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

[Billie]

I wouldn't have minded if he'd have run out of gas two days ago. :lulz2:

It was very close. Still can't believe Rafa missed that FH. But it happens to the best of them. I still remember Nole's net touch at RG.

 

[Moxie]

Yeah, I don't really buy that, either. As if that's all it take to beat Nole...a desire to avenge a friend. Playing the top guy is probably motivation enough. And it's worth remembering that no amount of avenging Roger could get Stan up for beating Rafa before he got him with a bad back at AO '14. At that point, the H2H had been about 11-0 in Nadal's favor. I think britbox's point is more likely true: that Stan may be softheaded earlier rounds, but when he gets to the late stages, for the last few years, he has a tendency to hit stride. Motivation comes in many forms, but personal ambition is likely the best one. (PS: love the story about the keychain, B!)

 

[Moxie]

It was very close. Still can't believe Rafa missed that FH. But it happens to the best of them. I still remember Nole's net touch at RG.

The worrying thing is that Rafa is making a habit of losing matches when he's in control, or where he would have previously closed out. He's still lacking some confidence when he's pressed. (And @Carol: It's not Nadal's curse. It's his head.)

 

[Billie]

Stan came out of his perhaps shy shell after his 2014 AO win. He actually likes to joke and is friendly with a lot of players, Roger, Nole, Grigor,...

But yeah, when he gets to the later rounds of any tournament, he really gets pumped up. I think he still hasn't lost a final.

 

[Moxie]

Novak has foiled Joe in some big moments, dating back to the AO '08 final. I'm sure he'll be hoping he can change that tonight.

 

[Billie]

Jo is going to do his thing and Nole will try to weather the storm. We now know everything.

 

[Moxie]

Stan came out of his perhaps shy shell after his 2014 AO win. He actually likes to joke and is friendly with a lot of players, Roger, Nole, Grigor,...

But yeah, when he gets to the later rounds of any tournament, he really gets pumped up. I think he still hasn't lost a final.

I looked him up. Been in 3 finals this year, won all 3. Of course, 2 for 2 in career major finals, overall 14-9 in finals.

 

[Billie]

I looked him up. Been in 3 finals this year, won all 3. Of course, 2 for 2 in career major finals, overall 14-9 in finals.

Ok, he lost some but that is pretty impressive nevertheless. Thanks Moxie.

 

[Moxie]

It was very close. Still can't believe Rafa missed that FH. But it happens to the best of them. I still remember Nole's net touch at RG.

I see that wink. I hope that means you don't still believe that the net touch lost Novak that match. Nadal's missed FH isn't the only reason he lost to Pouille, either, though it was a lot closer to the reason.

 

[Billie]

I see that wink. I hope that means you don't still believe that the net touch lost Novak that match. Nadal's missed FH isn't the only reason he lost to Pouille, either, though it was a lot closer to the reason.

No it wasn't the only reason, but mentally it can do some damage to their confidence and game. They are humans after all. A match is rarely won on 1 point alone, but some moments can impact the result.

 

[Moxie]

No it wasn't the only reason, but mentally it can do some damage to their confidence and game. They are humans after all. A match is rarely won on 1 point alone, but some moments can impact the result.

For sure, but the match was very long, and that was a neutral point, midway through the 5th. It was just that it was dramatic, and people like to hang onto it. But it didn't decide the match, and if it did, then bad on Novak for not getting over it, when he had plenty of time. In truth, over the course of the match, he was out-played.

 

[Billie]

Movie stars always in Nole's box. I think he'll go to movie business at some point.

 

[Billie]

It's raining outside, but it's so great that the play can go on regardless.

 

[Billie]

OMG Tsonga....3 double faults???? Yikes

 

[Moxie]

Really poor game from Joe to donate that break.

 

[Moxie]

And Novak's 3rd DF, too.

 

[Billie]

Looks like Nole might return the favor. Out of sudden they can't hit a good serve?

Yep, back on serve. LOL

 

[Moxie]

Break back. They both look a bit tight.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

4-3..sock it to em daddio.

 

[Billie]

That's the point we would like to see more of.!!!!