The Tennis Thread - Part 2

[Sakuraba]

Great win for Rafa, im not a fan of his but I cant deny how great that achievment is. Anyway I heard that even though Ferrer lost he still moves ahead of Nadal in the rankings when they released tomorrow, is this true?

Yeah, Nadal didn't gain any points at the French, he only maintained his 2000 from last year. Ferrer gained like 750 off his results last year.

 

[Sakuraba]

Nadal is pretty amazing, ya know. The fact that he's doing it in this era makes his record on clay and especially the French Open even more impressive.

The blue clay controversy last year kind of opened up the discussion on how the game has been rigged to favor the best and most consistent players through the leveling of the playing surfaces to all be slow. It makes upsets more unlikely and blurs the lines between seasons. The changing of the grass at Wimbledon in 2001 is the benchmark used for this changing of the courts, but even when the Australia Open went from Ace Rebound, which was considered a slow hardcourt, to an even slower hardcourt has had it's impact. Perhaps Federer notches a few more Oz titles, maybe Murray wins a couple.

My whole point here is Nadal, and that the clay hasn't really changed. It's stayed the same and he just pounds people. He moves on it better than Federer moves on grass, better than Djokovic on asphalt, better than Baryshnikov on the sprung floor. That's what separates him. His rivals are all accustomed to slow kicking courts, it's his movement and ability to crack running forehands down the line and slide into delicate volleys, recover and hit a tweener, that's the stuff that makes him nigh unstoppable on the dirt.

How many times have we seen Djokovic and Federer play Nadal, hit about 200 winners, but Nadal only letting fifty get by him? He's ridiculous. We're in the era of power baseliners, with scant traces of the old game, so here's to the premiere baseliners.

 

[Frico]

Well put dude.

I also seriously can't wait for Wimbledon now.

 

[Frico]

“…if you don’t feel that you can improve….you don’t know nothing about life. Because nothing is perfect in this life you can improve always and in every way,and in tennis for sure you can keep improving.

But it’s true the improves, doesn’t mean if you keep improving that you will win more, because win or lose depends on different facts, mental facts, lucky, fresh mentality.

When I go and practice every day, I don’t go to practice because I have to go to practice ,I go because I have a goal, things that I think I need to do better to keep being competitive against the best players. And eight times here is a lot, I never thought about that, but sure I will keep practicing with the same passion and the same intensity to bring my tennis to the higher level possible. I don’t know if I’m able do it, but as always I say, I don’t know if I can do it, but the only thing that I am sure is I gonna try and I will.”

- Rafael Nadal

 

[Sakuraba]

I love Nadal's broken English. When he's not whining about some nonissue or fawning over some other player, when he's just talking about the game and what drives him, he's a great read.

Seriously, who could have expected him to return and win seven tournaments in nine events? He's got to be a slight favorite at Wimbledon over Djokovic. Who knows about Murray. It's encouraging to see Federer up his court time by teaming with Haas. He also must be comforted in knowing that Nadal withdrew from Halle.

One of the interesting things I read was that in the last month Nadal hung his 20th victory against Federer, Djokovic, and Ferrer. Obviously he's padded those records on clay, with Ferrer suffering 17 loses, Federer 13, and Djokovic 14.

 

[Bim]

He's got to be a slight favorite at Wimbledon over Djokovic.

How do you figure? imo Federer and Djokovic are favorites over Nadal when it comes to Wimbledon. But i do think Rafa's gonna be extra motivated to do well there this year lol. Murray, who knows. Has he hinted when he will come back to play? Maybe he's just preparing himself for Wimbledon hoping to get to the finals again.

 

[Sakuraba]

Just the fact that he's been the most consistent, he's won seven titles and been to all nine finals since his return. His serve looked really good in Paris, which is going to be big for him at Wimbledon, especially if he plays Djokovic. I think he's a better mover on grass than Djokovic. Djokovic hasn't really ever learned that you don't slide on grass, you slip. But he's so fast and excellent a ballstriker that he can get away with it.

Federer's light baby steps make him the best mover on grass, but he's looked pretty awful this year by his standards. Two really bad losses to Nadal, fading in the fifth set to Murray, losses to guys he shouldn't lose to, only one top ten win all year, I mean, he has work to do to make me a believer. He's almost 32, his days are numbered. The last two years he was playing phenomenal tennis going into Wimbledon, and last year he controlled his own destiny to reclaim World No 1. He has not playing well in 2013 and has no such motivation.

 

[Sakuraba]

Good to see another youngster go out early in straight sets to another older player, especially when it's Raonic (who should theoretically be tough on grass) and Gael Monfils (who is proven pathetic on grass).

I guess you have to give him some more time with Ljubicic. He needs a better slice serve, an actual slice backhand, and some semblance of a return game. He'll never have the most graceful movements to get low balls, but he should improve in a few areas.

The young players, man, they suck. The talented are so few and so small to the moment, the Big 4 could very well be around another four years dominating.

 

[Frico]

That was one of the worst matches I've seen Raonic take part in. So many errors. Last year in Halle he looked better. It's amazing how a year later he looks to have had a slip in form. Here's hoping he and Ivan come up with a good blueprint on what to improve. Milos is kind of paved as the guy to lead the future. (Not my first choice) - but I'd like to see him do well more.

I watched Fed/Haas vs Melzer/Petzschner. Even though they lost it was great seeing two veterans of the game having a great time out there. Some good laughs and shot making.

Speaking of young guns, Goffin, Tomic, Harrison, Janowicz, and Berankis all lost their first grass matches. Dimitrov and Nishikori are still alive. Dimitrov plays Hewitt tomorrow in what's sure to be a good one. Denis Kudla shocked Paire today 6-3 6-4 which is damn impressive. In terms of young Americans he's one to watch IMO. He's quick and good on all surfaces.

If you guys want to watch a good highlight match, watch his match against Harrison from last month. Kudla played really well to get the W.

[YT]mkp77dn5kOo[/YT]

 

[Sakuraba]

That's a nice little match for Dimitrov. Hewitt's a guy that will test him but he is a guy Dimitrov should defeat. He shouldn't be losing to washed up players like Nails anymore. And what the hell is up with Maria Sharapova's off court attire? Why does one of the best dressed players consistently look like an old bag lady?

The ATP should keep Queens the day after Roland Garros, for guys that lose early in Paris, and push Halle back a week and make it a Masters. The Tour owes Germany a big event since they stole Hamburg and put a Masters event in front of half empty stadiums in Shanghai. Put Wimbledon back a week.

It would seriously make me so happy. Grass doesn't play like it used to, but it is still a unique surface in that it requires different strategy and shot-making from the players. It's like a splash of cold water to my face.

Thanks for the highlight reel!

 

[Marx]

I was really glad to see Nadal win again on the clay. His semi-final match with Djokovic was incredible.

 

[Kaleb]

Nadal is gonna have a real tough time at wimbledon with his seeding.If I'm correct he would face Nole in the quarter finals (if both make it that far)

 

[Bim]

Just the fact that he's been the most consistent, he's won seven titles and been to all nine finals since his return. His serve looked really good in Paris, which is going to be big for him at Wimbledon, especially if he plays Djokovic. I think he's a better mover on grass than Djokovic. Djokovic hasn't really ever learned that you don't slide on grass, you slip. But he's so fast and excellent a ballstriker that he can get away with it.

Federer's light baby steps make him the best mover on grass, but he's looked pretty awful this year by his standards. Two really bad losses to Nadal, fading in the fifth set to Murray, losses to guys he shouldn't lose to, only one top ten win all year, I mean, he has work to do to make me a believer. He's almost 32, his days are numbered. The last two years he was playing phenomenal tennis going into Wimbledon, and last year he controlled his own destiny to reclaim World No 1. He has not playing well in 2013 and has no such motivation.

I agree about Nadal's serve, it's looking solid, but Rafa hasnt played on grass in over a year. And with him not playing in Halle, he wont have matches under his belt. I of course could be mistaken cause Rafa is a beast lol, but i think he's gonna have to work extra hard, especially in the earlier rounds. We'll have to wait and see what the draw looks like.

I still wouldnt count Fed out though, Wimbledon is his baby, he tends to do the best there.

Nadal is gonna have a real tough time at wimbledon with his seeding.If I'm correct he would face Nole in the quarter finals (if both make it that far)

Djokovic will be looking for revenge for the French Open lol, but it's still a heck of a match to look forward to. The downside of them playing so early is that unless we get equally amazing semis and final, it might be boring compared to the their match.

 

[Kaleb]

I agree about Nadal's serve, it's looking solid, but Rafa hasnt played on grass in over a year. And with him not playing in Halle, he wont have matches under his belt. I of course could be mistaken cause Rafa is a beast lol, but i think he's gonna have to work extra hard, especially in the earlier rounds. We'll have to wait and see what the draw looks like.

I still wouldnt count Fed out though, Wimbledon is his baby, he tends to do the best there.


Djokovic will be looking for revenge for the French Open lol, but it's still a heck of a match to look forward to. The downside of them playing so early is that unless we get equally amazing semis and final, it might be boring compared to the their match.

much like the French Open.

 

[Sakuraba]

I agree about Nadal's serve, it's looking solid, but Rafa hasnt played on grass in over a year. And with him not playing in Halle, he wont have matches under his belt. I of course could be mistaken cause Rafa is a beast lol, but i think he's gonna have to work extra hard, especially in the earlier rounds. We'll have to wait and see what the draw looks like.

I still wouldnt count Fed out though, Wimbledon is his baby, he tends to do the best there.

I wouldn't worry about Rafa. Djokovic isn't playing in the grass court tune-ups either. The time off is better for him then playing Halle, since he's played something like seven of the past eight weeks.

Federer needs the matches and a win, desperately.

Nadal is gonna have a real tough time at wimbledon with his seeding.If I'm correct he would face Nole in the quarter finals (if both make it that far)

Well, you have to remember that just because he'll be seeded fifth doesn't necessarily mean he'll be in Djokovic's quarter.

Fifth seed Berdych ended up in Ferrer's quarter on Federer's half at Roland Garros. Also, even though Nadal is probably going to get the fifth seed, Wimbledon could award him a higher seed since he's a two time champion.

 

[Sakuraba]

It would be unreal if Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer end up in the same half. Which could happen, and I'm sure is included in Andy Murray's nightly prayers.

 

[Frico]

Man, both Dimitrov and Nishikori lost today. Hewitt beat Dimitrov pretty easily 6-4 6-3 whereas Nishikori lost to Youzhny 6-1 6-7 6-3. Pretty rough start on the grass for all the young guns.

Fed looked great against Stebe.

 

[Sakuraba]

I can understand Nishikori losing. Grass isn't the best surface for him, and Youzi is still quite good and a grass specialist. It makes sense. Youzhny should win that match.

But Dimitrov losing to a wholly washed up Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets is beyond frustrating.

 

[Frico]

Youzhny's backhand was ON yesterday. Had the crowd in awe and played a good grass court match. Nishikori pretty much owned up to the fact that he got outplayed afterward.

And agreed.

 

[Frico]

WOAH. Federer destroyed Zverev 6-0 6-0 in just 35 minutes. O.O

 

[Sakuraba]

Well, I think you know the bigger story is that Federer played without his trademark bandana.

 

[Frico]

Men's Wimbledon first round matches:

Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Florian Mayer (GER)

Bobby Reynolds (USA) v Steve Johnson (USA)

Blaz Kavcic (SLO) v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Ryan Harrison (USA) v Jeremy Chardy (FRA x28)

Gilles Simon (FRA x19) v Feliciano Lopez (ESP)

Ricardas Berankis (LTU) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)

Wayne Odesnik (USA) v Jimmy Wang (TPE)

Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) v Tommy Haas (GER x13)

Richard Gasquet (FRA x9) v Marcel Granollers (ESP)

Andreas Haider-Maurer (AUT) v Go Soeda (JPN)

James Blake (USA) v Thiemo de Bakker (NED)

Bernard Tomic (AUS) v Sam Querrey (USA x21)

Kevin Anderson (RSA x27) v Olivier Rochus (BEL)

Philipp Petzschner (GER) v Michal Przysiezny (POL)

Daniel Brands (GER) v Daniel Gimeno Traver (ESP)

Martin Klizan (SVK) v Tomas Berdych (CZE x7)

David Ferrer (ESP x4) v Martin Alund (ARG)

Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) v Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS)

Horacio Zeballos (ARG) v Santiago Giraldo (COL)

Gastao Elias (POR) v Alexandr Dolgoplov (UKR x26)

Milos Ranoic (CAN x17) v Carlos Berlocq (ARG)

Alex Kuznetsov (USA) v Igor Sijsling (NED)

James Duckworth (AUS) v Denis Kudla (USA)

Ivan Dodig (CRO) v Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x16)

Kei Nishikori (JPN x12) v Matthew Ebden (AUS)

Leonardo Mayer (ARG) v Aljaz Bedene (SLO)

Michael LLodra (FRA) v Jarkko Nieminen (FIN)

Denis Istomin (UZB) v Andreas Seppi (ITA x23)

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x29) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Grega Zemlja (SLO) v Michael Russell (USA)

Guido Pella (ARG) v Jesse Levine (CAN)

Albert Ramos (ESP) v Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x8)

Rafael Nadal (ESP x5) v Steve Darcis (BEL)

Lukasz Kubot (POL) v Igor Andreev (RUS)

Stephane Robert (FRA) v Alejandro Falla (COL)

Adrian Ungur (ROM) v Benoit Paire (FRA x25)

John Isner (USA x18) v Evgeny Donskoy (RUS)

Pablo Andujar (ESP) v Adrian Mannarino (FRA)

Dustin Brown (GER) v Guillermo Garcia Lopez (ESP)

Lleyton Hewittt (AUS) v Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x11)

Nicolas Almagro (ESP x15) v Jurgen Zopp (EST)

Marinko Matosevic (AUS) v Guillaume Rufin (FRA)

Radek Stepanek (CZE) v Matt Reid (AUS)

Kyle Edmund (GBR) v Jerzy Janowicz (POL x24)

Fabio Fognini (ITA x30) v Jurgen Melzer (AUT)

Julian Reister (GER) v Lukas Rosol (CZE)

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR)

Victor Hanescu (ROM) v Roger Federer (SUI x3)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x6) v David Goffin (BEL)

Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) v Ernests Gulbis (LAT)

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) v Xavier Malisse (BEL)

Tobias Kamke (GER) v Julien Benneteau (FRA x31)

Juan Monaco (ARG x22) v Bastian Knittel (GER)

Lukas Lacko (SVK) v Rajeev Ram (USA)

Kenny de Schepper (FRA) v Paolo Lorenzi (ITA)

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) v Marin Cilic (CRO x10)

Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x14) v Viktor Troicki (SRB)

Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) v Albert Montanes (ESP)

Marc Gicquel (FRA) v Vasek Pospisil (CAN)

Robin Haase (NED) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x20)

Tommy Robredo (ESP x32) v Alex Bogmolov (RUS)

Nicolas Mahut (FRA) v Jan Hajek (CZE)

James Ward (GBR) v Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE)

Benjamin Becker (GER) v Andy Murray (GBR x2)

 

[Frico]

And the big buzz of the day is that Fed and Rafa could meet in the quarters.

 

[Sakuraba]

Well, the first thing I notice is Djokovic getting another difficult first round match. Poor guy

 

[Sakuraba]

A couple of old guys will be vying for the opportunity to face Djokovic in the 4th round, Haas and Lopez.

Petzschner looms in Berdych's draw. It's funny and sad seeing the last remnants of the grass court specialists as they're all late 20's early 30's.

Kohlschrieber/Ferrer? Kohlschrieber could be a semifinalist given his draw.

Dimitrov has a pretty good draw here, and if he wins one big match he could make it far. JMDP is a player he can maybe have some success against. I'd love to see it. He clearly wasnt ready for Djokovic on Chatrier, but maybe he beat Delpo on Court 2.

I cannot not see Nadal making quarters. Igor has some of the same qualities Rosol has, but can he raise his game to similar heights for five sets against Nadal? I doubt it. Highly. Wawrinka is a beast lately, but he hasn't managed to do anything against Nadal, ever.

Federer got a pretty easy quarter, maybe the easiest. For that he'll be rewarded with Nadal. We can see how this matchup has changed on grass now. Another thing to look for is that Almagro and Federer haven't played in six years. How has that match up changed, or is it the same.

Tsonga's quarter is pretty well loaded. A lot of big hitters, lot of guys good on grass.

Murray should walk through his quarter, but you do have Mahut there who just played Murray, the resurgent Tommy Robredo, and so maybe we'll get a good match out of it. Tipsy has given him trouble in the past, but he's been awful this year.