Australian Open Day 3: Wednesday, January 21
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Kirijax
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I can't watch the game right now but how does Nadal look? What's the matter with him? Or is he just being outplayed?
tenisplayrla08
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Nadal of course still has a chance and I personally still think he's the favorite. And probably still a heavy favorite. But... maybe not. I'm willing to say that. He really does look terrible. Just pouring sweat and looks exhausted. I definitely think Smyczek has a much better chance of winning this match now that he's got this set, but he'll have to keep this level up and not get tight and really hope Nadal doesn't start to feel better.
brokenshoelace
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If this is a sign of things to come as far as how Nadal will physically hold up for the rest of the season then we're in for a frustrating year.
Hard to win without a serve, movement, ground strokes, or stamina. Even worse when this is backed by mental fragility and lack of confidence. Three break points were gifted on double faults coupled with a choke job when serving for the third.
Hard to win without a serve, movement, ground strokes, or stamina. Even worse when this is backed by mental fragility and lack of confidence. Three break points were gifted on double faults coupled with a choke job when serving for the third.
tenisplayrla08
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Meanwhile, Tomic just took the second set after being down 3-0 to start it. I wanted to watch it but this Nadal match is too good. Certainly wish I had put it up earlier now. Definitely putting it up from here on out. So talented. And as I said the other day, perhaps has turned a corner.
brokenshoelace
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federberg said:
Neither. He's playing well, the way any professional tennis player can play well. He moves pretty well, I'll say that much. Other than that, he's just your average pro.
brokenshoelace
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I'm taking time off from the forums if for the next two weeks, I'll have to hear about Smycek's performance. Just saying 
Vince Evert
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brokenshoelace
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The way Nadal is playing right now reminds me of the Wawrinka match last year. He knows he can't do anything physically (even though he's not as hampered) so he's trying to swing for the fences out of desperation.
EDIT: This tournament is cursed for Nadal. It's official. Not sure what's ailing him but we can all rejoice for another full year of debating just how injured he was. Can't wait.
EDIT: This tournament is cursed for Nadal. It's official. Not sure what's ailing him but we can all rejoice for another full year of debating just how injured he was. Can't wait.
Broken_Shoelace said:I'm taking time off from the forums if for the next two weeks, I'll have to hear about Smycek's performance. Just saying
Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury.
Vince Evert
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Kirijax said:
He's being outplayed. The American is not initimidated by Nadal and is actually beating him from the baseline as well as mixing up his game. Good to see.
Kirijax
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After the way Nadal was playing after he came back, I thought you guys were crazy to keep saying he would make it to the semifinals. He just doesn't look good. He may come back to win this today but I can't see how he would advance much further.
Vince Evert
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Federberg
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Broken_Shoelace said:I'm taking time off from the forums if for the next two weeks, I'll have to hear about Smycek's performance. Just saying
Lol! You won't hear it from me. I haven't been paying much attention to the match as I'm in the office, but I happened to check livescore.com and then came on here to see the comments. Was just surprised. Thought Rafa was a cert to navigate through the first week. Sounds like he's not match fit, the mental stress of matchplay entirely different from exhibitions I guess
nehmeth
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Broken_Shoelace said:I'm taking time off from the forums if for the next two weeks, I'll have to hear about Smycek's performance. Just saying
Tim is a gutsy little player - a lot of heart but no real weapons. Very surprised to wake up to this.
Vince Evert
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tenisplayrla08
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IF Nadal manages to make it through this match I don't believe he'll be able to make the quarters. Though, Sela is a very winnable match. Which, seriously, let's talk about that. How did Rosol let that happen. You've got a win over Rafa Nadal and only have to win this one match to play him again (though he's beaten you since your stunning upset) and you can't make it happen. Rather, I believe it's the exact opposite. Because while Rosol can certainly be streaky, Sela just isn't that good.
Anyways, this quarter is going to be Berdych's to lose I guess.
Anyways, this quarter is going to be Berdych's to lose I guess.
brokenshoelace
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It's funny...why doesn't Nadal try to play like that when he's healthy? That forehand inside out is unplayable when he goes after it.
