Mutua Madrid Open 2017 Clay Masters

[Puppet Master]

I can sometimes nail the predictions, but this one is tough. Assuming Nadal doesn't choke on the court as if he had gills, he seems to be the clear fabourite, by quite a margin as well.
With the conditions in Madrid, Rafa doesn't look as strong as on "normal clay" but he is playing very inspired tennis. I doubt Djokovic can counter Nadal's forehand this time around, on this court.
6:4 6:4 Nadal.
Pretty please, Rafa.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Thiem schooling Boric. What does this tell about Andy?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Well, we're finally getting Rafa-Novak. On one hand, with their current forms (to use a phrase Kieran is obsessing about), I don't see how Rafa can lose - he is on fire, the best he's played in three years. On the other hand, there's that little thing of a seven-win streak for Novak that goes back years. It may also be that facing Rafa will spark Novak...let us not forget that Novak actually beat Andy in their only match of the year. Facing another champion may remind Novak that he's a champion.

So yeah, I'm excited to see what happens. I'll also hope that the winner of the top half somehow manages to beat either one, but that is unlikely to happen.

Hey, I never abused the phrase, "based on current form." When I use it, it's usually thought out. I don't do bandwagons.

I agree with your assessment though. Rafa should straight sets this one, but a lot depends on what's still going on between the ears. Rafa has lost three times against federer, and once against Querry. At a certain level, he's back playing better than he has in 3 years, but there are situations he faces where this all unravels and he becomes anxious, tentative, his levels drop and he's looping short defensive balls, losing aggression etc. He's been solid on clay so far, but tomorrow is a different sort of test, and one I'm looking forward to seeing how he handles it.

From Novak' side, it's been positive this week, but not spectacular, and he bought an extra days rest today when the Samurai put down his sword. So he'll be rested, but will he be strong?

Although, Rafa is playing good after a long time, he had not faced a top 5 player on clay yet. He has only two top 10 wins (Thiem #9 and Goffin #10) this year on clay. So, it is somewhat suspect as to whether his current form is good enough against top 5 players. Having said that, Rafa being a confidence player will have plenty of confidence after his roll on clay so far.

 

[herios]

Thiem schooling Boric. What does this tell about Andy?

A lot:snicker

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Thiem schooling Boric. What does this tell about Andy?

A lot:snicker

Thanks. I was worried some smartass would reply saying it is all about match-ups.

 

[herios]

Thiem schooling Boric. What does this tell about Andy?

A lot:snicker

Thanks. I was worried some smartass would reply saying it is all about match-ups.

That loss to Borna was right up there with the one against M. Zverev at the AO

 

[the AntiPusher]

Well, we're finally getting Rafa-Novak. On one hand, with their current forms (to use a phrase Kieran is obsessing about), I don't see how Rafa can lose - he is on fire, the best he's played in three years. On the other hand, there's that little thing of a seven-win streak for Novak that goes back years. It may also be that facing Rafa will spark Novak...let us not forget that Novak actually beat Andy in their only match of the year. Facing another champion may remind Novak that he's a champion.

So yeah, I'm excited to see what happens. I'll also hope that the winner of the top half somehow manages to beat either one, but that is unlikely to happen.

Hey, I never abused the phrase, "based on current form." When I use it, it's usually thought out. I don't do bandwagons.

I agree with your assessment though. Rafa should straight sets this one, but a lot depends on what's still going on between the ears. Rafa has lost three times against federer, and once against Querry. At a certain level, he's back playing better than he has in 3 years, but there are situations he faces where this all unravels and he becomes anxious, tentative, his levels drop and he's looping short defensive balls, losing aggression etc. He's been solid on clay so far, but tomorrow is a different sort of test, and one I'm looking forward to seeing how he handles it.

From Novak' side, it's been positive this week, but not spectacular, and he bought an extra days rest today when the Samurai put down his sword. So he'll be rested, but will he be strong?

Although, Rafa is playing good after a long time, he had not faced a top 5 player on clay yet. He has only two top 10 wins (Thiem #9 and Goffin #10) this year on clay. So, it is somewhat suspect as to whether his current form is good enough against top 5 players. Having said that, Rafa being a confidence player will have plenty of confidence after his roll on clay so far.

Good way to extend the goal post first top ten now top five but I agree with w

 

[El Dude]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

 

[herios]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

Unless he gets injured...which is always a possibility with him.

 

[El Dude]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

Unless he gets injured...which is always a possibility with him.

Especially after he loses

 

[britbox]

Results from the Madrid Open Men's Singles Quarterfinal matches on Friday

8-Dominic Thiem (Austria) beat Borna Coric (Croatia) 6-1 6-4
4-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat 9-David Goffin (Belgium) 7-6(3) 6-2
Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay) beat Alexander Zverev (Germany) 3-6 6-0 6-4
2-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 6-Kei Nishikori (Japan) walkover

 

[britbox]

Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay) beat Alexander Zverev (Germany) 3-6 6-0 6-4

 

[britbox]

8-Dominic Thiem (Austria) beat Borna Coric (Croatia) 6-1 6-4

 

[britbox]

4-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat 9-David Goffin (Belgium) 7-6(3) 6-2

 

[britbox]

Cuevas v Thiem and the 50th episode of Djokal coming up.

 

[DarthFed]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

I was telling other Fed fans on the other board that I sensed Rafa would be rejuvenated this year because his boogeyman has gone lame. I honestly think if Novak was playing like prior years Rafa's year might still look like 2015-2016. It's not that these great players dodge each other but when someone is beating you badly every time regardless of surface it is bound to wear on you mentally no matter who you are. Now with Novak playing awful Rafa looks around and feels the noose loosening a bit and he knows he is the strong favorite on clay. The only other player doing great this year is 35 and might not even play RG.

These guys are all opportunistic and they like to strike when the iron is hot. And the iron is very very hot for Roger and Rafa right now. Nole is looking like a barely top 15 player this year and even the lesser threat of Murray has gone lame. I hope like hell someone stops Nads from RG, he has won too much already.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Well, we're finally getting Rafa-Novak. On one hand, with their current forms (to use a phrase Kieran is obsessing about), I don't see how Rafa can lose - he is on fire, the best he's played in three years. On the other hand, there's that little thing of a seven-win streak for Novak that goes back years. It may also be that facing Rafa will spark Novak...let us not forget that Novak actually beat Andy in their only match of the year. Facing another champion may remind Novak that he's a champion.

So yeah, I'm excited to see what happens. I'll also hope that the winner of the top half somehow manages to beat either one, but that is unlikely to happen.

Hey, I never abused the phrase, "based on current form." When I use it, it's usually thought out. I don't do bandwagons.

I agree with your assessment though. Rafa should straight sets this one, but a lot depends on what's still going on between the ears. Rafa has lost three times against federer, and once against Querry. At a certain level, he's back playing better than he has in 3 years, but there are situations he faces where this all unravels and he becomes anxious, tentative, his levels drop and he's looping short defensive balls, losing aggression etc. He's been solid on clay so far, but tomorrow is a different sort of test, and one I'm looking forward to seeing how he handles it.

From Novak' side, it's been positive this week, but not spectacular, and he bought an extra days rest today when the Samurai put down his sword. So he'll be rested, but will he be strong?

Although, Rafa is playing good after a long time, he had not faced a top 5 player on clay yet. He has only two top 10 wins (Thiem #9 and Goffin #10) this year on clay. So, it is somewhat suspect as to whether his current form is good enough against top 5 players. Having said that, Rafa being a confidence player will have plenty of confidence after his roll on clay so far.

Good way to extend the goal post first top ten now top five but I agree with u

 

[the AntiPusher]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

Unless he gets injured...which is always a possibility with him.

Debbie Downer that you are

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Tignor has just jinxed Rafa. A double jinx (he picked Rafa to win the tourney also) by Tignor is more difficult to overcome than Novak.

 

[Carol]

Rafa is beating good players easy enough that I wouldn't worry about him. In fact, if you buy the narrative that Roger just finally figured out how to beat him - or at least addressed his major weakness - then Rafa has been great this year, pretty much all year. One upset to Querrey, who is the type of player that can beat a top player, and losing to Milos on hards, is hardly terrible. Rafa is having his best year since 2014, possibly 2013.

Rafa is the favorite to win Madrid, Rome, and RG. After that, who knows. But in a way, 2017 is just as exciting for Rafa fans as it is for Roger fans - especially if Rafa wins RG.

I was telling other Fed fans on the other board that I sensed Rafa would be rejuvenated this year because his boogeyman has gone lame. I honestly think if Novak was playing like prior years Rafa's year might still look like 2015-2016. It's not that these great players dodge each other but when someone is beating you badly every time regardless of surface it is bound to wear on you mentally no matter who you are. Now with Novak playing awful Rafa looks around and feels the noose loosening a bit and he knows he is the strong favorite on clay. The only other player doing great this year is 35 and might not even play RG.

These guys are all opportunistic and they like to strike when the iron is hot. And the iron is very very hot for Roger and Rafa right now. Nole is looking like a barely top 15 player this year and even the lesser threat of Murray has gone lame. I hope like hell someone stops Nads from RG, he has won too much already.

Rafa has beaten badly Roger many times and look what happened in the last tournaments maybe because Roger played much better than the previous years or Rafa much worse. Novak surprisely beat in 2011 to everyone and not just Rafa who in 2015 and 16 was playing worse than Novak now losing against anyone. Rafa since the beginning of the clay season is playing much better than the last months on HC even that he reached most of the finals but he wasn't too close of his best. Now besides to win already two tournaments in a row he is playing very well in Madrid where never has been the best place for him. I don't think an inspired Novak (I'm sure he will try everything) and of course very rested will can beat an inspired Nadal