BARCELONA - ATP 500 - Apr. 19-27, 2014.

herios

Grand Slam Champion
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Messages
8,984
Reactions
1,659
Points
113
1972Murat said:
When was the last time Rafa failed to make the final in two clay tournaments in a row?

2004
 

pavlik89

Multiple Major Winner
Joined
Jan 12, 2014
Messages
2,839
Reactions
3
Points
38
[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvAko44ZvTM[/video]
 

Riotbeard

Multiple Major Winner
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
4,810
Reactions
12
Points
38
I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!
 

ftan

Masters Champion
Joined
Apr 15, 2013
Messages
504
Reactions
39
Points
28
Location
San Jose, CA
Well it had to happen someday.. remember Roger didnt make it to slam quarters first time in 10 years.. Agreed this happened rather early. But I quite sure its just a phase and this will definitely get motivation back for Rafa from wherever it has gone
 

masterclass

Masters Champion
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Messages
652
Reactions
246
Points
43
Right. In 2004, he lost 3 clay tournaments in a row, starting with Estoril withdrawal to Irakli Labadze, then Bastad loss to Gaudio, then Stuttgart loss to Ferrer. But he was 17-18 at the time. and was suffering a stress fracture in his ankle, left I think, that caused him to miss a lot of the clay season, including Roland Garros.

Respectfully,
masterclass
 

tented

Administrator
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
21,664
Reactions
10,488
Points
113
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
masterclass said:
Right. In 2004, he lost 3 clay tournaments in a row, starting with Estoril withdrawal to Irakli Labadze, then Bastad loss to Gaudio, then Stuttgart loss to Ferrer. But he was 17-18 at the time. and was suffering a stress fracture in his ankle, left I think, that caused him to miss a lot of the clay season, including Roland Garros.

Respectfully,
masterclass

And Barcelona. He skipped it in 2010, but every other time he played it since 2005 he won it.
 

Kieran

The GOAT
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
16,965
Reactions
7,225
Points
113
Riotbeard said:
I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...
 

Moose

Pro Tour Champion
Joined
Apr 23, 2014
Messages
453
Reactions
0
Points
0
Kohlschreiber retired? Never saw Giraldo getting to the semis here.
 

Front242

The GOAT
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
22,949
Reactions
3,896
Points
113
Doh. That sucks. I like Kohli though he always has a dense look on his face when photographed.
 

Moose

Pro Tour Champion
Joined
Apr 23, 2014
Messages
453
Reactions
0
Points
0
tented said:
Do you know why he retired?

He's had hamstring problems since right after the Australian, so I am curious if that could be it?
 

Moose

Pro Tour Champion
Joined
Apr 23, 2014
Messages
453
Reactions
0
Points
0
Front242 said:
Doh. That sucks. I like Kohli though he always has a dense look on his face when photographed.

Haha. Aside from that, he is a really nice guy. Have had the chance to meet him a couple of times at Indian Wells. Takes time to talk to his fans/supporters, always gives his wristbands and stuff to people in the crowd.
 

herios

Grand Slam Champion
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Messages
8,984
Reactions
1,659
Points
113
Kieran said:
Riotbeard said:
I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...

Not a sure bet. Almagro has his name on many of those trophies.
 

Sundaymorningguy

Grand Slam Champion
Joined
Apr 15, 2013
Messages
6,384
Reactions
1,759
Points
113
Location
Norfolk, VA
Djokovic better put in the work! I don't think he could ask for a better French Open opportunity with Rafa's game being slightly off.
 

Riotbeard

Multiple Major Winner
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
4,810
Reactions
12
Points
38
Kieran said:
Riotbeard said:
I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...

It's very tough to watch your guy play baffling tennis. Novak has done it off and on since 2011, but it's weird for mr. mental consistency to get upset on clay.