Andy Murray Pushes, But Not Hard Enough as Dominant Novak Djokovic Wins Madrid

Great match and great showing of both these guys. My #1 and #2 :)).
Sorry for not being here more often but here’s the opportunity to congratulate Andy’s fans for great tournament. He came close to beating Nole, it was really a nerve wrecking third set, not to mention that last game.

Andy totally melted my heart with that defense of Novak when he got the time violation. It was a really, really nice and honest gesture. Thumbs up for Andy. I like his persona even more.

As for Novak, just happy he is winning again. So, congrats to us!! :) I knew that his loss in MC was nothing. Just due to fatigue both bodily and mental. Now, when refreshed and with batteries fully charged, he is again back to the finals. Of course, none of this will matter if the biggest prize is not achieved :)

May 8th, 2016 at 8:50 pm

Danica

Djokovic’s the current King of clay
King of tennis too
Can’t see anyone beating him
Unless 2010 or 2013 Nadal shows up
Or Wawrinka outhits him again

Djokovic will be favourite for everything

May 8th, 2016 at 9:06 pm

Pauly,

Don’t say it twice, there is always some Vesely waiting around the corner to ambush Nole or any other top player for that matter, no player is immune on Vesely sindrom as we’ve sern with all top players.

May 8th, 2016 at 10:16 pm

^^ “seen”

May 8th, 2016 at 10:16 pm

I think Tomic deserves another thread, he managed to play entire 8 (eight) minutes before called it quits in the Rome first round.
One wonder, if he felt ill for a few days why did he come to play and not giving chance somebody else to play?

It’s all over the news here this morning, he is loughing stock.

May 8th, 2016 at 10:24 pm

Positive for Murray is that last tow matches he played against Novak on clay were the most competitive ones from the ones he lost, where he pushed Novak to deciding sets in both: 5 in RG and 3 here. Maybe we have another chapter of their new clay rivalry in Rome, a lot of tennis to be played still but I wouldn’t be surprised if they rematch next Sunday.

Another downside for Murray is that is a long time since his last title (his last two were Canada Masters and Queens before it). He probably will only be back to winning circle in Queens again this year.

May 8th, 2016 at 10:44 pm

Another downside can be (not necessarily) that even Andy had very good serving percentage (71%) he fell short, and again, it was the second serve, 32% won.

Nole was really good on the net (14/17), Andy not so (5/13), that surprises me since I believe that all three (Roger, Rafa, Andy) have softer hands on the net than Nole.

Last, when you look at total distance they run Andy had to work harder, 2327m to Nole’s 2022.

Every little thing adds up.

May 8th, 2016 at 11:10 pm

Danica – “Of course, none of this will matter if the biggest prize is not achieved :)”

Of course, Roland Garros looms huge. But the other stuff really does matter. Should he win Rome, Novak will go into the French Open as:

1. The 1st man to reach 30 Masters wins.
2. Eclipsing Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg in number of titles – breaking a 3-way tie at 64.
3. Become the 1st 100 million dollar prize money winner in tennis.
4. Be at over 200 weeks as #1, the 5th to have done so.
Not that he needs the French for that. It’s automatic given his points lead.
5. In terms of significant titles, meaning Slams, Olympic Gold, Year End Championships, and Masters 1000s? Federer would be at 46. 17+0+5+24. Novak at 45. 11+0+4+30. Rafa at 43. 14+1+o+28.
6. First in the Open era to have 30 Masters wins.

So stuff outside the Slams needs to be weighed in a career’s accomplishments.

Of course should he get the French, all sorts of other records or passing other notables will happen. Stuff past Career Grand Slam and non-calendar year Grand Slam. Like Rome +French Open wuld mean the most points in ranking ever achieved, yet again.

Djokovic is getting to where each major event means a march up the Mountain past some Tennis Great taking some record.

May 8th, 2016 at 11:11 pm

Andy usually does a great job of pushing Nole to a deciding set. He now has to figure out how to keep that momentum going in the final set to get through win rather than come up short.

May 8th, 2016 at 11:52 pm

I think he should figure out how to preserve energy for decider, it is becaming pattern that by the time he reaches decider with Nole he is already prety tired and shots don’t come easy out of tired hands. Some of his shots on BP in the last game are typical of tired person, netted FH and BH that fresh Andy would hit back, most likely as a winners are examples.
When you know that Andy is much hevier than Nole and doesn’t slide like Nole, those 15% more running than Nole under the pressure is a lot of running.

May 9th, 2016 at 12:14 am

While I agree that “other” things should be weighted too – like YEC, masters, weeks at No. 1, etc. However, at the end of it all, 10/20/30 years later, the only stat that is remembered is no of singles slams won, and then whether the person won all 4, or just couldn’t win some slam (like Sampras couldn’t even come close at the French, a big asterisk on his 14 compared to Nadal’s 14).

So Djokovic has some work left, regardless of how many other titles he wins. If he wins the French, and wins a few more, then he can eat grass (i.e., claim to be GOAT).

May 9th, 2016 at 12:27 am

When you’ve been expecting a massacre, a bit of a kicking feels sooooooo good ;)
And thanks to TB and CF1 elsewhere, most unexpected and therefore all the sweeter.
And that’s quite enough guff from me. ;)

May 9th, 2016 at 1:03 am

James,
I don’t agree. Everything will be weighted and messured. The GS counting only become an obsession when Federer started getting close to Pete. Before that, quite a few of the top players didn’t even bother travelling to some of the Slams. They were prestigious but not to the point that they are now.

So yes, number of Slams, weeks at #1, H2Hs, other percentages, masters titles, overall titles on all surfaces and outdoor/indoor, YECs… all of that will have to be calculated and included.

Winning a Slam can be a fluke. Being consistent week in, week out, as another thing entirely.

May 9th, 2016 at 1:20 am

CF1,
You didn’t understand me. I was not talking, of course, of the whole of Nole’s career, I was talking of this season. Madrid and Rome would be great achievements, but we all know that Nole would rather win at RG and lose somewhere down the draw in both of those masters events. He was in a similar position last year. Won both MC and Rome, entered RG as a main favorite and… didn’t win it. None of those successes on courts that are the closest to Philippe Chatrier court mattered.

So, indeed, when all is said and done, when Novak’s career is over, the number of masters titles will be important for his legacy. But at this moment, this season, only RG and Olympics matter.

PS:
Aren’t your #1 and #6 the same?
I believe you made mistake with #5. Roger has 47 big titles (17+0+6+24) while Novak has two less (11+0+5+29). Rafa’s numbers are correct.

May 9th, 2016 at 1:34 am

Don’t worry Danica if, big if, Nole gets close to #17, they’ll find out that Edberg award matters the most..and two sets of twins..;)

May 9th, 2016 at 1:52 am

Margot,

I honestly didn’t expect massacre, Andy was playing consistently well (haven’t seen Stepanek match) through the tournament, kept it together, has beaten in form Rafa, and he is #2 for a reason.

May 9th, 2016 at 1:57 am

Margot,

No massacre expected from this Nole fan that knows how big a threat Andy is.

What impressed me about Andy is his calmness and staying out of verbal abuse towards himself. It seems like he is working on this aspect of his game and I am happy for it. It will show.

May 9th, 2016 at 2:44 am

When you have Murray and Djokovic playing each other in Finals, it’s always expected to be a one sided game. I hope that it doesn’t go the same in French Open because it has been a long time I have seen a good game of tennis.

May 9th, 2016 at 3:31 am

Not having to won the French, and winning one master event and getting beaten in Monte Carlo is making Nole “The King Of Clay! LOL

May 9th, 2016 at 3:32 am

Rick,
who has better showing on clay than Nole in the past 12 months?
Just to remind you: Nole – 3 masters tournaments and a RG finals.

Pray tell.

May 9th, 2016 at 3:35 am

I think Andy gave his all in the match and yet came short against a resilient Novak. Tough luck to him.

It is all a battle of mind really and nobody has better mental strength and tenacity on court than Novak who almost out manoeuvures his opponents with precise shot making and instilling greater depth.

The best moment of the match came when Novak was penalized by the Umpire for a time warning and Andy interjected to get it overruled by pointing out that he delayed the proceedings by more than five seconds. This shows the camaraderie these two players share and the respect & regard they have for each other since their younger days which still remains unwavering.

May 9th, 2016 at 3:42 am

@Rick 3:32…..I laughed at that one too……

May 9th, 2016 at 4:29 am

Andy has to have a great personality…..he comes up with great photos…….love this one on the big green ball!

May 9th, 2016 at 4:32 am

Danica sorry as we get on really well, but Novak is still some way to surpassing Rafas achievements on clay, and last year Stan won the one that really matters RG, have to agree with Rick on this one ….

May 9th, 2016 at 4:57 am

Rick is the best, he tells it like it is

May 9th, 2016 at 5:01 am

No will ever surpass Nadal on clay lifetime records
However it’s gonna be very hard to beat Djokovic
Vesley did it but it was only fluke Win !
Djokovic is playing like 2011 2015 again no drop in level
He isn’t unbeatable no one is but he’s playing great again
As for Murray he isn’t far behind just needs to serve better & hit his forehand faster like when Lendl was his coach
Nadal needs the SUN to spin his ground strokes
Paris is his favourite place but looking at 2014 he was so lucky to win that year could that be his last ever slam?
Djokovic can win all 4 slams this year but if he wins parts he might have a let down ?
Interesting times coming ….
All I want is close quality tennis

May 9th, 2016 at 6:14 am

Danica – YOu’re right, I messed up repeating #1 as #6, same with the Barclays wins being one less than actual for each Fed and Nole. Guess I was tired.

May 9th, 2016 at 6:56 am

He already is co-GOAT according to Mr. Laver. But then you probably have more than 2 calendar year GS, so your opinion carries more weight I’m sure.

Quality vs quantity. Very nice, Mr. Laver.

May 9th, 2016 at 7:21 am

Amelie isnt going to be coaching Andy anymore, ive just heard ….

May 9th, 2016 at 7:36 am

Andy must be pleased with his performance that he gave Novak a run for his money. It was a case of so near and yet so far. But Madrid is not the end of the World and he has Rome and Rolland Garros ahead.

But, for the irrepressible Novak, the winning streak continues after suffering a minor blip at Monte Carlo which raised a few heckles. I think this is the year,Novak has to win Rolland Garros and I see that the fruit has ripened for him. I do not think there is any player in the Circuit who can cope up over five sets with Novak at the moment including the Creamy top. Even the indomitable Rafa will find it hard if the match goes the distance against Novak at Rolland Garros as consistency issues will haunt him which his opponent will take good advantage of due to his immaculate consistency.

May 9th, 2016 at 8:03 am

Wog Boy and Danica: But you know Andy’s fans have almost zero expectation when it comes to him facing Nole. If you are familiar with “Winnie the Pooh” we are a nearly always Eeyore and rarely Tigger. And even when we do feel like doing the tiniest, weeniest bit of bouncing, why along comes Owl and with a sharp peck of his vicious beak gives us a swift reminder that Andy only got a single point because, at that moment, Nole was playing c**p.
Just heard news about Amelie. OMG yet more changes. WTF?
BTW agreeing with jane, elsewhere, most tennisxers are great. Of course you get idiots and milk curdlers but that, alas, is real as well virtual life.

May 9th, 2016 at 8:07 am

The thing is, I feel no loyalty, in real life or on the internet, to someone, who just because they like the same tennis player as I do, persists in communicating, when it benefits, like Triumph the Insult Dog. But the worst part isn’t being like Triumph the Insult Dog (I used to love that puppet in high school), it’s that enough time has passed since first reading this poster that by now there’s evidence to believe they are a con artist with a mean and nasty streak and not so much of a tennis fan as a deft anti-fan. This one really has a talent for currying favor with certain posters and fan groups. Pi**ing off Fedal fans is a specialty and that seems fashionable in these times. Have to be in awe at such a clever gift for the disingenuous.

And all this devolution into insulting each other does is distract from some really great tennis. Hey, but what’s new!?!?

Waking up to Rome and Italian tennis fans is the best. Tennis Channel is broadcasting live from Rome. ( hope you are enjoying some Okiegal!)

May 9th, 2016 at 8:55 am

Hi Jalep excellent post, anyway i just watched some Italian bloke ive never heard of taking it Raonic, and with that serve thats no mean feet either ….

May 9th, 2016 at 9:15 am

Cecchinato, you mean GL! yes, I was cheering for him along with his Italian fans. 🙂
Seppi over Vasek
Gulbis over Karlovic
Fognini over GGL
Thiem over Dolgo (or the other way around)
Coric over Kukushkin
Monfils over Bellucci
Go Sascha!! over Dimitrov

May 9th, 2016 at 9:23 am

Jalep yeah lol, the man whos name i cant spell or pronounce, your a breath of fresh air, and im glad to chat to you, and your tennis knowledge on this forum is second to none ….

May 9th, 2016 at 9:27 am

Must go to work chat later, cheers Jalep ;-)) ….

May 9th, 2016 at 9:29 am

jalep, lol.

I thought it was an excellent match, really great tennis. For years I avoided Novak/Murray matches as error-strewn moon ball choke-fests. This match, and last years at the French, have been absolute top notch tennis. I now really look forward to these matches, and juts hope that Andy shows up.

Andy played great throughout. He picked up his level in the 2nd and third, but I don’t think he ever had any real dips. I thought the arc of the match more closely followed Novak this time: the first set he played nearly perfect tennis. Second set he had a big drop in level, lots of errors. Third set, he played great again- not sublime as in the first, but he clawed it out on the tiniest of margins.

After the first set, I thought, one can’t beat Novak playing defensive tennis anymore. The only chance is all out attack and having the Gods on one’s side. To me, that meant Stan or Federer type tennis. I was wrong. Andy showed incredible fight, enough to make me believe he can win a big match against Novak. If he is mentally strong enough throughout.

For Novak, I am so impressed with his hidden arsenal. He’s always been such an amazing defensive player, so patient in waiting for his kill shot. But occasionally he shows that he HAS those kill shots in his pocket, but he subsumes them for the greater-good of his game over all. Rather like George Harrison keeping his guitar humble in the service of the Song as a whole. Depending on the opponent, and the day, Novak has astounding first strike capability. And its not like he doesn’t do it because he’s not comfortable with it. He absolutely can play aggressive tennis with anyone. But why would he, when he is the best player in the world playing defense first, offence when chosen?

Last point: major improvement in Novak’s ‘situational’ shots: his volleying, overhead and drop shot were all working great yesterday.

May 9th, 2016 at 9:32 am

Currying favor with me again, are you, GL 😄

I’ll hold the fort while you are at work — for a little bit.

May 9th, 2016 at 9:32 am

TV, I agree with you. There are complaints that Novak is a pusher, but the reason he has a mental advantage is because he is willing to wear people down, and they know it. He has the ability to rip winners – he’s just choosy about when he does that.

One man’s pusher is another man’s strategic genius.

May 9th, 2016 at 10:17 am

Novak can and will “push” you around the court. Then, when the time comes, hit the winner. It’s not really pushing, its a strategy that works. He can create most any angle he wants from the back court and get you out of position, then strike. The only way I have seen to combat this is to take him out of his dictate mode. Push HIM, play aggressive offense with mixing spins and low short balls. Problem is, especially nowadays, his defense is mostly a concrete wall, there is no busting through.

May 9th, 2016 at 10:35 am

“One man’s pusher is another man’s strategic genius.” says BBB.

Yes, indeed! Also one man’s disgusting junk ball tennis is another man’s improvisational artistry. (was just watching Dolgopolov)

skeezer – the fact that Nole ole can do all this thinking and creating while playing at the speed of light, be in the right place at the right time, recover mentally/emotionally like nothing happened when he hits an error or has a bad patch, is breathtaking imo. Never seen anything like it. Enjoy it while it lasts, huh.

Still proud of Andy Murray today for how he played the SF and Madrid Final. He just needs to go deep in Rome now. Hope this change of coach is a good move for him.

May 9th, 2016 at 11:54 am

I don’t think it’s “mental” with Andy. I think it’s physical. I think Nole is unique physically, Robbie K puts it down to skiing from a very young age, this develops your core and makes you very supple. Also Nole doesn’t have an ounce of spare fat on him. Wog Boy made the point earlier that Andy is heavier, therefore Andy’s legs will be unable to outlast Nole’s legs.
Therefore Andy must find a different strategy. I do think he is becoming more aggressive, which is the only way. You aren’t going to beat Nole from far behind the baseline, that’s for sure.
Oh TB, you smooth talker you, didn’t you mean a word of it?
Tho why anyone would want to woo Andy fans, beats me. There’s all three of us after all, some army!

May 9th, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Margot you have a lot of influence and respect here and elsewhere, that’s why. You count for an army of fans!

May 9th, 2016 at 12:13 pm

Oh goodness me jalep, thank you but spare my blushes!
Meanwhile, in a truly mean spirited way….Go Dimitrov’s opponent, whoever you are…;)
Actually, I do know it’s the lovely Zverev :) (Probably miss-spelt that now LOL)

May 9th, 2016 at 12:26 pm

Very curious about how Fabio is doing with his injury recovery. You’d think if he was at all close to good form, he’d have won v GGL in Rome!

This is good stuff – Thiem v Dolgo

May 9th, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Excellent match from both players. Novak is just a little better in all departments though I do think that Andy is the more explosive player.

I’d be interested in knowing how Andy does against Novak when he wins the first set. I think there’s a mental dynamic at play when these two meet. Novak wins the first set. He then has a very minor mental letdown. He misses a few shots he normally doesn’t. Andy takes advantage of the letdown and squeezes out the second set.

Come the third set, Novak re-focuses. Andy then has to continue playing at a ridiculously high level in the third set to win it but he can’t because he’s emptied so much mentally to win the 2nd set. Because Novak has won the first set, he doesn’t have to play two consecutive sets of flawless tennis whereas Andy does.

From my standpoint, Andy has to find a way to get that first set from Novak. It’s really important in a 2-out-of-3 format and perhaps even more important in a 3-out-of-5. He can’t allow Novak any time to mentally conserve himself. Easier said than done of course but that’s what I think he has to find a way to get some matches away from Novak.

May 9th, 2016 at 12:40 pm

So Margot….apart from yourself and myself (I hope I’m counted) who is the third person who has Andy at the top of their list?

May 9th, 2016 at 1:33 pm

What am I J-Kath?
Chopped liver?
For it is I to whom she refers!
Although to be fair it’s pretty shaky top of the list now but I might hang about to see what he does the next 2 slams.

May 9th, 2016 at 1:39 pm

Of course you are, RZ is 3rd. Faithfully we toil on here, rain or shine win or lose, effortlessly cheery and upbeat.
That CDP is just fair weather fanboy and darling DA is lost to us :(

May 9th, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Oh Calmdownplease…Seriously, I did not know Andy was your favoured player. I had a vague idea in my head that it was RZ.

However, now that I know, You will become chopped liver if you leave the 3-headed cauldron.

May 9th, 2016 at 1:45 pm

@jalep…..I am over the moon about my tennis these last 4 days! Could not sleep….was watching Novak/Andy match again and at 5:00 up pops Rome tennis…..Venus and Coco….went to sleep and now I have got check and see who won…..slept until 10:30…….very tired…..but I will recover in time for Rafa!!! Thanks for the shout out…….

May 9th, 2016 at 1:46 pm

@Skeezer 10;35……You are so right…..no busting through!

May 9th, 2016 at 1:50 pm

‘That CDP is just fair weather fanboy’

That is OUTRAGEOUS!
;)
4 years I defended him tooth and nail
certainly more than any of you could.
I come on when I can but I do have other commitments you know!
Anyhoo, as I said before I need to believe again.
I’m just being honest about it all.
2 and half years years of mostly sh*t results and collapses is a tough long slog.
I’m really not one for suffering forever…

May 9th, 2016 at 2:01 pm

‘and darling DA is lost to us’

Well quite, so maybe he’s feeling it too…

May 9th, 2016 at 2:02 pm

@CDP
Genuine q. Who do you like when you aren’t blowing a gasket over Andy?

May 9th, 2016 at 2:10 pm

None other I promise!

Their fans and their antics put me off mostly…

I just don’t watch tennis that much anymore

May 9th, 2016 at 2:21 pm

Cheers CDP :)
It wasn’t a trick q tho., I’m on a few bandwagons and watch loads.

May 9th, 2016 at 2:33 pm

the commentators in the Zverev/Grigor match stat ed that they have access to Hawkeye…..the umps need it too in clay…..that little bit of ball fuzz can make discerning an in/out ball difficult at times. I think clay needs it worse than any surface because of overlapping shot marks….it needs to be added…..would stop the wasting of time…..just like playing slow. What kills me about time violation warnings…..all of that bull takes another 10 or more seconds……doesn’t make sense……..

May 9th, 2016 at 2:39 pm

What has happened to Baby Fed?? Too much hype about playing like Fed? Yep, those are big shoes to fill and to be compared with……..think about it???

May 9th, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Still at home and reading your posts.

I agree that Sunday’s match was excellent. The first set excepted, they both played with a lot of conviction, executing bold shots, taking a lot of risks. It was clay court tennis at his best, especially when we know that Madrid is a difficult surface to run, and the ball flies a little faster.

What was also obvious is that both players work on their tennis. Andy has put a lot of work in his serve — he serves as well as he did before the back operation, but his % is much higher. He has now a formidable weapon in his arsenal, and he will be very difficult to beat.

Lately, it was mostly the difference in serve that reversed the H2H between Novak and Andy: while Novak’s serve improved a lot, Andy had problems after his recovery, especially on the second serve. Now that this factor has been changed, I believe that their matches will be much closer.

Andy still plays an unusual backhand (the racquet finishes on the side, instead of above the shoulder), and sometimes he doesn’t hit from under the ball, causing unexpected UE from that side. It will be very difficult to change, especially since otherwise his BH is excellent.

The most important difference now is the FH. While Andy has more power and is ready to risk more and hit lower balls flat, Novak has improved his FH tremendously, especially when he hits it with an open stance. From there, it’s a question of taste: Novak is happy to hit more than once just to avoid risks, while Andy often goes for bigger shots when he wants to finish a rally.

But overall, it’s pretty even right now. While I hope that Novak will win the FO, I see Andy win at least one slam this year.

May 9th, 2016 at 2:47 pm

Another question is stamina and mental toughness. It goes together very often, btw.

I didn’t watch tennis lately, so I probably missed a lot of changes that happened earlier (and it goes without saying — things change fast in tennis). But I noticed that Andy didn’t grab his tight in the tense moments of the end of the match. His body language, his demeanour were the ones of a warrior until the last point. There’s no surrender any more.

On the other side, his reaction after the time penalty was the reaction of a gentleman.

There were some clues, here and there, that the relation between Novak and Andy was going for the better lately. I am certain that they had to talk and coordinate their actions about the policy of the ATP on a few key questions (more money for players, betting affairs, doping, where Novak’s statements reflect the official ATP stance, while Andy was more willing to say his mind), and they probably met more.

Whatever happened, Andy seems to mature in a great champion. Unfortunately, I believe that results will follow soon.

I am not surprised by the end of his cooperation with Mauresmo.

May 9th, 2016 at 3:01 pm

I wrote very often about stamina, and anybody who likes athletics can explain the difference between Novak and Andy. It is most obvious in the decathlon. Just observe the differences in morphology of the best competitors on short distances and the best on longer ranges. Novak has the built of a 800 m runner, while Andy looks like a 100 m runner. That’s why Andy is faster, while Novak has seemingly more stamina. It’s a choice they both made: Andy went for more power, Novak for more flexibility, and it defines their career and their respective games.

May 9th, 2016 at 3:14 pm

Nice tweet from Nole to Andy about a point in the match yesterday when Nole was given a time violation and Andy told the ump it was him who wasn’t ready, not Nole.

Novak Djokovic ‎@DjokerNole
@andy_murray really grateful and honoured to have witnessed your sportsmanship tonight. Tennis is lucky to have you as ambassador.Thank you

May 9th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

@Margot, J-Kath, and CDP – late to the party here, but I think I deserve to be 2nd on the list of Andy supporter. I can’t be first because there’s no toppling Margot from that spot, but I have sacrified much more than the rest of you as an Andy fan. I can never watch any of his matches. :-(

May 9th, 2016 at 3:36 pm

I think stamina explains Andy’s losses to Novak in the majors, but I can’t accept it for best of three. I’m with those who think there is a mental block, and things might – might – be different if Andy could manage to win the first set.

May 9th, 2016 at 5:22 pm

Talking about stamina and how intense are Nole matches, I watched ladt night Raonic that Italian dude that really pushed Milos hard and checked stats at the end. It was over two hours three sets match and they run just over 1000m each. Nole and Andy played three set match too, similar length of time and Andy had to run 2350m, that bit more thrn twice what Milos had to run and that under the pressure of Nole’s shots and relentless changing of pace and direction. I also checked Nole/Nishikori match, two sets and TB, they both run just over 2000m, but this time Nole had to run more and it was visible in TB that both players were feeling. Nishikori took to Nole and gave him little bit of his own medicine.

Just an example why it is so hard to play against and beat Nole.

May 9th, 2016 at 6:55 pm

RZ: Of course you can be No.2 (for the moment) as I am no. 3 same as our Player…..next week things might change, so get your plea in early.

May 9th, 2016 at 7:04 pm

JK,
Actually your man is #2 with 510 ahead of Roger after Rome points were taken off, check here.

http://live-tennis.eu

May 9th, 2016 at 8:36 pm

Okie, hope you’re doing okay. I was just watching the evening news, and saw tornado(es) in OK today. Stay safe!

May 9th, 2016 at 9:02 pm

@Jun…….Thanks for asking…..yes bad evening….thank goodness I was a little far north.. It was very close to me by way the crow flies and was an F4….200 mph winds….my son lives about 2 or 3 miles south of me and he found debris from it in his yard. It stayed on the ground awhile….but in rural areas…..it was a mile wide. They called it a wedge tornado…..very violent. Two deaths so far……Yeah, I’m very afraid of them. I am gonna build a cellar after this season is over…..but I am OK!

May 9th, 2016 at 10:00 pm

Okie..thank God you’re safe..i was so worried after read jun’s post..Wow..that was some tornado!My pray always with you okie..oh..by the way..happy mother’s day mom!Even it’s 2 days late..

May 9th, 2016 at 10:10 pm

Thank you Mira for the Mother’s Day wishes…..back at cha! Also thanks for being concerned about me and the tornadic conditions this evening….I am fine….but there have been two fatalities I’m sorry to say…….there are two families that are suffering right now…mms.m

May 9th, 2016 at 10:32 pm

Please send my regards to them okie..

May 9th, 2016 at 10:36 pm

Mat4b
Excellent analysis-never thought of it that way.

May 10th, 2016 at 12:23 am

Just so everyone here understands, no one is disputing that Rafa is and will forever be the King of Clay. It’s hard to imagine anyone coming even close to his achievements, not to mention bettering them. Having said that, Novak reigns on clay these past 12-14 months. The MC three set loss to an inspired player was a normal outcome after back to back HC US masters wins, jet lag and minimum time for adjustment to a different surface. In Miami, Novak was almost dismissive of MC saying that “that is his home tournament so yes, he will be there”. Meaning, yes, I will appear and fulfill my obligation.

May 10th, 2016 at 2:32 am

Okie,
really sorry to hear the news :((. I saw the footage this morning and the tornado looked ominous. But being in a rush, as usual in the morning, didn’t catch where it was. Just terrible that two lives were lost :((. And a few weeks ago, six, if I am not mistaken, in eastern Texas due to floods :(.

May 10th, 2016 at 2:54 am

Margo,
quick: in a match between Andy and lovely Sasha, you are rooting for? :)

May 10th, 2016 at 2:57 am

Jalep was your post at 8.55am May 9th about me then, as you said i was currying favour with you in your post at 9.32am ?, which i wasnt as i actually do think your tennis knowledge is impecable, you seem to be one of the rare breed that actually takes the time to talk about results and draws on the WTA, and also the young blood coming through, knowing that its not all about one player, or the top players, nothing to do with currying favour, i just found it strange as weve always got on so well ….

May 10th, 2016 at 3:21 am

GL
Saw that post…it was friendly, just a wee tease.

May 10th, 2016 at 3:43 am

Thanks Wogboy. Let’s hope it remains that way.
Off now to the wonderful exciting dentist’s chair.
See yah.

May 10th, 2016 at 3:45 am

J-Kath i do hope so, although Jalep will tell me herself, the thing is i do worry about offending posters i get along with, the bullies i dont give a damn about, they can think what they like ….

May 10th, 2016 at 4:01 am

J-Kath i really will have to call it a day for a while soon, as i still have such alot of course work to do, and sitting here blogging aint getting it done, i might stick with this monikor, or choose another i havent decided yet, i watched the Wicker Man the other week, and i liked the name of Brit Eklands character, also Mat4 gave me an idea for another one, so we will see, however i will always be honest about who i am and not hide it ….

May 10th, 2016 at 4:44 am

You have your own style GL….once seen never forgotten.

I shouldn’t be blogging either…I’ve got deadlines and I’m off end this month..
Cheers
K

May 10th, 2016 at 8:53 am

No worries, GL. It was as JKath says, a wee tease — I don’t mean to add to your stress. Sorry. Added my favorite emoji, this one: 😄 smiley with closed eyes. Strange though – perhaps my overuse of emoji’s cancels out their effect?
Anyways, I have the highest respect for you. And we’re good!

May 10th, 2016 at 8:54 am

Kei v Troicki was just starting when I woke up. TC annoyingly switched to Riske v Stosur. Kei was serving poorly and making errors. I wonder about him over-playing at this point – the injury concern.

May 10th, 2016 at 9:03 am

No, GL, I don’t think you or anyone here is currying favor with me. I don’t curry favor with anyone even if they are in my own ‘fanbase’. My comment using that expression came from my small rant post – first one of the day yesterday.

May 10th, 2016 at 9:20 am

Thanks Danica…..feeling blessedd I wasn’t in the line of fire last night. I am deathly afraid of them…..they can do so much damage….next thing on my agenda is an underground cellar!

May 10th, 2016 at 10:03 am

Meanwhile, do you have access to a designated shelter, Okie?

We had winds here 40-50 mph when a T-storm passeed thru last weekend – that’s enough for me.

Kei’s through. He started slow and Victor started well. I’d be happy if Kei went out early.

May 10th, 2016 at 10:34 am

@jalep….a neighbor of mine 2 doors away has a cellar and she kindly said we could use hers whether she was home or not. Winds got up to 200 mph….but not at my house……thank goodness!

May 10th, 2016 at 11:07 am

jalep…..thanks for your concern……

May 10th, 2016 at 11:08 am

Oh good. And your son lives nearby, I think you’ve mentioned. I don’t like to think of you alone and caught off guard. Take care, Okie.

I do like to think of you watching lots of tennis! 🍿🍫🍸

May 10th, 2016 at 11:27 am

@jalep…..I have always been a storm watcher…..Byron would go to bed and I would keep vigil! I have made my son afraid of them too. Yes, he lives close and has been very attentive to me since his dad passed away…so don’t worry about me, I will always be taking heed of bad weather…..so used to it. The one yesterday was in the evening…so much better than coming through at night.

Loving my new access to the Tennis Channel…..so happy!!

May 10th, 2016 at 11:43 am

Thankyou Jalep im so relieved ….

J-Kath cheers to you too ….

Okie please stay safe ….

May 10th, 2016 at 12:30 pm