Mutua Madrid Open ATP1000 02-11 May 2014

[Murat Baslamisli]

The Gulbis forehand is like a solar eclipse. If you look at it directly without protection, it burns the retina, damages the eye.

Working great today though. Overall, he is really good today.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

See, Murray does not always give roller-coaster matches for his fans. Sometimes he
also gives straightforward matches like today. :snigger

 

[Moose]

Thiem withdrew

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Thiem withdrew

Well, that blows...what's the story?

 

[herios]

Thiem withdrew

Well, that blows...what's the story?

Even the commentators for the Gulbis - Cilic match were surprised, they do not know either

 

[herios]

Gulbis served lights out and gets through in 2 sets. He is also sick, on antibiotics they said (under the weather).

 

[Moose]

Gulbis served lights out and gets through in 2 sets. He is also sick, on antibiotics they said (under the weather).

wonder if there is any connection - Gulbis and Thiem are best of friends, always travelling and practicing together. So if Ernie's sick, perhaps that might in part explain why Dominic withdrew, if it could be something they both caught.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Good win from Agut as well. He gets Giraldo. My money is on Giraldo. It is not real money. I don't have money to bet. Front does. Talk to him.

 

[Kirijax]

Went to bed with Nishikori trailing 2-5 in the first. Didn't look good but very glad to see he pulled it out! He is really rolling now. Very disappointed in Murray. I'll hold off what I think until Wimbledon is over but it sure doesn't look good right now. Neither of Berdych or Dimitrov are my favorite players but glad to see Berdych put down Baby Fed.

 

[herios]

Good win from Agut as well. He gets Giraldo. My money is on Giraldo. It is not real money. I don't have money to bet. Front does. Talk to him.

This is a wonderful opportunity for these 2 unseeded players.
Both are 26y, with very little on their resume and by the way, they are currently ranked in the ATP system one beside each other:

45 Bautista Agut, Roberto (ESP)
46 Giraldo, Santiago (COL)

No matter the outcome of their QF match, both will be getting to a new career high.

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTAlLZFNX78[/video]

 

[Moose]

From Dominic's Facebook page:

I am extremely sorry I was not able to play today. We guess maybe I ate something wrong, but we do not exactly know right now. I felt sick all day and it became worse and worse instead of better. I saw the doctor and we tried everything. But it is simply impossible. I would have loved to play against Feliciano Lopez today, I was so much looking forward to that match and show you a good fight. I am in the hotel now and hope I will be fit enough tomorrow to fly home. I will get in touch with you as soon as I can say more what really happened and when I will be able to play again. Sorry again!!

https://www.facebook.com/1.Dominic.Thiem/posts/838693792812293

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Tough break for the kid. Hope he feels better soon.

 

[Kieran]

That's a pity! He had a huge win against Stan. We're still waiting for a youngster to even reach a big semi, let alone a final. JJ at Wimbledon last year is looking lonesome...

 

[zalvar]

So sad, Thiem couldn't play today. Hope he gets better enough for next week.

 

[Moxie]

Ferrer is looking very keen to win this one. Just took the first 6-4 over Isner. Isner has definitely improved his movement on clay, though.

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWtFLyH0Q1M[/video]

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I must say this is the best match I have seen Ferrer play on clay so far this year.

 

[Moxie]

Really stunning Ferrer! Isner didn't play badly, but Ferrer was really reading his serve, and he was intense on every single point. 6-4, 6-4.

 

[Moxie]

Quarterfinals Order of Play:

FRIDAY, MAY 09, 2014

MANOLO SANTANA

3:30pm Nadal v. Berdych
Bautista Agut v. Giraldo

8pm Ferrer v. Gulbis
Nishikori v. F. Lopez

________________

Rafa should get Berdych, though Tomas has a new commitment to confidence, he keeps telling us; Nishikori will beat Feli, I'd think.

If Ferrer plays the way he did today v. Isner, I don't see how Gulbis gets him.

I have not even a guess about the other.