AO Semi: Rafael Nadal (9) vs Grigor Dimitrov (15)

[Vince Evert]

If Dimitrov rolls over very handily in the fourth without making Nadal fight and earn the set, then he's a mental midget, almost as bad as Raonic.

 

[mrzz]

I will try to convince myself the same on sunday. Sounds better when you say it to someone else

 

[Federberg]

a bit harsh RZ. Many have rolled over against Rafa. I think Dimi has already shown he's here for business now. His stock price is going up

 

[mrzz]

I do not think no one is rolling in this match, but let´s see

 

[brokenshoelace]

Yeah Dimitrov's body language and attitude have been great.

 

[Moxie]

That was a tricky smash.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I have zero faith in Rafa holding easily throughout this set...

 

[britbox]

Dimi hanging in and he will get looks at the Nadal service game.

 

[mrzz]

He will face BPs for sure

 

[Federberg]

what a backhand

 

[Moxie]

Oh YESSSS

 

[brokenshoelace]

That was a beautiful slice by Rafa setting up the pass, but he's way too tentative. The backhand is being his better groundie now.

 

[mrzz]

too damn optimistic

 

[mrzz]

on that net rush

 

[brokenshoelace]

Agreed mrzz. The slice was very tricky and almost impossible to produce a quality shot off of but if I were Grigor I would have just sliced it back, even with the forehand.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal's cross court backhand is what's keeping him alive in the rallies. It's allowing him to change the dynamics. Dimitrov has went to that side so much he's played it into form. Rafa's forehand is awful this match and Grigor should look to exploit that

 

[mrzz]

funny thing is that fh seemed fine in the beggining

 

[mrzz]

but then it faded

 

[brokenshoelace]

Yeah, he was looking great in the first set. Taking it early and on top of the rallies. But it really went away.

 

[Moxie]

Rafa should be winning these rallies.