Rolex Masters Monte Carlo

[Kieran]

Rafa looks clean, and fresh and young. By the way, hands up anyone who thought this draw to the semis would kill him? Come on, put your hands up! Isner did great and Ferrer is good on clay, but seriously, go stand in the corner and reflect on what you done...

 

[Kieran]

Th big discussion regarding Rafa has been his honesty about getting nervous on court, and how the physical game is returning but he feels more fragile mentally. We've seen this before when he professed during his defeats to Nole back in the dark days that his game was okay - but he didn't experience "The Calm" during the clutch.

I think he looks more driven today, decisive and bullish in his shot selection, his shot-making. he's making this match what it always should be - a Great Big Un against a good little un. Daveed is always honest, so it's a good game for Rafa to improve the aspects of his game that aren't quite back yet...

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am surprised that Gael actually consolidated his win against Roger with today's win. It is not usually the pattern with him. Is he growing up? Or just having a solid stretch?

It is bad news about Milos. Unfortunately taller guys always deal with more injuries. The foot thing is bad. He cannot rush it or it will linger forever.

 

[Kieran]

The more disappointing aspect of the Monfils match is Grigor - again. Same with the USO match. I know, gael has great skill, etc, but he shouldn't be trouncing Grigor anywhere if the Bulgar isd serious about being a great player... :nono

 

[nehmeth]

17 unforced errors from Ferrer.

 

[Kieran]

Vamos! :clap

 

[nehmeth]

Super long point on Ferrer's serve that Nadal finishes off down the line... next two points David double faults both of them. :nono

 

[Kieran]

Yeah, Rafa's in the mode, brother. Daveed is conflustered...

 

[nehmeth]

I love the way Rafa spins that lefty serve into the body. Really nice.

 

[Kieran]

Rafa looks good all over, but still not back to what he needs. I'd make Nole favourite for tomorrow, but this is stronger than I expected from Rafa at this stage...

 

[Kieran]

Arrrrrggghhhh! :laydownlaughing

It would have been the point of the tourney if Rafa hadn't skewed the easiest shot of them all...

 

[Kieran]

They'll change Ferrer's name on his little shoes to "Lazarus" if he escapes from this one...

 

[nehmeth]

It would have been the point of the tourney if Rafa hadn't skewed the easiest shot of them all...

David may still be on the bad end of a bagel if this keeps going. Too many ufes from the little guy. The new stick seems to be agreeing with Ralf.

 

[Fiero425]

It would have been the point of the tourney if Rafa hadn't skewed the easiest shot of them all...

David may still be on the bad end of a bagel if this keeps going. Too many ufes from the little guy. The new stick seems to be agreeing with Ralf.

David just doesn't have a brain; on auto-pilot playing the same way each time! How many times does he have to lose to the same guy to realize he needs to take more chances and move forward? Rafa's killing him with drop shots since he's so far behind the baseline! :nono :cover :angel:

 

[Kieran]

Daveed wearing the exact same colours as the ball boys. Difficult to tell them apart...

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am looking forward to the final tomorrow.

 

[Kieran]

Great shot by Ferrer there, almost out of desperation he flung a backhand winner down the line... :clap

EDIT: 3-2 now. Breaks of serve are like the WTA with these guys, but Baby Beast is making a fist of it...

 

[nehmeth]

Daveed wearing the exact same colours as the ball boys. Difficult to tell them apart...

Ball boys just a tad slighter and wearing white hats.

 

[Kieran]

Daveed wearing the exact same colours as the ball boys. Difficult to tell them apart...

Ball boys just a tad slighter and wearing white hats.

Thanks. A couple of them are taller (in fact they all are) but what helps me is to remember, he's the one with a racket in his hand... :snicker

 

[nehmeth]

Daveed wearing the exact same colours as the ball boys. Difficult to tell them apart...

Ball boys just a tad slighter and wearing white hats.

Thanks. A couple of them are taller (in fact they all are) but what helps me is to remember, he's the one with a racket in his hand... :snicker

The Fedal effect of the Nike dolls is troublesome. The disco stripes on the pants keep blinding me and I can't tell whether it's Fed or Ralf out there. :nono