Rafa vs. Monfils

[GameSetAndMath]

I know it is only third round. But, this is a biggie worth the poll (as if
Rafa wins this, he will at least be a finalist with a high probability).

Cast your anonymous vote, before match starts; honor code on time of vote.

Whatever the result, the match will be fun to watch.

 

[Denis]

Rafa in four. Gael will take the second set

 

[DarthFed]

If Monfils is the toughest person in the way of a GS final it is the easiest path in history bar none. This isn't worthy of a poll, but anyways it will be Rafa in an easy 3. Not sure why/how Monfils is being so badly overrated.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Normally, the problem with Gael is that he is so much into antics that he forgets that
his purpose is to win the match. In a recent interview he claims to have matured mentally.
Let us see whether it is true. Given below is Paliaro's preview from tennis.com

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(1) Rafael Nadal vs. (25) Gael Monfils

Head-to-head: Nadal leads 9-2

Rod Laver Arena, first night match

Nadal crunched Monfils 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-2 in the Doha final earlier this month and if the rematch resembles past meetings expect high-energy running rallies—and the world No. 1 commanding pivotal points.

You may view Monfils as a self-indulgent shot-maker, injury-prone showman or the best pure athlete in the game capable of testing anyone when the muse moves him. If he’s serving with conviction, I believe Monfils, my darkhorse pick, can be competitive and deliver his share of eye-popping acrobatics.

Since Monfils swept Nadal in the 2009 Doha quarterfinals—the Frenchman’s lone win in 12 matches against a world No. 1—Rafa has won 15 of the last 17 sets they’ve played with Sliderman scraping out a pair of breakers. Breaking Nadal's serve has not been in the script. Potentially, this is more than a popcorn match, it’s an action-adventure thriller. But at this stage it’s about delivering on critical points rather than dazzling with style points. No one does repetition as ruthlessly as Rafa.

The Pick: Nadal in four sets


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[bobvance]

Gael can't sustain a high level long enough to beat Rafa at a Grandslam. If he wins a set I'd be really surprised.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Gael can't sustain a high level long enough to beat Rafa at a Grandslam. If he wins a set I'd be really surprised.

I agree with you. But, I think it is due to his mental weakness.

 

[Mastoor]

You don't have to wonder who voted for Gael sends Nadal to hospital option. Allez Gael!

 

[GameSetAndMath]

With a 75 degrees Farenheit day time high forecast and this match being night match,
I doubt that it will be settled by either player going to hospital even if it goes to 5 sets.

I gave all possible options in the poll just for the sake of completeness.

 

[Mastoor]

I didn't think of temperature, because even if that was a day match organisers tend to close the roof for Rafa, so temperature is not an issue for him for sure.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Neither player has recovery issue also. Both won their previous matches in straight sets.

 

[tented]

You don't have to wonder who voted for Gael sends Nadal to hospital option. Allez Gael!

You've hit a new low, Mastoor. I don't remember anyone wishing someone injury to the point where hospitalization was required. What sportsmanship ...

 

[rafanoy1992]

Nadal in three or four sets.

If Nadal is ON, then it would be in three sets. But, if Nadal struggles a little bit then I see Monfils taking a set.

 

[brokenshoelace]

If Monfils is the toughest person in the way of a GS final it is the easiest path in history bar none. This isn't worthy of a poll, but anyways it will be Rafa in an easy 3. Not sure why/how Monfils is being so badly overrated.

It's not even in the top 10 for being easiest path in history. I'm not even sure it's in Rafa's top 3 easiest paths in history (the US Open wins, both times, saw him go through an easy draw). Tomic in the 1st round, Monfils in the 3rd, and Roger/Murray/Tsonga in the semi make this at the very least a "medium" draw.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Gael can't sustain a high level long enough to beat Rafa at a Grandslam. If he wins a set I'd be really surprised.

Yeah, the first part is spot on. I wouldn't be TOO surprised if Gael wins a set but that's about it.

 

[Moxie]

I think Gael will make either the first or 2nd competitive, likely go up a break, but Rafa will take it anyway, and the match, in straights, with one close set.

 

[nehmeth]

Will go out on a limb and say the match goes 3 sets and Rafa dispatches Monfils in a pretty straightforward 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.

 

[Goldenboy]

Rafa in 4. I expect Gael could win set 1, after which Rafa will hopefully stem the tide and win the next 3.

 

[kskate2]

Will go out on a limb and say the match goes 3 sets and Rafa dispatches Monfils in a pretty straightforward 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.

This.

 

[isabelle]

Manacor's bull in 3, maybe 4 but he'll prevail

 

[Denis]

What a mental midget Monfils is. He played like a tourist being honored and impressed to play the great Rafa Nadal. He should have taken that out of the equation and take his own game seriously.