2018 Australian Open, Melbourne - ATP GRAND SLAM

[brokenshoelace]

Why do you think that is? Off-day? Under-estimated Schwartzman and now he's on the back foot? What?

Really to tough to say. I think he lacks match practice after the injury late last season, and that could be a factor. He looked like real shit against Gasquet in Kooyong (an exhibition but not the showboating kind) so this could be an extension of that.

On the flip-side, to be completely fair, Nadal has had performances like this one before in Australia, even in years in which he went on to reach the final. Last year he had a weird stretch against Monfils (but not this bad obviously) and he was really poor against Nishikori and Dimitrov in 2014. Both years he got it together and made it to the final, so it could be just an off day, but given that he'll play Cilic next and if he gets past him, one of Dimitrov/Kyrgios, he REALLY needs to get it together. Cilic is a huge threat.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Much better set from Nadal. Serving well goes a long way in making him more confident and allows him to pull the trigger.

 

[britbox]

Just tuning in to Nadal/Schwartzman. Looks like Rafa's been given a workout.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal serving much better over the last two sets. He needs to serve as well as he did at the US Open to have a serious chance at this tournament, especially since things get serious now, starting with Cilic.

 

[Nekro]

 

[britbox]

The floor is all his tomorrow. The biggest stage to showcase.

 

[britbox]

Huge hold from Diego. That game felt like a match in itself.

 

[britbox]

You've got to love the fight in Schwartzman.

 

[britbox]

Rafa get it on the third MP. 3 hours 51 minutes - longest match on Laver so far.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Better from Nadal in the final two sets against a really in form opponent, but that second set was flat out ugly. Really needs to kick it up a notch in the second week otherwise Cilic sends him packing.

 

[Federberg]

I've been so looking forward to this Kyrgios Dimitrov match. For me the AO starts now. Kyrgios in 4 for me..

 

[I.Haychew]

It appeared as if The Schwartz was not fully with young Diego today. Hell of an effort, though!

 

[Federberg]

what a return!

 

[Federberg]

Danger... 2 bps for Grigor

 

[Federberg]

Kyrgios holds. Level isn't bad in this match. I'm guessing time zones mean @mrzz isn't watching. A pity...

 

[I.Haychew]

Kyrgios holds. Level isn't bad in this match. I'm guessing time zones mean @mrzz isn't watching. A pity...

Definitely decent serving.

 

[El Dude]

Dimitrov-Kyrgios may be my favorite matchup on the tour right now. I just love the way both of them play. Some really nice shots.

Yeah, this Kyrgios guy isn't talented at all. Ahem, @mrzz.

 

[I.Haychew]

Dimitrov-Kyrgios may be my favorite matchup on the tour right now. I just love the way both of them play. Some really nice shots.

Yeah, this Kyrgios guy isn't talented at all. Ahem, @mrzz.

He has a lot of "growing up" to do, though.

 

[El Dude]

He has a lot of "growing up" to do, though.

No doubt!

 

[mrzz]

I am watching a bit... all my bad streams allow. You people see the guy with some strange glasses...