US OPEN, Flushing Meadows, NY, USA, GRAND SLAM (Men)

[britbox]

Still prefer the 2 clear games in the fifth format.

 

[Tennis Fan]

Federer pretty much made that shot famous.

Really? I never noticed him doing it. I remember Pete doing it all the time, but not Roger.

 

[britbox]

Wow, clipped the line with the DTL. Great shot by Pouille

 

[brokenshoelace]

Rafa getting his ass handed to him this tie-break. He's been playing gross this week, despite the results, so given how well Pouille has played this match, this isn't surprising. Nadal is the easiest player in the world in terms of being able to tell if he's going to do well in a major. Usually the signs are obvious very early.

 

[Billie]

Wow, clipped the line with the DTL. Great shot by Pouille

His backhand has been outstanding.

 

[Tennis Fan]

Still prefer the 2 clear games in the fifth format.

I think the 2 clear games is too much. That match with Isner-Mahut did it for me.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Better point there from Rafa.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Definitely prefer the two clear games format.

 

[Billie]

Was it out??????

 

[brokenshoelace]

Forehands like the one Rafa just missed are a result of not going for that shot for most of the match then trying to do it at the most crucial moment.

 

[britbox]

Match Points for Pouille.

 

[Billie]

3rd match point, now on Pouille's serve.

 

[Billie]

He went for it and missed. Rafa saved 3 match points!!

 

[britbox]

Wow. Kudos Rafa for hanging in there. Nerves kicking in for Pouille.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Wild forehand by Pouille. Rafa looked very tentative in that rally. Experience playing a factor here as Rafa waited for him to hang himself. A risky strategy mind you, but that's what you have to resort to if you don't feel confident going for your shots.

 

[brokenshoelace]

What the fuck was that?

 

[britbox]

Electric atmosphere. Can't beat NY for that.

 

[britbox]

Can't believe Nadal missed that.

 

[Moxie]

DOH!

 

[brokenshoelace]

Other than the open court backhand miss against Novak at the AO in 2012, this was the worst miss of Rafa's career, all things considered.