Rome Masters semi: Rafa v Grigor

[Kieran]

Who wins?

 

[Kieran]

I'm torn in this one. Of course, I want Rafa to win quickly so he has some juice in the tank for the final, but I'm long rooting for some youngsters to make headway. It's better for Grigor to face Rafa than Andy - it's better to test yourself against the best. This is a match Rafa can't afford a slow start, like the last couple of matches. I think, however, he may struggle in the first and it could go to a weary third set.

Rafa, in a dogged three, but he's improving all the time...

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa in 3 sets....that is how the script is going in Rome
I prefer a straight sets win for Rafa

 

[brokenshoelace]

If Rafa sticks to the current Rome script (lose the first set, fight your way back from there), it's a problem because Dimitrov has a huge serve and you won't be inside his service games the same way you were with Simon, Youzhny and Murray. Therefore, he really can't afford a slow start.

I wouldn't be shocked if I see an upset to be honest, but I'll stick with Rafa in 3, with a similar scenario to the one that unfolded in all of his matches this week.

 

[nehmeth]

If Rafa sticks to the current Rome script (lose the first set, fight your way back from there), it's a problem because Dimitrov has a huge serve and you won't be inside his service games the same way you were with Simon, Youzhny and Murray. Therefore, he really can't afford a slow start.

I wouldn't be shocked if I see an upset to be honest, but I'll stick with Rafa in 3, with a similar scenario to the one that unfolded in all of his matches this week.

I agree. Going to go with Rafa in three, but I would not be surprised if Dimitrov pulls off the upset in two if Rafa starts slowly again.

 

[El Dude]

I assume the last option is supposed to be Grigor in 3?

 

[Kieran]

Yeah, sorry! I'll try edit...

Edit: I can't edit it! Third option is Grigor in 3...

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I think this time Rafa will start better, get the first, go on a slump in the second and get it together again in the third.

 

[tented]

Yeah, sorry! I'll try edit...

Edit: I can't edit it! Third option is Grigor in 3...

I fixed it.


Thanks for starting the poll, Kieran.

 

[tented]

Rafa in 3 sets....that is how the script is going in Rome
I prefer a straight sets win for Rafa

I think this time Rafa will start better, get the first, go on a slump in the second and get it together again in the third.

Yeah, Rafa in three, dropping the second set. First set tiebreak.

 

[mrzz]

When it was 2 all in the third today, I was writiing a post "Murray will get to 4x2 just to lose 7x5", but let it go. Course no one needs to believe me, but I'm feeling confident anyway.

Considering the form, the sequence of matches, BS argument about Dimitrov's serve, and how their last match went, I'll go for the upset and vote for Dimitrov in two. No early leads, ordinary score like 6x4 6x3.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I think this time Rafa will start better, get the first, go on a slump in the second and get it together again in the third.

I agree with this. People need some change. Rafa loses the second on this.

 

[Moxie]

I'm hoping that Rafa takes from his aggressive finish with Murray and starts that way against Dimitrov. He can't afford a slump if he wants to get through, and finds Djokovic in the final.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

I am mad at Rafa, Grigor in straights.

 

[Moxie]

I am mad at Rafa, Grigor in straights.

What does that even mean? You're mad that Rafa hasn't done better? Do you have faith in Dimitrov? :huh:

 

[TsarMatt]

This should be a good one. Their encounter at the AO a few months back was pretty great, and in all honesty, that match should have gone 5. Baby Federer has been in real sharp form this year and has been continuously improving ever since he has jumped on tour, unlike some of his 'contemporaries' (*cough* Tomic *cough* Young *cough*).

But since Nadal is a mental brick and it's on clay at Rome with so little time until RG, I'll go with the Warrior in 3 sets -- something like 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. But I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Dimi somehow snatches this off him.

I can see it being a high quality match, too, providing it's not too windy. Definitely the more interesting SF.

 

[Moxie]

Grigor should have good feelings about his chances. It'll be interesting to see what he does with them.

 

[Riotbeard]

I picked rafa in 3, but wouldn't be shocked grigor pulls the upset.

 

[Moxie]

I picked rafa in 3, but wouldn't be shocked grigor pulls the upset.

I still don't think he will, either, but stranger things have happened so far this season.

 

[herios]

Time for Grigor to REALLY make a mark, a win here should throw a cat among the pigeons.
Grigor in 2