CAMELOT FANTASIES

I woke up to Andy's straight set loss today. I had this distinct feeling before going to bed that he might not just show in the same way he did against Cilic. My concern was he might get too comfortable after beating the USO champion and might not just be in the same frame of mind against Nole. And now it really feels this way. I am not saying Andy would have won against Nole but he could have most surely kept it more competitive. Nole is not that good and Andy is not that bad. But anyway.

Andy should continue the momentum as I feel he sure knows deep down inside that he's feeling better about himself. His match against Cilic should give him enough confidence. Beating a top 10 player is no longer a concern as his main goal should be to beat one of the top players - be it Nole or Rafa or Roger. His main goal should not be WTF at this point because there's no point playing if he's still going to be vulnerable to certain players. I believe he has another wonderful chance to play Nole at Shanghai Open and he should look forward to it. He should remember beating all these guys in a non-slam tournament even before Lendl era was more or less a routine job for him and it should not be any different now. Though I admit that he's gotten very comfortable and now very content with himself after Wimbledon but since he's continuing playing, he might as well give his best effort.

Beating one of the top guys would be the only way he can gain more momentum. Andy is playing with more pressure against these guys for sure, as every win is a must win for him and these guys know it too and that allows them play with much more freedom than Andy, but Andy must turn that table around in his favour somehow.

His draw looks tough at Shanghai but I don't think it will play out like it looks on paper. Would be wise not to look ahead and just take one match at a time. He could use these few days to rest and get ready as well. 

On another note, Nole has really become a beast in these sort of tournaments. He seems less lethal at Slam level however.

Nishi had a tough time against B. Becker at the Japan Open. I hope he gets to defend the title. Would be really nice to see him pick up yet another title.