Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 2019, Monaco, ATP Masters 1000

[herios]

No complaint, but how do you figure Fed isn’t better than Novak overall on clay?

Because Roger has 11 titles on clay while Novak has 13.
Also, Roger DID NOT win neither MC nor Rome, while Novak won them both more than once and more so by beating Nadal at least once in those finals.

 

[Federberg]

Because Roger has 11 titles on clay while Novak has 13.
Also, Roger DID NOT win neither MC nor Rome, while Novak won them both more than once and more so by beating Nadal at least once in those finals.

you could easily argue that the version of Nadal that Novak has had to face isn't the same beast as the one Federer faced. But I would certainly concede that Novak has accomplished more on clay. The problem is that when you just look at numbers you end up missing a lot. There was a time when Roger was so much better than anyone else on clay (apart from Rafa) it wasn't close. I'm not one for woulda coulda but it's hard to argue with Blake that Rafa denied Roger at least 3 or 4 RG's. As for El Dude's assessment of clay greats I have to agree with Ricardo. The likes of Lendl, Borg and Nadal are just in another league... period. I would also say that it's hard to say that someone like Muster on clay isn't being seriously underestimated. The man was simply untouchable on the surface at one point, and only serious injury compromised what he could have achieved in my view. Just looking at the numbers can obscure a lot..

 

[herios]

you could easily argue that the version of Nadal that Novak has had to face isn't the same beast as the one Federer faced. But I would certainly concede that Novak has accomplished more on clay. The problem is that when you just look at numbers you end up missing a lot. There was a time when Roger was so much better than anyone else on clay (apart from Rafa) it wasn't close. I'm not one for woulda coulda but it's hard to argue with Blake that Rafa denied Roger at least 3 or 4 RG's. As for El Dude's assessment of clay greats I have to agree with Ricardo. The likes of Lendl, Borg and Nadal are just in another league... period. I would also say that it's hard to say that someone like Muster on clay isn't being seriously underestimated. The man was simply untouchable on the surface at one point, and only serious injury compromised what he could have achieved in my view. Just looking at the numbers can obscure a lot..

I did not put Novak in the same category with Nadal, Borg or Lendl on clay.

 

[herios]

I just realized that Lajovic has no titles at all in his resume.
Fabio has 8, and 7 of them are on clay.

 

[Federberg]

I did not put Novak in the same category with Nadal, Borg or Lendl on clay.

yes I know you didn't. I was just commenting on the discussion between El Dude and Ricardo. I was just killing two birds with one stone

 

[mrzz]

Come one, Fognini, give us a classic prima donna performance and fold on game three.

 

[mrzz]

As the match start I want to leave absolutely clear that I absolutely want to have a civil and respectful conversation with everyone rooting for Fognini, and that the video where I allegedly appear to be burning a Fognini voodoo doll is completely taken out of context.

 

[mrzz]

Good quality from both on the start of the match.

 

[Federberg]

Am I the only one watching this match thinking that this is like a throw back to what clay court tournament finals were like before the Big 3. It's nostalgic

 

[mrzz]

First blood Lajovic!!

 

[Federberg]

I can see how Lajovic's backhand slice has driven some guys crazy. But against some of the monster attackers like a Stan, Federer, Djokovic or Nadal he would have been put away easily in my view. Good player though, does what he has to do against the opponent. Who knows what solutions he would have brought in the alternate

 

[mrzz]

^He has a hell of a drive back hand also. It will appear at some point.

 

[Federberg]

^He has a hell of a drive back hand also. It will appear at some point.

yes it's a great shot. Excellent recovery to save break point there. He's a player for sure

 

[mrzz]

Fantastic defense by Lajovic

 

[Federberg]

great break back from the Fog. This is not going to be like the rest of the week Dusan. Looks like Fabio will make him work for this

 

[mrzz]

Poor execution on game points may cost Lajovic. Right play both times (wide open serve, side spin on the first shot), but missed both. Fognini holds to go in front 3x2.

 

[Federberg]

Fog playing to his status. This week might be catching up to Dusan

 

[mrzz]

Fognini up a break

 

[mrzz]

Lajovic maybe was waiting for Fognini to self-destruct, but this is not happening. Fognini deservedly up 5x2.

 

[mrzz]

First set prima donna