Cincinnati Semifinal: Nadal/Berdych

[rafanoy1992]

Nadal leads the H2H record over Berdych 14-3. Nadal has won their last 13 encounters. Berdych last win was in 2006 Madrid. Also, Nadal is 2-0 over Berdych this year (IW and Rome), both of them were also in the Semifinals.

I pick Nadal in two sets.

 

[nehmeth]

same

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Bird gets a set. He must be feeling good after his win today.

 

[Moxie]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy, and Rafa might also feeling pretty good about himself after today. Rafa in 2.

 

[nehmeth]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy..

It's so bad that Tomas is 2 sets down before even stepping onto the court.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy..

It's so bad that Tomas is 2 sets down before even stepping onto the court.

:snigger

For the sake of Tennis, let's hope there is one competitive set.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Bird goes back into the cage in 2 not so tight sets.

 

[ClayDeath]

I will take the clay warrior in 3.

 

[tented]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy..

It's so bad that Tomas is 2 sets down before even stepping onto the court.

:clap :laydownlaughing

 

[ClayDeath]

that is a good one.

that said, berdych does have some game. he could play out of his damn skin and steal a set.

that way he gets under nadal`s skin. and then nadal takes him apart piece by piece.

 

[Front242]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy..

It's so bad that Tomas is 2 sets down before even stepping onto the court.

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=H22t-tiWiLw[/video]

 

[the AntiPusher]

Yeah, but Rafa's a bad match-up for Berdy..

It's so bad that Tomas is 2 sets down before even stepping onto the court.

Board...I don't feel good about this one.. this have ambush written all over it.. Did you see the look in Berdych eyes today.. Remember what Vitas said about Jimmy Connors beating him 16 times in a row.. I wouldn't be surprised if TB...

 

[Riotbeard]

rafa in 3, but wouldn't be shocked if tb surprises us. Berdy's match up problem is his brain. Not to say rafa shouldn't have a h2h advantage, but berdych can hurt anyone if he is mentally there (which is rare at this level).

 

[ClayDeath]

berdy has a testicular fortitude issue.

you cant go buy it. it does not come in a bottle.

 

[DarthFed]

rafa in 3, but wouldn't be shocked if tb surprises us. Berdy's match up problem is his brain. Not to say rafa shouldn't have a h2h advantage, but berdych can hurt anyone if he is mentally there (which is rare at this level).

While it is natural to call Berd's mental strength into question he does have a major problem with Rafa's game. He simply can't handle the spin and angles at all.

 

[ClayDeath]

it is not just testicular fortitude that he lacks at the highest levels.


he is also not good enough.



doesn't the last 13 match wins by nadal on all surfaces against him tell you anything?

berdy is just not good enough. he has immense easy power and he can certainly crack a big serve but you must be able to do it consistently.

roger used to toy with berdy.


now nadal is NOT on his best surface in cincy.

but if nadal has a decent day returning serve, berdy has no place to hide.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Out of all of the Big Four, Nadal is the only player who Berdych has not beaten in the last three years!

Since 2010, Berdych has beaten Federer and Murray five times each. He has beaten Djokovic twice.

Since 2010, Berdych is 0-8 against Nadal. By the way, since 2006, Berdych has only won two sets out of 32 sets they have played.

Part of it is mental but most of it is Nadal's game really does bother Berdych. Not only Berdych can't handle Nadal's spin but he can't even read Nadal's serve.

So, I would be really surprise if Berdych beats Nadal tomorrow. I do expect to be tight or possible going into three sets because Nadal hasn't really been aggressive in the past two matches but in the end he will prevail.

 

[ClayDeath]

he might steal a set from nadal. this too is an afternoon match.

dry, sunny conditions could mean slightly faster courts but nadal may have enough time to right the ship.

it is not all that humid in cinci this year.

its too deep in the event now. nadal probably smells blood. he will try to make a run for the crown.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa in 3 sets....I am being generous to the Tin Man.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Nadal leads the H2H record over Berdych 14-3. Nadal has won their last 13 encounters. Berdych last win was in 2006 Madrid. Also, Nadal is 2-0 over Berdych this year (IW and Rome), both of them were also in the Semifinals.

I pick Nadal in two sets.

Didn't Berdych beat Nadal in Cinci in 2005?