2013 US Open SF: Nadal vs. Gasquet

[Luxilon Borg]

Nadal leads the series 10-0

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=N409&oId=G628

These two haven't played since the Davis Cup SF in Spain. A match Rafa took in straights.

Who ya got?

vs.

A one way ticket to Beat Down City. Richie should get his track shoes on..he's gonna run a marathon with that brilliant court positioning.

 

[Andrew William]

I enjoy Gasquet's game tremendously, but I really think he's in the running for "most overrated player" in recent memory. Much of the ravings about his talent are strictly based on the aesthetic appeal of his backhand. I really think if his backhand was just as potent, only happened to be a two hander, people wouldn't be praising him so vehemently.

That's the most insightful comment I've ever read about him. We can't prove your hypothesis, of course, but it instantly struck me as true.

There maybe some truth in the way we perceive it. But still, I'm not buying it entirely. Case in point, I find Nalbandian's 2-BH to be one of the best if not 'the' best. It's a beautiful stroke and it isn't 1-handed. I also very much like Djokovic's 2-BH, it's highly ranked imo. Gasquet's 1-BH is truly a shot that's easy on the eyes, but for it to be so (in my opinion) it also must be effective. Nobody would be talking about Richard's 1-BH as being one of the best in the game if it was just nice-looking and hardly won him a point. The fact of the matter is, that shot is the heart of his game. His whole point shape revolves around setting that bh cc and then dtl. It's a great shot even without all the frills and gift wrap.

Stan's 1-BH isn't too shabby either. We've been treated to some beautiful backhands in this tournament.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

I enjoy Gasquet's game tremendously, but I really think he's in the running for "most overrated player" in recent memory. Much of the ravings about his talent are strictly based on the aesthetic appeal of his backhand. I really think if his backhand was just as potent, only happened to be a two hander, people wouldn't be praising him so vehemently.

That's the most insightful comment I've ever read about him. We can't prove your hypothesis, of course, but it instantly struck me as true.

There maybe some truth in the way we perceive it. But still, I'm not buying it entirely. Case in point, I find Nalbandian's 2-BH to be one of the best if not 'the' best. It's a beautiful stroke and it isn't 1-handed. I also very much like Djokovic's 2-BH, it's highly ranked imo. Gasquet's 1-BH is truly a shot that's easy on the eyes, but for it to be so (in my opinion) it also must be effective. Nobody would be talking about Richard's 1-BH as being one of the best in the game if it was just nice-looking and hardly won him a point. The fact of the matter is, that shot is the heart of his game. His whole point shape revolves around setting that bh cc and then dtl. It's a great shot even without all the frills and gift wrap.

Stan's 1-BH isn't too shabby either. We've been treated to some beautiful backhands in this tournament.

Major liabilities. The Forehand is as funky as it gets and he can't hit it down the line to save his life. Court positioning is comical. He plays rallies from the next town over.

 

[Andrew William]

Major liabilities. The Forehand is as funky as it gets and he can't hit it down the line to save his life. Court positioning is comical. He plays rallies from the next town over.

The holes in his game are evident. But who can deny that his backhand is top notch? Not I.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Major liabilities. The Forehand is as funky as it gets and he can't hit it down the line to save his life. Court positioning is comical. He plays rallies from the next town over.

The holes in his game are evident. But who can deny that his backhand is top notch? Not I.

There is no denying. If hog nose had a brain he would have directed 75% of the traffic to the forehand, like most top players do, and why his top ten wins are few and far between.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

gasquet's backhand reminds of claude monet as he captures another dappled sunflecked morn.

we cant rule out richey winning..if this really is new improved gasquet. but lets face it before the most annoying aspect of his game or one of them was how any random match vs top players progressed he would allow himself to be pushed back further and further behind the baseline..

so thats a big task to avoid that scenario...he needs to get funky out there..i noticed recently more players drop shotting and surprise slices (the jerzy janowics effect ?, players bored with baseline pong ??) ..so that's something he could do..if rafa runs everything down so what ?. at least its a bit different.

probably rafa wins easily..but ??????????????????.

 

[Iona16]

I don't understand why this is the 2nd match on. With Andy out I'm rooting for Rafa. I think Nadal takes it in straight sets.

 

[Moxie]

I don't understand why this is the 2nd match on. With Andy out I'm rooting for Rafa. I think Nadal takes it in straight sets.

I think 2nd match on is "pride of place." There's always a feeling that folks wander in a bit late for the first one, but the stadium is full for the second, and people are primed. Plus, it's so early in the day that there's not danger that one player suffers from less rest. Remember, the final is not scheduled to be played until Monday.

Side-note: Ironically, for the USO, the weather looks fine all weekend and through Monday. This would have been the only year of the last 6 that they would have gotten the men's final done by Sunday. :ras:

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I hope Richard makes a match of this!

 

[DarthFed]

Hoping for a miracle from Dickie, but this should be Nadal in straights.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

I hope Richard makes a match of this!

It will be over before you finish your croissant and cafe 'ole.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Richard is the original Baby Fed (Grigor is Grand Baby Fed). Richard will
take at least one set off the Beast before finally losing.

 

[Moxie]

I do think Gasquet has a new motivation on, and I wish him well with that. I still think it's Rafa in 3, because he's a better player.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I enjoy Gasquet's game tremendously, but I really think he's in the running for "most overrated player" in recent memory. Much of the ravings about his talent are strictly based on the aesthetic appeal of his backhand. I really think if his backhand was just as potent, only happened to be a two hander, people wouldn't be praising him so vehemently.

That's the most insightful comment I've ever read about him. We can't prove your hypothesis, of course, but it instantly struck me as true.

There maybe some truth in the way we perceive it. But still, I'm not buying it entirely. Case in point, I find Nalbandian's 2-BH to be one of the best if not 'the' best. It's a beautiful stroke and it isn't 1-handed. I also very much like Djokovic's 2-BH, it's highly ranked imo. Gasquet's 1-BH is truly a shot that's easy on the eyes, but for it to be so (in my opinion) it also must be effective. Nobody would be talking about Richard's 1-BH as being one of the best in the game if it was just nice-looking and hardly won him a point. The fact of the matter is, that shot is the heart of his game. His whole point shape revolves around setting that bh cc and then dtl. It's a great shot even without all the frills and gift wrap.

Stan's 1-BH isn't too shabby either. We've been treated to some beautiful backhands in this tournament.

His backhand is absolutely as good as labelled. I just think the fact that it's so aesthetically appealing makes many overstate his overall talent and the rest of his game. That's my point.

 

[emalouin]

I like Richard but he does not possess the agression and power to match Nadal and the extraordinary level of Nadal shown after he went through Robreddo..it was almost sinister. Nadal has become a human WMD...I bet the US navy could use Nadal and a basket of tennis balls.

 

[Tennis Miller]

I like Richard but he does not possess the agression and power to match Nadal and the extraordinary level of Nadal shown after he went through Robreddo..it was almost sinister. Nadal has become a human WMD...I bet the US navy could use Nadal and a basket of tennis balls.

Richie will hit his share of highlight reel backhand winners. And after Nadal pounds it into submission and breaks it down with the same tactics he uses against Federer, this match will be over before you can say "Nadal v Robredo".Gasquet has absolutely nothing in his arsenal that can consistently hurt Rafa.

Remember, Gasquet is no Steve Darcis. (That was for Broken).

Cheers

TM

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Rafa in straights. But I picked 4!

 

[tented]

I like Richard but he does not possess the agression and power to match Nadal and the extraordinary level of Nadal shown after he went through Robreddo..it was almost sinister. Nadal has become a human WMD...I bet the US navy could use Nadal and a basket of tennis balls.

LOL!

Welcome to Tennis Frontier, emalouin!

 

[kskate2]

2013 US Open SF: Nadal vs. Gasquet

were underway

 

[Riotbeard]

2013 US Open SF: Nadal vs. Gasquet

Georgia just got a first down on 4th and 13. Gutsy play calling!