Rolex Masters Monte Carlo

[nehmeth]

I think Stan wearing his boxer shorts as tennis gear during his matches is psyching out the opposition.

 

[Carol]

Roger, Rafa and Ferru have tough opponents tomorrow, very interesting matches.....

I don't think Federer or Ferrer will ultimately be troubled, but Isner is one of the last people Rafa would want or need to play right now -- even on clay.

He needs to gain confidence through rhythm and consistency; Isner provides zero rhythm. Tiebreaks are almost inevitable (four of their last seven sets were settled in tiebreaks), which means the whole match could be decided on one or two points.

I'm interested in Wawrinka vs. Dimitrov. Pressure is on both sides: Wawrinka as defending champion, and Grigor once again in the position to live up to the expectations of "Baby Fed", but has yet to make it to a Masters final.

I agree that Rafa has not had good luck playing the second round against Isner bc the reasons you have said but winning the match (I hope he will) he would get more confidence
Maybe Ferru will have an easier win but Monfils playing well is a tough opponent against anyone :dodgy:

 

[Fiero425]

I think Stan wearing his boxer shorts as tennis gear during his matches is psyching out the opposition.

Monfils looked like he was sporting camouflage gear yesterday! :nono It's all hideous; esp. the optic colors being pushed! :cover :nono

 

[10isfan]

As much as I love watching Monfils, I am not looking forward to his match against Fed. We all know he could beat anyone if he kept his head (which he does all too infrequently, to the relief of everyone on tour). Afterall, it was Monfils who pushed Fed so hard at last year's USO that Fed got injured and lost the next round. I am not sure Fed ever admitted to his injury, but sadly he was which deprived him of the chance to win his 18th major.

 

[Federberg]

wow! Stan getting taken to the woodshed by Grigor

 

[Federberg]

As much as I love watching Monfils, I am not looking forward to his match against Fed. We all know he could beat anyone if he kept his head (which he does all too infrequently, to the relief of everyone on tour). Afterall, it was Monfils who pushed Fed so hard at last year's USO that Fed got injured and lost the next round. I am not sure Fed ever admitted to his injury, but sadly he was which deprived him of the chance to win his 18th major.

I don't recall Roger being injured after his victory. He was just knackered! It was what it was... and no more :blush:

 

[mrzz]

As much as I love watching Monfils, I am not looking forward to his match against Fed. We all know he could beat anyone if he kept his head (which he does all too infrequently, to the relief of everyone on tour). Afterall, it was Monfils who pushed Fed so hard at last year's USO that Fed got injured and lost the next round. I am not sure Fed ever admitted to his injury, but sadly he was which deprived him of the chance to win his 18th major.

Honestly, I disagree. I am really far from thinking that Monfils could beat everyone only if he had focus. You really have a point about last year's USO, but at least IMO Federer played a very poor match, and payed the price. Federer's B game should be enough to beat Monfils comfortably, and, running the risk of eating my words in two hours, I believe Federer will handle Monfils quite easily today.

 

[tented]

As much as I love watching Monfils, I am not looking forward to his match against Fed. We all know he could beat anyone if he kept his head (which he does all too infrequently, to the relief of everyone on tour). Afterall, it was Monfils who pushed Fed so hard at last year's USO that Fed got injured and lost the next round. I am not sure Fed ever admitted to his injury, but sadly he was which deprived him of the chance to win his 18th major.

I don't recall Roger being injured after his victory. He was just knackered! It was what it was... and no more :blush:

I agree. My impression was the Monfils match drained Roger, and he barely had anything left in the tank for Cilic. If Roger had won the Monfils match in straight sets, he probably would have made it to the final.

 

[Federberg]

this is looking like a real struggle for Roger. Is he playing badly? Or Gael playing well? Hard to tell by just seeing the score coming through..

 

[El Dude]

I'm afraid Gael just has Roger's number. Roger did win their first five matches, but that was a younger Roger and a wilder Monfils. If you look back at their H2H since 2010, they're 3-3. I think it is about a 50-50 chance in any given match.

 

[El Dude]

OK, now it is 4-3, Monfils.

 

[Mile]

Good win by Mofils, he did make Fed to cover some distance.

 

[Federberg]

Obviously I didn't watch the match, but the key for Roger has always been to avoid side to side battles. Only Novak, Rafa and Murray can consistently beat Gael in that type of scenario. Ah well.. a good lesson for Roger to learn where he's at. I watched highlights of the Chardy match yesterday and it didn't tell us anything at all. Now we know!

 

[Kirijax]

After a calm Wednesday, Thursday is looking dangerous for the seeds. Federer and Wawrinka are already out, Raonic gets away in three, Berdych escapes a set point in the first.

Fun!

 

[nehmeth]

Time for Ralf and Nole to restore order.

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN-Q5PXcqWk[/video]

 

[Kirijax]

Can we just play a tie break for the second set and move on? Isner really blew that. A one-trick pony.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

So the Swiss team goes home...not like it is a long way home, but it will be depressing one. Not surprised at all at both results.

 

[Federberg]

I actually have no problem with Gael beating Roger. Truth be told, I would love Monfils to win RG. That would be something to see and enjoy Such a frustrating talent

 

[herios]

So the Swiss team goes home...not like it is a long way home, but it will be depressing one. Not surprised at all at both results.

They are showing Roger's match on Sportsnet right now, Murat. I watched the first set. Roger did not play too well. Up and down through the match.
Monbfils on another hand was playing solid, with deep shots into the court, keeping Roger on the defensive or neutral, unable to dictate points.