2017 Australian Open SF: Dimitrov vs. Nadal

[crystalfire]

This was the best match at AO in the last 6, 7 editions or so. Amazing tennis from Dimitrov, awe-inspiring. Nadal fought as usual, unyielding play from him.

We have a Fedal grand slam final. After 5 years and a half. And after 8 years on a surface other than clay. At Australian Open after 8 years. What to expect?? I hope Roger can play up to the expectations. I would even say that I want him to win the title. Hoping for the best. I do agree totally that Rafa is the favourite going into this. He is again gotten too strong. But, I certainly do think Roger can find a way to win. He has already surprised us enough, hasn't he? Let's be positive.

I can't believe how negative you guys are regarding the match. I can understand your concerns but isn't this court a bit modified here? And this is not clay. Federer is playing great tennis again. Come on guys. Be positive.

Yep - I want to bel18ve, but Fed goes in as favourite.

They did play AO 2012 and 2014 SF, so it's not quite that long ago that they played here. Still, much has happened since then, and there is precious little information on how this will turn out. I just hope Roger doesn't fall into the trap of playing too many long baseline rallies.

idk where you get this alternative fact that fed is the fav for this. anytime they play these days rafa wins sadly. at least i can sleep thru this. congrats to rafa on the 15

 

[El Dude]

LOL at "alternative fact."

 

[mightyjeditribble]

This was the best match at AO in the last 6, 7 editions or so. Amazing tennis from Dimitrov, awe-inspiring. Nadal fought as usual, unyielding play from him.

We have a Fedal grand slam final. After 5 years and a half. And after 8 years on a surface other than clay. At Australian Open after 8 years. What to expect?? I hope Roger can play up to the expectations. I would even say that I want him to win the title. Hoping for the best. I do agree totally that Rafa is the favourite going into this. He is again gotten too strong. But, I certainly do think Roger can find a way to win. He has already surprised us enough, hasn't he? Let's be positive.

I can't believe how negative you guys are regarding the match. I can understand your concerns but isn't this court a bit modified here? And this is not clay. Federer is playing great tennis again. Come on guys. Be positive.

Yep - I want to bel18ve, but Fed goes in as favourite.

They did play AO 2012 and 2014 SF, so it's not quite that long ago that they played here. Still, much has happened since then, and there is precious little information on how this will turn out. I just hope Roger doesn't fall into the trap of playing too many long baseline rallies.

idk where you get this alternative fact that fed is the fav for this. anytime they play these days rafa wins sadly. at least i can sleep thru this. congrats to rafa on the 15

Whoops, for "alternative fact" read "typo". I meant Nadal goes in as favourite!! :laydownlaughing:laydownlaughing:laydownlaughing

 

[mrzz]

I also think Federer wins this

???????

Sent from my 6045O using Tapatalk

A man can have his illusions.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I saw only the third set live. I was impressed by both Grigor and Rafa. I have not seen much of Rafa's play at this AO. He has surely gone back to "Vamos" mode. Unbelievable rallies and gets. His serve has also improved tremendously.

In another thread, I said I am one of the Fed fans who actually want Rafa to win the other SF. That was mostly because I have not seen Rafa in action recently. No, I don't want Fed to face this Rafa. I seriously doubt whether Fed could give as much fight to Rafa as Grigor did actually.

 

[mrzz]

I saw only the third set live. I was impressed by both Grigor and Rafa. I have not seen much of Rafa's play at this AO. He has surely gone back to "Vamos" mode. Unbelievable rallies and gets. His serve has also improved tremendously.

In another thread, I said I am one of the Fed fans who actually want Rafa to win the other SF. That was mostly because I have not seen Rafa in action recently. No, I don't want Fed to face this Rafa. I seriously doubt whether Fed could give as much fight to Rafa as Grigor did actually.

So I am alone thinking Federer has a good shot. Be it.

 

[Fiero425]

I saw only the third set live. I was impressed by both Grigor and Rafa. I have not seen much of Rafa's play at this AO. He has surely gone back to "Vamos" mode. Unbelievable rallies and gets. His serve has also improved tremendously.

In another thread, I said I am one of the Fed fans who actually want Rafa to win the other SF. That was mostly because I have not seen Rafa in action recently. No, I don't want Fed to face this Rafa. I seriously doubt whether Fed could give as much fight to Rafa as Grigor did actually.

So I am alone thinking Federer has a good shot. Be it.

Oh he definitely has a shot; not likely, but a real shot! He would have to play like Grigor, but attack the net more and put volleys away! I would hope if he S & V'd, it would be judicious and on something more than an 80 mph spin serve out to the Nadal backhand! I can't get over the deja vu; is it Sampras/Agassi, 2002 USO? Maybe if Federer makes that deal with the Devil, he'll be allowed to take this final major if he leaves the game, never to return! :devil :nono