GameSetAndMath
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Indian Wells
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GameSetAndMath
The GOAT
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Moxie629 said:
I was just making a sly remark in regard to the problems out there and am not
referring to Russian players per se.
Dolgo is one of my favorite players, so I was definitely happy for his win. I've sort of given up on him ever really joining that elite conversation (his mentality and his disease prevent that) but his game, when on, can be real fun to watch.
However, today, wasn't his best tennis, and that he still won unfortunately underscores the fact that I feel like the level of tennis in the mens game is actually not so great atm.
I still think Nadal's best tennis was back in 2008, that Djokovic's best was two/three years ago, that Federers best was more like a decade ago. It's a little frustrating that people who should be deep in their prime and making big names for themselves (eg Dolgo/Delpo etc) are so completely erratic as tennis players.
This era reminds me a bit of the early 2ks, where the great oldguard was begining to fade, and there was a bit of a power vacuum b/c the generation in their prime had injuries or were headcases (Rios, Kuerten and the like).
However, today, wasn't his best tennis, and that he still won unfortunately underscores the fact that I feel like the level of tennis in the mens game is actually not so great atm.
I still think Nadal's best tennis was back in 2008, that Djokovic's best was two/three years ago, that Federers best was more like a decade ago. It's a little frustrating that people who should be deep in their prime and making big names for themselves (eg Dolgo/Delpo etc) are so completely erratic as tennis players.
This era reminds me a bit of the early 2ks, where the great oldguard was begining to fade, and there was a bit of a power vacuum b/c the generation in their prime had injuries or were headcases (Rios, Kuerten and the like).
tented said:
Tented, wasn't the guy who won Dubai down a set and a break in three of the matches he played there? I didn't actually think he was very consistent in Dubai. He managed to play just over a set and a half of good tennis to win each of those three matches. To me, that's not so impressive...
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TM
Federberg
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The very fact that Fed is able to fight his way through and win tight matches is exactly what gives me hope for him. I'm glad he had to tough it out against Tursonov. If it had been a walk in the park, I would be more nervous in tougher tests to come...
I think playing IW instead of taking more time off caused the back to flare up again. He said earlier it just hurt some when he served. Believe me the way he played the back has become more of a problem! Unlike the healthy Rafa of years past where the longer the Match went on the stronger he seemed to become now the longer the Match goes on the power of his shots just seem to fade away... And I'm not sure about Murray's back either right now? And I haven't heard a word about Nole being hurt, but he isn't playing like he used to either! Roger has been playing all right for anyone else except someone named Roger--his game has definitely fallen off in recent years. Maybe one of the young guns like Grigor can win this? Who knows? But the Old Guard is just looking old now!federberg said:
herios said:
Back problem translates to a serving problem. Big serving from Rafa is clearly not necessary for him to win a small clay court tourney... or even a major one!
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TM
brokenshoelace
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herios said:
I guess you were too busy making yet another false prediction about the next big player to make a splash in tennis, because most of us here were talking about Nadal visibly clinching his back after some rallies against Andujar in Brazil, and Rafa himself acknowledged that his back was still bothering him after that match.
Whether it bothered him against Dolgopolov is a different issue, but the statement above is false and it's become a habit here to throw around these "OMG NADAL EXCUSES LMAO~!" at every given opportunity.
isabelle
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Nadal said in presser that his back was OK si I guess it's true. he can be beaten when healthy, the Dog proved it. I wonder if uncle Toni's going to blame IW's crowd ?? Or maybe ball boys ? The Dog played a great match, hat off to him, he thrilled me
nehmeth
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Haelfix said:
I really, really, really don't like this point of view, probably because of what it portends for the future of my favorite player. Objectively?? Haelfix, you may very well be right.
When Dolgo is playing well it's pure pleasure to watch. He's like a gymnast, he's so light on his feet and can hit the ball from anywhere on the court. He also hits some of the most amazing shanks I've seen. His fans are always guaranteed a bit of whiplash in any match he plays.
shawnbm
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I watched the Nadal-Dolgo match. I have to say that I was telling the missus something I recall telling her years ago when Federer was still number one at the Miami event in 2008. Enough time goes by and these guys seemingly never able to rise above 30 in the rankings just tire of losing to the top dogs. They turn a corner and they stay in the moment and snatch one here or there from the better player. It happens. Dolgo was better in the big moments last night and this was the result. When I saw Rafa break back, I too thought it was over. Even when it went to a breaker, I assumed Rafa would come through for that is what the great ones do. Federer used to do it all the time--the last few years not so much. It did not work out this time for Nadal, and that will happen more in the years to come. 'Tis the nature of the beast. It helps us remember how many non-final matches the greats grind out over lesser opponents that no one recalls--the matches that really require the mental fortitude when not hitting or feeling perfect. Nadal remains a mental giant (as does Federer, Sampras and other greats) because they--over many years--when these last sets and key tiebreaks to beat a hot player. Last night was not Rafa's night, but in fairness to the Ukrainian, he played very well throughout the evening and deserved his victory. It was huge for him and he surely had to battle his own demons to get over the hump against the Spanish Bull.
JesuslookslikeBorg
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britbox
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Great post Shawn, exactly right. If a player wins so many tight ones, we have to accept they'll lose some too. Dolgo's attitude never wavered, and when you're deep in the third, that's what makes the difference. Last night was his, and though it was an ugly match, it was also a big tennis occasion, one to be celebrated because of what he was able to do...
House
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Last night, by far, was the most clay court tennis I've seen Rafa play on hards in a long long time. Very conservative and operating far behind the baseline.
Now I can't say if that is more or less the game plan against Dogo, let him beat himself, but clearly he wasn't comfortable last night.
Now I can't say if that is more or less the game plan against Dogo, let him beat himself, but clearly he wasn't comfortable last night.
Luxilon Borg
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House said:
Spot on. The Rafa we know never showed up..the one who plays fearlessly in the tightest situations.
He was tight and many of his shots landed in the middle of the service box.
Dog controlled the outcome of the match with either winners or errors or forcing play. But it still shows how tough it is to beat a semi confident, off kilter Rafa...7-6 in the third!
Rafa was not comfortable from day 1, even on the practice courts. He REALLY struggled in his Sunday practice, making way more errors than usual.
