59 winners to 13 winners: 46 more? Are you kidding me?

[SF Nadalite]

Sorry - winning isn't everything, it's the only thing

At least if things like Grand Slam titles, ranking and money are important.

[I should add, I was raised as a rabid Red Sox fan...]

 

[Moxie]

By the way Cali, not that I'd expect it from you, but you can add Berdych's win over Novak today to Djokovic's laundry list of matches where he's made to look like a yoyo and moved side to side. This must mean Novak is not an incredibly talented offensive player.

How many times have I said that Federer is a more talented shotmaker than Djokovic, particularly to Mike?

Plenty.

This is another reason that I have always complimented the talent of Nalbandian vis-a-vis the Top 4. The only one of them who is close to being as much of a natural when it comes to offensive shotmaking is Federer. Djokovic's level has impressed me many times but never really blown my socks off either.

My point about Djokovic being a superior shotmaker is usually in comparison to Nadal and, whenever we discuss it, in comparison to Murray.

---

Most of those errors are very 'forced' when playing against Rafa on clay. He hits his forehand like a 2nd serve.

And at the end of the day, if matches were only about winners, then the Karlovic's, Blakes, Gulbis and all the other big hitters/servers would rule tennis.

They don't, and instead you see players like Lleyton Hewitt and baby Nadal winning multiple slams.

That should tell you something.

Yeah, it does, namely that there are practical nuts-and-bolts realities that go into winning matches that don't have to do with having extraordinary talent.

---

There it is! "Nadal isn't Actually Talented," Variations on a Theme, by CaliTennis, composed for fingernails and chalkboard.

 

[brokenshoelace]

By the way Cali, not that I'd expect it from you, but you can add Berdych's win over Novak today to Djokovic's laundry list of matches where he's made to look like a yoyo and moved side to side. This must mean Novak is not an incredibly talented offensive player.

How many times have I said that Federer is a more talented shotmaker than Djokovic, particularly to Mike?

Plenty.

This is another reason that I have always complimented the talent of Nalbandian vis-a-vis the Top 4. The only one of them who is close to being as much of a natural when it comes to offensive shotmaking is Federer. Djokovic's level has impressed me many times but never really blown my socks off either.

My point about Djokovic being a superior shotmaker is usually in comparison to Nadal and, whenever we discuss it, in comparison to Murray.

---

Most of those errors are very 'forced' when playing against Rafa on clay. He hits his forehand like a 2nd serve.

And at the end of the day, if matches were only about winners, then the Karlovic's, Blakes, Gulbis and all the other big hitters/servers would rule tennis.

They don't, and instead you see players like Lleyton Hewitt and baby Nadal winning multiple slams.

That should tell you something.

Yeah, it does, namely that there are practical nuts-and-bolts realities that go into winning matches that don't have to do with having extraordinary talent.

---

While again, I don't deny that the numbers are pretty bad looking for Nadal, you're ignoring that out of those winners: 15 were aces. And a crapton of others were set-up directly by Gulbis' serve, which largely contributed to the eye-opening one-sided nature of the the respective winners.

 

[Riotbeard]

Gulbis says he was the better player. Nadal disagrees. Gulbis also said he is the biggest unseeded threat (which I think is accurate self-assessment, even if it comes off bad.

see here: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/05/nadal-reacts-gulbis-best-player-tries-find-solutions/47490/#.UZaFL4KmDAg

---

For what its worth I like Gulbis and his attitude a lot. I think he and jerzy bring some need attitude to the sport, in comparison to everyone always being friendly and complementing each other. Lets add some fire and animosity to it all!

 

[SF Nadalite]

Gulbis says he was the better player. Nadal disagrees. Gulbis also said he is the biggest unseeded threat (which I think is accurate self-assessment, even if it comes off bad.

---

For what its worth I like Gulbis and his attitude a lot. I think he and jerzy bring some need attitude to the sport, in comparison to everyone always being friendly and complementing each other. Lets add some fire and animosity to it all!

---

The way TEAM Nole elevated/adjusted his play to make such an incredible season in 2011 was a very impressive accomplishment. They didn't just sit there and repeat over and over again to themselves that they were the best - they BECAME the change.

I've always liked Gulbis, but that article/sentiment makes it clear that he hasn't realized that his game plan isn't working. He played that type of tennis about as amazing as anyone can - but he cannot make it last successfully for 2 sets. :blush:

So you don't need to be a math wiz to realize it won't work for a slam...

 

[Riotbeard]

Gulbis says he was the better player. Nadal disagrees. Gulbis also said he is the biggest unseeded threat (which I think is accurate self-assessment, even if it comes off bad.

---

For what its worth I like Gulbis and his attitude a lot. I think he and jerzy bring some need attitude to the sport, in comparison to everyone always being friendly and complementing each other. Lets add some fire and animosity to it all!

---

The way TEAM Nole elevated/adjusted his play to make such an incredible season in 2011 was a very impressive accomplishment. They didn't just sit there and repeat over and over again to themselves that they were the best - they BECAME the change.

I've always liked Gulbis, but that article/sentiment makes it clear that he hasn't realized that his game plan isn't working. He played that type of tennis about as amazing as anyone can - but he cannot make it last successfully for 2 sets. :blush:

So you don't need to be a math wiz to realize it won't work for a slam...

---

Key words are unseeded threat. It's not like he called himself the favorite for the whole tournament. He has also had very good wins this year, so he not purely resting on a couple of close matches with nadal.

 

[Moxie]

I said that the match was mostly on Gulbis's racquet. I didn't say Rafa did anything particularly wrong, but it's normal to critique a player after a match. I don't see how much fairer I'm supposed to be. You're reading too much into my response.

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

LOL!

 

[huntingyou]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE


How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

 

[Front242]

Watch this video interview instead of the stupid Matt Cronin total bs usual one sentence here, another from miles down the interview spliced together to just draw attention and you'll see Gulbis doesn't come across as half as cocky as some are saying he is. That said, a guy with his game has every right to be cocky and I like his attitude. Here though in proper video interview what he says is a completely fair assessment and credit is given to Nadal in bucketloads as much as he says how well he himself played and notes that as well as he played, he still wants to win and hasn't done so.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/Uploaded/2013/5/16/Rome-2013-Thursday-Interview-Gulbis.aspx

 

[calitennis127]

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE


How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

 

[Moxie]

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE

How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

---

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[BalaryKar]

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

Its clay, its Nadal, and there is then Berdy. Does Nadal even have to get up to win this match:huh:

 

[Moxie]

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

Its clay, its Nadal, and there is then Berdy. Does Nadal even have to get up to win this match:huh:

Sure he does! He'd better wake up fresh, and serve well, and not let Berdy get ahead of him. Berdych just beat Djokovic. If Nadal takes that lightly he'd be foolish.

 

[huntingyou]

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE

How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

---

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

---

I can see the threads.....not cali's posts.

moxie, I thought you would like the link.........Berdych was playing at a very high level in that match and still Rafa came up with his amazing best.

 

[Riotbeard]

Watch this video interview instead of the stupid Matt Cronin total bs usual one sentence here, another from miles down the interview spliced together to just draw attention and you'll see Gulbis doesn't come across as half as cocky as some are saying he is. That said, a guy with his game has every right to be cocky and I like his attitude. Here though in proper video interview what he says is a completely fair assessment and credit is given to Nadal in bucketloads as much as he says how well he himself played and notes that as well as he played, he still wants to win and hasn't done so.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/Uploaded/2013/5/16/Rome-2013-Thursday-Interview-Gulbis.aspx

Definitely better contextualizes his comments. Also not a bad assessment of what happened in my opinion by Gulbis.

 

[Front242]

Watch this video interview instead of the stupid Matt Cronin total bs usual one sentence here, another from miles down the interview spliced together to just draw attention and you'll see Gulbis doesn't come across as half as cocky as some are saying he is. That said, a guy with his game has every right to be cocky and I like his attitude. Here though in proper video interview what he says is a completely fair assessment and credit is given to Nadal in bucketloads as much as he says how well he himself played and notes that as well as he played, he still wants to win and hasn't done so.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/Uploaded/2013/5/16/Rome-2013-Thursday-Interview-Gulbis.aspx

Definitely better contextualizes his comments. Also not a bad assessment of what happened in my opinion by Gulbis.

Yup. whenever you see a headline by Matt Cronin just take it all with a pinch of salt. He deliberately leaves out most of the context just to grab attention and stir the sh1t. A total clown. For any of his articles, you need to find the full original interview/press statement source to see the true comment/context. Wish they'd get rid of him. Does the site no good.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I said that the match was mostly on Gulbis's racquet. I didn't say Rafa did anything particularly wrong, but it's normal to critique a player after a match. I don't see how much fairer I'm supposed to be. You're reading too much into my response.

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

LOL!

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

---

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE

How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

---

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

---

I can see the threads.....not cali's posts.

moxie, I thought you would like the link.........Berdych was playing at a very high level in that match and still Rafa came up with his amazing best.

---

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

 

[Moxie]

I said that the match was mostly on Gulbis's racquet. I didn't say Rafa did anything particularly wrong, but it's normal to critique a player after a match. I don't see how much fairer I'm supposed to be. You're reading too much into my response.

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

LOL!

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

---

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE

How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

---

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

---

I can see the threads.....not cali's posts.

moxie, I thought you would like the link.........Berdych was playing at a very high level in that match and still Rafa came up with his amazing best.

---

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

---

---

AP, you missed the original joke from Riotbeard. Read back to the beginning of this quote. I accused Cali of having no sense of humor, (and he doesn't,) but I thought you did. :s

 

[Riotbeard]

I said that the match was mostly on Gulbis's racquet. I didn't say Rafa did anything particularly wrong, but it's normal to critique a player after a match. I don't see how much fairer I'm supposed to be. You're reading too much into my response.

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

LOL!

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

---

But Moxie, this is the internet. We are supposed to read too much into your posts, and then yell at each other. What I took away from your post is that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim, and you didn't even mention him!

A more accurate appraisal of Mr. Obama would simply be that he is a stuttering ignoramus and a quack.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_z4J16A9cE

How many winners did Nadal hit in this match? It was only 2 sets btw.

Where was cali with his thread of Nadal's amazing shot-making ability?

I thought you didn't read my posts. Go read someone else's stalker.

---

On point A, Cali, you proved, once again, you have no sense of humor, and on point B, that you have no answer other than insult when you're proven wrong.

BTW, Huntingyou, that vid was a good historical taster for the match tomorrow. Thanks!

---

I can see the threads.....not cali's posts.

moxie, I thought you would like the link.........Berdych was playing at a very high level in that match and still Rafa came up with his amazing best.

---

What does President Obama have to do with stats from a Rafa\Glubis match..

These statements are pretty ignorant and disrespectful towards the US government and it citizens.. I thought that political views and religion was off limits for this board. If not maybe I should post elsewhere

---

---

My comment was meant as a joke about the internet, not a serious statement about Obama.

 

[calitennis127]

AP, you missed the original joke from Riotbeard. Read back to the beginning of this quote. I accused Cali of having no sense of humor, (and he doesn't,) but I thought you did. :s

No, Cali just has a different type of humor than your tepid, airheaded, and frivolous "humor" rooted in false assumptions about an array of matters.