outstanding stuff general masterclass.
stan is just playing remarkable tennis this year. I don't think he has lost a match yet. he took the Chennai title without losing a set.
berdy is doing well also. beating ferru on any surface is a fairly tough assignment. ferru is an elite tennis player.
so on paper this is a monster battle: Spartan Stan vs The Berdych Express
I can't see dimitrov beating nadal even with that blood blister. there are only 2 issues for nadal: if he fixes them, there wont be many other avenues left for dimitrov.
issue #1: the return. dimi is serving great. the challenge for nadal is to get that ball back somewhat deep and get into a point. the sooner the better for nadal. it may just take him a set to figure out the dimi serve.
issues #2: the backhand. again the sooner the better. the sooner nadal starts hitting that backhand as opposed to pushing and shoving it the better. the sooner he can start hitting his backhand with some consistency the better for him. that will allow nadal to have better control of the center of the court.