I finally find some time to breathe some life into this blog, neglected due to different journalistic assignments that, unfortunately, had nothing to do with Tennis.
But a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam.
It's when Champions write history, and underdogs become heroes.
On Day 2, Federer and Djokovic eased into the second round. It's not the moment to go into detail there.
Day 2 was rather marked by the rise of the almost-forgotten. Those players, who were blessed by nature with incredible talent, but all too often had to give in to injuries.
I am talking about Tommy Haas, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Brian Baker.
Each one of them had career-threatening injuries and several surgeries along the way that kept them out for months, or in the case of Baker, for several years.
The first two have had admirable careers so far. Haas, a former World No.2, is 34 years old now, but when he is in shape, he plays stunning tennis. His 2012 season has been quite good so far (semifinal in munich after beating Tsonga and Baghdatis), and now he leads Volandri by 2-1 sets and 4-2 games (play suspended due to darkness).
Haas had to play the evil qualifying rounds here, survived them, and is now one step away from reaching the second round.
Mathieu was another of France's big hopes many years ago. Thanks to his brutal forehand he almost made it into the Top 10 back then. In 2006, he played one of the all-time great matches in French Open history against Rafael Nadal, losing in four tight sets.
Now he returns in style from a long injury lay-off, beating Germany's eternal first-round loser Bjorn Phau in five sets, after being 0-2 down. The atmosphere on Court 2 was amazing as the local crowd carried their hero to victory.
Brian Baker from the USA. What a story. Could become Hollywood material ! I am not gonna tell you about his career history so far. His re-appearance is being hyped so much that you can easily find out about his story on the internet.
After so many years of absence, to beat the veteran Xavier Malisse in straight sets is nothing short of a wonderful accomplishment. Kudos to that, and keep us dreaming Brian!
Tomorrow, Day 3, Rafa time. The king rules.
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
May 28, 2012
Apr 19, 2012
Monte Carlo: The Day When The Sky Cried A River
It was a bad day, this Thursday in Monte Carlo. Journalists reporting from the MC Country Club had trouble not to fall victim to a collective depression, judging from their tweets. And I don't mean it in a mocking tone. Their reports and impressions were for real and accurate. I am not (yet) lucky enough to join the nomadic group of Tennis journalists, so I try to follow everything from the distance, via websites, social media and TV. Combined, I had a very good impression of the overwhelming mood in that beautiful place in Monte Carlo: 'Why is all this happening'?
So, what actually happened?
The day started off with a great match. Andy Murray faced local hope Julien Benneteau. A great match with long rallies, which abruptly finished at 5-5, first set, when Benneteau twisted his ankle and broke his elbow. At exactly the same spot where Argentina's Juan Monaco twisted his ankle 2 days ago.
Benneteau, who 2 weeks earlier had tears streaming down his face on the same court when France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget gave his farewell speech, now cried again, this time in real agony.
After a few minutes, Benneteau tried to continue play, even playing a return with his left hand, but it was impossible.
Benneteau was playing a great match, very aggressively and courageous. Bon retablissement, Ju !!
Just as he was leaving the court, it was reported on Twitter that Novak Djokovic had left his practice court, in tears as well. Within minutes, the whole Tennis world learned that Djokovic's grandfather had passed away. Soon, the fans were assured that the world's best player would play today, and he did. He faced the tricky player Dolgopolov and was obviously absent-minded during the first set, which the Ukrainian won 6-2.
But, you know what they say: A real Champion knows how to win on a bad day. And this was one of the worst possible days. Djokovic has grown into a real Champion over the last 18 months. Just as Sampras did in Australia in 1995, he fought off his tears, his sad thoughts and a difficult opponent to turn around the match and win 2-6 6-1 6-4.
I cannot feel anything but respect and admiration for Djoko's professionalism and resolve. Outstanding.
This sad day was emphasized by recurring rain breaks. Play was suspended a total of 5 (!!!) times today due to short spells of heavy rain. Tsonga/Verdasco were affected as well as Djokovic/Dolgopolov, Simon/Tipsarevic and Haase/Bellucci. Maybe the sky wanted to join the overall sad mood in Monte Carlo.
The weather gods had another surprise in store: When Rafael Nadal and Michail Kukushkin were warming up, a loud thunder shocked the spectators at the Centre Court. Both players stood still for a second, then continued warming up with a big smile. But everyone watching the match was hoping that this would be the last 'message' from the sky.
Let's hope that Friday will be a better day. A lot less rain. A bit less sadness. And hopefully a Centre Court that does not endanger the health of players who are supposed to attract and entertain the crowd.
As Andy Murray said today: "There are holes everywhere".
Not only on the court, but also in the clouds.
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
PS.: To a very good and special friend:
Happy Birthday, Javi !!!
So, what actually happened?
The day started off with a great match. Andy Murray faced local hope Julien Benneteau. A great match with long rallies, which abruptly finished at 5-5, first set, when Benneteau twisted his ankle and broke his elbow. At exactly the same spot where Argentina's Juan Monaco twisted his ankle 2 days ago.
Benneteau, who 2 weeks earlier had tears streaming down his face on the same court when France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget gave his farewell speech, now cried again, this time in real agony.
After a few minutes, Benneteau tried to continue play, even playing a return with his left hand, but it was impossible.
Benneteau was playing a great match, very aggressively and courageous. Bon retablissement, Ju !!
Just as he was leaving the court, it was reported on Twitter that Novak Djokovic had left his practice court, in tears as well. Within minutes, the whole Tennis world learned that Djokovic's grandfather had passed away. Soon, the fans were assured that the world's best player would play today, and he did. He faced the tricky player Dolgopolov and was obviously absent-minded during the first set, which the Ukrainian won 6-2.
But, you know what they say: A real Champion knows how to win on a bad day. And this was one of the worst possible days. Djokovic has grown into a real Champion over the last 18 months. Just as Sampras did in Australia in 1995, he fought off his tears, his sad thoughts and a difficult opponent to turn around the match and win 2-6 6-1 6-4.
I cannot feel anything but respect and admiration for Djoko's professionalism and resolve. Outstanding.
This sad day was emphasized by recurring rain breaks. Play was suspended a total of 5 (!!!) times today due to short spells of heavy rain. Tsonga/Verdasco were affected as well as Djokovic/Dolgopolov, Simon/Tipsarevic and Haase/Bellucci. Maybe the sky wanted to join the overall sad mood in Monte Carlo.
The weather gods had another surprise in store: When Rafael Nadal and Michail Kukushkin were warming up, a loud thunder shocked the spectators at the Centre Court. Both players stood still for a second, then continued warming up with a big smile. But everyone watching the match was hoping that this would be the last 'message' from the sky.
Let's hope that Friday will be a better day. A lot less rain. A bit less sadness. And hopefully a Centre Court that does not endanger the health of players who are supposed to attract and entertain the crowd.
As Andy Murray said today: "There are holes everywhere".
Not only on the court, but also in the clouds.
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
PS.: To a very good and special friend:
Happy Birthday, Javi !!!
Apr 9, 2012
The Davis... erm... Isner Cup
What a weekend for Tennis. Great matches of Davis Cup took place all over the world, with emotions, drama, surprises, and great insights into the future. How can anyone doubt the attractiveness of Davis Cup, and even think of changing its format?
This tournament has everything it needs. A worldwide audience. Matches taking place at different places at the same time. The crowd suffereing and cheering with every single point. Lowly-ranked players getting a chance at becoming national heroes. It is just perfect.
I want the Davis Cup to stay as it is. Sure, the top players chose not to play because they have exhausting weeks behind them and they need to lick their wounds. No wonder that the Spanish Federation failed to have a sellout crowd without Nadal, when the weather is bad, and the opponent (Austria) is not too attractive (don't get me started on the ticket prizes).
But the world's No.1 Novak Djokovic chose to go see Tsonga taking on Isner live in MonteCarlo. What a great match it was, a delight for every Tennis fan. And those who thought that Isner's win over Federer in the 1st round was a mere coincidence, should see how he played against Tsonga. The American is more than just his serve. He has a jaw-dropping powerful forehand and he plays a lot of perfect drop shots on clay. His movement has improved so much that it is much harder to outplay him. He takes risks, and it mostly pays off.
His biggest weapon is his mind. He knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. He's immensely clever on the court, and little setbacks (like losing the 3rd set) only seem to make him even stronger.
This weekend, fellow Tennis journalists on Twitter were discussing if Isner might lift the French Open trophy this year. Well, I don't see him there yet, especially if Nadal is healthy. Isner almost beat Rafa last year in the first round, but that Rafa was the worst Rafa ever at Roland Garros (except in 2009). if all the Top 10 players are at their best, Isner won't make the final of the French just yet. But it might happen in a not too distant future.
This is the most exciting time in men's tennis ever. We have the big 3 who can win any Grand Slam. I am convinced that Murray will win one Slam this year, but I also see Del Potro winning his 2nd very soon. He is such a great player, and I hope that he can lift another big trophy, he deserves it. I firmly believe that Argentina will win the Davis Cup this year.
Talking about the future... as I live in belgium now, i couldn't help but watch a bit of the GB-BEL tie. Young David Goffin looks like a real good talent. Former pro Filip Dewulf said on Twitter that Goffin might break into the Top 30 very soon... I certainly hope so! We will follow your progress, David!
Twitter @AtleticoDave
This tournament has everything it needs. A worldwide audience. Matches taking place at different places at the same time. The crowd suffereing and cheering with every single point. Lowly-ranked players getting a chance at becoming national heroes. It is just perfect.
I want the Davis Cup to stay as it is. Sure, the top players chose not to play because they have exhausting weeks behind them and they need to lick their wounds. No wonder that the Spanish Federation failed to have a sellout crowd without Nadal, when the weather is bad, and the opponent (Austria) is not too attractive (don't get me started on the ticket prizes).
But the world's No.1 Novak Djokovic chose to go see Tsonga taking on Isner live in MonteCarlo. What a great match it was, a delight for every Tennis fan. And those who thought that Isner's win over Federer in the 1st round was a mere coincidence, should see how he played against Tsonga. The American is more than just his serve. He has a jaw-dropping powerful forehand and he plays a lot of perfect drop shots on clay. His movement has improved so much that it is much harder to outplay him. He takes risks, and it mostly pays off.
His biggest weapon is his mind. He knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. He's immensely clever on the court, and little setbacks (like losing the 3rd set) only seem to make him even stronger.
This weekend, fellow Tennis journalists on Twitter were discussing if Isner might lift the French Open trophy this year. Well, I don't see him there yet, especially if Nadal is healthy. Isner almost beat Rafa last year in the first round, but that Rafa was the worst Rafa ever at Roland Garros (except in 2009). if all the Top 10 players are at their best, Isner won't make the final of the French just yet. But it might happen in a not too distant future.
This is the most exciting time in men's tennis ever. We have the big 3 who can win any Grand Slam. I am convinced that Murray will win one Slam this year, but I also see Del Potro winning his 2nd very soon. He is such a great player, and I hope that he can lift another big trophy, he deserves it. I firmly believe that Argentina will win the Davis Cup this year.
Talking about the future... as I live in belgium now, i couldn't help but watch a bit of the GB-BEL tie. Young David Goffin looks like a real good talent. Former pro Filip Dewulf said on Twitter that Goffin might break into the Top 30 very soon... I certainly hope so! We will follow your progress, David!
Twitter @AtleticoDave
Mar 15, 2012
In Murray We Trust
Just like in 2011, Murray suffered an early exit from the first big tournament after the Australian Open.
Last year he lost to an ambitious Donald Young, this time to a tough and underrated G.Garcia-López.
Here's why his defeat will not hurt him. Or should not.
Andy has had a good year so far. One title, one final and an AO semifinal, ending on a high note with an epic match against Djokovic.
Now he lost in the first round of the Masters event in Indian Wells.
His opponent, let's call him GGL, is a tough cookie on hardcourts. Nadal was one of his victims two years ago in Bangkok. GGL will walk the walk, go as far as is needed to win every single point.
In the first set of Andy vs GGL, both players had exceptionally long rallies. Still, no one had the feeling that Andy would eventually lose. He seemed to be in control. But GGL hung in there, fighting off break points (0-40 at 2-3 in the first set, that's his expertise), not giving in. His backhand is a joy to watch, technically clean, he can easily give the ball any angle he wants.
At 4-4, Murray was up 40-15 on his own serve. It went to Deuce. Long rally. Murray at the net, high lob, Smash... OUT !
I know how frustrating it is to not convert your own breakpoints. And GGL is the kind of player who needs just one chance to break your serve.
That was the moment when Murray's game broke down. Does he have to worry? Do his fans need to worry?
No. As Roger once said: "You are too good not to win a Grand Slam." It will happen. Murray has everything to become a champ. All the shots, the fitness, the tactical intelligence. He's a masterful counterpuncher, he can read match situations, take away speed only to go full speed one moment later.
The one thing that lacks him, of course, as everyone on Tour has already stated, is his mental toughness.
If he has one of those days, he seems unable to tough it out. But that is an ability you can learn, especially when you accumulate experience.
In the second set, Murray had another 0-40 on GGL's serve. Again, the Spaniard won the game. He absolutely had the total will to win, to beat a top 4 player. Murray found himself on the ropes against an opponent with a very good baseline game. He just couldn't break through.
In 2011, Murray went on to have a very good Grand Slam season, reaching all 4 semifinals. Nadal always stopped him, but he has the game to beat Rafa. It will not hurt Murray to neglect these early hardcourt tournaments and focus on the clay court season. He played great matches on clay against Nadal (in MonteCarlo) and Djokovic (in Rome) last year. He can beat everyone on any surface. As long as he believes it.
Let me just state it here: He will win a Grand Slam this year. I totally see him winning in New York.
So: Andy, you have 6 months to become a mental monster. Use them!
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
Last year he lost to an ambitious Donald Young, this time to a tough and underrated G.Garcia-López.
Here's why his defeat will not hurt him. Or should not.
Andy has had a good year so far. One title, one final and an AO semifinal, ending on a high note with an epic match against Djokovic.
Now he lost in the first round of the Masters event in Indian Wells.
His opponent, let's call him GGL, is a tough cookie on hardcourts. Nadal was one of his victims two years ago in Bangkok. GGL will walk the walk, go as far as is needed to win every single point.
In the first set of Andy vs GGL, both players had exceptionally long rallies. Still, no one had the feeling that Andy would eventually lose. He seemed to be in control. But GGL hung in there, fighting off break points (0-40 at 2-3 in the first set, that's his expertise), not giving in. His backhand is a joy to watch, technically clean, he can easily give the ball any angle he wants.
At 4-4, Murray was up 40-15 on his own serve. It went to Deuce. Long rally. Murray at the net, high lob, Smash... OUT !
I know how frustrating it is to not convert your own breakpoints. And GGL is the kind of player who needs just one chance to break your serve.
That was the moment when Murray's game broke down. Does he have to worry? Do his fans need to worry?
No. As Roger once said: "You are too good not to win a Grand Slam." It will happen. Murray has everything to become a champ. All the shots, the fitness, the tactical intelligence. He's a masterful counterpuncher, he can read match situations, take away speed only to go full speed one moment later.
The one thing that lacks him, of course, as everyone on Tour has already stated, is his mental toughness.
If he has one of those days, he seems unable to tough it out. But that is an ability you can learn, especially when you accumulate experience.
In the second set, Murray had another 0-40 on GGL's serve. Again, the Spaniard won the game. He absolutely had the total will to win, to beat a top 4 player. Murray found himself on the ropes against an opponent with a very good baseline game. He just couldn't break through.
In 2011, Murray went on to have a very good Grand Slam season, reaching all 4 semifinals. Nadal always stopped him, but he has the game to beat Rafa. It will not hurt Murray to neglect these early hardcourt tournaments and focus on the clay court season. He played great matches on clay against Nadal (in MonteCarlo) and Djokovic (in Rome) last year. He can beat everyone on any surface. As long as he believes it.
Let me just state it here: He will win a Grand Slam this year. I totally see him winning in New York.
So: Andy, you have 6 months to become a mental monster. Use them!
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
Jan 31, 2012
The Day After The Titanic AO Final
Yesterday (Monday) we had a general strike in Belgium. No public transport on the coldest day of the year so far. Consequence: I had to walk a total of 2,5 hours through downtown Brussels to make my appointments. Brrrrrrrr... and while I was walking through the cold, I thought of the AO Final to keep myself warm. "If they can spend 6 hours running and hitting balls in the scorching heat, then I can walk calmly and have a coffee every now and then today. Be strong!", is what I was telling myself.
Of course, thinking about the match, I always came back to that missed easy backhand of Nadal's at 4-2 in the fifth set. I wondered if Nadal also kept thinking about it, or if he really was that cool about it. That shot decided the match. That was the one shot that gave Djokovic hope. This is Tennis. You are down, then you win a point you didn#t deserve, and you are back. Tennis is amazing. Tennis is cruel.
However, there is one fact: Djokovic was the better player during the whole match. Nadal came back to win the fourth set because HE HAS BIGGER COJONES THAN ANY OTHER SPORTSPERSON IN THE WORLD. Nadal's achievements are breathtaking. He, Djokovic and Federer, all three of them have taken Tennis to another level. I wouldn't want to miss anyone of them.
In the Sunday final, the first three hours were of medium quality. It is astonishing that these players need three hours to warm up, only to play their best tennis in the three hours that follow.
The final will be remembered forever. I really hope Nadal thinks the right things and doesn't give up. he was so close. But he has to improve still. Generate more power with his groundstrokes. Don't go three metres behind the baseline. Play the return deep into the middle of the court, to give Djokovic no angles, and build the point from there.
As a fan, I thank both players for giving it all in that match, and making us proud of witnessing these exciting times in men's tennis.
As for me, I lost a match yesterday I should have won. 5-3, 40-30 up, own serve. I lost 5-7, as it always happens when I have a big lead. I have a long history with that. As you see, i have some mental work to do as well.
@AtleticoDave
PS.: Congrats to Azarenka for her well-deserved title. I would write more about it, but her opponent in the final displayed an unworthy performance.
Of course, thinking about the match, I always came back to that missed easy backhand of Nadal's at 4-2 in the fifth set. I wondered if Nadal also kept thinking about it, or if he really was that cool about it. That shot decided the match. That was the one shot that gave Djokovic hope. This is Tennis. You are down, then you win a point you didn#t deserve, and you are back. Tennis is amazing. Tennis is cruel.
However, there is one fact: Djokovic was the better player during the whole match. Nadal came back to win the fourth set because HE HAS BIGGER COJONES THAN ANY OTHER SPORTSPERSON IN THE WORLD. Nadal's achievements are breathtaking. He, Djokovic and Federer, all three of them have taken Tennis to another level. I wouldn't want to miss anyone of them.
In the Sunday final, the first three hours were of medium quality. It is astonishing that these players need three hours to warm up, only to play their best tennis in the three hours that follow.
The final will be remembered forever. I really hope Nadal thinks the right things and doesn't give up. he was so close. But he has to improve still. Generate more power with his groundstrokes. Don't go three metres behind the baseline. Play the return deep into the middle of the court, to give Djokovic no angles, and build the point from there.
As a fan, I thank both players for giving it all in that match, and making us proud of witnessing these exciting times in men's tennis.
As for me, I lost a match yesterday I should have won. 5-3, 40-30 up, own serve. I lost 5-7, as it always happens when I have a big lead. I have a long history with that. As you see, i have some mental work to do as well.
@AtleticoDave
PS.: Congrats to Azarenka for her well-deserved title. I would write more about it, but her opponent in the final displayed an unworthy performance.
Jan 27, 2012
Lost a battle, won the war. How a Scot exposes the media hypocrisy.
Let's keep this post shorter than the others. No need to use many words to explain something simple.
Today's match between the world's No.1, Novak Djokovic, and No.4, Andy Murray, was out of this world.
Exciting is an understatement. WorldClass doesn't even grasp it. The first set was poor, but the rest was un-be-lieva-ble.
Tennis fans are lucky to witness this era of tennis where 4 amazing players are at the top of the game.
I am gutted for Murray's defeat. He had longed for so long for an opportunity like this. To silence his critics, those who say he doesn't have the class or the mental strength on big occasions.
Today he proved the contrary. Despite the loss, all tennis reporters are full of praise for his performance. Those people who had condemned him several times suddenly see him on the same level as Djoko, Fed and Nadal.
Not only do they refuse to apologize to Murray for the way they treated and judged him. No, no. They also claim to be the ones who always supported him while everyone else was belittling him.
They did the same with Djokovic years ago. THey said his AO win 2008 was a one-hit-wonder.
Well done, Journalists. Just keep playing your own game. Pretend you are flawless, better than anyone else. Anything goes. Except admitting your own mistakes.
Today's match between the world's No.1, Novak Djokovic, and No.4, Andy Murray, was out of this world.
Exciting is an understatement. WorldClass doesn't even grasp it. The first set was poor, but the rest was un-be-lieva-ble.
Tennis fans are lucky to witness this era of tennis where 4 amazing players are at the top of the game.
I am gutted for Murray's defeat. He had longed for so long for an opportunity like this. To silence his critics, those who say he doesn't have the class or the mental strength on big occasions.
Today he proved the contrary. Despite the loss, all tennis reporters are full of praise for his performance. Those people who had condemned him several times suddenly see him on the same level as Djoko, Fed and Nadal.
Not only do they refuse to apologize to Murray for the way they treated and judged him. No, no. They also claim to be the ones who always supported him while everyone else was belittling him.
They did the same with Djokovic years ago. THey said his AO win 2008 was a one-hit-wonder.
Well done, Journalists. Just keep playing your own game. Pretend you are flawless, better than anyone else. Anything goes. Except admitting your own mistakes.
AO Day 11: Fireworks over and on Rod Laver Arena
I was looking forward to them all week. In fact, the fireworks on Australia Day are, imho, an indispensable part of the Aussie Open. However, as it turned out, most people on Twitter, online Tennis Forums etc did not appreciate them.
They felt that it is a sin to have fireworks interrupt a match between the two best players the game has ever seen.
I don't agree with them.
Every year, a spectacular match is interrupted on January 26. It lasts 10-15 minutes, and then it's over. Certainly, the interruption is long. But these players are pros. They must cope with it.
I don't think that the firework haters where complaining years ago when Baghdatis, Nalbandian, Tsonga or Blake had to "endure" the break. The last thing we need in Tennis were double standards. I enjoy the TV coverage of the fireworks, seeing Melbourne from a new perspective. The players should take a break, rethink their tactics, stay warm. Just like in earlier times when the third set of a Davis Cup match was over.
However, i feel that the fireworks should wait until a set is finished. They didn't help Federer, who was 5-2 down at that moment, and lost 11 straight points after the break.
Anyway, the fireworks won't create any controversy. The best fireworks were seen on the beautiful blue court of Rod Laver Arena. Federer and Nadal played a great match. Not superhumanly fantastic like the Wimbledon final 2008, but still great. Suspense, long rallies, superb shotmaking. It lived up to expectations. Rafa won because he was feistier, because once again he believed more in himself than Roger did. And because again Roger could not hold his Unforced Error rate down. Too many missed longline forehands, too many backhand returns floating out of view.
There's no denying that playing Rafa is a mental issue for Federer. He looks confident and superior against anyone else, but doubtful and hesitant against Rafa. How can he beat him?
It is a mystery. Roger has all he needs to beat him. For years I believe that the best way for him to win points against Rafa would be to use a short flat slice to Rafa's backhand. Make Rafa approach the net, lure him out of his comfort zone, then pass or lob him. Sounds easier than it is. But if there is a man who can do this, it is Roger.
He will get another chance.
For now, it's Rafa in the final. Everyone is already talking about him taking on Djokovic. But I don't rule out Murray. he has something to prove, and a lust for revenge raging in his belly. I feel Andy can do it.
We will see. Let's hope for another great match!
PS.: Well done to Vika Azarenka for her first GS Final !!
@AtleticoDave
They felt that it is a sin to have fireworks interrupt a match between the two best players the game has ever seen.
I don't agree with them.
Every year, a spectacular match is interrupted on January 26. It lasts 10-15 minutes, and then it's over. Certainly, the interruption is long. But these players are pros. They must cope with it.
I don't think that the firework haters where complaining years ago when Baghdatis, Nalbandian, Tsonga or Blake had to "endure" the break. The last thing we need in Tennis were double standards. I enjoy the TV coverage of the fireworks, seeing Melbourne from a new perspective. The players should take a break, rethink their tactics, stay warm. Just like in earlier times when the third set of a Davis Cup match was over.
However, i feel that the fireworks should wait until a set is finished. They didn't help Federer, who was 5-2 down at that moment, and lost 11 straight points after the break.
Anyway, the fireworks won't create any controversy. The best fireworks were seen on the beautiful blue court of Rod Laver Arena. Federer and Nadal played a great match. Not superhumanly fantastic like the Wimbledon final 2008, but still great. Suspense, long rallies, superb shotmaking. It lived up to expectations. Rafa won because he was feistier, because once again he believed more in himself than Roger did. And because again Roger could not hold his Unforced Error rate down. Too many missed longline forehands, too many backhand returns floating out of view.
There's no denying that playing Rafa is a mental issue for Federer. He looks confident and superior against anyone else, but doubtful and hesitant against Rafa. How can he beat him?
It is a mystery. Roger has all he needs to beat him. For years I believe that the best way for him to win points against Rafa would be to use a short flat slice to Rafa's backhand. Make Rafa approach the net, lure him out of his comfort zone, then pass or lob him. Sounds easier than it is. But if there is a man who can do this, it is Roger.
He will get another chance.
For now, it's Rafa in the final. Everyone is already talking about him taking on Djokovic. But I don't rule out Murray. he has something to prove, and a lust for revenge raging in his belly. I feel Andy can do it.
We will see. Let's hope for another great match!
PS.: Well done to Vika Azarenka for her first GS Final !!
@AtleticoDave
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