2019 Australian Open Semifinals: Nadal vs. Tsitsipas

[El Dude]

I love the narrative of Tsitsipas beating Roger, Rafa, and Novak en route to the title. But I don't think it will happen - yet.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I love the narrative of Tsitsipas beating Roger, Rafa, and Novak en route to the title. But I don't think it will happen - yet.

I am ok if he can get two of three.

 

[imjimmy]

Nadal in 4.

I really feel that if Nadal plays his best, he should get this in 3 sets . Stylistically speaking there are only very few one backhanded players who can beat Nadal consistently or even pressure him. Despite his DTL backhand and height, Tsitsipas doesn't have the crushing cc backhand that stretches Nadal wide on his forehand that Novak kills him with. Nor is Tsitsipas naturally aggressive as a Federer or takes the ball on the rise and change direction like a Nalbandian/Davyendko or even Fognini to a lesser extent . Therefore he won't take time away from Rafa .

All that said, I don't think Nadal is playing particularly well, so I think your pick is probably the most likely outcome .
Rafa shouldn't lose unless he is injured, which he could be with all the stomach taping and reports of fragility on the ankle.

It looks likely to be another Djokovic vs Nadal epic final .

 

[Moxie]

I really feel that if Nadal plays his best, he should get this in 3 sets . Stylistically speaking there are only very few one backhanded players who can beat Nadal consistently or even pressure him. Despite his DTL backhand and height, Tsitsipas doesn't have the crushing cc backhand that stretches Nadal wide on his forehand that Novak kills him with. Nor is Tsitsipas naturally aggressive as a Federer or takes the ball on the rise and change direction like a Nalbandian/Davyendko or even Fognini to a lesser extent . Therefore he won't take time away from Rafa .

All that said, I don't think Nadal is playing particularly well, so I think your pick is probably the most likely outcome .
Rafa shouldn't lose unless he is injured, which he could be with all the stomach taping and reports of fragility on the ankle.

It looks likely to be another Djokovic vs Nadal epic final .

What stomach taping and "fragility" of the ankle?

 

[imjimmy]

What stomach taping and "fragility" of the ankle?

Nadal had his stomach completely taped and there were rumors of a stomach muscle injury. He was asked in the oress conference and he said he doesntd want to talk about injuries.

 

[Carol]

Nadal had his stomach completely taped and there were rumors of a stomach muscle injury. He was asked in the oress conference and he said he doesntd want to talk about injuries.

I think it was some precaution than anything else. The next day he was practicing without the tape

 

[Chris Koziarz]

My heart is with Tsi but my brain is with Nad. Most likely Nad in 4. Tsi is too inexperienced and too emotionally unstable to handle the pressure and mental side even if he raised his level to match that of Nad.

How does Tsi handle the heat that is settling in MEL today and tomorrow? If OK, then there is still a small possibility of Tsi prevailing: injury of the big man. I would not be surprised if an injury stopped Nad in his track. Like he was stopped against Waw in a final few years back.

 

[Moxie]

Nadal had his stomach completely taped and there were rumors of a stomach muscle injury. He was asked in the oress conference and he said he doesntd want to talk about injuries.

Wait...I've seen him with his shirt off. No stomach taping. I don't know what you mean.

 

[Moxie]

My heart is with Tsi but my brain is with Nad. Most likely Nad in 4. Tsi is too inexperienced and too emotionally unstable to handle the pressure and mental side even if he raised his level to match that of Nad.

How does Tsi handle the heat that is settling in MEL today and tomorrow? If OK, then there is still a small possibility of Tsi prevailing: injury of the big man. I would not be surprised if an injury stopped Nad in his track. Like he was stopped against Waw in a final few years back.

I don't think Tsitsipas is emotionally unstable.

 

[rafanoy1992]

One thing is for sure: Tsitsipas can not afford to start slow against Nadal. In his QF match, Tsitsipas was broken early in the first three sets. If he does that against Nadal, Rafa will pounce him.

As for Nadal, he still probably remembers on what happened in the 2nd set in Canada. He will also try to be focused as early as possible so he does not have to spend too much energy.

 

[Moxie]

One thing is for sure: Tsitsipas can not afford to start slow against Nadal. In his QF match, Tsitsipas was broken early in the first three sets. If he does that against Nadal, Rafa will pounce him.

As for Nadal, he still probably remembers on what happened in the 2nd set in Canada. He will also try to be focused as early as possible so he does not have to spend too much energy.

Agreed. Stephanos will know he can't start slow. That will be a pressure on him. I think he's ready. It's a question of what he can do, and what Rafa can do to him.

 

[britbox]

They just showed a behind the scenes clip on Channel 9 where they passed in the corridor... they didn't acknowledge each other in the slightest.

 

[Moxie]

They just showed a behind the scenes clip on Channel 9 where they passed in the corridor... they didn't acknowledge each other in the slightest.

That's the way it's done!

 

[Vince Evert]

if i were a major scriptwriter, i would have Young Stefanos thrashing both Nadal and Djokovic. That would be historic. I don't believe there has been a player before who has beaten the three GOAT's - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive matches.

 

[Front242]

if i were a major scriptwriter, i would have Young Stefanos thrashing both Nadal and Djokovic. That would be historic. I don't believe there has been a player before who has beaten the three GOAT's - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive matches.

At the slams no but Nalbandian did in 2007 at the Madrid masters which is still mighty impressive.

 

[Jelenafan]

I admit I like love Stefanos elan and losey goose style of play,

However I do think Rafa is on a misShe on.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I really feel that if Nadal plays his best, he should get this in 3 sets . Stylistically speaking there are only very few one backhanded players who can beat Nadal consistently or even pressure him.
.

That will be the case if Perseus plays a baseline game. But, unless you are in a bubble, you know that he does not like to stay put in the baseline and comes forward at every opportunity.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa shouldn't lose unless he is injured,

Don't we all know that? :scratch:

 

[GameSetAndMath]

. Tsi is too inexperienced and too emotionally unstable to handle the pressure and mental side even if he raised his level to match that of Nad.

Are you watching the same tourney as the rest of the folks. Perseus is extremely mentally strong. If at all he loses it will be due to his level and not due to his mental strength.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

if i were a major scriptwriter, i would have Young Stefanos thrashing both Nadal and Djokovic. That would be historic. I don't believe there has been a player before who has beaten the three GOAT's - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive matches.

Even if Perseus wins this AO, he would not have beaten them in consecutive matches.