2014 Roland Garros SF: Djokovic vs. Gulbis

[Denis]

Speaking of which, I remember when a poster, who shall remain nameless, argued that Gulbis had a better forehand than Nadal...

LOL, that makes no sense. I like the airplane motion though, it's funny.

 

[britbox]

^ Did they have a 2 minute Youtube video to prove it?

 

[nehmeth]

Thankful that Ernie is feeling the need to pull the trigger early... gets the error and shortens the points. BP's saved. whew.

 

[britbox]

His forehand setup reminds me of that guy in the original karate kid film waiting to drop the death kick in the final bout.

 

[Denis]

Thankful that Ernie is feeling the need to pull the trigger early... gets the error and shortens the points. BP's saved. whew.

Yeah, that was a bit of a shaky game.

 

[Denis]

Plenty of coaching going on there...

 

[nehmeth]

Thankful that Ernie is feeling the need to pull the trigger early... gets the error and shortens the points. BP's saved. whew.

Yeah, that was a bit of a shaky game.

He played near flawless tennis the first two sets, so it's understandable if the focus drops a tad. Just nice to see the hiccup didn't produce a break.

 

[nehmeth]

Yet :nono

LOUSY drop shot

 

[Federberg]

Novak hurry up and win this. Have to go out this evening, I want to be able to watch the whole Rafa semi!

 

[Denis]

So I posted somewhere that Ernie will be no 11 next week, but I actually think he'll be in the top 10. Nishikori will lose quite some points.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I remember last year I wrote a blog (remember when I used to do that!?) talking about how if you don't have an elite forehand, you don't stand much of a chance of being an absolute top player in this era. Now, Gulbis' career has been halted by too many things beyond the forehand (attitude and mentality to name a few), but as far as his actual game goes, that forehand is big hindrance. He can hit it big when it's on his terms, he's in the middle of the court, and doing the dictating. But as a rally shot, it's pretty underwhelming. Not to mention poor technique, a big backswing, and the fact that when he goes after it, it's way to inconsistent.

Every thing that in your post is very true, However Gulbis's game is fun to watch:clap

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Plenty of coaching going on there...

What do you mean? Rafa match started in another court?

 

[Denis]

Plenty of coaching going on there...

What do you mean? Rafa match started in another court?

Lol, no I saw Gulbis basically arguing with his coach during the whole time of the changeover.

 

[Denis]

Focus now.

 

[nehmeth]

However Gulbis's game is fun to watch:clap

Very fun... can't help but like the way he goes after the ball.

 

[sid]

Ernie needs to find something special atm Nole he making this look easy.

 

[Riotbeard]

I thought this match would start later like all the ones yesterday! I can't believe I missed most of it (hopefully). Probably saved myself some stress.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Novak in three.

Explain please..U don't think that Ernest has gotten better

Hi AP,

Sorry it has taken so long to reply, but I assure you I wasn't ignoring you.

Basically, I think it's going to come to physical endurance and the psychology of the situation, both of which give Djokovic the edge.

Gulbis has been playing a lot of tennis lately, including winning Nice the week before RG began. He's not used to playing this much, and I question how much longer he's going to be able to go before running out of gas.

Also, this will be his first GS semifinal -- a huge occasion. Novak has a ton of experience at this level, whereas for Gulbis this will be foreign territory. I've never considered Ernests to be the most level-headed, mentally strong, stable competitor (to put it mildly!), and I think the pressure and stress of the occasion will get to him.

He's going to be playing a beast in Novak, who has the strength (physical and mental), and the game to handle him, unlike Roger. In fact, I'd give Novak a better chance at beating Gulbis than anyone else who has made it to the quarters and beyond.

Gulbis won't be able to hit Djokovic off the court, the way he can so many others. And then what? What will be his Plan B? Hit harder? Hit harder still? :nono

Honestly, if Djokovic drops a set I'll be surprised.

No worries my friend..You prediction so far makes you look like a prophet

 

[Denis]

Novak, you're not there yet.

 

[britbox]

Credit to Gulbis for not just slipping away.