Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome ATP 1000, SF: Nadal v. Djokovic

[Moxie]

It's been ages since we've had a poll, and I thought this might be a good time.

 

[Fiero425]

Will it be a whitewash of Djokovic after a nice run or could Nadal have a flashback of being pummeled over the last several years including a straight set loss in FO QF a few years ago? It would be nice to see Nole continue this roll, but I'm not seeing it! Not sure he really even wants to be out there! This is a guy who went from winning 3 majors and 6 Masters (in 8 finals) in 2015, dominated his rivals like no other with a record that'll be hard to surpass taking 30+ victories over the Top 10, to this player who hasn't played a final since this one last season! Not sure if Fedal ever looked this bad at their lowest with health or confidence issues! :whistle: :cuckoo:

 

[brokenshoelace]

I actually think Nadal hasn't looked impressive since the Barcelona final, and regardless of Novak's patchy form, he'll need to play well. He's obviously the favorite, but I don't think it'll be straightforward. This match is way more important for Novak than it is for Nadal though. A win here could be a legitimate turning point for him.

 

[britbox]

Didn't notice the separate thread - I'll post in here then.

 

[britbox]

Really impressed by Djokovic so far. Not looking phased out there at all - warming to the task.

 

[britbox]

Now he's looking irritable.

 

[britbox]

That was a really stupid game from Djokovic. No point trying to beat Nadal by being cute with droppers and trying to take the net on a clay court - particularly when you've got a highly suspect net game to begin with.

 

[crystalfire]

this is some of the best tennis ive seen djokovic play in a while. hope he takes it up a notch and stays consistent FO could be fun again and not a forgone conclusion

 

[brokenshoelace]

I think it was a relatively high quality match, and while I'm not sure if this means Novak will gradually keep on improving from here on out, it was definitely a step in the right direction. He still looks half a step slower to me, and Nadal found it easier than normal to stretch him out and draw errors (particularly with Nadal's cross court backhand, drawing errors or weak replies from Novak's forehand on the run), but he also hit the ball cleanly and gave Rafa a very tough first set. The tie break was a particularly high level affair and it was good to see these two playing well.

Nadal essentially played the first set without his forehand down the line, which he's either missing or not going for at all, but he found it in key moments during the tie-break and it paid off. I think everyone knew he'd run away with the match after that. Still can't see someone beating him at RG but I again think Novak is the guy with the best chance, even if it isn't a good one.

 

[Federberg]

I think it was a relatively high quality match, and while I'm not sure if this means Novak will gradually keep on improving from here on out, it was definitely a step in the right direction. He still looks half a step slower to me, and Nadal found it easier than normal to stretch him out and draw errors (particularly with Nadal's cross court backhand, drawing errors or weak replies from Novak's forehand on the run), but he also hit the ball cleanly and gave Rafa a very tough first set. The tie break was a particularly high level affair and it was good to see these two playing well.

Nadal essentially played the first set without his forehand down the line, which he's either missing or not going for at all, but he found it in key moments during the tie-break and it paid off. I think everyone knew he'd run away with the match after that. Still can't see someone beating him at RG but I again think Novak is the guy with the best chance, even if it isn't a good one.

Pretty much agree with everything you say. I wonder if Zverev could present a tougher test in theory? I say theory of course since the fellow doesn't seem to be able to navigate 5 sets

 

[Fiero425]

Pretty much agree with everything you say. I wonder if Zverev could present a tougher test in theory? I say theory of course since the fellow doesn't seem to be able to navigate 5 sets

I say Sasha has enough trouble with 3, often dropping a set going on walkabouts allowing lesser players to extend their matches! :whistle:

 

[Federberg]

I say Sasha has enough trouble with 3, often dropping a set going on walkabouts allowing lesser players to extend their matches! :whistle:

probably right sadly. Just me projecting. Like just about everyone else I'm eager to see new blood rising. Btw is Kyrgios injured?

 

[brokenshoelace]

Pretty much agree with everything you say. I wonder if Zverev could present a tougher test in theory? I say theory of course since the fellow doesn't seem to be able to navigate 5 sets

I really don't know what to make of Zverev beyond his obvious talent. Over 5 sets, I just can't see him beating Nadal right now especially since as you said, his 5 set record against your average player isn't good, let alone Nadal at RG. Plus, from what I've seen of their clay matches (I hope they play tomorrow), he doesn't seem like he troubles Nadal on this surface.

Thiem is probably more interesting as he's theoretically the second best clay courter and holds 3 wins over Nadal on the surface.

 

[Moxie]

probably right sadly. Just me projecting. Like just about everyone else I'm eager to see new blood rising. Btw is Kyrgios injured?

Bad elbow.

 

[Moxie]

I really don't know what to make of Zverev beyond his obvious talent. Over 5 sets, I just can't see him beating Nadal right now especially since as you said, his 5 set record against your average player isn't good, let alone Nadal at RG. Plus, from what I've seen of their clay matches (I hope they play tomorrow), he doesn't seem like he troubles Nadal on this surface.

Thiem is probably more interesting as he's theoretically the second best clay courter and holds 3 wins over Nadal on the surface.

Good point. That used to be a trivia question where the one answer was Gaston Gaudio, until Novak did it. They still may be the only 3 to have beaten him 3 times on clay.

 

[Federberg]

Good point. That used to be a trivia question where the one answer was Gaston Gaudio, until Novak did it. They still may be the only 3 to have beaten him 3 times on clay.

Has Roger only beaten him twice on clay?

 

[Fiero425]

Has Roger only beaten him twice on clay?

I do believe it is so! Roger's come close in other matches, even MP's, but succumbed all too often as he started doing with Nole!

 

[Moxie]

Has Roger only beaten him twice on clay?

Hamburg and Madrid. I don't think there's another one.

 

[Fiero425]

Hamburg and Madrid. I don't think there's another one.

They're practically the same event IMO; changing status, surface, and period in the schedule for years! Hamburg actually was a Masters 1000 event before being relegated to 500 level! Madrid was added in '02, played concurrently with Hamburg at 1000 before taking the place of the German Open; both being BO5 until the last decade! That was another reason Roger hasn't won these events more! The finals were long and quite competitive most of the time, but Nadal took most of them after becoming the clay GOAT in '05!

 

[Moxie]

They're not the same event. They play(ed) differently. But both were best of 3 when Roger beat Rafa.