Federer Stunned By Millman At US Open, Djokovic Through; Nadal v Thiem Tues.

by Staff | September 4th, 2018, 1:45 am
  • 176 Comments

Roger Federer’s troubles at the US Open continued Monday night in New York. The Swiss great hadn’t won a US Open title since 2008 and it won’t happen this year either after being stunned in the fourth round by Australian journeyman John Millman 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7). 7-6(3).

Federer, who was 40-0 against players ranked outside the Top 50 at the US Open, looked good early against the 55th-ranked Millman, leading by a set and serving for the second. He was well in control.

But the Swiss fell apart and in the humid night conditions, Millman started to find his groove. While not highly touted, Millman took a set off Federer a few years ago in Brisbane, so there was some belief for the 29-year-old.


Millman continued to be rock solid off the ground in the third, especially off the backhand. Federer continued to misfire. Continued to sweat. Continued to look off.

In the fourth, Federer grabbed an early break much to the approval of the Ashe crowd and went up 4-2. But he was broken right back. And in the breaker, Federer fell apart consecutively double faulting and later spraying a forehand long down match point. It was quite an ugly finish for the 5-time US Open champion.

“I just thought it was very hot tonight,” said Federer indicating there was injury. “It was just one of those nights I felt I couldn’t get air. It’s one of the first times that’s happened to me. You keep sweating more and more and you lose energy.

“It was hot,” said Federer. “I do believe with the roof there is no air circulation.”

The 37-year-old Federer looked like he was 37. Federer finished with 77 unforced errors including 10 double faults and managed to hit just 49% of his first serves in.

“I wish I could have led two sets to love because maybe things would have been different,” Federer said.

Millman, who was 0-10 against Top 10 players, moves on to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. There will be no Federer-Djokovic quarter. That’s gone.

“I have so much respect for Roger and everything he’s done for the game and he’s been a hero of mine and today he was definitely not at his best but, you know, I’ll take it,” Millman said on court.

Djokovic was on in the mid-day heat against Joao Sousa and he took care of business. The Portuguese No. 1 was proficient from the backcourt, but had little to hurt the Serb who won it 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours.

“I’m very happy to get this one done in straight sets,” said Djokovic. “It was much more difficult than the score indicates. Credit to Joao, who brought an intensity to the court. It was a tough one to play.”

“I’m just trying to cherish the moment on the court,” he added. “I’m not 21 anymore. I still don’t feel old, but at the same time, there is a little biological clock. Sometimes you just have to survive.”

The only bump Djokovic had was early in the third set when he left the court to see the doctor for an unknown chest issue.

“It was couple things,” Djokovic said. “But, yeah, heat was the – what do you call it – adversity today. It is what it is. I’ve experienced that in the first round. It’s tough, you know. It’s not easy to play in these kind of conditions. At the same time, you can’t do anything but try to be tough and survive, you know, find a way to win.”

Djokovic, who has never lost in the US Open fourth round, has now made the quarterfinals in New York 11 straight times.

Also on Wednesday, it will be a rematch of the 2014 US Open final as Marin Cilic meets Kei Nishikori after each won straight setters.

Nishikori opened the day up against Philipp Kohlschreiber who ousted his countryman Alexander Zverev on Saturday. And the veteran German was no match for Nishikori who was in complete control with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 win. The only blip was that Nishikori failed to serve it out at 5-4 in the third, but did so two games later.

“I think he was playing good, too,” Nishikori said. “But I think I was playing little better and tried to stepping in a lot and playing aggressive and played, you know, the way I wanted to. I mean, for me, was great game. He started playing well in the last couple of games, but happy to finish in three sets today.”

Assessed Kohlschreiber, “He didn’t make many mistakes. He pushed me around. He was too much in control of the game. Of course, I maybe had not my best day today. But, yeah, it’s another thing you can wish for. I tried to, yeah, work hard into the points, which is tough. He was very dictating. But, yeah, overall I gave everything. Wished to play a little bit better tennis today, but wasn’t the case.”

Cilic also had a straightforward day coasting past David Goffin 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.

“It was extremely important to win first set today,” said Cilic. “Very humid conditions, hot as well. Obviously playing with David, who also likes to play long rallies as well, dictates the game, it was very important to win it.”

Nishikori and Cilic will meet for the 15th time on Wednesday. Nishikori leads 8-6 but of course Cilic won the US Open final four years ago.

“Extremely solid player from the back of the court,” said Cilic. “Incredible backhand. Great mover, as well. He’s got sweet timing of the ball. Hitting it, for his size, incredibly quick, incredibly fast. Always a pleasure to watch him. He had a little bit of trouble with his injury on the wrist. Great to see him playing this well again, enjoying his time on the court.”

On tap Tuesday, the quaarterfinals get underway with just two mens matches. Big men John Isner and Juan Martin del Potro duel in a rematch of their Miami semifinal won by the American and French quarter taken by Delpo. Isner in his second US Open quarterfinal after 2011 and he’s already played two five set matches. Del Potro hasn’t dropped a set.

In the evening, Rafael Nadal meets Dominic Thiem in a rematch of their French Open final. Nadal, who has won his last 11 at the US Open, is 7-3 against the Austrian, but this is their first meeting off of the hard courts. It’s also Thiem’s first non-clay Slam quarterfinal. Nadal also will remain No. 1 with the Federer loss.

TUESDAY US OPEN SCHEDULE
ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM 12:00 PM
S. Stephens (USA) [3] vs. A. Sevastova (LAT) [19]
NOT BEFORE: 1:30 PM
J. Del Potro (ARG) [3] vs. J. Isner (USA) [11]

ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM 7:00 PM
S. Williams (USA) [17] vs. Ka. Pliskova (CZE) [8]
R. Nadal (ESP) [1] vs. D. Thiem (AUT) [9]


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176 Comments for Federer Stunned By Millman At US Open, Djokovic Through; Nadal v Thiem Tues.

Wog Boy Says:

One way this is good for 37 years old, now he can practice and “invent” new shots and become “ambassador” of those shots.

On the other hand he might take advice from the cult leader on this site who recommended Nole, when he was losing to lower ranked players, that maybe best would be to start playing futures and challengers …

Last but not least, during the match I was planting some fruit trees in my backyard (while checking result on my mobile), due to heroics of this modest young man and to honor young Queenslander I decided to name my kalamata olive tree that I planted during his match “Olive Millman” and I am using this chance to apologize to him for saying few years back on TX that he’ll never be top 100, please Millman, accept my apology.


Bob Lewis Says:

I heard a famous, beloved Swiss athlete is now endorsing a new vehicle called the Dodge Novak.


Wog Boy Says:

^^^^ 👍😂👏


Wog Boy Says:

Just checked highlights from Nole’s match, he looked miserable, even his beloved wife had to cheer him not to give up in the third set, he really looked miserable.


Van Persie Says:

Yep WB, was not very pleasant to watch that match. Weather was totally against him yesterday. Good news for him, it will get cooler in the next days and will play night matches + rainy day on Sunday.


Van Persie Says:

^^ should he make it until Sunday, of course.


Wog Boy Says:

Thanks VP, now 37 years old lost I think they will roster him and Millman day match and Cilic vs Nishikori night match.


Van Persie Says:

29-30 degrees on Wednesday, so much better than yesterday. Maybe it would be better to have a day match. Millman will be a bit tired and Cilic- Nishikori could get into a beautiful epic at night.


Wog Boy Says:

I like your thinking:)


Giles Says:

Can somebody please shut this pest up??


Wog Boy Says:

Why don’t you try?


Van Persie Says:

What’s the matter, Giles? :)

We are having a nice conversation about the weather.


Andy Mira Says:

I have no doubt in my mind that Rafa will win(insyaallah)…i just hope he will do it in a quickest possible way…2-2 1/2 hrs is beautiful…Otherwise 18th will be fading quickly!

I also think Thiem still haunting with the loss at FO,but expect him come out gun blazing with his hard & heavy hitting…But Rafa will stand firm…Insyaallah!…VAMOS RAFA!!….GO GET THIEM!!….Hehe…..sorry Team Thiem!!


Czarlazar Says:

It doesn’t matter if Nadal beats Thiem or not. This is not his year because Nole is back, and Rafa knows it!


BBB Says:

Ugh, this is the kind of stuff I just don’t like: Complaining about the weather, even though he got a night match, he then says: “At some point also I was just happy that the match was over, I guess.”

Love Millman. Saying he felt a bit guilty for beating Fed. Classy guy.


Giles Says:

6.32 am. Cos I do not wish to converse with traitors!


Daniel Says:

This has to go benone of his worst defeats as he was in a pretty good leading position serving 40-15 for second set 2-0. Similar to DelPo 2009 final.
Robredo match a few years back and Cilic 14 he lost in straights.

Similar to raonic Wimbledon 2016 when he was set to take 4th set and lost.

Thaose are the one hurts more.

But ever since that 14 min game early 2nd set where he couldn’t serve a 1st, yoy could saw ge was affected by heat. It really bothers him last night. Is the only way to explain 75 UE and 40% first serves in together with his age.

For those who think he “tanked” there are easier ways to do it.

Good for Djoko to have a virtual bye next round because Millman has nothing to hurt him and he won’t self implode as Fed did. Than he has Cilic who he dominates and Kei he also dominates.

Djokos title to lose now!


Giles Says:

Oh STFU Czarlazar.


Giles Says:

Lol. The faker fans are all gung ho now that he doesn’t have any competition left in his side of the draw.


AndyMira Says:

Oh!…Is that so Czarlazar?Hehehehohohohoho!!….OKAY!!


Van Persie Says:

Czarlazar,

With all the respect, Nole is not yet at his fully best, and I would not say he is overwhelming favorite at this US Open.
Rafa showed some vulnerabilities and his half of draw is “heavier” from now on, but I would not write him off. He is a big fighter.

The battle for the 1st ranking will be between Rafa and Nole. Should Nole win the UO 2018, he could be seen as fave, as he was always great in the last tournaments of the season in the past.


Van Persie Says:

Then of course, as Nole’s fan, I hope, that Rafa, as potential finalist, would get a deep run for his money from Thiem and DelPO (should he beat them both).
And I wish Nole the easiest path possible :D


TGIT Says:

Even when Fed has the worst day at the office he manages to drag himself to two tiebreakers.

Everybody looked terrible yesterday. Even Novak. You could see him trying to take full breathes. In 5 minutes everybody on that court looks like they just finished an ultra-marathon.

This could be the year of a dark horse.


BBB Says:

VP, I agree with you, and I wouldn’t overlook Millman. Djoker doesn’t like the heat or humidity. Someone like Millman can endure.

As for Fed, again, this is what Chris Evert said: when you get older, your bad matches are very bad, and they happen more often. He wasn’t good in Cincy, and he wasn’t good last night. Nevertheless, he’s 37, and it’s still amazing when he’s as good as he is.


Truth Says:

Fed doesn’t like sweat flooded pants. His ego is shattered and he’s glad he lost.
He’s scared of Novak, even though Novak wasn’t exactly taking care of himself for most of 2 years.

Fed fans can keep bragging about his greatness from 2004.
No one cares. Poor Pat and John McEnroe.


Daniel Says:

“The battle for the 1st ranking will be between Rafa and Nole. Should Nole win the UO 2018, he could be seen as fave, as he was always great in the last tournaments of the season in the past.”

Totally VP,

Fed lost any chance with this exit. He will have 4.800 pts after the Open, Nadal already has 7.120 with QF.

Even if Nadla loses to Thiem, there is 2.320 pts and Fed has only left possible 4.000 pts (Shangai, Basel, Paris and WTF). This if he plays Paris, menaing he would have to win 3 of these 4 and go to at least semis in the other to have more than 3.000 pts and hope Nadal bombs Beijing, shangai, Paris and WTF.

Virtually impossible.

Djoko alreayd passes Fed in race with QF for 4.805 and can add more (up to 6.445 pts if he wins the title).

But he also needs to go deep, minimum finals and Nadal not winning to have a chance.

DelPo and Cilic also have a side chance if one wins this USO also.


Van Persie Says:

“DelPo and Cilic also have a side chance if one wins this USO also.”

yes, Daniel, could be, but do not see these 2 pulling the Andy from 2016, who won everything at the end of the season.


RZ Says:

Updated bracket standings: Somehow I am still on top (thankfully I chose Djokovic over Federer) but a lot can still change as we saw yesterday. There are 6 entries within 3 points of each other after mine battling it out for 2nd place and with a good shot at moving up to first.

BTW, starting tomorrow I will be traveling the rest of the week and may not have a chance to post until late Monday. (Oh Andy, if you could have only held on for a couple more rounds, this would have been in the bag for you)


Daniel Says:

Millman has nothign to hurt Djoko. Djoko won’t give some missed retunrs as Fed did, plus the gazillios errors.

Millman was just lucky Fed had his worst serve day ever and gave the match to him after second set. His box was not even believing what was happening, neither was him smiling a lot. After he won second set he actually start believing, and stopped missing and at that point was alreayd fired up. I believe he made less than 10 Unforce Erros in last 2 sets. Just made Fed play and miss.

His merit, played smart and noticed what happen on court. Occasionally he hit an amazing couter punch and was fresh getting to all those Fed drop shots.


RZ Says:

I know the death knell has been rung for Federer’s career over and over again in the past 10 years and he keeps coming back to prove the doubters wrong. But I can’t help thinking how mediocre his 2018 has been outside of the Australian Open. .


Daniel Says:

RZ,

I think the only one who can dethrone you is Aileen. Almsot everybody picked Djokox Cilic semis and DelPo x Nadal. If Djoko wins you wins and if Nadal wins she wins. It would came down to you 2 and this result.

Unless one of them loses before finals then victory by anticipation for the remaining;-)


RZ Says:

Thanks for the breakdown Daniel. So it’s not to my detriment to root for Thiem to win the whole shebang (not likely to happen but I would be a poor Team Thiem member if I didn’t root for him). I think someone chose DelPo to win, so that could also affect the Bracket winner.


lylenubbins Says:

Re Fed: Seems like Fed’s reduced schedule has a negative impact on his match toughness. Kind of like the loss to Anderson at W, could not find a way to win.

Nole fans better hope the weather turns, the heat and humidity are not good for him.


Daniel Says:

Wed temperatures a lower than yesterday (mid 20C, 80F) but humidy about the same at nigh (78-80%). Afternoon lower humidyt 69% but higher Temp 28-30C, 85 F. Overall better conditions than he played on Monday on both scenarios.

Friday it cools down more and Sunday even more. So Djoko just needs to pass tomorrow and weather shouldn’t be an issue for him anymore.


RZ Says:

lylenubbins – it does seem like he may need a better balance of match toughness and rest.

Also, yesterday I noticed that Fed seemed to have a bit of a gut. First time I have noticed this for him. It could be the new Uniqlo kit, as it would likely have a different cut than Nike clothing. Or it could be the additional rest.


Daniel Says:

Notice the “gut” also RZ. Actually he always had something going on there, not Nalbandian like, but there. The outfit cut seems more fit also.


BBB Says:

At this stage, it seems court speed is dispositive for him.

I do wonder how they decide how fast to make the courts from one year to the next.


Daniel Says:

“At this stage, it seems court speed is dispositive for him.”

Totally!

The 2 tourneys he lost before QF this year had the slowest HC, Miami and USO, compared to others. Rotterdam and AO (both he won) the fastest, together with Cincy, where he reach finals.

Grass he reach 2 finals, won 1 and lost a QF in Wimby after MP.

Court speed is his main MO now and thats how he is scheduling his year.

Shangai, Basel, Paris and WTF are all good for his game and I expect good to great results there. Also late year a few players are lingering, tired, etc…and he is fresh with just 42 matches played (36-6 record for the year).


Madmax Says:

Wogboy, I just love your comments and wanted to cite Oscar Wilde to you, but then I thought you probably have never heard of him, but one can try:

Oscar Wilde

“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

A little bit of literature for you Wogboy, to try and sooth your tortured soul as you cannot stop talking, thinking, eating or sleeping or sharing your thoughts about Federer – I love it by the way, keep on talking about him Wogboy, win or lose.

I am sure you can work this out:

The vignette is included in “Churchill by Himself: The Definitive Collection of Quotations” [CHDQ]:

Bessie Braddock: Winston, you are drunk, and what’s more you are disgustingly drunk.

Winston Churchill: Bessie, my dear, you are ugly, and what’s more, you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly.

It’s a great quote Wogboy, no?


Madmax Says:

To the Fed fans,

Yes, a strange result for our beloved Federer but immediately this happened, I thought, no surprise. It is what it is and still to go to 2 tie breaks, although a challenge, he shows the next generation, how it is done, how to keep fighting. That should be applauded and a tree should be planted in his name. Wogboy definitely got the right idea there.

As for Millman, fantastic show of strength. Unfortunately, I think this is where it stops, although again, it could just be his tournament. Perhaps another tree named after him, let’s see.


BBB Says:

JK, the one thing I marvel at is that in sports, of all things, people feel comfortable making such definitive predictions. “Which means Roger Federer will close out his career with his current record of 20 major championships and no more.”

Is it likely? Sure. A foregone conclusion? No. At 37 it seems he can’t handle the American summer. Ok. His Wimbledon loss is frankly more relevant if people are starting burial plans. But we really don’t know much more than that.


Madmax Says:

Hi J-Kath,

No. Not sad at all. It is a well-written, if not melancholic article by an excellent writer who is respected in the journalistic world, a bit like wogboy is when he plants his trees, Perry writes his words.

I think it will be Roger at Wimbledon next year, perhaps, perhaps J-Kath, to revisit the place, where he won for the very first time, where he will leave – but we are prepared, the Fed fans at least are – and we will continue to support Roger, the way that you continue to support Andy, win or lose, we will be there.

Thanks for sharing J-kath.

For you and for Wogboy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lY2qrtPZR0


Madmax Says:

I had never heard of John Millman, but obviously Fed had, when he invited him over to train with him! How ironic and good on John Millman for giving it to his Hero! And good on Fed for being as complimentary as ever. His graciousness does not match Novak’s but that must have been a tough loss for him, only the 5th loss in 80 tries at a grand slam, incredible Fed. So proud of this man. I think I am going to plant a tree in his name. I do need to thank Wogboy for this idea. It is quite brilliant.

Before the start of the grass-court season, Federer invited Millman to train with him in Switzerland. This likely wasn’t the gratitude Federer was hoping for, but after the match, Federer had nothing but praise for Millman.

“He reminds me of David Ferrer and those other guys that, you know, I admire a lot when I see them, when I see how they train, the passion they have for the game,” Federer said. “I love his intensity.”

During the broadcast, ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert said he received a text from Andy Murray, who said Millman loves the hot, humid conditions like Monday night. Millman spends a good amount of training — when he’s not with Federer in Switzerland — in Brisbane, Australia, which has similar conditions to the 83 degree, 74 percent humidity of Monday in New York.

Said Millman: “Roger’s a hero of mine. I look up to him. I really like his team. He’s always been, you know, one of the guys in the locker rooms, we’ll always chat, very approachable. I felt a little bit guilty today because he didn’t have his best day, and that’s for sure.”

http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/24571712/us-open-meet-john-millman-guy-beat-roger-federer

Classy Fed. Pure class.


Humble Rafa Says:

Can any one share funeral plans? You know, when someone’s career is done, that kind of funeral.


chris ford1 Says:

I am sad Fed had this outing, which may hurt his confidence and give rise to retirement thoughts in his head. Without his AO win, the thoughts would be stronger. He’s known many other players that cheated the tennis aging cock – but he has seen that clock finally run out – and likely hoped certain players would end their careers because they had become embarrassing shadows of their great athlete days – and they stayed longer than they should have. But also sad that the Djokovic match everyone wanted will not happen.

Just as I am sad for Federer, I am very happy for journeyman Millman. Sure, Fed stunk up the place, but Millman played a good match. Nice guy, funny, played with little glory and at 29, had a career riddled with injury and being obscure, No-One-Noted his absence. John Millman can now tell his kids how he beat the great Federer once upon a time and made the QFs in New York. And in that QF, playing Djokovic – he had his moments.


Truth Says:

Fed was beaten by a down and out Safin from 4 match points up in 2005.
Courts weren’t super quick.

Fed was playing glorified journeyman that didn’t do well for 15 years.
As Nadal said, Roddick fluked a Slam and was far inferior to Ferrer.
Fed believes the sycophantic hyperbole about him so he’s so proud of his overrated matches.
He thinks the weather bows down to him, as his lap dog Roddick did.

Millman has a very good game and the things separating him from top 15 are mental strength and quickness. Fed never praised Roddick like he praises Millman. That speaks volumes.😁🤣🤣


chris ford1 Says:

A segue into the often ignored woman’s game for another tale of a journey(wo)man who has her own special days of glory now in her career book memories.

Anastasija Sevastova, 28, just got her first career title this year in Bucharest.Playing good tennis in 2018 she beat two top players and today, has taken down the defending US champ, Slone Stevens.
==================
Pete Bodo at ESPN related a nice Djokovic story ” — Novak Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, sat in their hotel room in Manhattan the other night unable to tear themselves away from the television. “Game of Thrones?” “The Walking Dead?” Not even close.” The couple was watching the documentary about the 2008 Wimbledon final between Novak’s main rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, “Strokes of Genius.”

“That was really cool,” Djokovic said Monday, after cruising into the US Open quarterfinals with a smooth 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win over Joao Sousa. “I was glued to the TV, watching Rafa and Roger. Really celebrating the greatness that they really are. I just feel like these guys have been role models and examples on and off the court. For me, as well.”

It was an odd but brave confession, a fanboy moment that most elite players — perhaps even the subjects of “Strokes of Genius” — would sooner keep to themselves for fear of seeming subservient.”

One suspects Mrs D might not be as into it as he was, but a rare time for Djokovic to see a film about one match where he gets to watch vs. play and it is about his two great rivals no less. Which he might be forgiven for being sick of seeing – after the Open Era two most played rivalries involve him vs. the two.

Djokovic is a bright, complicated young man. Obvious flaws, what you see is what you get, but even those that root aginst him on court have to conceed he is a nice guy, a true sportsman, a fine ambassador of the sport. He loves tennis, and gives back.


Margot Says:

Rocket Raccoon thinks Isner sucks the joy out of tennis. And I agree.


j-kath Says:

Madmax – I don’t go to social media sites – apart from Tennis X – which is much different, in that you only have to give your email to post.

BBB: Yes, I don’t necessarily accept every word – not even in decent articles -(just as our co-posters don’t necessarily believe they will be absolutely right when they participate in the “Brackets”) – as I said somewhere else, I believe Roger will continue to play until after next Olympics…that someone else thinks differently is OK with me. It’s the daily crap nwsps. that repeat what they hear and stick in one more meaningless sentence that gets my dandruff.


BBB Says:

Margot: Count me in. There’s nothing I like about him. I’m not a huge fan of Milos either, but he was easy to root for.


StarvingActor Says:

Tough loss for Roger. Just error prone at the most crucial times.

Kudos to Millman for playing an amazing match!


Margot Says:

BBB: Isner should be made to serve underarm, that’d soon sort him out.
I really don’t know why all his matches don’t just start with a tie break. It would save so much tedium.


Margot Says:

AAAAAAHHH! Where’s chofer? JMDP needs encouragement.
C’MON!


BBB Says:

The crowd was heavily in favor of Isner when I was there. And I thought “you people really don’t know anything about tennis except that this dude is American.” Who can possibly root for that kind of tennis?


Daniel Says:

1-1. DelPo with some impressive stats, just 5 aue and no BP faced. Just keep doing his thing and wait for a chance on Isner serve. But if this set goes to another tiebreak je has got to win it. Can afford going 1-2 down. Too dangerous vs Isner.


Margot Says:

Jmdp up 2-1 now. Not gonna watch any more. Too painful,


chofer Says:

I’m here

Easy Margot. Taming the extreme heat is one of the intangibles of a match, too.


RZ Says:

Yay DelPo!


chofer Says:

49 winners just 11 UFe in a 3:30 hours match.

Too solid Delpo right now. He’s still my pick.


chris ford1 Says:

BBB – I thought “you people really don’t know anything about tennis except that this dude is American.” Who can possibly root for that kind of tennis?

====================
That is so right! It is because of that I always root against Isner. And feel guilty about it as an American. Not supporting my nation’s best. And guilty because John Isner is by all accounts, a very well liked, absolutely marvelous young man. But it is sports entertainment and it is no entertainment with a match with Isner and often a wonderful entertaining player who must often subdue their game, just try and keep the ball in play and become by doing so, as boring as Isner.
It sucks for Isner, who has to put up with New Yorkers rejecting the American’s top man, rooting loudly for any foreigner instead. Cheering every mistake Isner makes. The French, British, and Australian Open’s native fans would never with real consistency – routinely root for one of their own citizens to fall


skeezer Says:

Chofer you picked ….wisely. Isner has been playing really well and he handled him appropriately. Delpo may have a real shot at beating Rafa this year. I know a argentine friend who would love nothing better than to watch Delpo beat the fist pumping Vamoose hoof and the Mr. “I don’t get enough attention’.


chofer Says:

Chris Ford

Beautifully written. Agree on all counts. Pity an American like you have to choode… But Isner’s tennis it’s not well liked in any tennis forums I’ve been to for cognoscenti of this sport. Yes, he made big strides with his BH and return. But he’s a complete boring pill for tennis, neverminfd an American. He lives and dies with his serve, mainly. It’s a pain in the a** facing him, because he doesn’t allow any ruthm with his error, winner, error ratio. To me, he makes you play like crap, whether you are Rafa, Nole, Roger or me.

One thing you can take solace with: his coach, the impresentable Gimelstob is HATED by 99,9% of the tennis community. He has an attitude well… he’s been having an attitude since he eas a player that annoys the heck out of anyone. He didn’t change as much as a coach. REALLY GLAD HE HAD TO LOSE way much than Isner-
BYW, Delpo sholda won that fisrt tennis. ONE mistake in the TB was all the servebot needed. Unfair. Delpo had 4 freaking UFEs in that set.
That’s how it’s like to play Isner against.

Annoying.


chofer Says:

Soulda won that first set, I meant.

Skeezer

YAY! I know, As I following him always, I can read his body language behind that “possum” attitude. Today he didn’t move that well. But was rock solid. Anyway, who can move around well inside a hellish oven?

There is never a GOOD MATCH when Isner is involved for me (that K,Anderson SF in Wimbledom was TORTURE PORN)

Alas, Delpo was dialed in with winners and errors in those conditions. And very pro-active.

Rafa won’t have it that easy like most people think. Delpo still holds the better record against him than the other Big Four. And with two days of rest and the BH working down the line and Rafa not having that HIGH KICK serve to Delpo’s BH (truly, his Achilles Heel right now) I don’t see why there can’t be un upset. Rafa makes him move, right… when Delpo is tired and three feet behind the baseline. Not happening with his serve and return working like this right now. Still, he’s Rafa. He has the upper hand. But I thinkthings will be very different this time around. There’s a fire in Delpo I didn’t see since his Olympics run.

Of course, I assume Rafa will beat Thiem. This is hardcourts after all. Rafa is so much better on it than the Austrian. But let’s see. The heat is causing upsets everywhere.

Insane conditions to play out there.


Daniel Says:

Nada only won 2 points so far, a DF and a missed return by Thiem. All other played points to Thiem


Daniel Says:

Slow court perfect for Thiem big swing and hit all shots planted and when he accelerates, he can find his angles and deep shots. 3-0 and serve.


Daniel Says:

Damm, Thiem with 3 aces in one game. 4-0

Nadal under huge pressure now. Ashe silent!


Daniel Says:

Wow, massacre!

Thiem’s returns are on fire finding Nadal BH corner deep almost all the time. Will serve to bagel Nadal on Ashe.

Don’t even recall last time Nadal got bageled?!


Tom Says:

What did that stat’s say Nadal haven’t faced a top 20 since 2013 in the Us open. I see.. Go Delpo I mean Thiem


chofer Says:

Wow, Rafa as whipping boy toy. The good thing: Rafa can’t play any worse. The bad thing: Thiem can’t play any better.


Anto Says:

Nadal playing like shit. And Thiem playing really well.


Daniel Says:

And Thiem broke 3 times not even needing deuce on the games, clean breaks.

And Nadal takes his third bagel in a Slam: 2004 to Roddick in USO and 2006 to Fed in Wimby.


Daniel Says:

How is he playing like crap when Thiem gets 14 winners to just 2 UE? Nothing he can do, Thiem is zoning and attacking all his serves, and going for winner whenever he gets a short ball after pushing Nadal back.


chofer Says:

Daniel

Any 6-0 between top tens is one playing lights out, the other horrible. There’s no such difference between them. C’mon! Hitting short and really slow. Returning have no depth. No variety (he recently hit a slice and Thiem fail his BH; a clear strategy Rafa not using)

See.


Anto Says:

@Daniel, Well given the short time of this set, Nadal did gave away 9 UE.


Daniel Says:

6-0 affect your confidence, this was the first really bd game by Nadal, 2 missed returns and 1 UE.


chofer Says:

Not to mention Thiem had demostrated not having fear of Rafa’s game in the past. Against a so-so Nadal that helps.


Daniel Says:

Yeah Anto, but Thiem hit 5 aces, he just needs to serve 14 points and 5 were aces, plus a few unreturned serves also.

Thiem played a flawless set.


Anto Says:

@Daneil, And half of them weren’t first serves. And rafa was unable to anything about it. And same goes for Nadal defending BPs. He did’nt even saved one.


Daniel Says:

“He did’nt even saved one” Because Thiem hit winners in all or shots that forced an error.

Anyway, I saw a set dominated by Thiem more than “Nadal gave it away playing bad. That was one of the best sets any players has ever played against Nadal. Fed 6-0 in London where Nadal only won 6 points I think was the worst.


Daniel Says:

Thiem is 16/16 in first serves won.

But NAdla improved his second serves points won, he was 1/7 in set 1 and now is 6/8 in set 2.


chofer Says:

I want to see here the Whiner Fedexpress about Giving the trophy to Nadal, bla, bla, bla, bla.

Iwant to see her HR who’s just been really humbled in the first set.

Silence.

Anyway. This still applies: Rafa can’t play any worse. The bad thing: Thiem can’t play any better.


chofer Says:

And Delpo still my pick,whoever wins this.


Tom Says:

Rafa plays better. Thiem plays a bit worse. Missed a few backhands


chofer Says:

Daniel

Did the stats say Rafa was playing short and floaters MOST of the first set? I don’t think so. You know how to read stats. Stats aren’t just numbers. And Yes, Thien’s stats where amazing (100% with serve!) Theres’ no way you can hold that against a top player, no matter how bad is playing.

I disagree the way you’ve been seeig this match.


Daniel Says:

NAdal is now able to keep the Thiem juggernaut on court, 0-30.


chofer Says:

5-3 Daniel.

Talk about Nadal playing “good” first set.


Daniel Says:

Nadal improved his level to his absolute best this set to be able to break, but courtesy to Thiem who reduce to about 70% of 1st set. Started missing shots close to the line that he wasn’t,


Tom Says:

Thiem chocked as always. 15 love down. He hits harder and harder.


Daniel Says:

Nadal amos never plays bad, he was OK 1st set not imagining Thiem will start that way. Than it was too late and he got overwhelmed.

But Now is 5-3 because Thiem decrease his level and he raised. he enter that mode not rising any shot and returning everything. He got match rhythm, which was expected.

But to em the first set was all Thiem super play.


chofer Says:

Rafa can’t play any worse. The bad thing: Thiem can’t play any better.

Three time over now.

Daniel,read this as your mantra tonight. It’ll help you.


Daniel Says:

See, now is 5-4 why? Because Thiem did not missed anything and attach all serves. 2 to tango.


RZ Says:

Just because someone doesn’t win a point/game/match, doesn’t mean he/she is choking.


Tom Says:

Mea culpa. He saved himself. Imagine that 5-4 thiem breaks back


Daniel Says:

Don’t agree with this at all, you can repeat all you want: “Rafa can’t play any worse. The bad thing: Thiem can’t play any better.”

Just look at USO 2015 and 2016 versus Foggy and Pouillle and you know Nadal has 3 worse levels than that 1st set. LOL


chofer Says:

Daniel. IT DOESN’T MATTER THE SCORE! You’re not getting it: There’s not a 6-0difference betwenn these two unless one is playing his best and the other bad.

Is it so hard to understand?


Daniel Says:

Now Nadal break again, because Thiem missed 3 FH. Match will oscillate accordingly to Thiem’s level. Nadal we know won’t play bad, specially after taking 2nd set.

1-1. Should be a cracker, possibly 5 sets.


chofer Says:

Now it’sa more “normal” match. Nadal played better, Thiem skowed down aggression and started missing. This is tennis.

I’m seeing a best of five here. Not that fabulous first set, Daniel. Tennis is a game of best of 5 here. Not a frame or a picture.


Tom Says:

So up 15-0 Thiem makes 3 erros/ bad choices gives the set.


chofer Says:

There’s no way Dominic would sustain the firat set aggression and Nadal so passive. This is ground zero knowledge at this level.

Perhaps we have a match here? I still think Thiem can do it.


Daniel Says:

Is it so hard to understand?

I said Nadal was playing OK, and I don’t agree he was played bad. We are just gonna disagree on this is, Its subjective view.

This second set Nadal has average stats, 6 Winner to 6 UE, 65 1st serves, but why he won, because Thiem made 12 UE.

That 1st set was an anomaly. agree that there is on paper a 6-0 set difference between top 20, but that is this sport, for 3 minutes Thiem demolished Nadal. It can happen and had happen many times. Similar to Fed x Djoko in Cincy final once, Fed won 6-0 but it was a competitive set. Deuce games and all.


Daniel Says:

That 1st set was off the curve, but magical for Thiem for 30 minutes, just my point. Nadal may even win in 4.

Example Miami last year where Kohlsh baggeled him and he won next 2 sets easy.


Daniel Says:

Everybody knew Thiem wouldn’t play 3 sets that way, no one can and hasn’t ever sustained that level for 90 min – 2 hours.


Amit Says:

The day isnt far when the famous joker lover boy here would go totally nuts as his guy would become toast! The fall started in 2016 itself. Not much is left of the joker. Time to accept reality and not start going crazy celebrating.. and to boast is to be pitied so far as records are concerned as the 37 year old guy’s resume is still out of catch and shall remain so forever. reality will strike this clown fan really hard by 2020. Dreams of GOAThood will be RIP. Enjoy the floating before the falling lover boy.. 😉


chofer Says:

That 1st set was an anomaly. agree that there is on paper a 6-0

THAT’S ALL I WANTED TO HEAR!! THANKS!

Still playing so so Nadal. Not serving at his best. But acceleratin shots that were floaters in the first set.

Thiem need to think Nadal’s not playing his best thus far. Forgwt about you done in the first. That’s not happening again in this match.


Daniel Says:

Main difference is 2nd serves point won, Thiem is not able to pressure that and Nadal improve to 55%.

That gave Nadal confidence to hold his games better under pressure.


Daniel Says:

Just as I typed he hit a 2nd serve return winner;-)


Daniel Says:

1st break point of the match saved in an amazing point, Thiem was spanking and Nadal holding, until he hit a BH DTL that went all court on top of the line, literally


RZ Says:

Regardless of outcome, I hope Thiem remembers what he is capable of on a hard court. (Yes I know, a slow court. But still a hard court)


Daniel Says:

Second straight game Thiem with BP.


Daniel Says:

Damm, 1st serve return winner to break, as we call in Brazil, “in the vein”


Daniel Says:

Thiem getting broken serving for the set and 2-1 lead. Smell an implosion.


kjb Says:

Its over. Nice try Dom.


Daniel Says:

40-15 to force tiebreak and loses 3 points, now SP Nadal, implosion after 5-3 lead.


Daniel Says:

How can he keep doing this again and again, not missing a return, playing the point?! Nadal biggest asset is this ability, he just play almost all the points same intensity. Other players would got down 40-15 and they would be thinking in tiebreak already, not him, and he was able to steal the set, without even needing to play the breaker and will serve 1st 4th set, as all previous sets he stared.

And this sport is totally mental, bemuse very time a player had a 5-3 or 5-4 lead and fail to close the set against him, they got broken the next game as well.

The only positive for Them is that he was able to break Nadal in all sets, but if he keeps getting broken twice, won’t make a difference.

I am afraid only Djoko may beat this Nadal on this court.


Daniel Says:

This set will hurt deep. let’s see how Thiem start 4th. If he gets broken right after, it would be a wash out.


Daniel Says:

I give up, this shot was ridiculous. LOL

Thiem hit exactly in him. Nadal is not missing a single return nor the court anymore.


Daniel Says:

1st game Thiem saved BP and held, all over games Nadal had BP he broke. Good hold to start the set, has he lost, match over.

Will have to sleep now, to late for me.


FedExpress Says:

Now tf is Delpo supposed to beat Nadal when everyone is choking against him?


FedExpress Says:

3 BPs to lead with a double breal and wastes all of them

Mental midget Thiem


FedExpress Says:

Now get broken Thiem


FedExpress Says:

As NID it gets Nadal breaks back, better Thiem chokes.


RZ Says:

I need to call it a night too.


FedExpress Says:

The amount of chokers nadal gets. Amazing.

If Delpo cant beat this Nadal he never will and wont win another GS.


skeezer Says:

Rafa can be play on blue Clay. i remember a time where he whined and whined about it. Whaddaya know.


skeezer Says:

Considering how much Rafa has complained about about Blue Clay, am shocked he is winning so far.


Anto Says:

Lets see if Nadal wins a 5 setter. I believe its been so long since he won one. Was it in Aus Open 2017 against Dimitrov?


Anto Says:

Oops I forgot the 2018 Wimbledon QF against Delpo which lasted 5 sets and Nadal won it. But these days ever since 2015 (i think) Nadal loses the 5th set more often than not.


skeezer Says:

Incredible Dom is still in this even though he can’t buy a first serve out wide on both wings. He could of setup plenty of points with that and am sure he knows it. His first serv % sucks overall also.


skeezer Says:

Anto,
This will be his first 5 set win on Blue Clay.


Anto Says:

Anyway even if Nadal wins this match, He will be toast if and when he reaches the final. Djokovic will most probably be waiting there to finish him off.


All Out Says:

Wow. Rafa is tanking so many break point opportunities. Thiem is just smashing back everything he gets his way. Gotta stay strong on serve and take this at the next break opportunity. Vamos!!


FedExpress Says:

Bye bye Thiem.

You choker.


Anto Says:

FE, are you really that blind?


All Out Says:

I just wish Rafa would stand just a couple of steps up from where he is returning right now. Its looking more like Delpo vs Nole for the finals.


Anto Says:

Started the curcial game with an UE. Rafa used to be all about being clutch in important moments. These days not so much.


All Out Says:

And this is EXACTLY why he has to stand less deep for returns.Cut angles and get the ball back in play easier. Another tank on the cards.


Anto Says:

@FE, Did you just see the crucial game at 5-5 in the fifth set when thiem was serving? He went down 3 BPs, and saved them all with fantastic play. Is that something a “choker” would do?

Btw Nadal again missing a return on a second serve on a very import BP. Please Nadal give us a TB at least


Anto Says:

Has Nadal ever played a 5th set TB?


Anto Says:

Nadal got the early mini break. Most often than not, he gives up the lead pretty weakly. Lets see if he does that.


Anto Says:

Well as expected another UE for Nadal gives back the mini break


Anto Says:

Nadal please dont give up the mini break again by an UE.


Anto Says:

Well thiem take it back. Fantastic point by thiem


Anto Says:

Looks like another heart breaking 5th set loss of Nadal


Anto Says:

Nadal cant even return properly sometimes even in second serves.


FedExpress Says:

Match point Rafa


Anto Says:

Can nadal put a proper return when facing the most import point, the Match Point


BT Says:

Nadal escapes! Feel sorry for Thiem, massive effort. 4h 48mins!


FedExpress Says:

And wins it

choker thiem


Anto Says:

Wow it was dominic who misses. What a fantastic match by both.


Anto Says:

FE, you are unbelievable. I did not expect you to call thiem choker again. Even after I pointed something out.


RZ Says:

😣😥😢😭😦😟


Amit Says:

Unbelievable match by Thiem standards but not a great match by Rafa standards. Buy being the true great he is, he still wins! #Vamos.. as they say.. 👍👍👍


FedExpress Says:

Anto, did you see the 3rd set? did you see the play on match point?

choke is a choke. Nadal was on one let basically and he cant still beat him.


Nitesh Says:

@Amit I agree


Amit Says:

This match had nothing to do with choking! The non-rafans cant miss the fact that Rafa wasnt anywhere near his best. His concentration and intensity has lessened a bit with ageing. And his speed too has been compromised. Otherwise Thiem would be beaten fairly comfortably in 3 or 4 sets.


FedExpress Says:

Rafa will win in three, max in four sets vs Delpo. He will make him run from one corner to another.

NID.

2 days of rest is like heaven for him right now.


RZ Says:

Missing a ball by overhitting it is not the same as choking.


Amit Says:

Rafa looks vulnerable to me in this USO. Others can take advantage of that. Plus it was a long match too, so likely it has drained Rafa. So advantage for his rivals. If Rafa were in real form, he woulda straight setted ’em all, until now!


Nitesh Says:

It’s the self belief of the champion that bailed him out today.
Feeling sorry for Thiem.


skeezer Says:

“Thiem standards but not a great match by Rafa standards”
Amit, Dom served horrible overall. He only served 57% 1st serves in. If and when he got those in, he won 72% of them. He would be have beaten Nadal hands down if he served a little better. But woulda shoulda coulda…….
——
Now Hello Delpo! This time he is ready.


Amit Says:

Rafa needs rest at this stage of life before a slam semi, otherwise he would surely lose. Just ask Fed!


Nitesh Says:

Two clay court specialist slugging out on hard court for 5 hours, rarely seen that.


Nitesh Says:

Two clay court specialist slugging out on hard court for 5 hours, rarely seen that.


Anto Says:

@FE, thiem was unable to serve out the 3rd set and he missed an overhead when defending a MP so he is a “choker” is that what you mean? And this “choke” has nothing to do with Nadal right, like he making him hit that extra shot?


Amit Says:

It’s gonna be funny to see what lies ahead here in USO 18!! 😈😈😈


Amit Says:

Skeeze

You have a point i guess with re dom serving. Another thing that i can agree with you about is Delpo being better prepared this time vs Rafa. I would like to put my money on JMDP winning the semi. Rafa might have something to say about that though!


Amit Says:

JMDP or Cilic win is what i would prefer in USO though. Go guys, get ’em!


Madmax Says:

So J-Kath

You do go to Social Media Stes – tennis X being one of them. Make your mind up!

I found this one written about Fed, (as you are feeling so ‘sad’ for him). Please don’t. Champions move on.

https://sports.yahoo.com/roger-over-federer-ready-keep-father-time-bay-170400953–ten.html


j-kath Says:

Madmax:

At 2.21pm J-Kath said – “I don’t go to social media sites – apart from Tennis X – which is much different, in that you only have to give your email to post”.

Evidently you missed the above.


Margot Says:

FedExpress: please stop saying players “choke” if they lose against Rafa, or Nole for that matter. You diminish Rafa as well as his opponents.


RZ Says:

I don’t whether to be pleased or bummed for Thiem. On the one hand, he did much better than expected at the U.S. Open considering his form coming in. On the other hand, it’s the 2nd year in a tow he’s lost a 5 set heartbreaker.


Margot Says:

RZ: Think of all the heart breaking losses Andy suffered before that first slam, but he never gave up. I’m hoping this loss will merely strengthen his resolve. I’ve got everything crossed for RG at some point in the next 2-3 years. He has more than a chance.

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