2017 Australian Open SF: Dimitrov vs. Nadal

[AnonymousFan]

Who wins?

Edit: oops forgot to select the option to see where you voted in retrospect

 

[Puppet Master]

Okay, let's review their last encounter here that happened in 2014.
Nadal was the #1 seed, playing fantastic tennis, just came off his second USO title. His movement and defence were much stronger and more stable, he could hit forehand winners on demand, his serve was much better etc.
It still took a massive choke from Grigor to wrap it up in 4 sets. In other words, Nadal barely escaped playing a 5 setter vs Dimitrov when he was in better form. Also, Dimitrov is playing better than in 2014 and is much more experienced now.
Very tough to predict, even if Nadal performs a masterclass like today against Raonic. I am going with Nadal in 5 due to his experience on the big stage. But he has to win on his own terms and not rely on choking even though it might happen.
One little detail that I forgot: conditions are faster this year than in 2014, or any other year since 2008 but the bounce is higher as well, so the conditions are favourable for both players.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

Okay, let's review their last encounter here that happened in 2014.
Nadal was the #1 seed, playing fantastic tennis, just came off his second USO title. His movement and defence were much stronger and more stable, he could hit forehand winners on demand, his serve was much better etc.
It still took a massive choke from Grigor to wrap it up in 4 sets. In other words, Nadal barely escaped playing a 5 setter vs Dimitrov when he was in better form. Also, Dimitrov is playing better than in 2014 and is much more experienced now.
Very tough to predict, even if Nadal performs a masterclass like today against Raonic. I am going with Nadal in 5 due to his experience on the big stage. But he has to win on his own terms and not rely on choking even though it might happen.
One little detail that I forgot: conditions are faster this year than in 2014, or any other year since 2008 but the bounce is higher as well, so the conditions are favourable for both players.

Hmm, I like Dimitrov, and would like to see him reach a slam final. But I just can't see him troubling Nadal here if he repeats his level against Raonic. He doesn't have a great record against him either in the H2H ...

So I think I'm going to go with Nadal in 3, though Dimitrov might well take a set.

 

[lob]

Nadal in 3.

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[mrzz]

Logic says Nadal in three or four. Nadal´s first set level against Raonic was impressive, the rest less so, but still a favorite. Voted for Dimitrov just because I am rooting for him.

The only thing negative I can say about Nadal now is that he is relatively easy to break nowadays, so a guy serving consistently well should have a shot at him. Easier said than done.

And, yes, I realized that Nadal´s serve is much better as of late. The placement, in particular, is very very good. But it is far too inconsistent and still gives a lot of opportunities for the receiver. But all in all is a small crack in the armour and I doubt Dimitrov is on a position to explore it. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Front242]

Tignor got every single prediction for the semifinalists wrong.

 

[Busted]

I'll be shocked if Nadal doesn't win in 3 sets. I see two problems here - First, Dimitrov is a headcase and a choker. Secondly, he hasn't had to play any difficult opponents. No offense to the tiny little David Goffin and one-dimensional Richard Gasquet intended. His other oppnonents - an out-of-gas Istomin, an up-and-comer and a qualifier. He hasn't been tested - especially not the grinding physicality of Nadal's game. If Nadal took out big serving Roanic in 3 tight sets, then Dimitrov's a goner in 3 relatively easy sets. Plus, Dimitrov is still trying to be Roger, Jr. - with fewer skills. Watching his match against Goffin - it looked like the exact same game tactics Roger used last year against Goffin. And we all know what Roger's record against Nadal's heavy topspin is. Then there's the fact that Nadal wants to win B-A-D. It's been 3 years since he's even had a sniff at a Grand Slam title and most people had written him off. He's not going to let Dimitrov stop him from getting to the finals. If Dimitrov wants to play with the big boys - he's going to have play at a level he's never produced before - and one I'm not sure he has.

 

[Busted]

Tignor got every single prediction for the semifinalists wrong.

And this is a surprise because...? :laydownlaughing

 

[Front242]

In fairness not many if any expected Murray and Djokovic to lose so early so I'll cut him some slack.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I'll be shocked if Nadal doesn't win in 3 sets. I see two problems here - First, Dimitrov is a headcase and a choker. Secondly, he hasn't had to play any difficult opponents. No offense to the tiny little David Goffin and one-dimensional Richard Gasquet intended. His other oppnonents - an out-of-gas Istomin, an up-and-comer and a qualifier. He hasn't been tested - especially not the grinding physicality of Nadal's game. If Nadal took out big serving Roanic in 3 tight sets, then Dimitrov's a goner in 3 relatively easy sets. Plus, Dimitrov is still trying to be Roger, Jr. - with fewer skills. Watching his match against Goffin - it looked like the exact same game tactics Roger used last year against Goffin. And we all know what Roger's record against Nadal's heavy topspin is. Then there's the fact that Nadal wants to win B-A-D. It's been 3 years since he's even had a sniff at a Grand Slam title and most people had written him off. He's not going to let Dimitrov stop him from getting to the finals. If Dimitrov wants to play with the big boys - he's going to have play at a level he's never produced before - and one I'm not sure he has.

Guys.. I like this Busted fella ..I respect the cut of his jib..:clap

 

[mrzz]

Still think Nadal wins but saw good bits of the Dimitrov-Goffin match and the quality was pretty high. I guess you are under rating the guy a bit.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa in 5.

Grigor will get cramps and be unable to move and lose the last two sets (after being tantalizingly close to causing an upset). :devil

 

[Front242]

Dimitrov was a botched forehand away from 2 sets to 1 lead in their AO 2014 quarter final and according to many he's better now. Haven't watched any of his matches so can't comment but his serve has never impressed me. Good when it lands in but too many double faults and weak enough 2nd serve. Still, even with those weaknesses he was a point from 2 sets to 1 lead against Nadal in the past so should be interesting for those who can watch it. I'll be at work unfortunately. Will miss Wawrinka v Federer too. AO really is the biggest pile of sh1t for people in Europe. Literally miss every match till the weekend.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Dimitrov was a botched forehand away from 2 sets to 1 lead in their AO 2014 quarter final and according to many he's better now. Haven't watched any of his matches so can't comment but his serve has never impressed me. Good when it lands in but too many double faults and weak enough 2nd serve. Still, even with those weaknesses he was a point from 2 sets to 1 lead against Nadal in the past so should be interesting for those who can watch it. I'll be at work unfortunately. Will miss Wawrinka v Federer too. AO really is the biggest pile of sh1t for people in Europe. Literally miss every match till the weekend.

It's worst in the US ..matches are on at 3:30 am est..that's insane

Front ..you should call in Sick or schedule your vacation days around the AO tournament

 

[Front242]

I don't believe in calling in sick and to be honest wanna keep holidays. Too many useless pr1cks calling in sick when they're not and others get landed with their work. I'll get over it Hopefully the finals (men's and women's) will be good anyway.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I don't believe in calling in sick and to be honest wanna keep holidays. Too many useless pr1cks calling in sick when they're not and others get landed with their work. I'll get over it Hopefully the finals (men's and women's) will be good anyway.

Don't call in sick, why not..what's the need for sick days

 

[lob]

It's a GS SF. Nadal has lost very few of those. Dimitrov's level has to drop a bit. That's all Nadal needs.

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[georgemccauley]

Nadal in straight sets

 

[crystalfire]

dont see grigor doing anything. rafa in straights. starting to think we should hand the trophy to rafa already

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Grigor gets one set.