2018 US Open Men's Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Thiem

[tenisplayrla08]

So this commentator I'm listening to. From Eurospor

I disagree, this whole set has been a lull but Thiem is predictably donating

I disagree. Nadal started the set. At least his first service game playing what I call, Nadal-up-and-comfortable-tennis. When he gets over a hump. Like coming back from a set down and going up two sets to one. He starts going for a bit more and he makes them because he's that good he just doesn't feel free enough to go for it until he's up.

Anyways. I think Thiem found some of his early form. Surprised Nadal ever so slightly and Nadal lost his concentration for just the slightest bit.

Of course. I'm here discussing it with you. Not in a commentary booth or on a coaching team because no expert am I.

 

[DarthFed]

Lol this is ridiculous stuff.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Ya know. It's ridiculous. So often we see Rafa barely getting a racket on something and it's not even close to in. Or it's not all that far from in. But is still a foot or two out. But it's just astonishing that he gets a racket on it. Seriously. I mean. 15 years into his career that's sort of strange to say. Because it seems so common from him. And Djokovic. And Fed too. Though less so. But it's just astonishing.

Anyways. Break point Nadal.

 

[DarthFed]

What a gift. Or I'm sure Moxie will tell us that was brilliant stuff from Nadal.

 

[Moxie]

What a gift. Or I'm sure Moxie will tell us that was brilliant stuff from Nadal.

It's not even over. And there was a gift from Nadal.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

AYE! The get one more ball back rule working out for Thiem a couple times tonight.

 

[Moxie]

5-4 Nadal. I think he can close Domi out in the next 3 games.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Thiem just has to go for too much to win this match. That's it. That's always the case with Nadal. You can beat him. But you've got to red line for 3 sets. And oh so very few can. Just barely missing there Thiem. Huge game. But Nadal's just got so much experience in these close big points. And wins them more than anyone. So frustrating for anyone playing him.

Nadal a game away.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Thiem not showing a willingness to rally right now. Going for too much. Yes. You gotta go for it before Nadal in a point. But just going too soon.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Oh VERY impressive for Thiem to get that second serve back. Nadal surprised me with that one and it looked like he surprised Thiem but he got a nice piece of it and got into the point. Now another break point.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Ooohh that serve! Guaranteed it in. Angled way wide. Just brilliant. Always so dang brilliant.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

What is the name of the guy right next to Moya in light blue shirt and what is his role in Rafa's team?

 

[Moxie]

Ok, enough effing about now...break here and get 'er done, Rafa!

 

[Moxie]

What is the name of the guy right next to Moya in light blue shirt and what is his role in Rafa's team?

That's Carlos Costa. Ex-player. I think he's Rafa's agent.

 

[Moxie]

Bad miss there from Rafa.

 

[Moxie]

Oh, my nerves...really? Rafa could have closed it there.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Ouch. Thiem barely got the racket on it. So rare to see Rafa miss that.

 

[AnonymousFan]

SP#1 saved, two more to go...

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Rafa's slice way too short and Thiem made the easy dtl backhand.

 

[AnonymousFan]

Fifth set... (tuned in at 5-5 in fourth...)