Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome ATP 1000, 2018

[Moxie]

Back to the topic of Rome...I did say that it was mysterious that Sasha had done so poorly against Rafa just on clay, previous to this match. I was surprised by the dip by Rafa in the 2nd, but not surprised that Zverev has pressed him on clay, finally.

 

[brokenshoelace]

@brokenshoelace : I'm just getting to watch the 2nd half of the match. You're a tough critic of Rafa. What was some of that slop about today?

I've only seen the highlights so far, haven't seen the match. It's tough to judge slop by the highlights as they don't show errors. My observation, purely based on the highlights (they were extended, but still) and the last couple of tournaments, is Nadal isn't hitting the ball particularly well, and his forehand has been a little off. The ability to change direction isn't there yet, and that always gives him confidence issues to pull the trigger. I think his serve is glaringly harmless, and that is a bigger issue to mean (as I think he'll get the forehand sorted out come RG).

The good news is he's moving very well and the backhand has been pretty good. I'm also usually harsh on his volleys but they were great today. I wouldn't be too worried about the French Open. I think he'll find his game when he's there. The conditions just suit him. The players I would "worry" about are Djokovic and Thiem, in that order, although the former way more than the latter. I actually think Rafa would hammer Zverev at RG if they were to play. A red hot Del Potro could be interesting but that's a big if anyway, and maybe a red hot Cilic, but that's pushing it.

 

[Moxie]

OK, thanks. His serve was really on the other day, but has fallen back. I agree re: RG. Djokovic will weirdly float, I think. He's always the biggest issue, but I don't see him ready for best of 5 v. Rafa.

 

[Moxie]

I just watched the trophy ceremony. I posted a video in the Rafa fans thread, but clearly Nadal has been working on his Italian. Creditable speech in Italian. Nice!

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa said after the match that the key strategy change he made after the rain break was about service returns. Instead of moving forward, he continued to remain deep for returning, but made conscious effort to hit the ball higher and longer. This forced Sasha to stay back and Nadal gradually moved slightly inward as the rally progressed, taking control of the rallies.

 

[Moxie]

This from Steve Tignor, for those who still don't appreciate Nadal's talent:

"What we should have realized is that while young Rafa could grind, he also had the full repertoire of shots. In reality, he was a clay-court artist, rather than simply a specialist, and his game would eventually translate to every surface. But it’s not too late to appreciate his racquet skills. In the third set on Sunday, Nadal took an excellent Zverev lob, one that appeared destined to get over his head, and knifed it away with a leaping skyhook overhead while looking in the other direction. That’s no baseline grinder’s shot; that’s a born tennis player’s shot, an artist’s shot."

 

[Carol]

Great picture of a great Champion

 

[brokenshoelace]

This from Steve Tignor, for those who still don't appreciate Nadal's talent:

"What we should have realized is that while young Rafa could grind, he also had the full repertoire of shots. In reality, he was a clay-court artist, rather than simply a specialist, and his game would eventually translate to every surface. But it’s not too late to appreciate his racquet skills. In the third set on Sunday, Nadal took an excellent Zverev lob, one that appeared destined to get over his head, and knifed it away with a leaping skyhook overhead while looking in the other direction. That’s no baseline grinder’s shot; that’s a born tennis player’s shot, an artist’s shot."

That shot was ridiculous.

 

[The_Grand_Slam]

Shame about that rain delay ruining Zverevs momentum.

I'm actually quite surprised he's become THIS good on clay.

 

[Moxie]

That shot was ridiculous.

Everyone can see it at about 3:30 in this highlights video:

 

[Carol]

Shame about that rain delay ruining Zverevs momentum.

I'm actually quite surprised he's become THIS good on clay.

Really? and how he started 2-0 and 3-1in the third set? he looked very motived but Nadal very smart decided to make some changes and the result changed automatically, the rain and to stop to play was for both players

 

[monfed]

Shame about that rain delay ruining Zverevs momentum.

I'm actually quite surprised he's become THIS good on clay.

I'm not surprised because his FH ,BH, return, serve is all consistent and deep. Mental midget though but that may change in the future when moony doesn't have this much luck.

 

[The_Grand_Slam]

I'm not surprised because his FH ,BH, return, serve is all consistent and deep. Mental midget though but that may change in the future when moony doesn't have this much luck.

I think he'll defeat Nadal on HC/grass if they meet again this year.His BH was neutralizing Nadals vicious FH Topspin on clay.Safe to say he'll do better off clay.
Might impressive resurgence from him after a series of journeyman defeats from Cincinnati to IW this year.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Everyone can see it at about 3:30 in this highlights video:

Only Roger could make that shot,,this is why I consistently state, “when Are is True meaning Fedal are fit, rested and 100% the only thing that can detour them is Novak in his prime because he has to unique ability to extend the points.

 

[Ricardo]

Really? and how he started 2-0 and 3-1in the third set? he looked very motived but Nadal very smart decided to make some changes and the result changed automatically, the rain and to stop to play was for both players

Rain delays like othe delays, usually affect one player more than another.

 

[Carol]

Rain delays like othe delays, usually affect one player more than another.

In the first set Nadal played superb, what affected then to Zverev?

 

[Carol]

I think he'll defeat Nadal on HC/grass if they meet again this year.His BH was neutralizing Nadals vicious FH Topspin on clay.Safe to say he'll do better off clay.
Might impressive resurgence from him after a series of journeyman defeats from Cincinnati to IW this year.

I'd say Zverev will defeat Federer on grass or HC like he did before

 

[The_Grand_Slam]

I'd say Zverev will defeat Federer on grass or HC like he did before

Whatever helps you sleep at night

 

[Carol]

Whatever helps you sleep at night

Same to you :lulz2:

 

[Mastoor]

I am very happy with Nole's performance in Rome. He proved not to be far from his smashing form which we can expect to bring him titles very soon. I read that even uncle Toni is excited about this. I wasn't aware that he was a fellow fan.