2014 Aussie Open QF: Nadal vs. Dimitrov

[Moxie]

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.

It's a calling-card performance for sure. I'm hoping it's no more than that.

 

[nehmeth]

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

He's having a bad day at work. But he's making Dimi run all over the place this set... doubtful Rasheed has worked with the lad long enough for him to withstand that kind of ground game.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal hitting his groundies a little better, but the serve is worrying. Not one serve has clocked over 180 kph (until his final serve that was out) in the past 3 games. If it goes to a tie-break that's worrying. The thing is, Dimitrov is standing far back (like most one handed backhand players in modern tennis...Federer is a rarity in that regard) and Nadal is able to move him around, but you can see that bit of doubt that's preventing him from fully putting the points away.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

a tie break would be a good laugh.

 

[DarthFed]

This guy is going to be a real monster if/when he improves the backhand. He is not winning this with just a serve and big forehand but look out when that backhand improves.

 

[Moxie]

a tie break would be a good laugh.

For you. I'll be taking to my fainting couch. :laydownlaughing

 

[zalvar]

Rafas return is so bad tonight.

 

[El Dude]

Who had the "moving parts" theory with Dimitrov, was it herios? The idea being that because his game is so complex and varied--with so many "moving parts"--it would take a lot of time come to maturation, but when it did he would be a badass.

The missing link, of course, has been his fitness level - which seems to have improved tremendously.

 

[DarthFed]

Rafa on his worst days will still eat that slice for breakfast

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

in by miles..waste of a challenge :snigger

 

[brokenshoelace]

It's really one terrible service game that prevented Nadal from being far more calm now at 1 set apiece (3 doubles and a forehand error). He's playing better, but I feel he has to win this set.

 

[DarthFed]

I think a lot is made of fatigue, if Dimitrov is tired after less than 90 minutes he has a serious problem.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

Who had the "moving parts" theory with Dimitrov, was it herios? The idea being that because his game is so complex and varied--with so many "moving parts"--it would take a lot of time come to maturation, but when it did he would be a badass.

The missing link, of course, has been his fitness level - which seems to have improved tremendously.

a bit like federers early career,,he had to work out what shot to use when.

 

[Moxie]

I suppose it would be too much to hope for a break here. Just for the sake of my nerves. lease: :

 

[kskate2]

2nd set breaker here

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

whhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

tb time.

 

[nehmeth]

mini-break for Ralf

 

[DarthFed]

Ugly play from Dimitrov in this breaker

 

[Front242]

Bad tiebreak so far from Dimitrov.

 

[Front242]

After staying close all set he's gifted too much crap here.