Gerry Weber Open, Halle, Germany, ATP 500

[Federberg]

I can 100% state that my issues with Rafa have been less with him (apart from some of the on court antics) and more with his excuse making fans. I do not find his style particularly engaging unless he's playing against someone interesting (I feel the same way about Murray by the way). I find it hilarious that some Rafa fans try to imply that Fed fans have some sort of inferiority complex where Rafa is concerned. I can honestly state that at no time have I felt anything other than casual superiority on behalf of Roger towards Rafa. I've always felt those types of comments - H2H etc - are the last resort of folks trying to keep Rafa in the conversation

 

[Moxie]

It's a general observation, I'm not presenting it as fact. But to put the shoe on the other foot, you are quite fond of saying the only reason some of us Fed fans hate Rafa is due to the fact he has lost so often to him and is a threat to the slam record. And that is false. We aren't fond of his boring style, all the delay tactics and the possibility that he is...cough cough...somewhat manufactured.

Admiration of his biceps and high cheekbones plus animosity towards Fed doesn't explain many millions of fans. The math doesn't work. But go ahead and believe whatever you like. You always do. Speaking of, it is my opinion that you put the cart before the horse on what you don't like about Rafa. That his style, for example bothers you because it beats Woge. As to the ...cough, cough...last bit: we've debated this many times around here, including recently. None of your reasons for believing as you do hold water. You've occasionally been forced to say you wished you never started it when Roger gets thrown in the mix. And yet you persist in slinging mud. Why? Because it serves your narrative that Rafa would otherwise not have had your precious's number so often. As I said, you'll believe what you like, all evidence to the contrary.

 

[DarthFed]

Admiration of his biceps and high cheekbones plus animosity towards Fed doesn't explain many millions of fans. The math doesn't work. But go ahead and believe whatever you like. You always do. Speaking of, it is my opinion that you put the cart before the horse on what you don't like about Rafa. That his style, for example bothers you because it beats Woge. As to the ...cough, cough...last bit: we've debated this many times around here, including recently. None of your reasons for believing as you do hold water. You've occasionally been forced to say you wished you never started it when Roger gets thrown in the mix. And yet you persist in slinging mud. Why? Because it serves your narrative that Rafa would otherwise not have had your precious's number so often. As I said, you'll believe what you like, all evidence to the contrary.

Hah sure, it's all about the fact he has beaten Roger the invincible. Please, I place that at Roger's doorstep, and the fact that Roger has taken him to the woodshed a lot in his mid-30's is proof that he was pathetic in regards to Nadal early on in their careers. Losing to that dude on grass and other fast courts shouldn't even have been a 1 out of 20 proposition and yet Roger managed to donate a few wins.

For those who strongly prefer Roger's style of play it shouldn't offend you that they don't love Rafa's.

 

[kskate2]

That's enough guys. There's a whole thread dedicated to the Fedal wars. Please take it there if you want to continue.

 

[kskate2]

Domi down 2 early breaks 3-0

 

[the AntiPusher]

The motto for Roger is X number of slams is nothing if twat hits X or more. Roger hasn't won enough at all. His career will go down as an underachieving one if island boy equals or passes him.

Darth..my good buddy.. I hope that you are not a father or and uncle..your expectations for athletes especially Roger is unreasonable and unrealistic, IMO

 

[DarthFed]

Darth..my good buddy.. I hope that you are not a father or and uncle..your expectations for athletes especially Roger is unreasonable and unrealistic, IMO

My expectation is that he ends up with more slams than a guy he has much more talent than. Not unrealistic whatsoever especially when it's a couple special ed losses that have made this a race. Anyways let's obey KS

 

[kskate2]

Domi out in straights

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Domi out in straights

So, draw opens up for Fed, even though he does not need it. It looks like only Kohly has some slight chances (and that too because it is in German soil) to take out Fed.

 

[monfed]

Sugita is a bigger threat on grass than Thiem for Fed. Coric is like a mini Djokovic and he can give Federer fits if Fed is off his game like IW. But yes if Fed at 60-70% can blitz this draw if he wants to.

 

[DarthFed]

So, draw opens up for Fed, even though he does not need it. It looks like only Kohly has some slight chances (and that too because it is in German soil) to take out Fed.

Thiem wouldn't have had a chance. Really it's about whether Roger has an awful day unless he faces Khachanov in the final who has crazy but inconsistent firepower.

 

[kskate2]

Wondering if Sascha and Domi will play next week since they both exited both singles and doubs (Domi) early.

 

[MartyB]

I'm always curious as to what Wimbledon will do with the men's rankings..I know there is a formula they use but I was thinking regardless of what happens in Halle Roger will be ranked #1...I don't think they'd make Nadal lower than #2 out of sheer respect but that ranking is not earned.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Thiem wouldn't have had a chance. Really it's about whether Roger has an awful day unless he faces Khachanov in the final who has crazy but inconsistent firepower.

Obviously Thiem won't be the favorite if they play. However, Thiem is one of select few players who have actually beat Roger on Grass (though it was in 2016 when he came back from the surgery).

 

[the AntiPusher]

My expectation is that he ends up with more slams than a guy he has much more talent than. Not unrealistic whatsoever especially when it's a couple special ed losses that have made this a race. Anyways let's obey KS

Kelli always jumping in when I am about to go King Kong on you.. okay I will obey KS

 

[monfed]

I'm always curious as to what Wimbledon will do with the men's rankings..I know there is a formula they use but I was thinking regardless of what happens in Halle Roger will be ranked #1...I don't think they'd make Nadal lower than #2 out of sheer respect but that ranking is not earned.

I don't think they award points for respect/reputation.

 

[DarthFed]

Obviously Thiem won't be the favorite if they play. However, Thiem is one of select few players who have actually beat Roger on Grass (though it was in 2016 when he came back from the surgery).

Yeah 2016, then he lost to Zverev in Halle before Sascha was any good and then he lost to Raonic at Wimbledon.

 

[DarthFed]

Kelli always jumping in when I am about to go King Kong on you.. okay I will obey KS

Y'all can say what you want, you know I'm right in this instance. 20 may end up 2nd rate. Best thing Fed can do is realize he needs more.

 

[kskate2]

Results from the Gerry Weber Open - Halle, Germany, Gent's Singles Round 2 matches on Wednesday

 

[herios]

I'm always curious as to what Wimbledon will do with the men's rankings..I know there is a formula they use but I was thinking regardless of what happens in Halle Roger will be ranked #1...I don't think they'd make Nadal lower than #2 out of sheer respect but that ranking is not earned.

They never rank anyone based on reputation, strictly their recent resume on grass.

I don't think they award points for respect/reputation.

They don't. It is a strictly algorithmic calculation to award the bonus points for the results compiled in the last 2 years.