Grigor has arrived

[El Dude]

I'm disappointed he couldn't pull this one off--it really looked like he could do it, but Novak just pulled out some of that Serbian magic. That said, I've seen all I need to feel good about his chances as being an almost-great player and probable future Slam winner.

Looking at the field, I think it is possible that Grigor could be the "best of the rest." He seems at least on par with Ferrer, Berdych, Wawrinka, Del Potro, and Tsonga (if we want to still include JW in this crowd). Who knows with Andy these days. But unlike all of those players, Grigor is still improving, still gaining confidence. I suspect that by this time next year he'll be firmly ensconced in the top 5, maybe with a Slam trophy on his shelf.

 

[Kieran]

Nole was better in the tiebreaks, and that was the difference. Even at 6-3 ahead in the fourth set breaker, Nole was stronger, showed more bottle and came through.

Grigor did well, and he's having a good year. He can do better, so let's see how he goes...

 

[Riotbeard]

Can't agree that he is above stan. I mean come on, give the guy some credit. A slam and a masters this year. What does he have to do to join some sort of better than the rest club, but in general I am with you. I see him making more waves than any of the other non slam winners.

 

[Riotbeard]

Nole was better in the tiebreaks, and that was the difference. Even at 6-3 ahead in the fourth set breaker, Nole was stronger, showed more bottle and came through.

Grigor did well, and he's having a good year. He can do better, so let's see how he goes...

Exactly, experience got Novak through, god knows it wasn't consistent play.

 

[Kieran]

I think Grigor has to answer the big questions, and I felt at times today he could have been mentally tougher. Okay, players peak later now because of the physicality, but there's more to the game than that and at no stage did Grigor take this match by the scruff of the neck, or look like he could.

But I wouldn't be too harsh with him, because it's his first slam semi...but, great players can win those and barge their way through. Can't be waiting around for these older players to die first...

 

[Riotbeard]

I think Grigor has to answer the big questions, and I felt at times today he could have been mentally tougher. Okay, players peak later now because of the physicality, but there's more to the game than that and at no stage did Grigor take this match by the scruff of the neck, or look like he could.

But I wouldn't be too harsh with him, because it's his first slam semi...but, great players can win those and barge their way through. Can't be waiting around for these older players to die first...

Agree, if he had been mentally tougher it would have at least gone to five. He should take from this match though that his game holds up even if his brain doesn't.

 

[El Dude]

Can't agree that he is above stan. I mean come on, give the guy some credit. A slam and a masters this year. What does he have to do to join some sort of better than the rest club, but in general I am with you. I see him making more waves than any of the other non slam winners.

Well to be clear I said he was "at least on par" with that group. The difference, though, is that there's more upside. We've seen the best Stan has to offer--which is considerable. And to be fair, Stan is likely the real best of the rest right now in that he seems to have an edge over his peers, the Ferrer-Berdych-Tsonga-Del Potro group.

What I saw today from Grigor, though, was a very complete skill set - as complete as anyone's. I think Kieran is right on in that Grigor seems to be lacking that championship mentality. But he's come a long way and continues to improve. I think the closer he gets, the hungrier he'll get.

But the future is not written. The worst-case scenario (barring injury/illness) is that he never finds that extra something and floats around like a Berdych or Tsonga, maybe wins a Master's or two, but never can quite get over the hump to win a Slam - sort of like a contemporary David Nalbandian.

The best-case scenario is that his mentality continues to improve and eventually matches his physical game, and in another year or two he's not just a top 5 player but competing for every Slam and the number one ranking. I really wouldn't be surprised to see him rattle off a few years as the dominant player in the sport.

 

[Riotbeard]

Can't agree that he is above stan. I mean come on, give the guy some credit. A slam and a masters this year. What does he have to do to join some sort of better than the rest club, but in general I am with you. I see him making more waves than any of the other non slam winners.

Well to be clear I said he was "at least on par" with that group. The difference, though, is that there's more upside. We've seen the best Stan has to offer--which is considerable. And to be fair, Stan is likely the real best of the rest right now in that he seems to have an edge over his peers, the Ferrer-Berdych-Tsonga-Del Potro group.

What I saw today from Grigor, though, was a very complete skill set - as complete as anyone's. I think Kieran is right on in that Grigor seems to be lacking that championship mentality. But he's come a long way and continues to improve. I think the closer he gets, the hungrier he'll get.

But the future is not written. The worst-case scenario (barring injury/illness) is that he never finds that extra something and floats around like a Berdych or Tsonga, maybe wins a Master's or two, but never can quite get over the hump to win a Slam - sort of like a contemporary David Nalbandian.

The best-case scenario is that his mentality continues to improve and eventually matches his physical game, and in another year or two he's not just a top 5 player but competing for every Slam and the number one ranking. I really wouldn't be surprised to see him rattle off a few years as the dominant player in the sport.

I agree long term, Grigor will be a higher regarded player. I got the impression you were talking about best of the rest right now, and in my opinion, Wawrinka is at a different level, Grigor. More because of the mental than his game, but clearly (as we just saw), mental is the most important thing for stepping across the finish line.

I also just see it as plain out insulting to Wawrinka, that a decent showing in a slam semi is worth the same as a slam and a masters.

 

[Kieran]

I think we can see by watching Raonic just how far Grigor has come, funny enough. raonic is out of his depth and his one-dimensional game is not up to taking on a great player like Federer at such a high level.

Grigor showed that he can switch his game a lot, to slice, to come in, to defend well. He has a lot to fall back on, and you need it at slam level. He may learn to be tougher, and there were signs in oz that defeat really hurt him. He's doing well this year, but he's not the finished article. For what it's worth, I think he's the best of the youngsters, unless what we saw of Kyrgios is real - in which case Nick is the best of them! :laydownlaughing

 

[DarthFed]

Dimitrov made a big step by taking out Murray and reaching his semi. He still has a lot of growing to do and that's scary for everyone else. I do think he will be the next big force in tennis (5+ majors) but it might still be a couple years away. I don't know if I'm watching a different player from the analysts but I don't think the movement and defense is that good yet, definitely not elite. He improves that then watch out.

 

[Front242]

Dimitrov needs to clean up his serving a lot too. Being the guy with the 2nd highest amount of double faults in the tournament is no honour.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Dimitrov is one step away now, I rate him similarly to Berdych, if not slightly ahead. I agree too that Raonic was exposed today, despite making a breakthrough in reaching his first major semi-final. For all his weaponry, he has many glaring weaknesses as well.

I still think Murray will be back. Look what happened to Roger in 2013 and where he is now. This guy didn't win Olympic Gold and two slams by accident. I only mention it in this thread as, if we assume Murray will rediscover his "Big Four" form, Grigor is just a step, or maybe a step and a half, behind that group of guys.

There's no reason to suspect Dimitrov won't keep improving, and there's not much further to go above reaching a major semi final before you really have arrived.

 

[Kieran]

Of course, the huge mystery of Grigor is this: how will Maria handle it when he starts winning majors? :nono

 

[Moxie]

Of course, the huge mystery of Grigor is this: how will Maria handle it when he starts winning majors? :nono

I'd think she'll be thrilled. Besides the obvious of being happy for your partner, it would even things up on the tennis ledger a bit.

Anyway, I agree with the OP: Grigor is really beginning to realize his potential and it looks like he's here to stay. Today was a good step in his seasoning and maturity.

 

[nehmeth]

Greg's thumping of Murray was glorious... on Centre Court, Wimbledon with the whole crowd solidly in Murray's corner. He didn't just shut down Murray, he shut down everyone there. Heck, by the way it read in the press, he shut down the UK. :snigger.

In the semis, it was obvious that being there had an effect on him. Had Novak remained focused, it may have been over in a quick three. Credit to Grigor, when Novak lost the plot he stepped up his game hugely, and it was a lot of fun to watch.

Slams are never a given, but if anyone has the potential to win one, he does.

 

[Fiero425]

Greg's thumping of Murray was glorious... on Centre Court, Wimbledon with the whole crowd solidly in Murray's corner. He didn't just shut down Murray, he shut down everyone there. Heck, by the way it read in the press, he shut down the UK. :snigger.

In the semis, it was obvious that being there had an effect on him. Had Novak remained focused, it may have been over in a quick three. Credit to Grigor, when Novak lost the plot he stepped up his game hugely, and it was a lot of fun to watch.

Slams are never a given, but if anyone has the potential to win one, he does.

Nole has these "walkabouts" at times; usually when in the lead serving it out! Too often he's winning his serve comfortably, then all of a sudden he'll break himself; a drop shot miss, a double fault, and a net cord that goes against him! Kinda weird! You can't get away with that on grass as much as other surfaces! He has to eliminate those periods of indecision and peek! :nono uzzled :s :angel:

 

[nehmeth]

Nole has these "walkabouts" at times; usually when in the lead serving it out! Too often he's winning his serve comfortably, then all of a sudden he'll break himself; a drop shot miss, a double fault, and a net cord that goes against him! Kinda weird! You can't get away with that on grass as much as other surfaces! He has to eliminate those periods of indecision and peak! :nono uzzled :s :angel:

Yep. Comfortably in the lead, on a roll, and then it unravels. And on grass, as you say, the window to rein things in is a lot smaller.