Monfils Uses Emotional Adrenaline To Slay Kei in Montreal

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Andrew Miller writes:

Hartt, Milos in my opinion was very affected in confidence department by loss of top coaches. A year ago today he had Moya and McEnroe on board (or a little more than a year ago). Now he's back with his stable go to coaching and physio, he's just as fragile as before as a big ox and is playing big points worse than before, when he shut the door on opponents. I fear the pressure has smashed Raonic into pieces mentally and his performance doesn't match up with his goals or his coaches. But At least he's not peaking too early. Peaking in Montreal is a rookie mistake. That much we can say.

 

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catherine writes:

Andrew - I wouldn't do any predictions myself, about anyone. Just let things unroll without creating more pressure - impossible task I agree but probably better in the long run. (new para !) News today about Azarenka possibly having to skip USO. Unfortunate situation for everyone and let's hope it can all be resolved without too much media prying.

 

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catherine writes:

We need an icon here to indicate there are para breaks and it's not all stream-of-consciousness

 

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catherine writes:

Note on adidas fashion range - Black is almost Germany's national colour and it's ok if you're blonde. Not so much otherwise. And soaks up the sun. A racquet manufacturer once told me that the key to selling equipment in Germany was simply to market the same model range as for other countries but have them painted black. Worked like a dream.

 

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catherine writes:

Ha Ha ! Paras there !

 

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catherine writes:

Oh no ! Just to trip me up - block suddenly appeared. This site will not tolerate 'widows'.

 

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Hartt writes:

As a close follower of Milos, I think he has several problems. He puts way too much pressure on himself to win Rogers Cup. It is telling that his best run was way back in 2013, when he made the final against Nadal. Back then he was not expected to do particularly well, so he had much less pressure. And I wish he would stop wearing the red and white kit with the maple leaf when he plays this tourney - he needs to treat it more like a regular tournament, not like a "Canadian" event. (new paragraph) Another problem is he is too cautious by nature. He knows he needs to play an aggressive style to win (goodness knows he says that often enough), but that is not his basic personality. Shapovalov has always had an aggressive style, and it shows in big matches. Milos desperately needs to loosen up in big points, big matches, not think so much, and go for it more. (new paragraph) Which brings me to my last point. It is great that Milos wants to continually improve, but there comes a point where he simply needs to consolidate what he does well. Last year he was playing very well (when he was not ill or injured). He needs to get back to how he was playing then, not worry about making yet more changes.

 

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catherine writes:

Hartt - Some of the points you make about Milos could just as well apply to Kerber (I'm still thinking about yesterday's debacle), and maybe to a few others. Particularly on assuming an aggressive style when it isn't the basic personality, loosening up, relaxing, not brooding too much, getting back to where he was when he played well - although on this point I'd have to say, time does not stand still so 'going back' may not make sense psychologically. * (para) Angie comes out on court now radiating anxiety, negativity and tension. She's beaten already. And if she, like Milos perhaps, keeps re-running past matches in her head and feeling all the emotions associated with them then there's little room for anything in the present. * I think you should set yourself up as a mind coach PS - of course Denis is young and his mind is freer and his natural instincts work without being muddled by a lot of past experience - good and bad.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Every player must always improve and execute well. Berydch always executes, but rarely improves.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

The Toronto women's tournament has a better QF set of matches than the men. Something tells me that success in Montreal means nothing for the us open.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Aptos challenger, who is Sarmiento? I know everyone else in that draw.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Svitolina or Safarova, Czech em out.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Raonic needs to be healthy. He's become a version of Mario Ancic and of the post US Open Del Potro - sometimes inspired and inspiring, usually breaking down every big tournament.

 

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Chazz writes:

Did anyone catch the Svitolina-Williams match yesterday? What a rout, 2 & 1. I was wondering what happened there.

 

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catherine writes:

Chazz Venus' physical problems may have caught up with her. I gather from those who saw the match that she appeared very tired and just couldn't keep up. Not sure if she is playing Cincinatti - probably shouldn't. Wouldn't be at all surprised if she retires this year.

 

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Hartt writes:

Rain in Toronto is holding up the first Women's match - Pliskova v Wozniacki. That will be an interesting contrast of styles. Then Stephens v Safarova. Will Sloane continue to play well? Safarova is so likable she will have a lot of fans. Svitolina v Muguruza - Toronto has a big Ukrainian population, will they be out to support Elina? Will Garbine show that she can have success outside of Slams? We know the Romanian fans will be out in force to support Halep in her match against Garcia. Can they help her win today?

 

[Front242]

catherine writes:

Chazz Venus' physical problems may have caught up with her. I gather from those who saw the match that she appeared very tired and just couldn't keep up. Not sure if she is playing Cincinatti - probably shouldn't. Wouldn't be at all surprised if she retires this year.

She said not too long ago she wants to play in the 2020 Olympics so I doubt she's going anywhere.

 

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catherine writes:

Hart - Simona has the easiest draw possible up to now and she will beat Garcia SS. I watched most of Sloane's match yesterday (Youtube) and was quite impressed with her game, very fast around the court, good forehand, and also her general comportment, which oozed confidence. I have to say I was never a fan of hers but she seems to have matured. This one is a toss-up. Pliskova bt Wozniaki ? Two tall women, one with the better serve. Hope the rain doesn't carry on or there'll be a big back up over the weekend.

 

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catherine writes:

Front242 - I know Venus said she wants to play in 2020 but I doubt her body is going to allow it. Auto-immune conditions don't get better. But she'll go on as long as she can compete seriously, I'm sure.

 

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Andrew Miller writes:

Mannarino's desire vs Shapovalov's emotional crash - what's the pick? Shapovalov's sugar high is going to crash and burn, now or soon. Can Mannarino pull this off and get to the semis of a Masters? Or can Shapo shake off his I can't believe I have to play today reality and punch his semifinal ticket as younger ever masters semifinalist? I predict... Sugar low. Sorry guys, unless Mannarino is himself too nervous to take out Shapovalov, this is Manny's match to get a great result and a sweet payday.