China Open

[zalvar]

It's just one break! I can;t give up yet!

 

[Moxie]

What a mad game! Nadal breaks on his 6th chance. Back on serve. Can he break Fognini's will now? F3 has played a fabulous match, so far.

 

[zalvar]

Always missing the last dang shot! gahh. pls hold!!

 

[zalvar]

4-4 2nd set! God. My nerves are fried.

 

[zalvar]

Yes yes yes! Let's goooo

 

[Moxie]

Two fantastic passes in a row, and he'll serve for the 2nd set. Vamos!

 

[Didi]

I agree Moxie that Fabio deserves credit for today but personally I have given up on him. I don't see any serious attempts at point construction or willingness to adapt, he's just going for the shots and today is one of these rare days where they happen to go in or to paint the lines. It's as simple as that. Too many times I've seen him playing this kamikaze style that is simply not sustainable, nevermind a serious foundation for long term success. It's a lot of fun watching him but kind of sad at the same time. In my opinion he's playing the way you would expect a naive junior to approach the game of tennis, not an experienced professional. He is the definition of catching fire only to fall apart in the next match or tournament.

 

[zalvar]

Why, hello 3rd set - what a nice surprise.

 

[Moxie]

I agree Moxie that Fabio deserves credit for today but personally I have given up on him. I don't see any serious attempts at point construction or willingness to adapt, he's just going for the shots and today is one of these rare days where they happen to go in or to paint the lines. It's as simple as that. Too many times I've seen him playing this kamikaze style that is simply not sustainable, nevermind a serious foundation for long term success. It's a lot of fun watching him but kind of sad at the same time. In my opinion he's playing the way you would expect a naive junior to approach the game of tennis, not an experienced professional. He is the definition of catching fire only to fall apart in the next match or tournament.

I hear you, Didi, but he pulled it together to win two tournaments in a row this summer, and he has been playing Rafa so smart today. (Until now, ok.) That said, Rafa just skunked him in that set, when the match looked done and dusted. TBH, I had a rough day and am exhausted, but I wanted to watch this match because I thought Fognini could give Rafa trouble. I haven't been wrong about that. One more set. Let's see what Fabio has left, but I wouldn't bet against Nadal now.

 

[masterclass]

Fognini might be the one player in tennis who fits the pirate role better than Nadal, no?

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[Moxie]

Rafa has found the other level now.

 

[zalvar]

WHEW! God. Vamos! Let's go Rafaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[Moxie]

Unbelievable match. I'd defy anyone to draw conclusions from the scoreline. Heartbreaker for Fognini who played magnificently for a set and a half. Classic from Rafa, who looked "done and dusted" as Goodall likes to say, in the 2nd. I'm glad I stayed up to watch it. Must sleep now.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Nadfog is my 3rd favorite matchup behind only Nadurray and Naderer. Hope Nadfog have another 10+ meetings in store for the world. Today's match is undoubtedly my favorite of them all. When polar opposites play a competitive match, it is very special.

 

[Kieran]

Sounds like a corker! Gnatal is right, eh?

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Nadal going for 15 wins in a row over The King Of Grin.

Nadal also looking to become year-ending #1 for the THIRD time (2008, 2010, 2013). Who holds the record of that btw? I know Federer has done it 5 times (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009). That the record?

 

[Kieran]

Pistol Pete - 6 years in a row...

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Pistol Pete - 6 years in a row...

Now that's what I call a claim to fame.

I think Nadal will do it 4-7 times. 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 (can gain huge points at Australian Open and Wimbledon if he prioritizes it), and we'll see after that. Very reluctant to rule out 5-7. Nadal says his main career goal is the Rio Olympics, so I think he'll have a big 2016.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Looks like the Triple F played some good ball for a set and a half but against Rafa, you have to play good tennis even after your massage and shower is done, just to be on the safe side...Good comeback Rafa.

 

[Front242]

Looks like the Triple F played some good ball for a set and a half but against Rafa, you have to play good tennis even after your massage and shower is done, just to be on the safe side...Good comeback Rafa.

Didn't see it but sounds like it was a good one. Fed played a great 1.5 sets in Cincy too so yup, 1.5 sets of stellar play ain't enough. One blip and you're toast against Nadal.