Australian Open Day 8: Monday, Jan 20 - Order of Play

[brokenshoelace]

Despite Nishikori's admirable performance, this match has been far too sloppy to be enjoyable.

 

[DarthFed]

Man that was pathetic!

 

[rafanoy1992]

Like I said, Nadal's consistency isn't just there in this match. In fairness, Nishikori's level of aggressiveness in this match is surprising to say the least. Michael Chang's coaching has gotten to Nishikori in a good way.

Epic choke from Nishikori right there!

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Decent stuff from Kei this match but a big part of it is that Nadal has been feeding plenty of cupcakes from the baseline just pleading to be hit. Rafa stepped up at the end of the 2nd after Kei muffed some chances on the big points.

You mean the reality of physics set in? Trying to play red line, flat tennis against the best defender in the game when you are not tall ? Uh muffed indeed.

Not just physics but the fact the guy isn't that good to begin with. I don't think he was red lining, just playing a little more aggressive than normal. Rafa has not hit with authority at all this match except the end of the second set. He has made it easy for Kei to boss him around but at the end of the day he is not in danger from this guy.

Actually, well said.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Rafa needs to understand that all he needs to do is slice his serve on both sides of the court, because Nishikori will be stretch (small reach and all) and hit the forehand from there.

 

[DarthFed]

One of those matches where no matter how bad the top player plays the underdog will ultimately not take it or even cause serious problems. We've seen it against all the top guys over the years.

 

[brokenshoelace]

And here we go...another first serve missed because he insists to fire it up the middle. Second serve gets punished. Good.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nishikori's anticipation is noteworthy.

 

[DarthFed]

Nadal breaks here probably at love otherwise it will be a 40-0 rally. Seems fitting.

 

[rafanoy1992]

As much as Nishikori's backhand is helping him in this match, his forehand is equally is costing him this match (especially this set).

 

[Luxilon Borg]

As much as Nishikori's backhand is helping him in this match, his forehand is equally is costing him this match (especially this set).

He still has not figured out he is not Robin Solderling.

 

[DarthFed]

Despite that 5-4 game I impressed with the fight in the third set. Too often players go away after dropping the first 2 sets

 

[DarthFed]

As much as Nishikori's backhand is helping him in this match, his forehand is equally is costing him this match (especially this set).

He still has not figured out he is not Robin Solderling.

No he isn't, and the forehand seems to have completely broken down now.

 

[Goldenboy]

I was sure it was a let.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Despite that 5-4 game I impressed with the fight in the third set. Too often players go away after dropping the first 2 sets

Michael Chang has influenced him.

 

[Goldenboy]

GSM Rafa, but that was torture.

After the Monfils match, I though he had a good shot against Djokovic. Now I'm uncertain about Dimitrov.

I guess I'll just have to take it match by match as Rafa does.

 

[DarthFed]

Small test won't hurt Rafa in the long run.

 

[DarthFed]

Poor competition or not you have to now consider Murray a true threat. He will be strong favorite vs Roger or Tsonga

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Throughout the match Kei overcooked several shots. That happens when you are
playing a big name player.

On the whole I am thoroughly impressed by Kei today. I did not even expect half
of what he gave today.

Finally, thanks Kei for making the match last this long. This way I get to watch
Fed/Tsonga match now. If you had lost early, I probably would have gone to bed.

 

[rafanoy1992]

GSM Rafa, but that was torture.

After the Monfils match, I though he had a good shot against Djokovic. Now I'm uncertain about Dimitrov.

I guess I'll just have to take it match by match as Rafa does.

Nadal will beat Dimitrov. It's just a matter of how many sets it will take him to beat him. If Nadal plays like he did today, it might go to five sets.