Rotterdam ATP 500

[herios]

Wow, is it over? After the first set, I went to the kitchen to have breakfast, and I thought I would return in the middle of the second.
It seems the odd makers got this one right (so far).

 

[Billie]

I like both guys so I was sad to see Gilles being pushed around like he were a kid, but man what a display of power and precision from Tomas. MR easy power in full force today.:clap

Anybody reading L'Equipe here, besides Isabelle? Apparently there is a nice interview with Gilles with this magazine where he talks about talent and players in ATP. As always Gilles has interesting opinions. I read it translated in Serbian and I enjoyed it.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

People here in this forum tend to keep their eye only on the top players and the up and comers.
Gilles was ranked at the beginning of last season 368 and he climbed all the way to 36 (new career high) 2 weeks ago.
He has 3 top 20 scalps this season: Bautista Agut, Isner and Dimitrov.
Yes he relies o a lot on his serve, but also, many keep saying there are not enough serve and volleyers.
Well, here is one for you. And he has a great time right now. Apparently he has added a new coach, and doubles partner to his team, Jamie Delgado and he makes a difference, looks like.

EDIT: He has now 4 Top 20 victims, I forgot that Goffin in R1 was another top 20 player.

I remember that several years ago, once Gilles Muller gave a hard time to Roger at USO
and the match went to five sets (with Roger winning, of course). So, it looked like he
had a good future at that time. But, we heard nothing from him for several years and
then he is now back again.

 

[Billie]

He had a terrible elbow injury, GSM. Here is a nice article about him from ATP, came out just before his AO encounter with Nole this year:

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/01/3/Australian-Open-Sunday-Muller-Feature.aspx

 

[herios]

previewing today's match between Milos and Stan.
For Milos is a very important match, as a victory would mean a new milestone in defeating yet another Top 10 player for the first time.
Also, at this point in time, he would better consolidate the top 6 ranking, he does not want to give the impression that he is less deserving as such, losing to the 8th ranked player in the world.
Not to speak about that an eventual win today would put the pressure on Nishikori to keep his 5th ranking spot.

 

[nehmeth]

Berdych v. Wawrinka in the final. Looking forward to it.

 

[pavlik89]

Stanislas Wawrinka​ vs Milos Raonic​ 1/2 FULL MATCH HD Rotterdam 2015

www.tennishdhighlights.com/atp/rotterdam-2015/

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Stan is now secure in #8 spot. That is good for him as at least he will get his won quarter.
I expect good performance from Stan this clay season and in RG.

 

[Billie]

Berdych v. Wawrinka in the final. Looking forward to it.

Me too. I like both guys so I am hoping for some good tennis, the contest between a beautiful forehand vs a beautiful 1H backhand, bring it on guys!!!

 

[nehmeth]

Berdych v. Wawrinka in the final. Looking forward to it.

Me too. I like both guys so I am hoping for some good tennis, the contest between a beautiful forehand vs a beautiful 1H backhand, bring it on guys!!!

Who are you picking to wins this Billie? I'm going with Berdych to break Stan's string of 5 wins against him.

 

[Billie]

Berdych v. Wawrinka in the final. Looking forward to it.

Me too. I like both guys so I am hoping for some good tennis, the contest between a beautiful forehand vs a beautiful 1H backhand, bring it on guys!!!

Who are you picking to wins this Billie? I'm going with Berdych to break Stan's string of 5 wins against him.

I'll root for Tomas too. He was so impressive today and I'd like him to break the losing string against Stan the man. The thing is with Tomas, I had some high hopes for him before and just when I think he turned the tables and is going to break through at some tournaments, he disappoints me. :nono So a bit of caution this time. Stan has something about him, the way he handled Milos today, he was as calm as a cucumber in critical points in their semi. Maybe Tomas 55% to win as he should have enough confidence here where he won before.

 

[Kirijax]

If I had to bet, I would probably put my money on Wawrinka. He's played well and he has that winning streak against Berdych. Their last metting at the WTF was a beatdown. But Wawrinka had a semifinal berth in his sights and Berdych didn't have much to play for. But if I actually bet money on sports, I'd be tyoing this from my mom's basement because I stink at it. Hoping for Berdych to get another big boost for his confidence before the March Masters

 

[nehmeth]

Tomas has a break point chance at 2-2 on Wawrinka's 2nd serve and chunks it into the net. :cover

 

[Billie]

Nerves my dear nehmeth, nerves. Wowsa what a forehand....2 break chances for Berdy!! come on I want some drama....

Wawa saves one with a great serve and easy put away.

But Wawa is long there and break to Tomas!!! Now we are talking

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Bird is playing with a different kind of purpose these days. He looks more determined but of course we know that things can change with him so quickly.

Bird will serve for the first set at 5-4.

 

[Billie]

I agree Murat, I was fooled by Tomas before...let's see if he can serve out the set for starters.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Stan, Stan...you hit a perfectly fine defensive lob, why would you stay back ? Just go forward and it is your point.

 

[Billie]

Points are getting longer and better. Deuce here....break point for Stan...

Both guys are moving well!

Wow what a huge 2nd serve to erase the break point!!! too good!

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

What a second serve from Bird to save the BP...Wow...

 

[Billie]

Berdy passed the test on this occasion. Now I will root for Stan to take the 2nd set so that we get 3 sets of good tennis today....and because it is -40 C here and I want to postpone my going outside of the house for as long as possible:lolz: