2014 Rome Masters Semifinal: Djokovic v. Raonic

[herios]

Maybe I spoke too soon.

And is not the first time
"the big 4 are back' , when they were not and now
Writing of a player in development at 23, this is a lot worse than the big 4 statement.

 

[El Dude]

Maybe I spoke too soon.

And is not the first time
"the big 4 are back' , when they were not and now
Writing of a player in development at 23, this is a lot worse than the big 4 statement.

Huh? I have to disagree with both - I don't think either statement was that off. How did I write off Raonic? I merely said I don't think he has the game to beat Novak, but that doesn't mean he can't beat Novak. I also said his upside is Berdych, which is pretty good - just not top 5.

As for the Big 4 being back, well they're certainly playing better as a group than they have since 2012, so how is that so far off? Certainly not "vintage Big 4," but better than they have played in a couple years.

 

[herios]

I am just not comfortable when Djokovic plays big servers like Milos and Big John. He is supposed to read better their services.

 

[mrzz]

I really dislike Raonic, but he is playing extrermely well. And Djokovic is a bit sub-par, maybe forcefully.

 

[golds girl]

I am just not comfortable when Djokovic plays big servers like Milos and Big John. He is supposed to read better their services.

^ Mentioned this in another post while ago, but will always remember how Raonic came busting out of the gates at IW against Fed and everyone was a little alarmed...except for Fed. He figured it out and proceeded to dismantle him. Not a Fed fan but 'twas a thing of beauty.

 

[kskate2]

Milos had several chances to break in the last 2 serve games. Is this when Novak will finally get a read on his serve?

 

[El Dude]

I didn't realize how good Raonic's second serve was - man, that was tough.

 

[nehmeth]

We have company coming over for brunch and was hoping this would be done and dusted by now. Hoping Novak can settle in and take control of the match.

 

[herios]

Koenig just quoted me
On BP MIlos is Sampras like
That being said, Nole breaks:clap
This match is really tough on my nerves.

 

[golds girl]

Good Nole released some of that pressure, now we can get to business.

 

[kskate2]

I was right. Novak finally breaks through 3-1

 

[kskate2]

oh my. semi sloppy game from Novak and Milos breaks back

 

[herios]

Oh Man, Nole broken

 

[golds girl]

Sorry Nehmeth and Herios, seems like all top players have their fans suffering over the last few days. He seems to be in some type of malaise....needs to snap out of it

 

[mrzz]

Second serve aces shouldn't be allowed.

 

[kskate2]

5-5

 

[golds girl]

I've been trying to narrow down why I'm not a fan of Raonic and I think it's because he makes tennis boring. Non - tennis and tennis - fans alike are drawn to variety, great shot - making, rallies. The crowd gets pumped which then pumps the players up...thus ensues more fantastic shot - making. With Raonic ' s style of play, there's no opportunity for that. Have you ever seen a more subdued Italian crowd?

 

[kskate2]

another TB

 

[kskate2]

Novak gets the mini break 2-1

 

[kskate2]

a loose error. back on serve 2-2