It makes for a good headline, let’s just hope it makes for a good match as well. You always worry when you get deep into the slam draw that a match will fizzle out into a one-sided affair, three sets, little action, no drama. This one is no Nadal vs Djokovic, but it should pack a punch – literally. These guys hit the felt of the ball and they both speak French (should have something to do with something). But obviously, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga is the home favourite and should possibly be able to ride that wave all across the finish …
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There are two semi-finals, I know. But the one that’s the most interesting on paper is by far the one between Murray and Djokovic. They’re both playing with massive unbeaten streaks and the confidence must be soaring high for both players. Nole is normally the more comfortable player on clay, but this year something has clicked for Andy and that’s why this match can be quite interesting. Some factors: Reasons Djokovic will win: He’s the world number one for a reason. He’s in great form. He hasn’t lost in oh so many matches. He wants it so, so bad. Reasons Murray …
It’s possible that this Roland Garros is the start of a “changing of the guards”. Yes, maybe I’m being dramatic, but it’s a healthy sign for tennis that guys like Coric, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are winning tough matches against good opposition. When the more senior players lack the confidence against the top players, the youngsters enter the court with a “nothing-to-lose” determination that is remarkably refreshing. I’m impressed also by the physicality of both Kokkinakis and Coric to get through five-setters. Players like these bode well for tennis. The big four still hold centre stage and long their reign have been, …
Djokovic wasn’t as impressive as we’ve seen him so far and always seems to annoyed with the courts/shoes at RG. Bad omen? Still won in three, which shows how much we expect from him. Nadal lacks the depth on his balls, I mean shots, this is the main difference from the Nadal of 2010 for example. With the kind of intensity gone that he’s been famous for, it’s hard to see him as a favourite. But we all love a fighter. Federer hit a double-handed backhand in round 2 against Granollers and won the point. This guy knows his way …
The picture will be explained (somewhat) below. I used to ask myself that question when Federer had his golden years between 2004-2007. Was it even fun to watch unless Nadal was on the other side of the net? I think many people thought no, too many matches were a given for the Swiss, but personally I thought his graceful style of play compensated that. We were watching a maestro, someone who had elevated himself and his tennis beyond competition and the sport itself. It was more an exhibition of extraordinary skill than sports at times. I didn’t mind that. And …
Lots at stake in today’s Masters final in Rome. Djokovic wants to extend his win streak to 22 matches so he arrives in Paris with maximum confidence. Federer wants to win Italian Open for the first time in his illustrious career. Question is: who wants it the most? Somehow, I have a feeling Federer is a bit more hungry for this one, but Djokovic is an overall better player these days. He’s more stable and has a more consistent confidence in his game. But in a three-setter it’s hard to say. My gut/heart says Federer, my brain says Djokovic. No …
Yeah, that is Novak Djokovic‘s unbeaten streak today after beating David Ferrer comfortably 6-4 6-4. Who is going to stop the Serb in the final and, more importantly, in Paris? It’s hard to see Nadal, whose game is slowly getting better but who still is unusually unreliable, pose enough of a threat to a player with a 21-match win-streak confidence. Federer? Nah, not over five sets. Who else? Wawrinka, who yesterday beat Nadal 7-6 6-2? Nope, don’t think so. Still, a slam is a slam and there are lots of tennis to be played. Djokovic has never won there before so …
Wawrinka hasn’t been himself for a while. Some people say he’s never been consistent and that the current “slump” in form isn’t unexpected, some people talk about his divorce being the main culprit. It’s hard to say unless you’re inside his head, but today he managed to scramble his way to a win against the Monaco after losing the first set. Despite the win I have a hard time seeing Wawrinka go further than a quarter-final – he’s too patchy right now. Djokovic was also in a three setter today, against the fly-swatting hard-hitter Nicolas Almagro who was ranked in …
I wrote a few tweets yesterday with the hashtag #whereisrafa which was rather the opposite to my previous post “Nadal back in biz“. Why? Well, he shockingly lost his clay court encounter with Andy Murray 6-3 6-2. I will write that again. Andy Murray beat Rafael Nadal, also known as the King of Clay, on clay, 6-3 6-2. Crazy stuff. But not really. Murray looks confident as f#%”! on the red stuff after a win in Hamburg and a wedding in Scotland while Nadal has seemed out of sorts throughout 2015. And it’s not like Murray doesn’t know how to …
Let’s hope the Madrid final doesn’t turn into a cuddlefest. That is the question on most people’s minds ahead of the Madrid Masters final. Few would have imagined Andy Murray being on the other side of the net, but he’s played the best clay court tennis of his life this season and after his first title in Hamburg, his confidence must be soaring. I would have picked Nishikori to beat the Scot in the semi-finals, but Murray controlled the proceedings from start to finish, winning with remarkably comfortable numbers, 6-3 6-4. So does this make him a threat for a …