China Open : Semi Nadal / The Fog

[isabelle]

I voted for Nadal this time, hope he won't get me wrong and make a fool a himself another time

 

[Kieran]

If Rafa loses, will we say he tanked the match, or that he was tanked? I think he'll tank all over Fog. Rafa in straights...

 

[Carol]

Why so much expectation about this match? ok ok, Fog has been able to beat Nadal three times in a row when this last one was playing his worst and IF Rafa continues playing so bad then it would be four, right now nothing can surprise me but the result will be in the Rafa's hands

 

[Kieran]

Well the expectation is basic: Fog is the symbol of Rafa's woes. twice on clay - then the Big Shot victory from 2 sets down at the US Open. So Fog kinda represents the idea that Rafa is a lame duck former number 1 in decline, and that anybody and everybody feels cocksure they can handle him. It's up to Rafa to defy them expectations...

 

[Front242]

Why so much expectation about this match? ok ok, Fog has been able to beat Nadal three times in a row when this last one was playing his worst and IF Rafa continues playing so bad then it would be four, right now nothing can surprise me but the result will be in the Rafa's hands

At least Rafa himself doesn't go on and on that he was playing awful because he actually wasn't.

"'When you play against a great player, especially if you don't play to your best, your chances are lower,'' Nadal said. ''Fognini play better in the three matches that he beat me. I was not unhappy at all after the U.S. Open loss. I didn't play a very bad match.''

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2015/10/nadal-outlasts-sock-to-reach-china-open-semifinals/56542/#.VhgEkytm50I

 

[Carol]

Nadal always says" If someone beats you it's because he has played better than you"
He doesn't like to take any credit to his opponents but to say that he played well in the USOpen I think he has been too benevolent......

 

[Kirijax]

I almost voted for Foggy, but for nothing but a gut feeling, I'm going with Nadal.

 

[Front242]

This match is on at 5:30am here so screw that. I'll just check the scores later

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

dunno who wins this semi but Djokovic will likely win the final.

 

[nehmeth]

I saw Ralf's match against Sock. Lost the first set with a double fault. His movement was rather poor for his standards. I really hope he can win against the Fog, but he might lose again... in three.

Bodo mentioned it being "Groundhog Day". :snicker

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/13844663/tennis-fabio-fognini-excellent-barometer-state-rafael-nadal-game

 

[GameSetAndMath]

It is 4-4 and I just started watching. GO-FOG

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Nadal serving too good. Two aces in the last game to go up 5-4.

Now, it is trick or treat time for Fog.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Fog holds in love. Will Rafa blink now?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa stops the rally in the middle thinking the ball is out, but hawk-eye shows it in. But, still manages to hold serve.

Fog needs to hold now to send the 1st set to TB

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Now, Fog is exactly where he wants to be. Down a set 5-7.

 

[zalvar]

Hi lol

Early break for Rafa? :O Incoming Fog meltdown?

 

[zalvar]

Guess not -.-

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Fog gets unsportsmanly conduct for letting his racquet fly.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

After 0-30, fog lets Rafa go with unforced errors.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa up 3-2 in second. I hit the sack.

In the outside event Fog wins this match, the Beijing final will be between two players who are the only ones to win four matches against Rafa in the same year.