Argentina Open, Buenos Aires, Argentina ATP 250

[Carol]

Rafa was strong in the first, but, as usual these days, failed to serve it out. Lorenzi, after a nervous start, took something from the Monaco playbook and started taking the ball earlier. Nadal got behind in the 2nd, but pulled it all back together in the end. His play and confidence is still erratic. The DTL forehand is working for him. Sometimes the serve is a weapon, sometimes he's spinning it in. Sometimes he's dictating, sometimes he's dumping shots unexpectedly into the net. Lorenzi, while a noble journeyman, had no reason to challenge Rafa as much as he did. Rafa still has a lot of work to do.

Thanks Moxie for that information about the match. I hope that upset stomach has nothing to do with the virus Zika which is all over there, and he is going to go to play in Rio where is even worse. If I were him I would skip the tournament, I don't think he needs to play there, he should be ready for the next HC season

http://tenis.as.com/tenis/2016/02/11/mas_tenis/1455230122_591930.html

 

[Moxie]

I didn't see that he had an upset stomach. And I don't think we need to get crazy about Zika virus for healthy men. I might, however, be worried about Dominic Thiem for the moment. Since, frankly, everyone is a worry. Ferrer's match is suspended for rain, and they may not get it in tonight. That might be rough on his chances.

 

[Carol]

We'll see, for more than one year Rafa's results are unpredictable, one day he plays well but the next day who knows but (call me too positive) I still have the confidence that if he feels well he will win in spite of the awful heat and humidity they are suffering

 

[Moxie]

Heat and humidity are generally a part of the BA and Rio tournaments. Rafa, and his topspin, thrives on heat, so I wouldn't feel too sorry for him.

 

[Moxie]

Looks like rain will keep Ferrer/Cuevas from finishing their match tonight. So the winner essentially has to play 2 full matches tomorrow? That's not great, in heat and humidity.

 

[Billie]

Ferrer just beat Cuevas in 3 sets. So it is Dom vs Rafa in an hour. Yay, hopefully I can find a stream to watch this one. I like Dom but Rafa is Rafa and this is clay. Looking forward to it.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

one break each, even match so far..4-3. mr vamos in quiet hedgehog mode.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

dom wins 1st set 6-4 after being 0-2 down. rafa looking glum.

 

[Billie]

Nice to have you back JLLB!

Nice set of tennis from Dom and Rafa. Dominic's backhand is getting better and better. Just saved a break point in his opening service game in set #2.

 

[Billie]

Nice hold by Rafa after facing a break point. Still on serve in the second set, 3:4. Dom to serve. Business end of a set.

 

[Billie]

And Rafa breaks to win the second set...we go to 3rd.

 

[Billie]

Dominic showing lots of grit at the end of the 3rd set. Already saved a match point and hold for 5 all.

 

[Billie]

Well done Dominic, after some nerves to win the last point, he did it at the end. Rafa played a poor tiebreaker.

 

[britbox]

Bad loss for Rafa. I haven't watched it but will catch up later.

 

[Billie]

It was an entertaining and tight match.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

big win for dom, rafa's decline continues to be v much in evidence.

 

[britbox]

There's no way to put any sort of positive slant on this for Rafa. It could be a long year.

 

[britbox]

Match Report:

http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/35571165

 

[britbox]

Nicolas Almagro surprised David Ferrer in the other semi 6-4 7-5. We have a Spaniard in the final - just not one anybody was expecting.

 

[britbox]

Argentina Open Final

Nicolas Almagro v Dominic Thiem

v

H2H: Thiem leads 1-0

2016 Australian Open R64 Hard Dominic Thiem Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-1 6-3