US Open 2019, Flushing Meadows, NY USA - Grand Slam (Men)

[Michael;Kiwi]

My gut feeling was correct this time. I knew if Djokovic's shoulder was bothering him, Stan will make him suffer and work with the rallies. It's unfortunate that Djokovic had to retire but it is very smart of him to do it. No need to continue playing especially if you are two sets down.

As for Wawrinka, it must be a great feeling for him to finally playing at a high level. When he is confident and fit, he is fun to watch.

One last thing: This is why it will be hard to predict on whether or not Djokovic or Nadal will surpass Federer on the slam's count. There's too many variables that can happen to derail their pursuits. Federer was one point away from winning his 21st slam but Djokovic won the match and title. But right now, Djokovic was force to retire because of a nagging injury. That's why at this point of their careers and age, they need every break and luck they can get so they can maximize their opportunity to win a slam. Because they know deep down, everything can change really quick!

I agree. It feels like every single slam is just upping the tension. This tournament is now huge for Federer and Nadal. A winner becomes the favorite. If someone else wins we're back to nearly a three way even split. It almost feels like this is all a movie script where we kept thinking all here were dead, but now they're all back and the result is on a three way knife edge. We're approaching the climax. The film has to end eventually.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Well. I'm conflicted. Because on the one hand, I don't think I see Wawrinka or Medvedev beating Fed. Not because Fed looks amazing. Though he's looked much better since the first two rounds. But because he always deals with Wawrinka well and Medvedev hasn't looked great... all the time. And while Fed can win not looking great the whole time. Medvedev hasn't proven that yet. Doesn't mean neither can beat him. But it does mean he's the favorite against both. I think it would take Stan a full 5 sets to take out Fed. He's looked solid so far. Looked great tonight against an apparently ailing Djokovic. But still. It's Fed. He's 3-23 vs Fed. Even now. It's just not likely. A different match up that he just does not thrive in. Fed neutralizes Stan better. And Stan can't attack Fed's backhand like Nadal or Djokovic can.
Medvedev may have a better chance because we're seeing how tough an out he is. Making the last 2 hard court masters finals before the US Open was not entirely surprising and a long time coming. He's played and won more hard court matches than anyone over the last 2 or 3 seasons I think. And he doesn't have the scar tissue against Fed that Stan does. Though he has yet to beat Fed in the three matches they've played. But. While Fed certainly doesn't play as much as Medvedev, on hard courts or otherwise. Fed has been the man to beat on hard courts, even with Djokovic back, since Fed's return in 2017. Furthermore, it's still Fed in best of 5. And it's just a different match up. That he hasn't shown too much success against yet.
But. Dimitrov first. If he's here. You can't count him out. He's got a chance. He's playing fairly well. But he got a walkover and has played virtually no one. But until Goffin, neither had Fed. Still. He's 0-7 against Fed. His chances just don't seem high.

But as bleak as all three of these men's record against Fed looks... I just keep waiting for all that to change. And while I don't think it looks like it's gonna be this week, it's gotta happen sometime. Upsets are upsets for a reason. Because they are a surprise. Is this the time? Do we get the first new grand slam finalist of the year in the year's last slam? And if we do, is it even from this side.

Maybe Nadal is more vulnerable than he looks and more vulnerable than Fed. I mean. The guys on his side do not have the pedigree of Dimitrov and Fed's possible semifinal opponent. Other than Cilic, who is the only one we know he has to play. And Nadal hasn't actually lost here since 2016 (4r, Pouille, 8-6 in 5th set tiebreak). But. The same thing applies to him that applies to Fed. Eventually the upsets start. It'll be a surprise. AND. Guys like Berrettini and Rublev are still actual surprises. They are relatively unknown. To everyone. And Nadal. Nadal will have done his homework for sure. But he hasn't played Berrettini and he's only played Rublev once. Here in 2017, he ended Rublev's first big stage taking run in the quarters. So does Rublev have the goods now? Does Cilic? Will La Monf surprise us and finally make his first grand slam final? Almost certainly not if he has to play Nadal. Are we STILL SLEEPING on Berrettini? Little Schwartzman is kickin again. Is Zverev finally playing well enough again to contend with and beat the best in the world? He has yet to beat Nadal. So not likely. But he's here. Had to grind. But did. And won. Even though he's been struggling all year, against most of the field he's a tough out. Can he translate that to success against Nadal? He hasn't played him on hard courts since the AO in 2017. A match he took to 5 sets. And well. That brings up the rub. Even if any of these guys can surprise Nadal in the first set. He'll likely tag back in the second and probably win the match even if he has to go 5. Same old story. Beating him in 5 sets has just been near impossible if your name isn't Djokovic or Federer (and it isn't Wimbledon). (And I swear... if ol' Andujar upsets La Monf, which seems quite possible because La Monf is always injured, and then comes through to the semis by luck or by grinding out a 5 setter against Rublev or Berrettini, I'm gonna be SO FRIGGIN happy for him. It'd be the feel good story of the year.)

So I don't know whether I believe we're on a collision course for Federer and Nadal in the final. A match we've all been waiting for their entire careers. Their first US Open meeting. I'm inclined to think that if one of them isn't going to get there, it's gonna be Fed. That's how it's been of late. But really.... only at the US Open last year and the AO this year. Since then, he's been straight gold. Until Rublev in Cincy 3 weeks ago. So I just don't know.

 

[rafanoy1992]

I agree. It feels like every single slam is just upping the tension. This tournament is now huge for Federer and Nadal. A winner becomes the favorite. If someone else wins we're back to nearly a three way even split. It almost feels like this is all a movie script where we kept thinking all here were dead, but now they're all back and the result is on a three way knife edge. We're approaching the climax. The film has to end eventually.

This is the belief I always tell myself especially now that the race is super close: If Federer wins Slam no. 21 (whether it will be here or somewhere else), then I think the race is over (or in this case the movie will be over). I just think 1 more slam for Federer to dust off both Nadal and Djokovic in the slam count.

Winning a slam is very hard to do ESPECIALLY at the age of 33 and above. So if Federer does win no.21, I do not see Nadal winning 3 to 4 slams or Djokovic winning 5 to 6 slams at their respective careers at this point.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Why is Medvedev asking for trouble? His pissy ego will come back to bite him in the ass. He seems to be throwing it up to Kyrgios as to who can be the Bad Boy of tennis. Right now, Medvedev has the mantle.

Medvedev is actually capable of winning a match. I wouldn't mention those two in the same breath, under any context.

 

[Bonaca]

My gut feeling was correct this time. I knew if Djokovic's shoulder was bothering him, Stan will make him suffer and work with the rallies. It's unfortunate that Djokovic had to retire but it is very smart of him to do it. No need to continue playing especially if you are two sets down.

As for Wawrinka, it must be a great feeling for him to finally playing at a high level. When he is confident and fit, he is fun to watch.

One last thing: This is why it will be hard to predict on whether or not Djokovic or Nadal will surpass Federer on the slam's count. There's too many variables that can happen to derail their pursuits. Federer was one point away from winning his 21st slam but Djokovic won the match and title. But right now, Djokovic was force to retire because of a nagging injury. That's why at this point of their careers and age, they need every break and luck they can get so they can maximize their opportunity to win a slam. Because they know deep down, everything can change really quick!

Smart and fair post of an honest Nadal fan.

 

[monfed]

Novack fakervic lived up to his name today. He accomplished an embarassing career retirement slam today!

AO 09 Vs Roddick

RG 06 vs Nadal

WIM 07 vs Nadal
WIM 17 vs Berdych

USO 19 vs Wawrinka

Once a faker, always a faker!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Bonaca

I would not be too sad,Novak has won 2 of the 4 GS this year,his win in the Wimbledon final beating Roger when he had MP will certainly never be forgotten....it was a Hell of a Match.

Novak needs to rest and receive more treatment for his shoulder,no point trying to play on,he could have made matters worse in the long run.

 

[Front242]

Didn't he have a good one v. Fed this year? Other than that, I can't think of one.

Miami 2017 against Federer. 3 tiebreaks. Great match. He had a pretty good one at Wimbledon 2014 too but I see why you wouldn't have liked that one. Acapulco 2019 was entertaining too and not just 'cos Kyrgios won but any match that ends with an 8-6 tiebreak score has to have had some redeeming qualities.

 

[Bonaca]

Bonaca

I would not too sad,Novak has won 2 of the 4 GS this year,his win in the Wimbledon final beating Roger when he had MP will certainly never be forgotten....it was a Hell of a Match.

Novak needs to rest and receive more treatment for his shoulder,no point trying to play on,he could have made matters worse in the long run.

You are right. Thx.

 

[monfed]

Stanimal exposed fakervic for the 1D pingpong baseliner that he is and also exposed him to be a coward and the crowd rightly booed his ass.

Stanimal relishes bashing faker's defensive wall down like a bulldozer. It's breathtaking to watch.

Lucky for faker that Fed doesn't have his FH anymore, otherwise he wouldn't have won any slams from 2014 besides AO and even AO he got exposed when they sped it up in 2017.

Thanks Stan for saving tennis. A true hero of this ungrateful sport. A hero this sport doesn't deserve but desperately needs.

 

[Ricardo]

And there's a good chance that Rafa is still Roger's KN. Don't get too cocky yet.

Roger has owned Raf since about 2015? except one loss at RG, kryptonite who?

 

[Ricardo]

I fixed that for you, GSM

Fed and Djoker are Rafa's KN, pls update your info.
Rafa used to be their KN but only recent years matter in this case.

 

[Ricardo]

Well. I'm conflicted. Because on the one hand, I don't think I see Wawrinka or Medvedev beating Fed. Not because Fed looks amazing. Though he's looked much better since the first two rounds. But because he always deals with Wawrinka well and Medvedev hasn't looked great... all the time. And while Fed can win not looking great the whole time. Medvedev hasn't proven that yet. Doesn't mean neither can beat him. But it does mean he's the favorite against both. I think it would take Stan a full 5 sets to take out Fed. He's looked solid so far. Looked great tonight against an apparently ailing Djokovic. But still. It's Fed. He's 3-23 vs Fed. Even now. It's just not likely. A different match up that he just does not thrive in. Fed neutralizes Stan better. And Stan can't attack Fed's backhand like Nadal or Djokovic can.
Medvedev may have a better chance because we're seeing how tough an out he is. Making the last 2 hard court masters finals before the US Open was not entirely surprising and a long time coming. He's played and won more hard court matches than anyone over the last 2 or 3 seasons I think. And he doesn't have the scar tissue against Fed that Stan does. Though he has yet to beat Fed in the three matches they've played. But. While Fed certainly doesn't play as much as Medvedev, on hard courts or otherwise. Fed has been the man to beat on hard courts, even with Djokovic back, since Fed's return in 2017. Furthermore, it's still Fed in best of 5. And it's just a different match up. That he hasn't shown too much success against yet.
But. Dimitrov first. If he's here. You can't count him out. He's got a chance. He's playing fairly well. But he got a walkover and has played virtually no one. But until Goffin, neither had Fed. Still. He's 0-7 against Fed. His chances just don't seem high.

But as bleak as all three of these men's record against Fed looks... I just keep waiting for all that to change. And while I don't think it looks like it's gonna be this week, it's gotta happen sometime. Upsets are upsets for a reason. Because they are a surprise. Is this the time? Do we get the first new grand slam finalist of the year in the year's last slam? And if we do, is it even from this side.

Maybe Nadal is more vulnerable than he looks and more vulnerable than Fed. I mean. The guys on his side do not have the pedigree of Dimitrov and Fed's possible semifinal opponent. Other than Cilic, who is the only one we know he has to play. And Nadal hasn't actually lost here since 2016 (4r, Pouille, 8-6 in 5th set tiebreak). But. The same thing applies to him that applies to Fed. Eventually the upsets start. It'll be a surprise. AND. Guys like Berrettini and Rublev are still actual surprises. They are relatively unknown. To everyone. And Nadal. Nadal will have done his homework for sure. But he hasn't played Berrettini and he's only played Rublev once. Here in 2017, he ended Rublev's first big stage taking run in the quarters. So does Rublev have the goods now? Does Cilic? Will La Monf surprise us and finally make his first grand slam final? Almost certainly not if he has to play Nadal. Are we STILL SLEEPING on Berrettini? Little Schwartzman is kickin again. Is Zverev finally playing well enough again to contend with and beat the best in the world? He has yet to beat Nadal. So not likely. But he's here. Had to grind. But did. And won. Even though he's been struggling all year, against most of the field he's a tough out. Can he translate that to success against Nadal? He hasn't played him on hard courts since the AO in 2017. A match he took to 5 sets. And well. That brings up the rub. Even if any of these guys can surprise Nadal in the first set. He'll likely tag back in the second and probably win the match even if he has to go 5. Same old story. Beating him in 5 sets has just been near impossible if your name isn't Djokovic or Federer (and it isn't Wimbledon). (And I swear... if ol' Andujar upsets La Monf, which seems quite possible because La Monf is always injured, and then comes through to the semis by luck or by grinding out a 5 setter against Rublev or Berrettini, I'm gonna be SO FRIGGIN happy for him. It'd be the feel good story of the year.)

So I don't know whether I believe we're on a collision course for Federer and Nadal in the final. A match we've all been waiting for their entire careers. Their first US Open meeting. I'm inclined to think that if one of them isn't going to get there, it's gonna be Fed. That's how it's been of late. But really.... only at the US Open last year and the AO this year. Since then, he's been straight gold. Until Rublev in Cincy 3 weeks ago. So I just don't know.

want to keep the blubbering a little bit short? especially its really pointless....

 

[Ricardo]

Medvedev is actually capable of winning a match. I wouldn't mention those two in the same breath, under any context.

Nick actually beat Medvedev when they met, what are you whining about?

 

[kskate2]

US Open Order of Play for Round 4 Monday, September 2, 2019

 

[DarthFed]

Rafa staring down destiny, as well. Time for Nadal to rip Roger's heart out, as he has done so many times.

As I've been saying, only one of them will end up with a tremendous career, hopefully it's the right one. Didn't Roger just rip Nadal's heart out at Wimbledon? I enjoyed it a lot, Nadal fans actually thought he was looking like a big grass court player or something. Absolutely no reason Fed shouldn't take Nadal here as well if they meet.

 

[brokenshoelace]

As I've been saying, only one of them will end up with a tremendous career

Please stop.

 

[Fedal_fan]

Day 7 Summary

Big day at the US Open in terms of results, however all matches were somewhat one sided.

· World No 1, Novak Djokovic finally retired after fighting for two close sets against a rejuvenated Stan Wawrinka. Given his shoulder issues this was on the card for the last couple of games. Given the level he played in the tournament, I don’t think the injury is as serious as 2016. Let’s hope he will be back at his best by October.

· Roger Federer cruised against Goffin (who might be carrying a shoulder injury as well). Based on his performances in last couple of rounds Fed can be considered as the favorite to win the title.

· Roger will meet Dimitrov, who easily defeated de Minaur in straight sets. Interesting to see how a player once called as “Baby Fed” will fair against the maestro in great form.

· Medvedev ended the spirited run of the qualifier Köpfer. The Russian can post a huge challenge to Stan and Federer in the next couple of matches.

Top matches for tomorrow will include Rafa vs. Cilic and Zverev vs. Schwartzman.

 

[Bonaca]

Day 7 Summary

Big day at the US Open in terms of results, however all matches were somewhat one sided.

· World No 1, Novak Djokovic finally retired after fighting for two close sets against a rejuvenated Stan Wawrinka. Given his shoulder issues this was on the card for the last couple of games. Given the level he played in the tournament, I don’t think the injury is as serious as 2016. Let’s hope he will be back at his best by October.

· Roger Federer cruised against Goffin (who might be carrying a shoulder injury as well). Based on his performances in last couple of rounds Fed can be considered as the favorite to win the title.

· Roger will meet Dimitrov, who easily defeated de Minaur in straight sets. Interesting to see how a player once called as “Baby Fed” will fair against the maestro in great form.

· Medvedev ended the spirited run of the qualifier Köpfer. The Russian can post a huge challenge to Stan and Federer in the next couple of matches.

Top matches for tomorrow will include Rafa vs. Cilic and Zverev vs. Schwartzman.

Thx for your summaries.
For me Roger is the clear favorite with what he showed the last rounds.
I think Roger will meet Wawrinka in the semis, Daniil not looking that good, looked tired.
Dont see anyone to take out a healthy Nadal in the bottom half, so we can dream about a Federer - Nadal - Final.

 

[Moxie]

Miami 2017 against Federer. 3 tiebreaks. Great match. He had a pretty good one at Wimbledon 2014 too but I see why you wouldn't have liked that one. Acapulco 2019 was entertaining too and not just 'cos Kyrgios won but any match that ends with an 8-6 tiebreak score has to have had some redeeming qualities.

Couldn't include the Wimbledon win over Rafa as I never saw it. Thanks for the others. The Miami is the one I meant.