Miami Open, Miami, FL, 2023 - ATP Masters 1000

[tented]

 

[tented]

Alcaraz/Sinner stats:

 

[rafanoy1992]

I'm becoming more and more convinced that FAA just doesn't have "it" - whatever "it" is, that differentiates the Gasquets and Dimitrovs of the world from the true elite guys. I do think he'll win Masters eventually, but hard to imagine him having the mental fortitude to beat Alcaraz, Rune, or Medvedev on route to a Slam.

Right now I see aan ATP 500/Slam QF/SF guy like Rublev: A guy you expect in the QF of a Slam but are unlikely to see in the Final.

In my opinion, the reason(s) FAA might not have "it" to win a slam is because of two major technical weaknesses: Backhand and Return of Serve.

We have talk about on how when Felix is ON, he is dangerous, however, one thing that remains constant is that if his opponents attack his backhand and serving well, Felix will more than likely struggle and lose the match.

In the IW thread, someone mentioned that Felix needs a kick serve so he does not go for broke on his 1st serve, while I agree with that comment, I feel like he needs to improve his BH and Return of serve first before he adds a kick serve.

Case in point: Against Alcaraz, FAA won a total of 16 return points on Alcaraz's serve (28%) in 10 return games. That is not good enough against top players. If Felix does not have a very good serve, then this would have been a blowout.

The way I view it is this: His serve will keep his matches competitive, however, his return of serve/backhand will make his matches a struggle.

 

[tossip]

FAA just needs to relax,he seems to be stiff for such a young guy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Very proud of Jannik in his match against Alcaraz, I thought being a faster court he could go close or win, his returning was great, also what about the 'rally of the match and the year so far' between these 2 players Sinner and Alcaraz, just outstanding
Another stat Jannik has now defeated Alcaraz on 3 surfaces, clay, grass, and now HC. ( I watched the match on delay due to work)
His H2H against Medvedev is not great, Meddy leads 5-0, though last time they met, the surface was slower.
Good luck in your match tomorrow Jannik, hopefully you can win your first Masters 1000.
BTW I am delighted to see you posting Rafanoy though please have more faith in our boy Sinner
I was cranky with him in the 1st set leading and then giving away the lead and make ufe in the TB, he should have won it, I hope it will not come back to bite him later in the match, it did not though to his credit he stood tough with deep returns in the 2nd set, I like the way he returned up the middle hard and flat,not giving Alcaraz time to react, also they body serves..Proud of the way he finished the match.I also think physically he did well, must be the time off court he has been doing in practice also in the gym, I still think there is room for improvement, though the way he played Alcaraz in IW, I saw the changes he made, in Miami, I also think the faster surface suited his game more against Alcaraz.

 

[don_fabio]

what about the 'rally of the match and the year so far' between these 2 players Sinner and Alcaraz, just outstanding

Yeah, this one was crazy. Sinner got the best of Alcaraz with a soft touch backhand CC pass. This rivarly is pretty exciting and leveled, you never know what's going to happen.

The speed of Alcaraz is really something, he looks like moving at 1.5x instead of 1.0x. When he fell on his butt he was up on his legs in no time, like he jumped from a trampoline. Amazing.

 

[tented]

 

[tented]

The head-to-head is quite clear. Does anyone give Sinner a chance?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yeah, this one was crazy. Sinner got the best of Alcaraz with a soft touch backhand CC pass. This rivarly is pretty exciting and leveled, you never know what's going to happen.

The speed of Alcaraz is really something, he looks like moving at 1.5x instead of 1.0x. When he fell on his butt he was up on his legs in no time, like he jumped from a trampoline. Amazing.

Don,
Another thing I like about these 2 players, they have good admiration for one another off the court, they both are mature beyond their years, I really enjoy their matches, and I look forward to their matches going forward in their careers.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The head-to-head is quite clear. Does anyone give Sinner a chance?

View attachment 7944

I think if Jannik can show the same level he did against Alcaraz, this faster court does suit him better yes I feel he is in with a chance., interesting this is the first time they have met outside, with different factors, like humidity etc to contend with.

 

[tented]

I think if Jannik can show the same level he did against Alcaraz, this faster court does suit him better yes I feel he is in with a chance., interesting this is the first time they have met outside, with different factors, like humidity etc to contend with.

Yeah, that can’t happen often: 5 matches, all indoors.

I think Sinner will feel confident after the SF. Also, he’s young so he shouldn’t feel tired.

 

[tented]

It’s hot in Miami: 87 F/30.5 C

Sinner is already looking sweaty.

 

[tented]

It took 10+ minutes, but Sinner finally held: 1-1

EDIT: Medvedev then held at love in less than 2 minutes.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Hard for both players with the half the court in shadow.

 

[tented]

Hard for both players with the half the court in shadow.

That won’t be a problem in 20-30 minutes, but for now it is making things difficult.

 

[tented]

Back-to-back DFs from Medvedev, then Sinner wins the next rally: BP.

 

[tented]

Sinner breaks!

@rafanoy1992 - I hope you’re watching!

Both players look exhausted, and it’s only 3-2 in the 1st set. Andy Murray was smart to train in south Florida, in those hot, humid conditions.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sinner breaks!

@rafanoy1992 - I hope you’re watching!

Both players look exhausted, and it’s only 3-2 in the 1st set. Andy Murray was smart to train in south Florida, in those hot, humid conditions.

With these conditions players really need to start hydrating the night before, knowing it will be hot and humid for their match, also have extra energy drinks for their match on the day.

 

[tented]

Ugh … the net decides that point, and we’re back on serve.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Ugh … the net decides that point, and we’re back on serve.

Is there really a reason to have a net cord in matches lol! oh well