Australian Open Day 3: Wednesday, January 21

[Vince Evert]

Nadal needs a little help from Smyczek in the fifth. While he did very well to go after his shots in the 4th, not sure how much he can keep this up, especially when he's not moving well. The serve is crucial (or lack of serve, to be clear) because that means Nadal isn't getting freebies. To compensate, he needs some unforced errors from Smyczek, who to be fair to, doesn't miss often.

I still think Nadal lost this match in the 3rd set. He could have been on his way to a nice shower and the massage table by now.

Forget the bloody 81 minute third set. This match is not finished yet. You can refect on the third set after the completion of this match.

 

[brokenshoelace]

In his last post not a word of credit to Tim Smyczek's good play.

Due to two reasons:

A) I think the result so far is largely due to Nadal playing an abysmal sets 2 and 3.

and more importantly,

B) I'm a Nadal fan. I'm going to focus on Nadal over the dude beating him.

I think there's room, even as a fan, to give some credit if the other guy's playing well. But perhaps after the match when emotions have cooled down

Which I always have, when credit was due. In this case, all I said about Smyczek is that he's playing "well." Which I think, is a fair assessment, one echoed by a non Nadal fan earlier too. I don't think he's playing out of his mind, which you'd think would be required in order for him to beat Nadal on this surface.

The problem is many want the politically correct course in these situations. I'll be the first to tell you Kyrgios was unplayable at Wimbledon. I'll be the first to tell you that Nadal playing a "normal" level would dust this dude off in straights. As it stands, even an ailing below par Nadal has taken it to 5. That tells you everything you need to know.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Wilander just made a great point: Nadal took Smyczek out of the equation in the fourth set. In other words, he just went after his shots, and either made them or missed them. He gave Smyczek no rhythm and it worked.

In the fifth, if Rafa resorts back to "playing tennis" (as Wilander put it) it will help his opponent. The problem is, I don't know if Rafa has it in him to play as aggressive. It's easier to swing when you're down.

 

[nehmeth]

Ralf's hitting some of his groundies quite well. It's just between points that he's moving around like a doddering old codger.

It's been a humid day and night in Melbourne, nehmeth.

57% humidity presently... just saying he looks rather decrepit between the points.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Broken Shoelace must be breathing a huge sigh of relief. Relax mate LOL.

Indeed I did. I'm a big Nadal fan. It's normal.

 

[Vince Evert]

It's all happening. Grand Slam Tennis at it's best, folks. And interesting that the aussies have been in the thick of it, LOL, LOL, LOL

 

[Kirijax]

I hate this drama act Nadal puts on when he's losing. He's completely gotten into Smyczek's head. And why is he allowed so much time between points?

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Nadal is picking that wide serve to his back hand on the deuce court so well. That's the 4th or 5th times he's teed off on that serve.

 

[Federberg]

Due to two reasons:

A) I think the result so far is largely due to Nadal playing an abysmal sets 2 and 3.

and more importantly,

B) I'm a Nadal fan. I'm going to focus on Nadal over the dude beating him.

I think there's room, even as a fan, to give some credit if the other guy's playing well. But perhaps after the match when emotions have cooled down

Which I always have, when credit was due. In this case, all I said about Smyczek is that he's playing "well." Which I think, is a fair assessment, one echoed by a non Nadal fan earlier too. I don't think he's playing out of his mind, which you'd think would be required in order for him to beat Nadal on this surface.

The problem is many want the politically correct course in these situations. I'll be the first to tell you Kyrgios was unplayable at Wimbledon. I'll be the first to tell you that Nadal playing a "normal" level would dust this dude off in straights. As it stands, even an ailing below par Nadal has taken it to 5. That tells you everything you need to know.

To be clear, I wasn't criticising you. I was kind of making the point more to Mr T

 

[brokenshoelace]

Good grief, what a return. Attaboy.

 

[kskate2]

I think Rafa goes for knockout punch on his young opponent. Get the break and break his will

 

[Vince Evert]

nehmeth, the australian heat and humidity is a different animal to Europe's summer. Which part of the USA does Tim come from ?

 

[Vince Evert]

Even kskate2 is getting in the act. GO NADAL, LOL

 

[kskate2]

Wisconsin baby

 

[brokenshoelace]

I hate this drama act Nadal puts on when he's losing. He's completely gotten into Smyczek's head. And why is he allowed so much time between points?

Actually, Nadal never puts on a drama act when he's losing on court. Unlike say, Murray or Djokovic (not taking shots, just being frank). His body language is for the most part, exemplary. He looks weary because he probably is.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Picked that serve again. Smyczek got a racquet on it this time but couldn't get it over the net.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Crucial game. Rafa needs to get the break because he's already invested a lot in this game.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Damn. Crucial hold. That long rally at break point which ended in a Nadal unforced error could prove costly.

 

[kskate2]

The kid holds his onions. Nadal had 2 breakers and couldn't convert

 

[Kirijax]

I hate this drama act Nadal puts on when he's losing. He's completely gotten into Smyczek's head. And why is he allowed so much time between points?

Actually, Nadal never puts on a drama act when he's losing on court. Unlike say, Murray or Djokovic (not taking shots, just being frank). His body language is for the most part, exemplary. He looks weary because he probably is.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one.