Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome, Italy - Masters 1000

[the AntiPusher]

Well, Uncle Toni has been working with Felix on his claycourt game for at least a year year now, no?

Here's the thing: all this talk about how gifted Felix is, but compared to some of the other contenders for the post Big 3 throne at the moment things are not looking good for him. Granted Medvedev hates clay, but even he has had some good claycourt results in Masters and Majors. (SF at MC, QTRS at FO) Rublev has done well on both HC and red clay. Even the Crown Princes (Tsitsipas and Zverev) thrive on both and young Jannick Sinner has a Masters finals on HC AND a QTRS at the French Open. Ruud, more a claycourter had a breakthrough at the Miami Masters reaching the finals. Of course we all know how well Alcaraz has done on both surfaces.

So maybe Felix won't understandably beat Novak tomorrow, but if he's still a one surface wonder maybe it's time to reassess how much he'll climb. Though I do think at least making it to the QTRS here at Italy is potentially big for him.

Yeah you have a point.

 

[the AntiPusher]

If Courier says one more damn thing about Rafa's foot.. Good Grief Man.. Nadal just won the set 6-1.. who is paying your salary.. Novak and Fiero..

 

[Jelenafan]

After failing to convert multiple BP's in the first game Nadal is now broken and is down 2-0 2nd set.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

If Courier says one more damn thing about Rafa's foot.. Good Grief Man.. Nadal just won the set 6-1.. who is paying your salary.. Novak and Fiero..

Just Mute Courier for goodness sakes......you know he is always negative where Rafa is concerned....nothing has changed with him.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sloppy start to the 2nd set Rafa and you deserved to get broken

 

[the AntiPusher]

Denis.. takes a peak at the spot before he serves. Rafa should be able to see his "Tell". It's funny.. I feel Denis serves like a true Lefty but Rafa sometimes I feel doesnt.

 

[kskate2]

Well with Novak’s win over Stan he sets up a QF date with Felix AA. Felix looked good with his win over Giron but ….

Hes been hovering in the top 15-20 for more than a year but Felix has yet to make his stamp, IMO. I dont think in a big tournament, ie Majors or Masters, Felix has that one big “signature” win over a top player like some of the other young bucks have enjoyed. In a few months Felix turns 22, if not now, when?

Well Felix, heres your shot:

First meeting ever between him and World # 1 Novak.

I thought he whooped Zed at Wimby last year. And who did he beat in Aus before he let Meddie off the hook?

 

[kskate2]

Denis throws slop at the wall and is surprised it sticks. Broken at love.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Just Mute Courier for goodness sakes......you know he is always negative where Rafa is concerned....nothing has changed with him.

Margaret.. I noticed Jim shut his mouth during Novak and Carlos semi when it got into the 3 set.. Jason took the lead and was the lone voice.. maybe it was because that match was really one of the best of the year and so much more entertaining than Rafa's battle with this chump.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Denis.. takes a peak at the spot before he serves. Rafa should be able to see his "Tell". It's funny.. I feel Denis serves like a true Lefty but Rafa sometimes I feel doesnt.

Rafa is a 'fake lefty' lol!....I should know cause I am a true one

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Margaret.. I noticed Jim shut his mouth during Novak and Carlos semi when it got into the 3 set.. Jason took the lead and was the lone voice.. maybe it was because that match was really one of the best of the year and so much more entertaining than Rafa's battle with this chump.

You mean Jason Goodall at least he is impartial and calls tennis well both on the ATP and also is a commentator on the WTA tour

 

[kskate2]

You mean Jason Goodall at least he is impartial and calls tennis well both on the ATP and also is a commentator on the WTA tour

Jason, Robbie and Nick Lester have been the go to team of commies. Always fair and provide great tactics.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jason, Robbie and Nick Lester have been the go to team of commies. Always fair and provide great tactics.

I also would add Darren Cahill as well,when he is commentating

 

[kskate2]

Wow. He bricked that OH. It's worse than a Novak specal

 

[the AntiPusher]

Denis throws slop at the wall and is surprised it sticks. Broken at love.

Rafa service game has been a bit sloppy but give Denis credit making him hit another ball and extending the rally.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I also would add Darren Cahill as well,when he is commentating

Don't forget Rafa fans's favorite Paul Anaconne

 

[kskate2]

Rafa service game has been a bit sloppy but give Denis credit making him hit another ball and extending the rally.

But fighting Nads in his return games is a whole lot different than giving away 4 service points w/ slop.

 

[kskate2]

Shapo breaks Nads and we're headed for a decider just like last year.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Paging Rafa's Serve! for starters.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Paging Rafa's Serve! for starters.

Rafa's made too many UFEs and why he isn't body serving n volley Shapo BH is beyond me. SMH2