2013 US Open QF: Djokovic vs. Youzhny

[nehmeth]

I'm glad I prefaced my statements with (imo), and it's fine if you(Denis) and Broken disagree. Let me just say this, moxie used the term "gritty" the other day to describe a match. That is a good word - means resolute and courageous.

I suffered through both of those matches Novak played and I would say they were 2 of the best matches to watch all year. High quality throughout from both. After his match with Stan in Oz, he still had enough left in the gut to go out and play a match with Andy. After his match with Juan at Wimbledon, he was a zombie in the final.

Grit. Juan was not going to budge. The only way he was going to lose was by Novak giving everything he had. With each passing set, game and point, it became more evident. When it was over, both guys were "done". I was done, wrung out, spent.

Maybe that's why I consider it the better match of the two - grittiness.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I'm glad I prefaced my statements with (imo), and it's fine if you(Denis) and Broken disagree. Let me just say this, moxie used the term "gritty" the other day to describe a match. That is a good word - means resolute and courageous.

I suffered through both of those matches Novak played and I would say they were 2 of the best matches to watch all year. High quality throughout from both. After his match with Stan in Oz, he still had enough left in the gut to go out and play a match with Andy. After his match with Juan at Wimbledon, he was a zombie in the final.

Grit. Juan was not going to budge. The only way he was going to lose was by Novak giving everything he had. With each passing set, game and point, it became more evident. When it was over, both guys were "done". I was done, wrung out, spent.

Maybe that's why I consider it the better match of the two - grittiness.

Likewise, I am equally glad I finished my disagreement sentence with "but that's just me."

Seeing as I had no emotional investment in either match, I didn't look at grit first and foremost. Though I certainly understand why you did, seeing as it was your player in there. The neutral in me just looked at both matches from a shot-making perspective, which is why I sided with Novak-Wawrinka, especially since at no point in that match did their level drop, which is what astounds me even today (I really think if it had been someone other than Wawrinka, ie someone more popular, we would have been talking about an all time classic).

The Del Potro match on the other hand, was a little bit rough around the edges by comparison, to me personally. Maybe it's because they're both not that comfortable on the grass compared to hards, and it showed.

 

[herios]

stan the gran vs djokovic should be a good view..

a much needed good view..

this u s open has been somewhat dull so far, at least we got 40mins or so of mega-Mikhail until he fell away again..

Amen, this tourney is due for an epic.

Agreed. Some head-line making upsets, but Youzhny d. Hewitt was the closest to 'epic.' Maybe the final?

For me Youzhny-Hewitt qualifies or an epic all right. Why do you need a top guy involved to call an epic?

 

[nehmeth]

The Del Potro match on the other hand, was a little bit rough around the edges by comparison, to me personally. Maybe it's because they're both not that comfortable on the grass compared to hards, and it showed.

Neither of their games are synonymous with "graceful on grass".

Good points Broken, and the lenses we see through change when we're emotionally invested in a match. Thanks.

 

[Moxie]

stan the gran vs djokovic should be a good view..

a much needed good view..

this u s open has been somewhat dull so far, at least we got 40mins or so of mega-Mikhail until he fell away again..

Amen, this tourney is due for an epic.

Agreed. Some head-line making upsets, but Youzhny d. Hewitt was the closest to 'epic.' Maybe the final?

For me Youzhny-Hewitt qualifies or an epic all right. Why do you need a top guy involved to call an epic?

Hey, herios! That wasn't my qualification. I called it a 'thriller' the other day, but some found it too much pushing tennis. So I was noting the fact that not everyone would agree. Anyway, it did have a former USO champ.