Australian Open [Men] - Grand Slam

[rafanoy1992]

I get the recency bias, but Nadal has never lost to Medvedev, and he's lost at the AO to Stan, albeit injured. Why would he prefer Stan to Dany?

Because Nadal is a bad match up for Wawrinka (also, Stan can get inconsistent). In addition, while Medvedev has not lost to Nadal, he has given him problems physically (not the Montreal final).

In more specific, Nadal can attack Wawrinka and Medvedev can defend Nadal's shot similar to Djokovic.

 

[don_fabio]

Stan fights off break points. JMac says DM is playing not to lose, but Stan is playing to win.

Daniil fell into the same trap like Novak against Stan, just too defensive. But Stan is like that, when he starts playing his best the opponent can just watch match slipping away. I watched 4th set and had a feeling if it goes to 5th it's Stan's match. Came back home and saw Medvedev could not put up a closer fight. Well done Stanimal!!

 

[don_fabio]

Anyone think Rublev might win tonight and even make SF?

Hoping Rublev can do it, but if he starts spraying errors due to Zverev defensive play he is doomed to loose. Hope he learned a bit from a few loses against Zverev. Zverev is much fresher IMO. Will be hard for Rublev.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Two straight double faults...deuce now.

 

[mrzz]

Both players still veeeery far away from rhythm... as I write this first quality point of the match

 

[mrzz]

Fantastic passing shot from Nadal

 

[rafanoy1992]

Nadal's return of serve is average so far...Nick is beating him with well placed serves. On the rallies with this type of court, Nadal will dominate Kyrgios assuming Nadal does not get too tight.

Nadal breaks and leads 3-1 in the 1st set...

 

[mrzz]

people keep writing that Kyrgios has talent... and he believed them. Those two attempted drop shots showed otherwise.

 

[Moxie]

Kyrgios is all serve atm, then UFEs.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Now, can Nadal keep his focus and consolidate the break?

 

[Moxie]

Now, can Nadal keep his focus and consolidate the break?

Yep.

 

[Moxie]

Nick has begun the running commentary.

 

[Bonaca]

Haha this clown. This will go in straights to Nadal.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Yeah, Nadal is putting Nick on a yoyo-string in these rallies. It is becoming more breezy so more advantage for Nadal.

 

[rafanoy1992]

I will say this: Nadal is looking sharp. No fist-pumping just straight business so far. Also, he is not missing balls right now flat or slice shots.

 

[Bonaca]

I will say this: Nadal is looking sharp. No fist-pumping just straight business so far. Also, he is not missing balls right now flat or slice shots.

Yeah exactly. Basic-level enough. Only test before final will be the Schnitzel.

 

[mrzz]

Can they call Wawrinka and Medvedev to play one more set or we really need to see this crap?

 

[Moxie]

I did say the other day that Nick would have to get right on top of Rafa or he wouldn't make the long run. I may have to watch some of this match from the sofa with my eyes closed.

 

[Moxie]

Can they call Wawrinka and Medvedev to play one more set or we really need to see this crap?

It's only "crap" if you're not rooting for Nadal. Ok, it's not as fascinating as the DM/SW match, so far. And I'm rather hoping it won't be, since I need some sleep.

 

[rafanoy1992]

It is why I preferred Kyrgios over Khachanov in this court because Nick can not hang with Nadal on baseline rallies. In addition, the court is too slow for Nick. He needs a fast court in order to have a small chance against Nadal.