MONTE CARLO ROLEX MASTERS - Apr. 12-20 - 2014.

[Kieran]

More breaks in this match than there are holds, so far...

 

[Kieran]

Just when I'm cockily writing off the little terrier, he's got Rafa at 15-30, second serve... :nono

Nadal isn't playing well enough and hasn't been all year. Contrary to popular belief, Ferrer doesn't just fold when he plays against him. So don't expect this match to be particularly pretty or for Nadal to cruise.

No, they're always slogs against Ferrer, bar a few exceptions. But you're right about Rafa. He's Half-Court Ralph again... :nono

 

[TsarMatt]

Just when I'm cockily writing off the little terrier, he's got Rafa at 15-30, second serve... :nono

Nadal isn't playing well enough and hasn't been all year. Contrary to popular belief, Ferrer doesn't just fold when he plays against him. So don't expect this match to be particularly pretty or for Nadal to cruise.

No, they're always slogs against Ferrer, bar a few exceptions. But you're right about Rafa. He's Half-Court Ralph again... :nono

I agree most of their matches are tough to get through, but this is some pretty entertaining stuff. Besides a few errors here and there, it's been pretty clean.

 

[Kieran]

Next one to hold serve in this match gets a wild card into the next WTA tourney... :snigger

 

[tented]

This is turning into a WTA match: OK, I'll serve, but you'll break, then you'll serve, and I'll break, then ...


EDIT: Oh, Kieran beat me to it by seconds.

 

[TsarMatt]

This match has been going on for 45 minutes and we're only at 3-3.

 

[Kieran]

This match has been going on for 45 minutes and we're only at 3-3.

Yeah, it's great practice for Rafa - if he wins - for facing....er, nobody...

 

[Kieran]

A good hold there for Rafa, the obligatory bp dispatched...

 

[isabelle]

Stan the Man kept his end of the bargain, by reaching the semis... :clap

Yes I'm very happy for Stan the Man, hope he can continue like that. Allez Stan

 

[Kieran]

That's bloody atrocious hitting there, by Nadal. Big looping backhand sailing out by a metre... :nono

 

[Kieran]

It's the most impressive, glorious sight in tennis, the Rafa forehand running his opponent ragged... :clap :clap

 

[Kieran]

Edgy point, Ferrer didn't dispatch the volley, Rafa nailed it, but couldn't put away the repeat. Deuce...

 

[TsarMatt]

Imagine the highlight video for this match...

1st set isn't even finished yet and we're 75 minutes in. Stunning!

 

[tented]

What do you think: Will Rafa hold, or does Ferrer break and get the set?

 

[Kieran]

That's a good hold for Daveed, at full stretch as Nadal smelt blood. I think Rafa's last service game was the only one where he didn't face break points. Let's hope....there, I've jinxed him, haven't I?

 

[TsarMatt]

This'll go to a TB and Nadal will take it. Next set will probably be something like 6-2 in 30 minutes with Rafa winning it.

 

[Kieran]

This'll go to a TB and Nadal will take it. Next set will probably be something like 6-2 in 50 minutes.

There, fixed that for ya...

 

[tented]

Did someone finally tell Rafa it's OK to hold at love?

Tiebreak ...

 

[TsarMatt]

Nadal just had a brainfart.

 

[Kieran]

It's like playing against a wall. I've got to admire Ferrer's attitude, but Rafa is making heavy weather of everything. Double break down in the tiebreak...