2014 Roland Garros SF: Djokovic vs. Gulbis

[nehmeth]

Focus Novak. The guy on the other side of the net is dangerous.

 

[kskate2]

another BP out of nowhere

 

[nehmeth]

Passive. Passive. Passive. Wake up boy, you're on your heels.

 

[isabelle]

Focus Novak. The guy on the other side of the net is dangerous.

Don't worry for Nole, he's not La Monf....he'll prevail

 

[britbox]

^ Yeah, but the less time he spends on court the better.

 

[kskate2]

wow. what a point

 

[Moxie]

That was a good point. Most of this match has been boring, to me.

 

[Riotbeard]

Stupid Novak, don't let this guy in. If he gets hot, it could go from a routine match to a long day in the office.

 

[kskate2]

Ernie is going to kick himself on all these BP's that go begging

 

[nehmeth]

That was a good point. Most of this match has been boring, to me.

I wonder why? :angel: :hug

 

[Federberg]

Credit to Gulbis for not just slipping away.

Agreed. He's a different beastie now. He's tended to fade away in the second half of the year, this time it'll be interesting to keep a close eye on him

 

[britbox]

Bad miss from Djoker.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Big hold from nole. That was a test.

 

[nehmeth]

Well, you served your way outta the fire there lad. Hopefully you're awake now.

 

[Denis]

Phew, Novak needs to hang in there and sit through the Latvian offensive. Time to make a move soon though.

I love the backhand cc exchanges btw.

 

[Moxie]

That was a good point. Most of this match has been boring, to me.

I wonder why? :angel: :hug

I figured that was coming, but mostly because Gulbis was just thumping the ball, and shoving it into the net. Even Novak didn't have to do too much. You know I like longer rallies. Novak is playing great, of course, but the points are too short for my taste.

 

[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.

 

[kskate2]

Danger time for Novak. Ernie looks engaged now.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Big hold from nole. That was a test.

Did Gulbis whip away that service mark thinking it was good and it was out?

 

[brokenshoelace]

That was a good point. Most of this match has been boring, to me.

I wonder why? :angel: :hug

In fairness, it kinda was. Novak didn't have to do anything special and Gulbis was missing too much. That combination generally doesn't lead to entertaining tennis.

Gulbis is playing better now, and as I mentioned earlier, Novak will probably take a while before getting used to the increase in level as he hasn't needed too much intensity and focus thus far (that tends to happen where players are lulled into a false sense of security due to their opponent's poor level). A few more games and he'll be fine.

Wouldn't be surprised if he loses this set though.