2017 RG Semifinals: Nadal vs. Thiem

[GameSetAndMath]

This is the first match of RG that I will watch from beginning to end. Hope it lives up to expectations.

 

[golds girl]

Thiem has a little bit of Novak and a lot of Wawrkinka, which means he should be able to trouble Nadal more than anyone up until now. He was brave against Djokovic, and I expect him to be brave against Rafa. That's his best chance: hold his nerve and stick to his game.

And Nadal likes time to take his shots...Thiem did a good job in Rome taking away his time...he'll have to keep that up for 5 sets though which is a tough proposition against this opponent.

 

[DarthFed]

I see none of Novak in him at all. More of a Stan but a lesser version IMO.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

There were more breaks than holds so far. But, Rafa is not going to lose this set from 4-1 up.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I as expecting a much closer first set (may be 7-6or 7-5) than what happened. Thiem's forehand is good. Backhand consistency needs to improve. Also, his first serve percentage needs to improve.

 

[Denis]

Question for the Rafa fans: has Nadal ever won RG without dropping a set? If so, is Nadal currently on track to beat any record re least amount of games lost along the way?

 

[DarthFed]

Nadal knows there is probably only a couple more hours of light. This one will be dusted in an hour or so. People are a little too high on Thiem IMO, good player and possibly an overachiever but Dom is only good practice for Nadal to get ready for Stan.

 

[Denis]

I as expecting a much closer first set (may be 7-6or 7-5) than what happened. Thiem's forehand is good. Backhand consistency needs to improve. Also, his first serve percentage needs to improve.

Thiem is not winning more than 6 games from now on.

 

[DarthFed]

Question for the Rafa fans: has Nadal ever won RG without dropping a set? If so, is Nadal currently on track to beat any record re least amount of games lost along the way?

He did it in 2008 and 2010 I believe. He's well on pace to beat his record in 2008 I think.

 

[Denis]

Nadal knows there is probably only a couple more hours of light. This one will be dusted in an hour or so. People are a little too high on Thiem IMO, good player and possibly an overachiever but Dom is only good practice for Nadal to get ready for Stan.

I don't expect W to fare much better. W is slower.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Question for the Rafa fans: has Nadal ever won RG without dropping a set? If so, is Nadal currently on track to beat any record re least amount of games lost along the way?

His personal record is 41 games he set in 2008...right now he is at 25 games and he still has to win 5 more sets...

 

[Denis]

His personal record is 41 games he set in 2008...right now he is at 25 games and he still has to win 5 more sets...

So thats 15 games he can lose over 5 sets, makes 3 games per set. Going to be tricky but possible I think.

 

[rafanoy1992]

So thats 15 games he can lose over 5 sets, makes 3 games per set. Going to be tricky but possible I think.

I don't think he will break it...I am curious if he could win the title without losing a set.

 

[golds girl]

anyone have a reco on a live feed I can watch in the U.S.
It's not being shown on U.S. TV till 11am

 

[Denis]

I don't think he will break it...I am curious if he could win the title without losing a set.

Yeah I think thats more realistic.

Let's see if Thiem can put up a fight for one set at least.

 

[Denis]

anyone have a reco on a live feed I can watch in the U.S.
It's not being shown on U.S. TV till 11am

Im not streaming atm but drakulastream is a good source generally.

You're not missing much, Thiems backhand is being destroyed, somewhat similar to the Fedal match pattern.

 

[AnonymousFan]

I see none of Novak in him at all. More of a Stan but a lesser version IMO.

Yeah, I don't see any Novak either. feels like a preview of the final.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Winning % of second serves is low for Thiem. That is the main difference in stats between these two folks..
With an early break down, Thiem has made life difficult for himself.

 

[atttomole]

Im not streaming atm but drakulastream is a good source generally.

You're not missing much, Thiems backhand is being destroyed, somewhat similar to the Fedal match pattern.

And Wawrinka is likely to face the same fate in the final. He will poound the backhand from beginning to end.

 

[Denis]

And Wawrinka is likely to face the same fate in the final. He will poound the backhand from beginning to end.

Yes, I don't see W being more effective than Thiem. He is perhaps stronger, but he needs so much time lining up that backhand, its hopeless.