I think this is true too. The match was winnable, but I think Rafa was really struggling with confidence. I'm sure the loss to Dmitrov who he had previously beat in all of their encounters spooked him. I think he knew that Troicki could play him well and feared that it might happen again. He wasn't free to hit out; he was being too careful and it cost him.
this is also part of it. after all it does take TWO players to a game..
but troicki played smartly. in many instances he didn't wait to let rafa get into a point enough and grabbed the chances he built to finish off points quickly - and it seems that this presented a real problem for Rafael..the court played somewhat fast i thought and it was exactly good for Viktor's approach yesterday. and that's what it means to be smarter in a game..
but it's also true that on the whole this HAS been a very, very bad season for rafael -- practically almost two years now really -- and THAT can take the 'bite' out of his shots...and that's enough to render anyone vulnerable, i think.
but still this was a good enough RAFA that against many other players he still could have launched a win.
Troicki - however - IS a very, very good player - and let us remember HE was the HERO when SERBIA Took its Davis cup. ..showing a player not only with GAME but one who CAN endure and play well under pressure on a given day.
and this day was one of these.
a lot of it is the dynamics -- when they meet in their careers, what the present circumstances are, how a formerly ''dominated player' learns how to read the other player much better. etc..
