadal faces a BP he aint serving it out.


Anto Says:

Please Nadal after saving 3 BPs please please hita a fricking ace.,


Anto Says:

He did it. Holy Fu**king shit man. He did it. He he an ace on set point. To the 5th we go. Now its anybody’s match. Hope Nadal keeps benig aggressive even if he makes some mistakes here and there.


Anto Says:

Novak starting to serve better. Nadal hopefully can make less ufes and be aggressive.


Anto Says:

Even though this match is already crossed 4 and half hours, since it is a two day match it doesn’t feel like that. Any way we already got what we hoped for. A very competitive match between the two.


Anto Says:

We are witnessing another all time classic between the two. Both playing extremely high level at times. Both making mistakes also. This is great drama too.


Anto Says:

Novak just proved with this hold saving 3 break points that for the time being he is the stronger one mentally. Now lets see if Nadal can keep playing aggressive and not tentative int this very crucial game.


Anto Says:

What a way to save the MP. Please nadal hold please hold


Anto Says:

Now Nadal showed he is not giving up the mental edge.


Anto Says:

Congrats Djokovic you earned it. Thanks Rafole for this fantastic match.


Madmax Says:

Sisay Says:
Where are all nole fans in here ?

July 13th, 2018 at 5:30 pm

There are plenty Sisy, but today, I for one, just wanted to watch both rafa and novak and enjoy a match the whole way through without interruption.

Okie and Willow, do not be downhearted. Not at all. This was a tough call to make and I stood by the fact that I believed Rafa would win – but Novak too, it was a really close call in set 5.

Congrats to Novak fans and also to Nadal fans – this will go down in history as another great semi final match.

We have been blessed this wimbledon. We have.


AndyMira Says:

Yeah..Congrats to Novak who seems to bring his best when he face Rafa…Congrats too to all his fans whom i assume very happy..Hope they too realize that Novak is still not gone…It’s really painful to see his own fans don’t believe in him…

As for Rafa…well…There’s plenty of chance there..but he won’t take it!!Urgh!!…He deserve to lose…


AndyMira Says:

But great 2 weeks for Rafa…Reach 1st semis in 6 years…And break his Wimby curse too!…So,all the best for NA HC Rafa!!


skeezer Says:

Congrats Nole! What come back journey the last 15 months.. From Djoker to Djock, this guy rocked it today. Well deserved.Congrats to VP, BBB who have stuck around the last 15 mos. Guess what? He’a baaaaaack!
What was even more impressive was who is was up against this match. A super charged up Rafael Nadal (from what?),never seen such a physically fit and determination out of the guy. He wanted to win, real bad. No one can say now Rafa cannot play on this grass with the best of them, the guy can play, at least on this type of grass with these kind of conditions. Vamos Rafa, let’s see another rematch @USO.


skeezer Says:

BTW, the BIG disappointment this tourney and by far the most newsworthy is the non existent TB. C’mon gang, change that rule!

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