Gerry Weber Open (Halle) 9-15 June 2014

[Moxie]

Federer and Nadal have met just once outside Masters/Tour Finals/Slam events for all their years of dominating the tour, that was in Dubai in 2006.

This is one of the few courts where I think Roger could probably beat Rafa, definitely hoping they can both reach the final to find out.

That's an interesting little fact. And I would fancy Roger's chances against him, like you. I have to say, I'm not really pulling for Rafa to do much more than get his feet in the grass for a couple of matches here, though. The good news for Nadal's grass season is that he didn't have an especially taxing RG, but no reason to press the issue in Halle.

 

[isabelle]

Nadal told l'Equipe thet he was tired, don't know why he plays there, probably because he's a kind of masochist...

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal told l'Equipe thet he was tired, don't know why he plays there, probably because he's a kind of masochist...

I think he just wants to get a few matches in on grass. I don't think he'll do that well this tournament, but I don't think it's his main objective. Obviously if he wins his first couple of matches he'll give it his all after that, but I think the aim is to have a little grass court preparation, unlike last year.

 

[brokenshoelace]

And I agree with the sentiments above that Kohlschreiber will be quite a test on this surface.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Roger going through his own test as we speak after losing the first set TB. Won the second and up a break in the third.

He is not beating neither Ivo nor Kei unless he seriously steps it up, assuming he survives today.

 

[isabelle]

Youngderer had some problems at the beginning today but he finally won

 

[herios]

Roger going through his own test as we speak after losing the first set TB. Won the second and up a break in the third.

He is not beating neither Ivo nor Kei unless he seriously steps it up, assuming he survives today.

Ivo lost the first set to Lu, so stay tuned

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Big win for Lu in two TB sets. I maintain it is a break for Roger. Now he has to do the Asian swing .

 

[DarthFed]

^ Karlovic might have been a problem but he isn't losing to Kei on this stuff. Two humiliations vs. Kei is plenty.

 

[herios]

^ Karlovic might have been a problem but he isn't losing to Kei on this stuff. Two humiliations vs. Kei is plenty.

You guys are getting carried away. Lu eliminated Roddick once at Wimbledon. Do not take anything for granted.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

^ Karlovic might have been a problem but he isn't losing to Kei on this stuff. Two humiliations vs. Kei is plenty.

You guys are getting carried away. Lu eliminated Roddick once at Wimbledon. Do not take anything for granted.

Darth, I agree the two humiliations vs Kei is enough but I am not sure Kei got the memo. He is not intimidated and he has the game.

Herios, I agree Lu can be tricky and today's win will give him confidence. Roger better work on some serves and volleys in tonight's doubles match.

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOGP6L4bFW0[/video]

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i2p1HjDdXs[/video]

 

[Kieran]

The Predator just took the court, to play Ralph...

 

[the AntiPusher]

Ah right. Thought he met the winner of Kohlschreiber v Brown. Either way, both are tough matches.

I am gonna pull for my guy Brown to pull the upset on Ole Ralphy this time

 

[Kieran]

Brown's gonna be one of those irritating fidgety fellers who thinks the spotlight is for him...

 

[Kieran]

Rafa have him a bit of weight of shot there but he withstood it at the net...

 

[Kieran]

Ah here, I don't like that!

Rafa was beside his towel and he called a ball boy over and gestured for the kid to pick it up... :nono

 

[Kieran]

Rafa seems as preoccupied with ordering the ball kids about as he is with the match. I don't like that the kids have to hand the players their sweaty greasy towels.

Brown is 2-1 up on serve, playing well, but his hair is heavy and he's starting to look tired... :snigger

 

[Kieran]

Brown is a good opponent for Rafa, to get up to speed on grass. Good serve and a determination to keep points short. Gives Rafa something to figure out. Still on serve, Rafa next at 2-3...