Madrid 2015 Masters

[Murat Baslamisli]

This is what I was afraid of...That foot injury is bothering Milos. He came back too early.

 

[nehmeth]

This is what I was afraid of...That foot injury is bothering Milos. He came back too early.

He might as well sit this thing out until Wimbledon. All those double faults to give Murray the break??? :nono

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Milos doesn't seem injured to me, just terrible at volleying.

Going big on the second serve from time to time will give you a few get out of jail free cards but eventually the double faults will catch up with you. It's not a long term strategy.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Milos doesn't seem injured to me, just terrible at volleying.

Going big on the second serve from time to time will give you a few get out of jail free cards but eventually the double faults will catch up with you. It's not a long term strategy.

He has been grimacing every time he steps on the foot.

Nehmeth, I agree, he has to shut it down till Wimby. Tall guys never heal quickly with foot injuries.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

I haven't been watching for it, they've just started mentioning it in the commentary.

Shame.

 

[tented]

During Grigor's match with Stan, it seemed the Bulgarian contingent were out to support him. Poor Stan (out there in his undershorts again), had fans yelling even while he was trying to toss the ball.

But I'm pretty sure Ralf's cohort will be the majority today.

This doesn't affect Rafa (or Roger). This is part of their enormous success. Out of their 2,000+ matches, I can only remember a handful of times when the crowd played a role. Roger in Miami against Roddick a few years ago, for example, and the '07 Wimbledon Nadal/Soderling match.

Other than Davis Cup matches -- where players are expected to behave a certain way -- they seem practically unaware of crowds. Rafa is so focused on the moment, and what's happening on court, I sometimes think the crowd could spontaneously combust, and he wouldn't notice. :laydownlaughing

 

[tented]

I thought Murray would have won this by now, especially with Milos' foot injury.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

I thought Murray would have won this by now, especially with Milos' foot injury.

Raonic appears okay with his serve and from the back of the court, moving up to the net seems to be the big problem.

Murray serving for the match now anyway.

 

[tented]

I thought Murray would have won this by now, especially with Milos' foot injury.

Raonic appears okay with his serve and from the back of the court, moving up to the net seems to be the big problem.

Murray serving for the match now anyway.

He closes it out in straights -- and before midnight!

 

[TennisFanatic7]

I thought Murray would have won this by now, especially with Milos' foot injury.

Raonic appears okay with his serve and from the back of the court, moving up to the net seems to be the big problem.

Murray serving for the match now anyway.

He closes it out in straights -- and before midnight!

:eyepop

I don't particularly like Raonic and I don't think I'll ever really warm to him but in spite of that I'm willing to admit that every time I watch the guy, I only gain more respect for him. A consummate professional and not at all afraid to go toe to toe with the big names, refused to take the easy way out tonight as well when it would have been easy to sulk his way through the second set or even throw in the towel. Can't say fairer than that.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Looks like Kei is on course here. Ferrer missing something tonight.

Either way, we'll have four semi-finalists who all have reason to believe they've got a great chance of winning this tournament, and it would be massive for any of them. Should make for a good weekend's action. Disappointed I can't watch any of it but hope y'all enjoy it.

 

[Kirijax]

Three of my favorite players in the semis! clap:clap Sure hope one of them can beat the other one!

 

[nehmeth]

Kei beats Ferrer in a little over an hour, with 23 winners to David's 6. Really nice match.

 

[Riotbeard]

Kei beats Ferrer in a little over an hour, with 23 winners to David's 6. Really nice match.

Yes, he looked very impressive.

 

[Kirijax]

The Nishikori-Murray match will be very interesting. Nishikori favored I think.

 

[nehmeth]

The Nishikori-Murray match will be very interesting. Nishikori favored I think.

Would be nice if Kei could polish off the dour Scot in a quick two.

 

[Kieran]

The Nishikori-Murray match will be very interesting. Nishikori favored I think.

It'll be very interesting. It was discussed recently here, that Kei is third favourite for Paris, and has a much better chance than Andy. I didn't fully buy that, and I'll be curious to see how they shape up tomorrow...

 

[Carol]

Question, I haven't see the match but I'd like to know if Nishi has played very well or Ferru pretty bad?

I see that Muzz-Raonic was more interesting and probably better match, I think the Scotch is playing well this clay season

 

[Fiero425]

Question, I haven't see the match but I'd like to know if Nishi has played very well or Ferru pretty bad?

I see that Muzz-Raonic was more interesting and probably better match, I think the Scotch is playing well this clay season

Hopefully he won't pull a "Brad Gilbert;" world beater before the USO, maybe even upsetting a top player along the way! He better hope he doesn't wear himself out winning small events before the FO, then lose early in Paris! :angel: :dodgy:

 

[Moxie]

I didn't see any of Berdych d. Isner, but the stats indicate that Tomas's 1st serve pct. was not great. Which is fine, because Isner hasn't got much ROS, but is also rather bad, for the same reason. (No pressure.) That won't cut it against Rafa, though, and he will have more pressure. Rafa had a better serving day, and against a more dangerous returner. I will be surprised if Berdy pulls off another win over Nadal tomorrow.

I agree that Murray/Nishikori could be very intriguing. Murray seems to have his fight back, and his game is really getting there. Best of 3 and surface favors Kei. Even beyond the obvious reason, I hope it's a big battle. Like TennisFanatic7 says, they all have a lot to play for here, and all have a legit shot at the title.