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EnriqueIG8

So Rafa and Roger are on collision course at no earlier than the QFs.

interesting.
 

masterclass

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All is well General Hercules. Have had family visiting this past week...

Interesting draw. Here is my first glance call. I will post a more thorough draw analysis if I have time.

Sample Projected paths for top 4 (nf - non-factor for them):

(When I separate the players by slashes, it means I believe they have a fair chance and could beat the others in their grouping)

Novak Djokovic - nf, nf, Dimitrov, nf, Del Potro, Murray/Berdych/Wawrinka, Nadal/Federer

Novak has a bit of a challenge in Dimitrov early, if they make it that far, but Dimitrov hasn't shown much stamina in best of 3 , let alone best of 5, but Grigor has a chance if he can blitz in 3. But Nole's first big test will be Del Potro, as long as Juan gets past Rusty Hewitt and Tommy Haas. If Del Potro is healthy and gets that far, I think Juan Martin can beat Nole. About 50-50.

Andy Murray - nf, nf, nf, Almagro, Berdych/Wawrinka, Del Potro/Djokovic, Nadal/Federer

Andy has a pretty easy draw, all the way to the QF. Only Almagro has a chance before that, and not a big one. But then it could get tough for Andy, as Berdych or Wawrinka would loom before him. And if he should get past them, either Del Potro or Djokovic would await in the semis.

David Ferrer - nf, nf, Gulbis, Janowicz, Gasquet/Raonic, Nadal/Federer, Murray/Berdych/Del Potro/Djokovic

David Ferrer has not been in the best form recently, but who knows? Gulbis might have a chance, but Ferrer handled him easily in their only meeting. A Janowicz rematch of their Paris final would be interesting. Janowicz was exhausted by the time he got to Ferrer in the final there, playing his 8th match in 9 days. I think Janowicz could beat Ferrer this time in the 4th round. But if not, Ferrer will probably make it to the semis where either Nadal or Federer will be ready to pounce on Ferrer.

Rafael Nadal - nf, nf, Davydenko, Isner, Federer, nf, nf/nf/Del Potro/Djokovic

Nadal has an easy first couple of rounds, but the third could be tricky depending on the health and energy of Davydenko. Kolya has only lost once to Nadal on hard courts in 7 matches and Kolya leads their H2H 6-5. And that loss on hard courts was their first match in 2006. The other 4 wins by Nadal were on clay. They last played in 2012 in Madrid on the blue clay. The last hc match was in Doha in 2011, where Nadal lost 3 and 2. If Nadal gets past Davydenko, he could have to deal with John Isner again in the 4th round, and we saw how close that was on the high bouncing courts this year of Cincinnati. Should Nadal get past Isner, Federer will probably be there in the QF, as I don't see anyone who should be beating him before that; though this year, I guess anything is possible.

Nadal and Federer have never met at the US Open, even though Federer has 5 USO titles and a final to his credit, and Nadal 1 USO title and a final to his. It would be an interesting battle. Nadal certainly is riding high, and has definitely been the best player during 2013 so far, despite missing the AO and exiting early at Wimbledon. Their last match in Cincinnati was closer than it appeared, and in Cincinnati, the bounce was higher this year than in the past as many players mentioned.

The bounce makes all the difference in matches between these two. Nadal wins close to 100% when the bounce is higher, and Federer nearly 100% when the bounce is lower. Fortunately for Nadal, the trend overall on tour in the last few years favors higher bouncing surfaces, and they have mostly met on higher bouncing surfaces and he has won at a rate of 2 in 3 matches. How will it be in New York on Arthur Ashe at night? Arthur Ashe has been slowed over the past 3 years. Weather could also play a factor. Still, they both have to make the semis for this to play out.

Note there is an extra day off between the Semi and Final this year as the Final will be played on Monday.

To sum up, I think each of the top 4 have a fair chance of being beaten before the semifinal. Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal will have real tests in their QFs. And Ferrer could be gone before that.

Respectfully,
masterclass
 

ClayDeath

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there was a day off at Wimbledon also general masterclass.


4-5 hour semi between nole and Murray on the hard courts in New York in that heat and humidity could take a toll.

it is fair play: it all balances out in the long run.

nadal had to deal with nole in the same 1/2 at rg.
 

masterclass

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Clay Death said:
there was a day off at Wimbledon also general masterclass.


4-5 hour semi between nole and Murray on the hard courts in New York in that heat and humidity could take a toll.

it is fair play: it all balances out in the long run.

nadal had to deal with nole in the same 1/2 at rg.

The only extended forecast I have seen is for about 10 days. Temperatures mostly in the low 80's (high 20's Celsius), with some chances of rain here and there. Typical New York.

But your point is well taken. I think Djokovic and Murray are in the half where longer battles could take place. But who knows what will happen? There have been so many surprises this year.

Respectfully,
masterclass
 

ClayDeath

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Emma said:
Well, will stop by later. Need to take a closer look at the draw to have a better sense. It's not been uploaded on the USO site yet. I think they are still doing women's draw.

sounds good Emma.


I also need to take closer look at the draw when I get home.
 

ClayDeath

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EnriqueIG8 said:
So Rafa and Roger are on collision course at no earlier than the QFs.

interesting.

they just keep running into each other generalito.
 

ClayDeath

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folks I can't see nole getting past del potro in the quarter finals.

he has a tough draw.

I had a feeling this was going to happen.
 

masterclass

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If the seeds hold up to the QF, I see Clay Warrior or the Swiss Assassin taking the whole thing.
The top half will be worn out...
But if the draw opens up for one of the top half players, then it's reevaluation time.

Clay Warrior is without a doubt the most in-form player on the planet right now. Will his form continue to hold?

The Swiss Assassin is very light on matches this year, between his back, racquet experimentation, and some poor matches. He has only played 43 matches up to the US Open, his lightest year since his first full-time year on the tour in 2000 where he played 41 to the US Open. In his winning US Open years, he played at least 64 matches prior to playing the US Open with the exception of 2007, where he only played 52. Still, his Cincinnati performance was encouraging, probably his best level since the AO this year, or the WTF 2012. If his back stays good, then with his draw, he has a good chance. Only Nadal stands in his way.

Based on their most recent 2 or 3 tournaments, one would probably have to favor Nadal over Federer if they met in the QF, but I would never count Federer out at the US Open, even though his recent play has not been stellar and he hasn't won the title since 2008. But hey, nobody has won there more than once since Federer won 5 in a row.

Let's see how it plays out. :)

Respectfully,
masterclass
 

ClayDeath

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outstanding analysis general masterclass.


both nole and roger will be looking to regroup and come back strong in 2014 if they manage to crash in quarter finals.

they are not going to go away.

I do believe that nole's confidence is shaken.

and now this draw does not help his cause.
 

Kieran

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Anyone else see a Nadal-Berdy final?

It's not impossible...
 

nehmeth

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Clay Death said:
folks I can't see nole getting past del potro in the quarter finals.

he has a tough draw.

I had a feeling this was going to happen.

Their battle at Wimbledon, was one of the best matches played this year. Both guys like this surface a lot better than the grass. I can see Nole having a tough day in this one. If he gets through (and I think he can), it won't get any easier in the next match.
 

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nehmeth said:
Clay Death said:
folks I can't see nole getting past del potro in the quarter finals.

he has a tough draw.

I had a feeling this was going to happen.

Their battle at Wimbledon, was one of the best matches played this year. Both guys like this surface a lot better than the grass. I can see Nole having a tough day in this one. If he gets through (and I think he can), it won't get any easier in the next match.

No, it's a tough one for Nole, if these matches pan out. Genuine tough guys to haul down before he'd face the final...
 
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EnriqueIG8

I was invited today to have a football (soccer) training with locals when I joined them earlier to fool around a bit.


The training was so much fun, and the guys didn't really have a lot of talent but a lot of work ethic. I put a lot of energy in it and after a good workout there's nothing better than a cold shower.


Now I'm ready for some chilling!
 

Kieran

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EnriqueIG8 said:
after a good workout there's nothing better than a cold shower.


Now I'm ready for some chilling!

After a cold shower, you don't have much choice! :p
 

ClayDeath

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masterclass said:
All is well General Hercules. Have had family visiting this past week...

Interesting draw. Here is my first glance call. I will post a more thorough draw analysis if I have time.

Sample Projected paths for top 4 (nf - non-factor for them):

(When I separate the players by slashes, it means I believe they have a fair chance and could beat the others in their grouping)

Novak Djokovic - nf, nf, Dimitrov, nf, Del Potro, Murray/Berdych/Wawrinka, Nadal/Federer

Novak has a bit of a challenge in Dimitrov early, if they make it that far, but Dimitrov hasn't shown much stamina in best of 3 , let alone best of 5, but Grigor has a chance if he can blitz in 3. But Nole's first big test will be Del Potro, as long as Juan gets past Rusty Hewitt and Tommy Haas. If Del Potro is healthy and gets that far, I think Juan Martin can beat Nole. About 50-50.

Andy Murray - nf, nf, nf, Almagro, Berdych/Wawrinka, Del Potro/Djokovic, Nadal/Federer

Andy has a pretty easy draw, all the way to the QF. Only Almagro has a chance before that, and not a big one. But then it could get tough for Andy, as Berdych or Wawrinka would loom before him. And if he should get past them, either Del Potro or Djokovic would await in the semis.

David Ferrer - nf, nf, Gulbis, Janowicz, Gasquet/Raonic, Nadal/Federer, Murray/Berdych/Del Potro/Djokovic

David Ferrer has not been in the best form recently, but who knows? Gulbis might have a chance, but Ferrer handled him easily in their only meeting. A Janowicz rematch of their Paris final would be interesting. Janowicz was exhausted by the time he got to Ferrer in the final there, playing his 8th match in 9 days. I think Janowicz could beat Ferrer this time in the 4th round. But if not, Ferrer will probably make it to the semis where either Nadal or Federer will be ready to pounce on Ferrer.

Rafael Nadal - nf, nf, Davydenko, Isner, Federer, nf, nf/nf/Del Potro/Djokovic

Nadal has an easy first couple of rounds, but the third could be tricky depending on the health and energy of Davydenko. Kolya has only lost once to Nadal on hard courts in 7 matches and Kolya leads their H2H 6-5. And that loss on hard courts was their first match in 2006. The other 4 wins by Nadal were on clay. They last played in 2012 in Madrid on the blue clay. The last hc match was in Doha in 2011, where Nadal lost 3 and 2. If Nadal gets past Davydenko, he could have to deal with John Isner again in the 4th round, and we saw how close that was on the high bouncing courts this year of Cincinnati. Should Nadal get past Isner, Federer will probably be there in the QF, as I don't see anyone who should be beating him before that; though this year, I guess anything is possible.

Nadal and Federer have never met at the US Open, even though Federer has 5 USO titles and a final to his credit, and Nadal 1 USO title and a final to his. It would be an interesting battle. Nadal certainly is riding high, and has definitely been the best player during 2013 so far, despite missing the AO and exiting early at Wimbledon. Their last match in Cincinnati was closer than it appeared, and in Cincinnati, the bounce was higher this year than in the past as many players mentioned.

The bounce makes all the difference in matches between these two. Nadal wins close to 100% when the bounce is higher, and Federer nearly 100% when the bounce is lower. Fortunately for Nadal, the trend overall on tour in the last few years favors higher bouncing surfaces, and they have mostly met on higher bouncing surfaces and he has won at a rate of 2 in 3 matches. How will it be in New York on Arthur Ashe at night? Arthur Ashe has been slowed over the past 3 years. Weather could also play a factor. Still, they both have to make the semis for this to play out.

Note there is an extra day off between the Semi and Final this year as the Final will be played on Monday.

To sum up, I think each of the top 4 have a fair chance of being beaten before the semifinal. Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal will have real tests in their QFs. And Ferrer could be gone before that.

Respectfully,
masterclass



bump.
 
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EnriqueIG8

Wow this gets you a lump in your throath and I'm glad that the Sport superstars are willing to do this.
Check this out!


FEDERER MAKES A FAN'S WISH COME TRUE

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbK6okKWBlE[/video]


Roger Federer made a young cancer survivor’s dream come true this summer, when he hosted Beatriz Tinoco at Wimbledon during The Championships.

The 18-year-old Maryland native, who battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma for two years, made the whirlwind trip with her family across the Atlantic after receiving a surprise video invitation from her idol. She joined Federer on the practice courts and also received a personal tour of the All England Club from the Swiss.

“He told me I had been through a lot and hugged me really hard and I just started crying so so so much in his shoulder,” Beatriz shared. “He was like 'awnn'. Then when I let go of him I was still like sobbing and I turned to him and he was kinda tearing up.”

Federer, TinocoFederer told ESPN, “Many people have had their dreams but this one was nice because we could spend more time together. It wasn’t just a meet-and-greet. I could take her around and show her Wimbledon, play tennis with her, basically celebrate her birthday as well with her. Also meet her family, who [were] very sweet, so I personally enjoyed it very much and it seemed that she did too, which is nice.”

Their day at Wimbledon has been documented by ESPN for the ‘My Wish’ series (watch clip above), a collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


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