Rolex Shanghai Masters 2018, China

[DarthFed]

Borna has improved this year significantly. Talented he was, but his inconsistency made him a journeyman. Not anymore. Think where he started this year. Ranked 48.
Not just he is now ranked in the top 20, but be just made his first master final today and that will bring him closer to the top 10.
Technically, he did two things:
1. He tidied up his service game. He does not serve bombs, but he places them very well.
2. He learned how to move forward on short points.

I think the kid does everything pretty damn well, at least when I've seen him this year. I watched him destroy Medvedev live at Cincy...a month after Medvedev beat him easily at Wimbledon. There's the part he still needs to iron out, consistency.

 

[herios]

I think the kid does everything pretty damn well, at least when I've seen him this year. I watched him destroy Medvedev live at Cincy...a month after Medvedev beat him easily at Wimbledon. There's the part he still needs to iron out, consistency.

He is already more consistent than last year. Thus the climbing in rankings.

 

[atttomole]

It is not an upset, when you analyze how they played today, but otherwise it is a clear upset. You cannot compare their resume, and based on rankings, Borna was also the underdog.

Roger has been playing badly for much of the year, so it was clearly not an upset. I thought he was lucky to beat Bautista Agut.

 

[atttomole]

Coric’s serving and general play was great. I agree that he has improved. We will see how he handles Djokovic’s return and consistent play.

 

[herios]

Coric’s serving and general play was great. I agree that he has improved. We will see how he handles Djokovic’s return and consistent play.

Novak has a much better ROS than Roger. Borna will not hold his service as easily.

 

[Jelenafan]

He's looking very Bradyesque in last year's Bowl

Well Brady passed for 3 TD’s (0 INT’s) and for 505 yards, the most in NFL history for a SB.

I’d say Federer looked more “Peytonesque” in Manning’s last season.

 

[herios]

Roger has been playing badly for much of the year, so it was clearly not an upset. I thought he was lucky to beat Bautista Agut.

If it was not an upset, why many posters here expected Borna to lose today? Check back what @nehmeth, @kskate2, or @GSM posted?

 

[Fiero425]

If it was not an upset, why many posters here expected Borna to lose today? Check back what @nehmeth, @kskate2, or @GSM posted?

I appreciate all that faith; esp. when it's turned on it's head! I try not to assume my fave will win, but just stay HOPEFUL like in those 2 major this season! I didn't update the BLOG until MP; same for this tourney even though Coric not likely to keep this up vs NOLE! :whistle:

 

[Jelenafan]

We are not talking Jack Sock here aka Federer.

Since Halle other than making the R16 at the USO Borna has had a horrible 6 months.

He lost in the 1st round of both Beijing and Shenzhen in this Asian swing to 2 players ranked in the 70’s.
Borna’s Win over Federer is the very definition of an upset.

 

[herios]

I appreciate all that faith; esp. when it's turned on it's head! I try not to assume my fave will win, but just stay HOPEFUL like in those 2 major this season! I didn't update the BLOG until MP; same for this tourney even though Coric not likely to keep this up vs NOLE! :whistle:

Unlikely to see Borna winning tomorrow. Today he did not face a single BP, that just shows how poor Roger ROS is these days. In comparison, Novak's strength is exactly that, therefore I am expect him to be able to break Borna's serve.

 

[monfed]

It's sad to see Fed in this state. I never imagined he'll be in this state after winning Rotterdam. Just devastating.

 

[herios]

We are not talking Jack Sock here aka Federer.

Since Halle other than making the R16 at the USO Borna has had a horrible 6 months.

He lost in the 1st round of both Beijing and Shenzhen in this Asian swing to 2 players ranked in the 70’s.
Borna’s Win over Federer is the very definition of an upset.

Exactly!

 

[herios]

It's sad to see Fed in this state. I never imagined he'll be in this state after winning Rotterdam. Just devastating.

Age is a big factor. No matter how good someone has been, at one point it will have an impact. And I am sure he knows it too.

 

[monfed]

Age is a big factor. No matter how good someone has been, at one point it will have an impact. And I am sure he knows it too.

I think he's done. Maybe he can string up one final run in a slam but I don't see it because I can't see him making any improvements as his physical decline is past the point of no return.

 

[Fiero425]

I think he's done. Maybe he can string up one final run in a slam but I don't see it because I can't see him making any improvements as his physical decline is past the point of no return.

It's what I've been saying for a while, but object if fans use it as an excuse! If Roger's TFO, maybe he should bow out! He had his time! :whistle:

 

[herios]

It's what I've been saying for a while, but object if fans use it as an excuse! If Roger's TFO, maybe he should bow out! He had his time! :whistle:

Probably his contracts will keep him in one more season. But after that, if I would be in his place I would stop. He will be 38, winning slams at that age would be borderline miracle.

 

[Fiero425]

Probably his contracts will keep him in one more season. But after that, if I would be in his place I would stop. He will be 38, winning slams at that age would be borderline miracle.

I just will never understand it! When's enough "enough?" He's already made the most on court and in endorsements! :whistle:

 

[monfed]

It's what I've been saying for a while, but object if fans use it as an excuse! If Roger's TFO, maybe he should bow out! He had his time! :whistle:

It's always tough to accept such a loss to tennis specially for people like me who've been watching Fed since pretty much the Sampras match but really following him since 2004 I would say.

Now I'll have to watch a new sport or try to be happy with the upcoming players but I can't quite root for anyone other than Shapo and Tsitsipas. Thiem if he doesn't choke but that's about it.

 

[herios]

It's always tough to accept such a loss to tennis specially for people like me who've been watching Fed since pretty much the Sampras match but really following him since 2004 I would say.

Now I'll have to watch a new sport or try to be happy with the upcoming players but I can't quite root for anyone other than Shapo and Tsitsipas. Thiem if he doesn't choke but that's about it.

Yes, very hard to warm up to others when a sport idol leaves the scene.

 

[Fiero425]

It's always tough to accept such a loss to tennis specially for people like me who've been watching Fed since pretty much the Sampras match in Wimbledon but really following him since 2004 I would say.

Now I'll have to watch a new sport or try to be happy with the upcoming players but I can't quite root for anyone other than Shapo and Tsitsipas. Thiem if he doesn't choke but that's about it.

I had the same favoritism of Martina Navratilova, but after 20 years it was time for her to step down! She saw the decline and left after Wimbledon final she made in '94 losing to Conchita Martinez! It's almost the same circumstances except Roger actually won his last major "down under!" If he still has the passion to play, he can hang around until he's 40 like Jimmy Connors, but it won't be pretty! The speed of the game is light years ahead of what it was back then! :whistle: :cuckoo: