Monfils Uses Emotional Adrenaline To Slay Kei in Montreal

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Thomas Tung writes:

Hartt/Chazz: Shapovalov played as if he enjoyed the prospect of winning, Nadal (literally) played as if he hated to lose (much too tentative), and ended up losing (particularly bad returning from Rafa). Denis hit a ton of errors, but was golden whenever it really mattered -- much like a young Pete Sampras in that regard (circa Pete's 1990 US Open win, where he played matches in which he was making lots of errors, but even more outstanding offensive play).

 

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catherine writes:

Chazz Ostapenko's a flash in the pan. What has she done since Paris ? Shapovalov doesn't seem like that to me. How do you know when a player's done ? You look for the 1,000 yard stare. Kerber had that yesterday at the end of her match - unfocussed and blank. I've seen it in so many players over the years - next thing you know they've retired or drifted down to qualifying. OMG that black Adidas stuff is awful. Whoever told them black was good for summer wear ? And if your spirits are low being decked in mourning can't help.

 

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catherine writes:

I do write in paragraphs but this site doesn't seem to like them Bizarre score in Barty/Muguruza match. I feel Venus is facing time to go now - for her own sake as well. Looks very tired. Maybe after USO ?

 

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catherine writes:

Impressed by how often Stephens was willing to go to the net, even after being passed. Just kept up the pressure. A few good volleys too.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Heckuva win from Shapovalov. I'll point out it's a home crowd and he loves playing in front of a home crowd. Even if it were in table tennis it would be a win that leaves everyone speechless. Nadal was a little different after the first set. He must've been a little shocked to play a long haired teenager with the racquet in his left hand covering the court from corner to corner at warp speed. Go figure...Nadal used to be that teenager, it was like looking in the mirror!!!

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Youngest masters QF in history?!!

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

As Steve Tignor at tennis magazine (whether you love his writing or hate it) after Shapovalov's earlier win this week, "Shapovalov is officially part of the next Gen of ATP". I think that still holds after the Nadal win - he's a promising young player who likes a crowd. Most exciting Canadian prospect since Raonic and Bouchard hit the scene, and creating the most excitement in Canada since Bouchard took the mic to criticize Sharapova (Bouchard's play still hasn't caught up with her microphone mastery!).

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Sorry Raonic

 

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Hartt writes:

Tignor had a good piece on Denis' win over Rafa. Although he still had an error, said that Denis is outside the top 150, his actual ranking is 143, a pretty easy fact to check. Denis has already reached his season's goal of making the top 150. He reset it to top 100, and will be at No. 100 in the next ranking (and, if he beats Mannarino, could be No. 66). He already needs to set a new goal! This was a terrific win over Rafa, even Denis did not really expect it. I know we should be careful about a young player, and not get too excited. But I think Denis is the real deal. His coach, manager, and others who know him well all say he is extremely hard-working and determined. His aggressive style will take him a long way, although his coach, Martin Laurendeau, is trying to get him to reign it in just a little. But he plays the big points so well, stays cool under that incredible pressure. The crowd support did help him in the tourney, but that is its own pressure and many players wilt under it. Bouchard is a perfect example. But Denis loves the big stage, loves pitting himself against top players. And his success in Queen's just a couple of months ago shows he can play well outside of Canada as well. Denis is slated to play the Vancouver Challenger next week. I wonder if he will make it - even this energetic youngster may be tired by then - physically, mentally and emotionally. What a week for the 18-year-old!

 

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Chazz writes:

I already like him better than Raonic. Moves better in a less robotic way, shows emotion.

 

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Chazz writes:

Catherine, way way too soon to call Ostapenko a flash in the pan. She did do something after the French Open - she made it to the Wimbledon QF.

 

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Hartt writes:

Andrew, I love your "Nadal used to be that teenager, it was like looking in the mirror!!!"

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

So when will Shapovalov take over tennis? 2020? 2019? 2018? Shapovalov beats Rafa in his first chance (unbelievable) and Zverev, the annointed future no. 1, still hasn't done it in three or four tries. And Felix is supposed to be better than Shapovalov? Dan did you stick a fork in Raonic?

 

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Hartt writes:

Catherine, yes, this site does hate paragraphs. When my posts first appear there are paragraphs, exactly as I formatted the piece. Then, suddenly, the paragraphs disappear and it is one big block of type.

 

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Chazz writes:

Yes, the paragraph thing is frustrating. It didn't used to do that. Seems like it started happening when the forum changes were made.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Scoop, true. As of today, Shapovalov is undefeated against Nadal. Nadal will remember this next time they play, and the fact that Nadal will remember Shapovalov at all is, as Brad Gilbert wrote last night, " I can't believe I'm even saying this". It's one match. Nick K. was 1-0 also after his Wimbledon win over Nadal. But a glorious win for sure.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Still got faith in Milos. But, down year to date.

 

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Hartt writes:

If Milos could stay healthy for a few weeks at a time, it would help. But I was very disappointed with how he let this wrist injury affect him mentally. Yes, it hurt his BH but he should have been able to serve well and hit his FH. Instead, he was distracted by the injury.

 

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Hartt writes:

It is hard to say which youngster is better, Felix or Denis. A great problem for Canadian tennis fans to have! Felix is slated to be back from his wrist injury at the USO qualies, so we will have a chance to see where his game is at.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

To me too early to predict anything. But these kids are good and have ambition and love a big crowd and have a lot of guts. They are all Ostapenkos.