Upset Corner - AO 2017 Edition

[El Dude]

I'm not loving what I'm seeing of Zverev right now (fourth set, just got broken in the second game). He's got a big game: great serve (when it is in) with an immense angle - he jumps like Sampras, nice second serve even, and some good power and angles. But he doesn't seem to have a lot of variety or finesse, and I'm worried about his mental game. He showed fight and tenacity in that third set, but he also seems to lack that extra something you need to win in big situations. Who knows, maybe it is just a matter of age, but a lot of what I see now is similar to what I saw when he lost to Rafa last year. He should be developing beyond that. What I'm worried is that he could very go down the Berdych/Tsonga path: Slam talent, but not Slam mentality.

And man do I dislike watching Rafa play. I know he isn't just defense, but from a purely spectator perspective--and someone who enjoys variety and finesse--his game is so tedious. He plays the percentages, waits for his opponent to error. I know he is extremely effective but there's just no art to his game. Ugh.

 

[El Dude]

I'm sounding like Fiero

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Momma's boy Istomin wins another five setter upsetting PCB. :clap

 

[GameSetAndMath]

At least Zverev will serve first in the first.

Rafa is forcing a short ball from Zverev and then hitting a winner. This happened many times in 4th set.

 

[mrzz]

Zverev really needs to put his head on its place. Not only the mentality, but also the game plan. Apart from that (!), he´s fine.

In fairness to Nadal (I also do not like his game style), more important than his defense is his ability to adapt. But, yes, he usually finds an ugly way to win.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Good that I got out of my Zzz. Z gets back the break.

 

[Front242]

Got up again and this puke is still not over :cover And Istomin v Carreno Busta has gone to a 5th set.

 

[El Dude]

Zverev is toast - he can barely walk. Just got broken a second time in the fifth set. This is where the men and boys are separated.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Z gets cramps and gives up a break. R up 3-2. This has a Rafa win written all over it. But, I am still watching.

 

[Front242]

Seems my live scores had crashed. Istomin won 6-2 in the 5th and, no, I don't consider it an upset in the slightest despite the ranking difference as Istomin is the better player when fit. He's just had an injury plagued career so was ranked low a long time. Still surprised he could go another 5 set match and win after the match against Novak so hats off to him.

 

[El Dude]

My guess is he doesn't win another game and will go down 6-2 in the 5th set. What a disappointment.

 

[El Dude]

That was a Federer move there by Zverev.

 

[Front242]

My guess is he doesn't win another game and will go down 6-2 in the 5th set. What a disappointment.

Same. He's been poor but so has Nadal to allow a guy playing poor to take him to 5 sets. The match has been around 4 hours long now.

 

[Fiero425]

My guess is he doesn't win another game and will go down 6-2 in the 5th set. What a disappointment.

Lucky for Rafa or he would be heading out on a slow boat back to Mallorca; unless he's playing dubs of course!

 

[El Dude]

I'm having serious doubts about Zverev now. His fitness is poor, his game unimaginative. He's tall, athletic, and has power, but I don't see that "it" factor that all greats have. I think he'll win Slams, but at this point I don't quite see a future great. He needs something to differentiate himself. All the greats have their own "X-factor" and I don't see it with him.

As for Rafa, I didn't really feel it until now but I'm ready to see him fade away. I don't enjoy watching him play tennis.

 

[Front242]

Nadal thinks he won the title.

 

[Front242]

I'm having serious doubts about Zverev now. His fitness is poor, his game unimaginative. He's tall, athletic, and has power, but I don't see that "it" factor that all greats have. I think he'll win Slams, but at this point I don't quite see a future great. He needs something to differentiate himself. All the greats have their own "X-factor" and I don't see it with him.

As for Rafa, I didn't really feel it until now but I'm ready to see him fade away. I don't enjoy watching him play tennis.

Yeah Zverev was extremely poor most of the match. Even when I woke up periodically to check the scores and saw him ahead again I knew he'd lose. Poor fitness and too many errors. And Nadal is indeed fugly to watch these days.

 

[kskate2]

I'm no Rafa fan, but ya'll leave that dude alone. At least he didn't get outgunned like the defending champ. Zverev isn't fit enough to compete in best of 5 matches yet. Hopefully he'll get there soon, but you have give credit where it's due, Nadal survived a barrage of bombs being thrown at him.

 

[mrzz]

Nadal played an extremely intelligent match. Deserved the win. But Zverev is a giant head case.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I'm having serious doubts about Zverev now. His fitness is poor, his game unimaginative. He's tall, athletic, and has power, but I don't see that "it" factor that all greats have. I think he'll win Slams, but at this point I don't quite see a future great. He needs something to differentiate himself. All the greats have their own "X-factor" and I don't see it with him.

As for Rafa, I didn't really feel it until now but I'm ready to see him fade away. I don't enjoy watching him play tennis.

Z has hired the physio that helped Andy bulk up. So, Z's physique will surely improve. But, I too have exactly the same feeling about the "it" factor.