Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open, CA, USA, ATP Masters 2017

[Front242]

Robredo is about the only Spanish player whose game I like. Goes after his shots. No fan of Carreno Busta but Sock has a decent forehand to watch.

 

[El Dude]

The "IT" factor is a subjective attribute IMO. For me, Grigor has it, so does Thiem and Kyrgios. Zverev, not so much, I find him dull, actually.
Some fans were laughing here on this forum at Carreno-Busta or Sock a few years ago, when they were on a temporary plateau and seemed like some journey men.
But recently, they both climbed into relevance, and now both pressed into the top 20 (Busta will 3nter as of newt week). And because the players these days are peaking towards late twenty- or even later, both could become serious contenders on a regular basis, if they keep growing.
They could easily lose today and be a single opportunity for them in this event, but I do think they will have many more in the future.

Of course it is subjective, but perhaps more accurately it is intersubjective - meaning, it is something shared between more than one subject. And of course this doesn't mean that Sock--who seems to have a lot of personality, and is certainly likeable--couldn't become a very popular player. I don't feel like I have a sense of PCB yet.

But the "it" factor is also why Novak has never been as popular as Rafa and Roger, even though in a way he should be - he's funny, gracious, and a great sportsman (aside from the shirt-tearing, but that seems to have faded). But for whatever reason, he just doesn't have the "it factor" to the same degree as Fedal.

Anyhow, interesting comment about Zverev because I somewhat share it. I feel like I'm trying to like Zverev more than I actually do. I don't dislike him, I just haven't "bonded" with him yet. Still not sure who among NextGen is going to be my favorite...ultimately it isn't something I can decide; it just happens (just like I didn't choose to love Roger or my other past favorites - it just happened).

 

[DarthFed]

Excellent first set from Stan. We've seen this show before, steps up a few levels when he goes deep in a big event. Carreno Busta is going to need Stan's level to drop here.

 

[shawnbm]

Not unexpected--he's the real article at the business end of tournaments

 

[kskate2]

Stanimal books his spot in the all-Swiss final by dismissing PCB in straights. Next up: Fed.

 

[El Dude]

Predictable result. I think Sock has a slightly higher chance of winning, but still <10%.

 

[Carol]

Carreño is 25 years old, he still has enough time to improve and he will, he only has to learn to play a little bit more aggressive but his improvement on HC is very impressive

 

[kskate2]

Agreed.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Agreed.

So did Tignor:laydownlaughing

 

[kskate2]

Agreed.

So did Tignor:laydownlaughing

well as Front said, he was right about Rafa over Verdy and Djoker over JMDP.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Sock is playing like he is the 36 year old player..he looks slow and predictable

 

[Federberg]

Obviously I thought Roger would win this, but good grief! This is a schooling so far 5 - 1 up in the first and serving

 

[Front242]

Missed the first 5 games. Seems like a total beat down so far. Hardly started and the first set is almost over.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Missed the first 5 games. Seems like a total beat down so far. Hardly started and the first set is almost over.

You haven't missed anything..I am turning back to NCAA.

 

[shawnbm]

He is looking mighty impressive.

 

[El Dude]

Total demolishing. Welcome to the big leagues, Jack.

 

[Front242]

Missed the first 5 games. Seems like a total beat down so far. Hardly started and the first set is almost over.

You haven't missed anything..I am turning back to NCAA.

Yeah, looks like a pile of crud.

 

[atttomole]

It appears Roger's return of serve has improved. He is making returns deeply and accurately, allowing him to go forward. Or the servers are just not good enough.

 

[kskate2]

Nishi/Fed would have been much more entertaining, but alas not meant to be this time.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Missed the first 5 games. Seems like a total beat down so far. Hardly started and the first set is almost over.

You haven't missed anything..I am turning back to NCAA.

Yeah, looks like a pile of crud.

Andy Dufraine put up a better battle vs the "sisters" of Shawshank then this turd Jack is laying