2014 Roland Garros SF: Djokovic vs. Gulbis

[Moxie]

Novak is playing great, of course, but the points are too short for my taste.

I know, I know... 1 minute for each point over 5 sets and you'd be ecstatic. Only Rafa would be playing Saturday.

Not everything is about that. You know I don't like S&V for example, and why I most like clay…I used to love those old Borg and Vilas 30 shot rallies. It's just my taste. This set is more fun.

 

[kskate2]

2 more BP's

 

[Denis]

Man, this can't go on forever.

 

[britbox]

Opportunity knocks for Ernie boy.

 

[nehmeth]

Novak is playing great, of course, but the points are too short for my taste.

I know, I know... 1 minute for each point over 5 sets and you'd be ecstatic. Only Rafa would be playing Saturday.

Not everything is about that. You know I don't like S&V for example, and why I most like clay…I used to love those old Borg and Vilas 30 shot rallies. It's just my taste. This set is more fun.

Just ribbing you Mox.

dbl break point here for Ernie.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Very positive game from Ernie. Deserved break.

 

[kskate2]

Ernie finally breaks 5-3

 

[Denis]

I think we are going to see a fourth set.

 

[sid]

Ernie has his first break with 2 great backhands.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

What a return...better than Return Of The Jedi.

 

[kskate2]

I think we are going to see a fourth set.

After all, that is what I predicted.

 

[sid]

4th set we go into.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Well then...I say fourth set to Nole 6-1. Any takers?

 

[britbox]

We go to 4.

 

[nehmeth]

Darn it. Wanted to stay to see the end, but good for Ernie. See ya later all!

 

[tented]

A 4th set it is.

Nehmeth & Denisovich: I told you guys we should have voted for Novak in 4, not 3.

 

[Denis]

Deserved thrid set for Gulbis.

 

[kskate2]

Well then...I say fourth set to Nole 6-1. Any takers?

It won't be that easy. Maybe 6-3 or 6-4

 

[kskate2]

See ya Nehmeth.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Yup, called it.

Novak was playing in such cruise control mode that whenever Gulbis raised his level (though in fairness, it was looking unlikely that he would), the Serb was not going to be able to match it immediately as he was basically sleepwalking through the match (didn't think he was playing great to be honest. Just doing what he had to do). That tends to take players by surprise.

I do expect Novak to play his best tennis of the match at some point in the fourth and win it though, after finally adjusting to Gulbis' raise in level.