2015 Australian Open Quarterfinals: Berdych vs. Nadal

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal reacts so much faster when he's wrong-footed on his backhand side than he does on his forehand.

 

[the AntiPusher]

This it Rafa draw Berdych into a long slugfest baseline rallies..

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal just can't fire his forehand with any confidence. Taking a crap ton of racket head speed off. He's giving up so many opportunities to go up the line and take control.

 

[brokenshoelace]

This it Rafa draw Berdych into a long slugfest baseline rallies..

Actually, I'd say right now, Rafa is better off pulling the trigger early. He's not moving well enough to win these long exchanges like he normally does against Berdych and the latter is too sharp at the moment. Plus, if Nadal is to win this (which he won't), he can only do it in five. Gotta be careful with energy.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Another solid hold from Bird puts the pressure on Rafa.

 

[TsarMatt]

Win this set Nadal! Pull an epic comeback. I know you've got it in you mate!

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Should have put that away before the volley came back.

Today's players just stink at the net! It's like they're afraid to volley; even if they do it well like Nole and Rafa! Ridiculous! I expect that from women, but the guys are just as inept!

Well you know it's a baseline game these days. At least, predominantly. But that's why the Nadal's and Fed's and Djokovic's and Murray's are the best. Because they not only have superior groundstrokes but they put the work in to the front court as well. Nadal is really a wonderful volleyer. Probably the best of the group. Even better than Fed. And that's with Fed getting even better these days.

 

[the AntiPusher]

This it Rafa draw Berdych into a long slugfest baseline rallies..

Actually, I'd say right now, Rafa is better off pulling the trigger early. He's not moving well enough to win these long exchanges like he normally does against Berdych and the latter is too sharp at the moment. Plus, if Nadal is to win this (which he won't), he can only do it in five. Gotta be careful with energy.

Good point However.. Rafa like to construct points.. we shall see

 

[brokenshoelace]

Double fault to start the game. Followed by a shanked forehand. There we go.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Horrible forehand from rafa. 0-30.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Win this set Nadal! Pull an epic comeback. I know you've got it in you mate!

He better not blink or that will be the end of AO 2015 for him.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Nah uh. Gotta get that in. Bad miss.

 

[bobvance]

Very impressed by how mentally tough Berdych was tonight. He's always had the shots but tonight he played with confidence, even when Rafa tried to turn on the Rocky Balboa mode.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

He gets to match point anyways. Wow.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

2 match points for Bird.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Made sure he got that first serve in.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

And again. And serving to the forehand.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Good serving saves the second BP.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Those missed forehands might come back to haunt Bird.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Everyone in agreement with me that if Berdych loses this tiebreak he loses the match?