Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open, Masters 1000

[mrzz]

When the Federer match starts?

 

[El Dude]

This is a combination of incredible tennis from Coric, but just a rather limp-dick display from Roger.

 

[Busted]

He's not a rhythm player. I don't think that's the problem at all. Motivational issues are far more of a threat in my view

That's interesting that you would say that because Roger talks about needing rhythm a lot in interviews...

 

[kskate2]

Maybe he's disinterested because he's been dominating these players. Who's actually challenged him of late? He may have taken Borna for granted that the occasion would get to the kid. Besides, he's assured of keeping #1 by making the SF. Maybe he just doesn't have it today.

 

[Federberg]

That's interesting that you would say that because Roger talks about needing rhythm a lot in interviews...

he talks about rhythm in an in-match context. He clearly doesn't need lots of tennis to find his form

Does anyone else agree that this feels a lot like the last 2 sets against Goffin in London? Maybe it's just coz he's getting schooled bu there's no energy at all

 

[Busted]

This is a combination of incredible tennis from Coric, but just a rather limp-dick display from Roger.

"Limp-dick display" from Roger is 100% accurate but I wouldn't say "incredible tennis from Coric." More like steady with minimal errors. Roger's not playing well and Coric knows it so he's letting Roger beat himself. Kinda like Roger did to Chung in the 2nd set the other day.

 

[El Dude]

Maybe he's disinterested because he's been dominating these players. Who's actually challenged him of late? He may have taken Borna for granted that the occasion would get to the kid. Besides, he's assured of keeping #1 by making the SF. Maybe he just doesn't have it today.

This is what I was getting at above - why it is so hard to stay on top. If you've played 1000+ matches, you're not going to be feeling it every day. He doesn't "have to" win this one, and he was probably hoping to just coast through. But Borna is breaking out in a big way in this tournament and obviously hungry.

 

[El Dude]

"Limp-dick display" from Roger is 100% accurate but I wouldn't say "incredible tennis from Coric." More like steady with minimal errors. Roger's not playing well and Coric knows it so he's letting Roger beat himself. Kinda like Roger did to Chung in the 2nd set the other day.

I don't know, I see some great play from Coric. More than just steady...or at the very least, "steady with minimal errors" is pretty damn good. Like B-game Novak.

 

[kskate2]

that lob from Borna was fantastic

 

[Federberg]

"Limp-dick display" from Roger is 100% accurate but I wouldn't say "incredible tennis from Coric." More like steady with minimal errors. Roger's not playing well and Coric knows it so he's letting Roger beat himself. Kinda like Roger did to Chung in the 2nd set the other day.

I agree. I don't think Coric is playing lights out, that's what's so impressive to me. He's just taking care of business

 

[Busted]

he talks about rhythm in an in-match context. He clearly doesn't need lots of tennis to find his form

Does anyone else agree that this feels a lot like the last 2 sets against Goffin in London? Maybe it's just coz he's getting schooled bu there's no energy at all

I'd disagree about the context of rhythm. He's talked about it both ways - both in context of the match and preparation for playing. He's clearly having an off day. He's allowed. Just don't have too many of them in a row or all the talking heads will be saying he needs to retire.

 

[Busted]

I agree. I don't think Coric is playing lights out, that's what's so impressive to me. He's just taking care of business

I'd be more impressed by Coric's efforts if Roger was playing well instead of littering up the stat sheet with UEs and shitty serving...

 

[El Dude]

Roger is slowly creeping up these last two return games, but I fear too little too late.

 

[Federberg]

I'd be more impressed by Coric's efforts if Roger was playing well instead of littering up the stat sheet with UEs and shitty serving...

but that's the point. He's playing solid and knowing that this Federer won't beat him. How many players at the moment wouldn't beat themselves here?

 

[Federberg]

I'd disagree about the context of rhythm. He's talked about it both ways - both in context of the match and preparation for playing. He's clearly having an off day. He's allowed. Just don't have too many of them in a row or all the talking heads will be saying he needs to retire.

we'll have to agree to disagree. Observationally it is patently obvious that Roger doesn't need much match play to find his form

 

[Busted]

ok. This bunting the ball back on the return into the middle of the court, is getting a bit irritating. Drive it man!

LOL! It's a far cry from how he was driving the BH last year in IW. I blame this all on Brad Gilbert who early on ESPN declared that he thought Roger now had the best BH in men's tennis. Jinx.

 

[shawnbm]

Very impressive Borna!!!

 

[Federberg]

that fucked up passing shot says it all. He ain't feeling it at all

 

[Busted]

we'll have to agree to disagree. Observationally it is patently obvious that Roger doesn't need much match play to find his form

I'll agree to disagree. Match play, yes...but you don't know how much he's practicing...and that's where a lot of rhythm comes from.

 

[El Dude]

Well here's the good thing: We're seeing yet another Next Gen player take a big step forward. When a 28-year old #40 player does this, it is the match of his life; when a 21-year old does it, it is a breakthrough (usually).