2014 Aussie Open QF: Nadal vs. Dimitrov

[Front242]

Nadal literally spinning first serves in and taking pace off the forehand (he usually deals with those slices far more aggressively). Trying to pump the crowd up is a worrying sign. Never really seen him do that before. He's definitely not feeling good about his game.

Yeah, never saw him do that before either. A very Tsonga or Djokovic thing to do. Strange. Wasn't even a particularly amazing shot. Just a volley.

 

[kskate2]

Oh Dimi. What was that?

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

captain vamos is a bit unusual in his head today.

 

[Moxie]

Anyone able to translate Nadal's chatter with the umpire?

I couldn't hear it, as it wasn't on camera here.

 

[kskate2]

Nadal literally spinning first serves in and taking pace off the forehand (he usually deals with those slices far more aggressively). Trying to pump the crowd up is a worrying sign. Never really seen him do that before. He's definitely not feeling good about his game.

Yeah, never saw him do that before either. A very Tsonga or Djokovic thing to do. Strange. Wasn't even a particularly amazing shot. Just a volley.

I think those Bulgarians have really gotten under his skin.

 

[zalvar]

Ah gosh. Rafaaa don't loooooseeee

 

[Moxie]

Nadal literally spinning first serves in and taking pace off the forehand (he usually deals with those slices far more aggressively). Trying to pump the crowd up is a worrying sign. Never really seen him do that before. He's definitely not feeling good about his game.

Yeah, never saw him do that before either. A very Tsonga or Djokovic thing to do. Strange. Wasn't even a particularly amazing shot. Just a volley.

I think those Bulgarians have really gotten under his skin.

He doesn't usually let things like that get to him. But it's probably adding to the irritation of his hand, a pressing opponent, and the fact that Djokovic is out. (Yes, I think it's in his head.)

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal taking his rivalry with Novak to a whole new level by showing him that he can play poorly better than him.

 

[golds girl]

Nadal literally spinning first serves in and taking pace off the forehand (he usually deals with those slices far more aggressively). Trying to pump the crowd up is a worrying sign. Never really seen him do that before. He's definitely not feeling good about his game.

Yeah, never saw him do that before either. A very Tsonga or Djokovic thing to do. Strange. Wasn't even a particularly amazing shot. Just a volley.

I think those Bulgarians have really gotten under his skin.

Which is strange to me, normally Nole is affected by crowd support or lack thereof...maybe in combo with all the upsets, blister thing etc. he's on edge

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

..stuff happens oooo///..its tennis maaaan.

 

[Front242]

Nadal taking his rivalry with Novak to a whole new level by showing him that he can play poorly better than him.

Happens to them all. Watch Federer v Hewitt Brisbane final set 1 again if you ever feel masochistic :snigger

 

[herios]

Call it a day, Dimi keep up the good work

 

[nehmeth]

INCREDIBLE point from both players.

 

[britbox]

Big hold by Grigor.

 

[Front242]

Dimitrov has really improved in the mentality department. Always had the ability but now he's no longer a headcase.

 

[Moxie]

Nadal had control of that rally and dumped it in the net.

 

[El Dude]

At this point I feel vindicated in my view. Regardless of what happens, Grigor Dimitrov has arrived with the 2014 Australian Open. This is a top 10 player, folks.

 

[kskate2]

this is a big game at 4-4

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

grigor is 'on fire'..but rafa is playing not so amazing tennis.

 

[zalvar]

Rafa needs to get a freakin handle on his 0-30s on Grigor's serves.