Doha 2014

[Moxie]

Well, he certainly dropped his attention on that service game.

 

[Kieran]

What a wonky match. Now Gael looks like he's world #1. Impressive turnaround here by him...

 

[Goldenboy]

Crap, horrible service game from Rafa. 2 easy forehands into the net.

Hope these second set slumps are gone by the AO. He won't be able to afford them in the second week especially.

 

[zalvar]

Just one break! Still doable ;p

 

[Kieran]

Rafa's forehand there descended like a hawk...

 

[Kieran]

Good hold by Monfils. I felt Rafa encroach on him there, but he served well under pressure...

 

[zalvar]

On serveeee!!

 

[Goldenboy]

4-4. Sloppy game from Monfils from 30-0 up. He suddenly decides to serve slower for some reason.

 

[Goldenboy]

Yup now the bombs are back.

 

[shawnbm]

What a volley by rafael

 

[shawnbm]

Tiebreaker now

 

[Moxie]

That was an instinct shot, I think.

 

[shawnbm]

Regardless of outcome, it's good to merely see Gael not play goofball so much

 

[shawnbm]

That FH by Rafa is so unreal and powerful--what strength he has in that left arm

 

[shawnbm]

Oh, Monfils with the dropper

 

[Kieran]

Ilie Nastase met his future wife Dominique by paying attention to the crowd. I can see the attractions...

 

[shawnbm]

And the Frenchman gets the mini real with a well played point.

 

[shawnbm]

Fabulous BH by Nadal there--risky indeed

 

[shawnbm]

Brilliant play by Gael--cheeky indeed

 

[shawnbm]

Wow! Mongols wanted that FH up the line pretty badly.