Gerry Weber Open (Halle) 9-15 June 2014

[Fiero425]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Rafa use the first couple rounds as warm-ups, then lose to Milos Raonic in the third round, partially through taking it easy. Of course I'd love to see him make it to the final so that he can lose on grass to either Kei Nishikori or Roger Federer, but I probably won't get my wish.

That's so old school! Way back when, top players often went out after a couple matches at Queens; including Connors! That's nothing new! So we're ready to say Rafa's capable of tanking? Well, well, well; how the mighty have fallen! :snigger :laydownlaughing :lolz: :angel:

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCIgsKxcu1Q[/video]

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Seems that Haas has had to withdraw

 

[rafanoy1992]

Nadal's first opponent will be Dustin Brown. Brown is Monfils twin brother.

 

[Kieran]

Just saw on Rafa's facebook page that he's already in Halle, hitting on the grass... :clap

 

[rafanoy1992]

Just saw on Rafa's facebook page that he's already in Halle, hitting on the grass... :clap

It means that his back is good enough to play 2-3 matches before Wimbledon. I hope he plays well here so he can have some momentum going into Wimbledon.

 

[Kieran]

Just saw on Rafa's facebook page that he's already in Halle, hitting on the grass... :clap

It means that his back is good enough to play 2-3 matches before Wimbledon. I hope he plays well here so he can have some momentum going into Wimbledon.

Exactly. It's a relief to see, and hopefully it means he'll get even two matches in before he leaves Halle, but a good run and fine health would be even better...

 

[rafanoy1992]

Just saw on Rafa's facebook page that he's already in Halle, hitting on the grass... :clap

It means that his back is good enough to play 2-3 matches before Wimbledon. I hope he plays well here so he can have some momentum going into Wimbledon.

Exactly. It's a relief to see, and hopefully it means he'll get even two matches in before he leaves Halle, but a good run and fine health would be even better...

You never know, Kieran we might see a Federer-Nadal final in Halle

 

[Kieran]

Just saw on Rafa's facebook page that he's already in Halle, hitting on the grass... :clap

It means that his back is good enough to play 2-3 matches before Wimbledon. I hope he plays well here so he can have some momentum going into Wimbledon.

Exactly. It's a relief to see, and hopefully it means he'll get even two matches in before he leaves Halle, but a good run and fine health would be even better...

You never know, Kieran we might see a Federer-Nadal final in Halle

Perfect! Level up that H2H on grass... :clap

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Kohly will be a good test for Rafa. He got his only win against Rafa here couple years back.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Kohly will be a good test for Rafa. He got his only win against Rafa here couple years back.

Yup. Nadal does have a tricky draw with Kohly and Raonic on his half. Let's just hope he plays a injury free and competitive matches.

 

[Front242]

Poor Steve Darcis never returned till a couple of days ago since that fall on his shoulder at Wimbledon last year. https://twitter.com/stevedarcishark

 

[brokenshoelace]

Yeah Nadal has some tough matches considering it's grass. He needs at least 3 matches under his belt heading into Wimbledon.

 

[DarthFed]

Doubt Rafa or Federer make the final and definitely not both. If so, maybe Roger can work on his weak grass H2H.

 

[Front242]

Really sucks that Haas has withdrawn. I've a feeling he may retire this year at the rate his shoulder is going

 

[Kieran]

Really sucks that Haas has withdrawn. I've a feeling he may retire this year at the rate his shoulder is going

Yeah, that's a pity for him, and the tourney. I hope you're wrong about him retiring, but he's not getting any break from injuries...

 

[Front242]

It's been non stop withdrawals every tournament practically this year and when he's been healthy he's still been as good as he's been the last few years. This imo was one of the best matches of the year. Haas played unreal and Federer had to play really amazing to win.

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Kf1RzK6ixas[/video]

 

[Fiero425]

It's been non stop withdrawals every tournament practically this year and when he's been healthy he's still been as good as he's been the last few years. This imo was one of the best matches of the year. Haas played unreal and Federer had to play really amazing to win.

It's only going to get worse with an aging tour; can't play as full a schedule! The travel, practice, and these long matches obviously are going to take there toll! :nono uzzled :angel:

 

[Front242]

Sadly, yup.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

JJ lost again to some qualifier. This guy made the semis at Wimby. I don't get it.