Madrid 2015 Masters

[Denis]

He who lives by the sword...

Nicky's first serve slayed Federer, then he faced the first-serve gorilla, who bumped him off. Hoping now that Berdy bumps off Isner, faces Rafa in the semis, and Rafa gets Nishi in the final, with Rafa showing that last year's final (first part of) was just a blip.

Watch all the sudden reassessments and revisions of RG estimates happen after this...

All of this out of a win over Bolelli?

Nope. Out of nearly 40 years of watching the game. I think this season will shape up fairly similar to last, on clay, with the same result at RG...

Some signs of life and you're getting cocky?

That's okay, it might be your last opportunity.

 

[Kirijax]

Way to go Isner! Niceto see him knock Kryg out. I'm with herios. Can't stand the guy. I hope he has a Kournikova type of career.

so now we have:

Berdych (This guy is so rock solid this year. Except in the last two rounds that is.)
Isner (After the first two months, I thought this guy was maybe done but he has had a nice spring.)

Dimitrov (Mr. Sharapova finally waking up? Need to see more.)
Nadal (GOAT - Gamemanshipper of all time - hasn't really faced anyone who believes they can beat him. Yet.)

Ferrer (There as always. Darkhorse for the FO?)
Nishikori (Out to finish what he started last year. Please, please, please stay healthy.)

Raonic (IF he beats Mayer)
Murray (IF he beats Granola Bar, looking good right now though. He has to be tired.)

 

[TennisFanatic7]

I have to say, Kieran, as much as I accept that we all probably get our hopes up a bit high about our own guys, you must be on a wind-up... Perhaps Rafa could beat a player in the top 10 before we talk about him winning Madrid and Garros as some sort of 'you'll see' situation?

 

[Kirijax]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

 

[Denis]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

I really doubt that. I would be interested in a Nishi - Murray semi, that would be a really good test for both of them I think.

 

[Kieran]

Some signs of life and you're getting cocky?

That's okay, it might be your last opportunity.

You've been hoping that for years, Denis. Don't worry, I'm not about to make any rash predictions about 25%, or anything like it... :snicker

 

[Kirijax]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

I really doubt that. I would be interested in a Nishi - Murray semi, that would be a really good test for both of them I think.

A Murray-Nishikori SF would definitely be better. But a Murray-Raonic match on any surface is something I've been wanting to see.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

I really doubt that. I would be interested in a Nishi - Murray semi, that would be a really good test for both of them I think.

I feel that Andy should have Raonic's number on clay. If he does indeed reach Kei/Daveed in the semi final, I wouldn't necessarily fancy his chances, especially against Nishikori.

 

[Kirijax]

If Raonic let his hair grow longer, maybe throw in a hairband or two, then the number of fans and sponsors would probably be triple. But keep the sleeve. That's like Federer's Lord Farquaad or Nadal's clam bake signature look. Just a thought.

 

[Kieran]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

I really doubt that. I would be interested in a Nishi - Murray semi, that would be a really good test for both of them I think.

I feel that Andy should have Raonic's number on clay. If he does indeed reach Kei/Daveed in the semi final, I wouldn't necessarily fancy his chances, especially against Nishikori.

I expect so too, but I agree with Denis here: raonic matches are not something to look forward to, Murray Nishi, however, would be. I think Andy is looking fine, though, and he's slightly under the radar too, compared to Nishi. That would be a scrap to savour...

 

[the AntiPusher]

I was hoping Isner would beat Nick. Great job John
:clap

Why? Just out of curiosity...

Because I cannot stand Kyrgios. I made it clear yesterday, if you paid attention.

I think the anti Kyrgios contingent is quite high on this board, he is an unwanted punk IMO

 

[Kieran]

Why? Just out of curiosity...

Because I cannot stand Kyrgios. I made it clear yesterday, if you paid attention.

I think the anti Kyrgios contingent is quite high on this board, he is an unwanted punk IMO

McEnroe was an unwanted punk, Connors was too, until they became beloved "characters" of the sport. There's room for guys like Nick. My only problem with him is if he doesn't knuckle down to the brass tacks. A tennis professionals career isn't just about entertaining people, it's more about winning. If he develops a champs hunger for victories, he'll be undeniable. So far, I think he's doing great, and he's a long overdue breath of fresh air...

 

[the AntiPusher]

Because I cannot stand Kyrgios. I made it clear yesterday, if you paid attention.

I think the anti Kyrgios contingent is quite high on this board, he is an unwanted punk IMO

McEnroe was an unwanted punk, Connors was too, until they became beloved "characters" of the sport. There's room for guys like Nick. My only problem with him is if he doesn't knuckle down to the brass tacks. A tennis professionals career isn't just about entertaining people, it's more about winning. If he develops a champs hunger for victories, he'll be undeniable. So far, I think he's doing great, and he's a long overdue breath of fresh air...

Not quite the same as Connors and especially McEnroe, those guys were nasty to fellow players and tennis officials , folks actually wanted to relate or connect with these villains, Nick K is just a pure punk.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Milos just closed out his match and will meet Murray.

 

[Fiero425]

Because I cannot stand Kyrgios. I made it clear yesterday, if you paid attention.

I think the anti Kyrgios contingent is quite high on this board, he is an unwanted punk IMO

McEnroe was an unwanted punk, Connors was too, until they became beloved "characters" of the sport. There's room for guys like Nick. My only problem with him is if he doesn't knuckle down to the brass tacks. A tennis professionals career isn't just about entertaining people, it's more about winning. If he develops a champs hunger for victories, he'll be undeniable. So far, I think he's doing great, and he's a long overdue breath of fresh air...

Nick's still a kid! Not sure where all this animus is coming from! He's only been in the public eye for a year; making a name for himself with upset of Rafa @ Wimbledon! Is that why he's a punk to some people? uzzled :nono I think of Rafa as a punk, but I back it up with something; stalling, gamesmanship, in general a real piece of work! :cover :ras: :dodgy:

 

[Carol]

Kyrgios's game and personality reminds me Tsonga a lot when was younger
His body language is not the best but neither the worst, I see other players acting worse when they are losing :nono :s

And talking about a 'punk'.....

http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/11200000/blond-roger-roger-federer-11242422-1111-565.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/34/955/1024/Federer5579.jpg

 

[tented]

Friday, May 08, 2015

Manolo Santana Start 11:00 am

[3] Maria Sharapova (RUS) v Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

Not Before 1:00 pm

[1] Serena Williams (USA) v [4] Petra Kvitova (CZE)

Not Before 3:30 pm

[3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) v [10] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)

[6] Tomas Berdych (CZE) v [16] John Isner (USA)

Not Before 8:00 pm

[2] Andy Murray (GBR) v [5] Milos Raonic (CAN)

[4] Kei Nishikori (JPN) v [7] David Ferrer (ESP)

---

Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario Start 1:00 pm

[7] Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) / [7] Lucie Safarova (CZE) v Casey Dellacqua (AUS) / Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)

[3] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) / [3] Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) v Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) / Karolina Pliskova (CZE)

[5] Marcin Matkowski (POL) / [5] Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) v Marin Cilic (CRO) / Viktor Troicki (SRB)

[3] Vasek Pospisil (CAN) / [3] Jack Sock (USA) v [6] Marcel Granollers (ESP) / [6] Marc Lopez (ESP)

---

Stadium 3 Start 2:00 pm

Rohan Bopanna (IND) / Florin Mergea (ROU) v Juan Sebastian Cabal (COL) / Adrian Mannarino (FRA)

Feliciano Lopez (ESP) / Max Mirnyi (BLR) v Jamie Murray (GBR) / John Peers (AUS)

 

[Moxie]

I think the anti Kyrgios contingent is quite high on this board, he is an unwanted punk IMO

McEnroe was an unwanted punk, Connors was too, until they became beloved "characters" of the sport. There's room for guys like Nick. My only problem with him is if he doesn't knuckle down to the brass tacks. A tennis professionals career isn't just about entertaining people, it's more about winning. If he develops a champs hunger for victories, he'll be undeniable. So far, I think he's doing great, and he's a long overdue breath of fresh air...

Not quite the same as Connors and especially McEnroe, those guys were nasty to fellow players and tennis officials , folks actually wanted to relate or connect with these villains, Nick K is just a pure punk.

But what you're saying is that McEnroe and Connors could be bigger jerks. Big Nick is just a potty-mouth with a dodgy haircut. I reckon some younger viewers will want to connect with him in the same way you're saying that some did with Johnny Mac and Jimmy. I agree he comes off as a bit rough and a street punk, if you like, but I'm trying to resist being such an old fogey, and I'm going with Kieran here. I think his game (remember someone's "game?") can be wildly thrilling, for all it is undisciplined and erratic. He only left his teenage years a couple of weeks ago, so he's got some seasoning to go. But he's not afraid to take a big scalp, which is more than can be said for many of those his senior. I'm going to try to hold off judging him by his hair and his rough-edges, and see how that big game/big personality turns out.

 

[herios]

Nice fast win for Murray! :clap Just what the doctor ordered. A Raonic QF would be interesting to see.

I really doubt that. I would be interested in a Nishi - Murray semi, that would be a really good test for both of them I think.

A Murray-Nishikori SF would definitely be better. But a Murray-Raonic match on any surface is something I've been wanting to see.

Raonic leads the proceedings against Murray 3-2 overall (1-0 on clay).
That gives me hope that Milos could do it again here. I am looking forward to this one and I hope Milos gets a crack to Kei. That would make my day.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

I'm a fan of big nick k. likes the big stage for a start, just needs to stay fit for a bit so we can really see whats going on, at least now he will be seeded in top32 at French open.

does he say one or two naughty words ?..oh deary me. so what ?.