Rafa knows that he needs to offensive, and he's letting the kid dictate too much. Not his sharpest night, but he's getting a bit of what he deserves. I just want to see him press.
Shapo's serve, especially the second one has a lot of movement. Rafa is still adjusting to it I think...especially coming from a fellow lefty.
But he's blinking. Like now. Shapovalov is supposed to be adjusting to his game. Rafa's going to get nervous now. He's making enough UFEs as it is. If he gets tight, Shapolova, the kid with nothing to lose, is going to cap him.
If he gets Rafa, it will be Nadal's come-uppance. He came up so young he also didn't know he should lose. The danger of the young, talented, fearless. Shalpovalov is all about today. Rafa is thinking about tomorrow, and the #1.
I like the kid. And I'm not sure Rafa is going to pull this one out. Either he breaks out "super-Rafa," or he's at the mercy of the kid who doesn't give a shit.
Wow...after that horrible forehand, I definitely thought he was going to lose his serve. Came back with great serving. Very impressive at this stage, no?
it's looking like he's at the kid's mercy. way to tentative and safe in this match.
Much better in that game, but we'll see how he chooses to play the kid's service game. He needs to press him right here.
