CAMELOT FANTASIES
Camelot Tennis Universe => General Pro Player Discussions => Topic started by: masterclass on February 17, 2014, 01:13:58 pm
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Lady TT, I think you are spot on with this analysis, especially regarding Nole's difficulty with variety executed at a high level.
I've always said that Novak is like a metronome. If one keeps banging balls to him with constant pace, back and forth, one is going to lose the battle. He loves it, and usually the more consistent pace the better for him as he is an elite aggressive baseliner combined with the retrieving skills of a counter puncher. He'll keep the pressure on, returning almost everything and find a way to eventually get a shorter or higher ball and put it away from either wing.
In general, slower conditions on hard courts help him, as his great lateral movement allows him to get almost anything, but he is still very competent probably up to the low range of a medium-fast conditions. And the only reason he is not quite as good in faster conditions is that he can't defend as well, like anyone else. But since defense is so strong a part of his games, that hurts him. Even though he has fantastic lateral movement, he doesn't have the best footwork and has trouble with it on occasion. Better footwork is needed in faster conditions and on the natural surfaces, especially when it is slippery grass or inconsistent clay.
As you say, the way to beat him is with variety and give him a lack of rhythm. Variety of pace and shots. One is probably better off keeping rally balls toward the center of the court but deep. Hitting rally type balls near the tram lines is dangerous as it creates an angle for him to exploit either sharply cross court or a change of direction down the line to an open court. Bringing him in is also a good tactic as he is not in his comfort zone near the net, and though he can usually get to most drop shot balls, his footwork is such that he is often out of balance, and if one can return his initial shot, one usually has an excellent chance of ending the point. His movement is not as good up and down the court as it is laterally, because usually better footwork is required to make that transition. So a combination of a good drop shot and a good lob will usually work well. And of course, since he is a two hander, he is not as comfortable hitting a good low slice on the backhand wing. He usually can't do much with it, he will usually hit up on it, and give one an opportunity to set up a winner in short order.
As you mention, one can also beat him by hitting very hard, but that is always going to be a risky strategy for any player to continuously implement. I think if one has the ability to hit hard winners even in slower conditions, one has to still choose their moments of aggression, be patient and wait for their moment to strike it hard. Players like Berdych and Del Potro do have this ability.
Still, to employ these strategies against Novak requires the skill to do so and consistent execution. If one starts hitting slower pace for variety to the wrong spot at the wrong time it is going to get punished. Too high a drop shot is going to get punished. A slice that is not hit low enough or to the wrong spot is going to get punished.
Roger knows how to beat Novak, but sometimes he fails to execute well, sometimes he gets too anxious to win the point too soon, especially when conditions don't favor it, and sometimes he fails to use the variety he has. I think all too often he gets stubborn, and he believes that he can beat Novak at his own game, which 9 times out of 10 is not going to happen. Also, for Roger, he has to be serving well, and vary his placement to put Djokovic off balance and to make Novak less confident and himself more confident, and force pressure on Novak's own service game. Too low a first serve percentage won't cut it. Too many weak second serves won't cut it. His second serves have to have variety in placement, pace, and spin.
Federer's returns also have to vary. Too many weak bunted blocks back will not work. Occasionally he must come over the ball on the return and get it back deeper and quicker to keep Novak honest. And since 2011, one is not going to beat him on hard courts by just hitting balls back and forth trying to outlast him. Ask Rafa. The 2012 Australian Open almost destroyed both players. Neither one was quite the same that year after that marathon battle, though Novak did finally get better at the end of the year.
All this said, it is easier said than done. Most players simply can't do what needs to be done. That's why Nole has been #1 or #2 in the world since 2011. But it's possible, especially now that Nole seems to have a tendency to suffer lulls during the match at the business end of the tournament. One has to be ready to exploit that when it is offered.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Great post, masterclass. But, I think Rafa has another strategy too that he uses against Nole, and that is to keep the balls deep. When he does that he usually keeps Nole off balance, too.
Murray mixes it up and gives him off pace balls to keep him honest.
Roger, imo, has to also play a near perfect game to beat Nole. Everything has to be clicking on all cylinders, since Fed hasn't beat Nole a lot in the last couple of years.
One of Nole's greatest weakness to me is his mentality. That has been his downfall from the start. IMO, Nole wants to be loved and revered as much as Rafa and Roger, and the truth is, he isn't, at least not yet. I think he smarts behind this behavior and carries a perpetual "why not me?' attitude. When he started beating them it appeared he felt that he had "arrived" and that he was the new face of tennis and should assume the mantle that they have been carrying for over a decade.
But, Nole does not have the extended period of domination that they have. Although supremely talented, what Rafa and Roger have done over such a long period of time is almost unprecedented in the Open Era, and it will take a superhuman effort for players to get there, stay there, and continue to add to their respective stashes.
Since 2011, Nole has been consistent in his play, but he has not added significantly to his haul. I believe it is because of his mindset, not his talent.
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Lady TT, I think you are spot on with this analysis, especially regarding Nole's difficulty with variety executed at a high level.
I've always said that Novak is like a metronome. If one keeps banging balls to him with constant pace, back and forth, one is going to lose the battle. He loves it, and usually the more consistent pace the better for him as he is an elite aggressive baseliner combined with the retrieving skills of a counter puncher. He'll keep the pressure on, returning almost everything and find a way to eventually get a shorter or higher ball and put it away from either wing.
In general, slower conditions on hard courts help him, as his great lateral movement allows him to get almost anything, but he is still very competent probably up to the low range of a medium-fast conditions. And the only reason he is not quite as good in faster conditions is that he can't defend as well, like anyone else. But since defense is so strong a part of his games, that hurts him. Even though he has fantastic lateral movement, he doesn't have the best footwork and has trouble with it on occasion. Better footwork is needed in faster conditions and on the natural surfaces, especially when it is slippery grass or inconsistent clay.
As you say, the way to beat him is with variety and give him a lack of rhythm. Variety of pace and shots. One is probably better off keeping rally balls toward the center of the court but deep. Hitting rally type balls near the tram lines is dangerous as it creates an angle for him to exploit either sharply cross court or a change of direction down the line to an open court. Bringing him in is also a good tactic as he is not in his comfort zone near the net, and though he can usually get to most drop shot balls, his footwork is such that he is often out of balance, and if one can return his initial shot, one usually has an excellent chance of ending the point. His movement is not as good up and down the court as it is laterally, because usually better footwork is required to make that transition. So a combination of a good drop shot and a good lob will usually work well. And of course, since he is a two hander, he is not as comfortable hitting a good low slice on the backhand wing. He usually can't do much with it, he will usually hit up on it, and give one an opportunity to set up a winner in short order.
As you mention, one can also beat him by hitting very hard, but that is always going to be a risky strategy for any player to continuously implement. I think if one has the ability to hit hard winners even in slower conditions, one has to still choose their moments of aggression, be patient and wait for their moment to strike it hard. Players like Berdych and Del Potro do have this ability.
Still, to employ these strategies against Novak requires the skill to do so and consistent execution. If one starts hitting slower pace for variety to the wrong spot at the wrong time it is going to get punished. Too high a drop shot is going to get punished. A slice that is not hit low enough or to the wrong spot is going to get punished.
Roger knows how to beat Novak, but sometimes he fails to execute well, sometimes he gets too anxious to win the point too soon, especially when conditions don't favor it, and sometimes he fails to use the variety he has. I think all too often he gets stubborn, and he believes that he can beat Novak at his own game, which 9 times out of 10 is not going to happen. Also, for Roger, he has to be serving well, and vary his placement to put Djokovic off balance and to make Novak less confident and himself more confident, and force pressure on Novak's own service game. Too low a first serve percentage won't cut it. Too many weak second serves won't cut it. His second serves have to have variety in placement, pace, and spin.
Federer's returns also have to vary. Too many weak bunted blocks back will not work. Occasionally he must come over the ball on the return and get it back deeper and quicker to keep Novak honest. And since 2011, one is not going to beat him on hard courts by just hitting balls back and forth trying to outlast him. Ask Rafa. The 2012 Australian Open almost destroyed both players. Neither one was quite the same that year after that marathon battle, though Novak did finally get better at the end of the year.
All this said, it is easier said than done. Most players simply can't do what needs to be done. That's why Nole has been #1 or #2 in the world since 2011. But it's possible, especially now that Nole seems to have a tendency to suffer lulls during the match at the business end of the tournament. One has to be ready to exploit that when it is offered.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Good question Lady TT. I think he mustn't panic or get down on himself for sure.
Nole has to regroup and refocus just a bit. But it's no shame to lose to a Federer playing vintage stuff. Boris Becker has to get Nole to realize that when the Federer genius comes out, that he shouldn't panic, ride the tide, and then look for opportunities to turn the match around. Easier said then done, but Nole has to have a bit more calm. He retrieves and returns as well as anyone. It will help him when he gets back on slower courts. These medium-fast courts in Dubai are probably just a bit too fast for him against someone with the ability and aggression of Federer when he is executing well. There is only so much one can defend, even for the best defenders in the world.
And it's not only Federer. Nole has to maintain his calm against whomever his beating him, whether it be Rafa, Andy, or ?
He also has to try to avoid these irritating lulls in a match, but then, that is tough for any player, especially in a five set match. One just to find ways to limit those lulls as much as possible. I don't know if Nole hired Becker to help him on his net and overhead play, but it might be a mistake to try and change his previously winning formula now. I think Becker needs to emphasize that Nole should try to stay calm and steady throughout the match and maintain his level as much as possible.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I've always thought that about Nole. He often takes these lulls in the middle of the match, lulls which he can afford against the rest of the tour, but not with the top three.
I've also noticed that Nole doesn't like variety. It's like he's studied Rafa exclusively and he knows Rafa's game inside and out. He knows his tendencies, etc. But, with Federer, Murray, and Stan he's not sure what they're going to do. This is what I think makes him vulnerable against those three. You never know what they're going to do.
Rafa, OTOH, often gets nervous against Nole and sometimes flounders, but if he is dialed in Nole has no chance against him either.
Berdych has to blow Novak off the court (which doesn't happen often) but has happened several times.
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thanks general masterclass.
general Tee is one of the greatest tennis authorities on the planet.
Camelot is blessed because of people like him.
and the same goes for you general masterclass. it is widely known in the cyber world of tennis that you are the greatest poster on the planet.
this is why Camelot is required reading for the tennis fans.
Camelot did call this one just right and Camelot predicted it long before the tournament started.
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roger looks more lean general masterclass.
that is lean muscle tissue there general.
I think he is putting in the hard yards on the road and in the gym.
you know he snatched this title in 2012.
that field packs some major punch.
General Hercules, I thought he looked thin, you thought he looked lean and fit.
Looks like you were spot on with that assessment, he came back from a set down 2 days in a row against the #2 and #6 players in the world.
At 32 1/2 years old, you can't do that if you are not super fit.
Mr. Tee and yourself both predicted he would take the title before a match had been played. Well done sirs.
Camelot has the most knowledgeable and kind people around. 8)
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Yes, Lady TT, and that match made it difficult for him today.
It was a struggle following yesterday's big match with Djokovic only 22 hours before. Federer clearly looked drained, and struggled with his serve throughout the first 1/2 of the match. Forturnately for him, Berdych, while somewhat fresher, also looked nervous in the key points. Federer gutted it out and won it, and at the end had more winners than errors.
Berdych couldn't deal with it at the end. He was up a set and a break in the second, but Federer broke back, and then broke again to take the second set, and Berdych lost some confidence and was quickly down 4-1 and 5-2 in the decider.
Not a pretty match by any standards, but Federer got it done and won a record 6th Dubai title.
Congratulations to him and his supporters.
Condolences to Tomas Berdych and his fans.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Thanks for the condolences. I was hoping that Tomas would finally put himself in a position to compete for majors, but with an effort like that, he gets what he gets.
I did not know he was up a set and a break. Still not enough fighting spirit.
Federer took advantage and rightly so.
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Yes, Lady TT, and that match made it difficult for him today.
It was a struggle following yesterday's big match with Djokovic only 22 hours before. Federer clearly looked drained, and struggled with his serve throughout the first 1/2 of the match. Forturnately for him, Berdych, while somewhat fresher, also looked nervous in the key points. Federer gutted it out and won it, and at the end had more winners than errors.
Berdych couldn't deal with it at the end. He was up a set and a break in the second, but Federer broke back, and then broke again to take the second set, and Berdych lost some confidence and was quickly down 4-1 and 5-2 in the decider.
Not a pretty match by any standards, but Federer got it done and won a record 6th Dubai title.
Congratulations to him and his supporters.
Condolences to Tomas Berdych and his fans.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Good question Lady TT. I think he mustn't panic or get down on himself for sure.
Nole has to regroup and refocus just a bit. But it's no shame to lose to a Federer playing vintage stuff. Boris Becker has to get Nole to realize that when the Federer genius comes out, that he shouldn't panic, ride the tide, and then look for opportunities to turn the match around. Easier said then done, but Nole has to have a bit more calm. He retrieves and returns as well as anyone. It will help him when he gets back on slower courts. These medium-fast courts in Dubai are probably just a bit too fast for him against someone with the ability and aggression of Federer when he is executing well. There is only so much one can defend, even for the best defenders in the world.
And it's not only Federer. Nole has to maintain his calm against whomever his beating him, whether it be Rafa, Andy, or ?
He also has to try to avoid these irritating lulls in a match, but then, that is tough for any player, especially in a five set match. One just to find ways to limit those lulls as much as possible. I don't know if Nole hired Becker to help him on his net and overhead play, but it might be a mistake to try and change his previously winning formula now. I think Becker needs to emphasize that Nole should try to stay calm and steady throughout the match and maintain his level as much as possible.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Agreed. Nole seemed to be shaken. I didn't watch from the second set on because I fell asleep. I woke up at 5-1 Federer, and Nole looked out of sorts. He definitely needs to regroup, and fast!
Oh, and congrats to Federer fans. The scoreline was shocking. Federer was so happy. A great win for him.
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Good question Lady TT. I think he mustn't panic or get down on himself for sure.
Nole has to regroup and refocus just a bit. But it's no shame to lose to a Federer playing vintage stuff. Boris Becker has to get Nole to realize that when the Federer genius comes out, that he shouldn't panic, ride the tide, and then look for opportunities to turn the match around. Easier said then done, but Nole has to have a bit more calm. He retrieves and returns as well as anyone. It will help him when he gets back on slower courts. These medium-fast courts in Dubai are probably just a bit too fast for him against someone with the ability and aggression of Federer when he is executing well. There is only so much one can defend, even for the best defenders in the world.
And it's not only Federer. Nole has to maintain his calm against whomever his beating him, whether it be Rafa, Andy, or ?
He also has to try to avoid these irritating lulls in a match, but then, that is tough for any player, especially in a five set match. One just to find ways to limit those lulls as much as possible. I don't know if Nole hired Becker to help him on his net and overhead play, but it might be a mistake to try and change his previously winning formula now. I think Becker needs to emphasize that Nole should try to stay calm and steady throughout the match and maintain his level as much as possible.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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this is why Camelot has become required reading for the world.
there are opposing but very objective views here.
I think federer still has a massive game. I have been saying that for months now.
That's what discussion is supposed to be about; opposing views. Each side presenting their case without trying to convince the other.
If Person A makes valid points, Person B may learn something from them that eventually leads to a softening of their opinion.
That's the only way that it can work.
Many times at TW I was able to understand another person's perspective based on how they presented it.
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Oh, well. Got my prediction wrong. Federer raised his level and Djokovic simply couldn't stay with him in the 3rd set and Federer ran away with it and for the first time, beat Djokovic when not winning the first set. 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Federer played some unbelievable points off of both wings. One handed backhand at close to 100 mph for a winner.
He was aggressive at the right times and played some good volleys. It was a vintage performance by him.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Nole is at an interesting point in his career. In 2013 he lost RG to Rafa, Wimbledon to AM, USO to Rafa and followed that up with a QF loss to Stan, and now has lost to Federer.
I wonder where he goes from here. Does it motivate him anew, or has the confidence been shaken?
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Blockbuster match today folks!
Djokovic vs. Federer in Dubai scheduled to start somewhere around 7 pm local Dubai Time - 4 pm CET, 3 pm. GT, 10 am EST.
These matches between them have usually been quite good.
They usually involve more than the minimum amount of sets with momentum switches.
That may change soon as Federer ages more, but at 32 and 1/2, he still looks in pretty good shape.
Recent play between the two:
Djokovic won both of their late 2013 matches, but they both went the distance, even though Federer had an off year for himself and was just starting to get back some form after his back problems earlier in the year.
Federer's last win against Djokovic was in the 2012 Western & Southern Open in Cincinatti where he thrashed Novak in the first set with a bagel and hung on to win the second set in a tiebreaker and the match. But that was when Roger was full of confidence as the #1 player in the world after winning Wimbledon beating Djokovic in the SF and Murray in the final, and a silver in the Olympics, whereas Djokovic had lost to Federer in the Wimbledon semi and lost to both Murray and Del Potro in straight sets to miss an Olympic medal.
I think this will come down to who has the most confidence in their game and themselves right now. I'm not sure Novak has entirely recovered from his Australian Open QF loss to Wawrinka. I think that stung him a bit. But Roger was also stung there in the SF by Rafa. So they are both looking for a confidence boost in Dubai prior to heading off to the big masters tourneys in the USA.
Sometimes Novak comes out a little flat in big matches between the two, whereas Roger starts well. I'm not so sure this 500 match qualifies as a big match though, except in terms of the match-up, so I expect Novak to be a bit sharper, and Roger perhaps not so keen. But that's just a guess.
I'll project it as Nole in 3 sets, but anything could happen. It always depends on how they are feeling on the day. Federer has to serve better early than he has in his last couple of matches. His backhand has held up pretty well this tournament, but his forehand and serve have been a bit inconsistent. Nole has looked sharp against his weaker opponents, but he missed a match courtesy of Mikhail Youzhny's illness and withdrawal. But it only gave him an extra day rest, unlike his previous reception of a Fognini withdrawal at Roland Garros 2011 where he got 3 days rest and then lost to Federer to end his torrid 43 match streak. So being the relatively fresher player of the two, I expect Novak to come out raring to go, and Roger with the late performance last night might not have as much edge early.
So my call is Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. But who knows... :)
Thursday Federer's interview comments about the match (Djokovic unavailable because he was given a walkover by Youzhny)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_Ec65ZqGA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_Ec65ZqGA)
Respectfully,
masterclass
This is what I thought as well.
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this is why Camelot has become required reading for the world.
there are opposing but very objective views here.
I think federer still has a massive game. I have been saying that for months now.
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Oh, well. Got my prediction wrong. Federer raised his level and Djokovic simply couldn't stay with him in the 3rd set and Federer ran away with it and for the first time, beat Djokovic when not winning the first set. 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Federer played some unbelievable points off of both wings. One handed backhand at close to 100 mph for a winner.
He was aggressive at the right times and played some good volleys. It was a vintage performance by him.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Hmm, so far my prediction has been scarily accurate. I'm shocked. It's all even after two 6-3 sets.
Let's see what's going to happen in the decider. A great match so far.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Tomas in the meantime gets the win over Phillipp 7-5, 7-5. Good stuff Birdman.
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Federer has to serve huge and take some risks.
he has to force the issue and take time away from Nole. do not let Nole get into any rhythm off the ground.
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Blockbuster match today folks!
Djokovic vs. Federer in Dubai scheduled to start somewhere around 7 pm local Dubai Time - 4 pm CET, 3 pm. GT, 10 am EST.
These matches between them have usually been quite good.
They usually involve more than the minimum amount of sets with momentum switches.
That may change soon as Federer ages more, but at 32 and 1/2, he still looks in pretty good shape.
Recent play between the two:
Djokovic won both of their late 2013 matches, but they both went the distance, even though Federer had an off year for himself and was just starting to get back some form after his back problems earlier in the year.
Federer's last win against Djokovic was in the 2012 Western & Southern Open in Cincinatti where he thrashed Novak in the first set with a bagel and hung on to win the second set in a tiebreaker and the match. But that was when Roger was full of confidence as the #1 player in the world after winning Wimbledon beating Djokovic in the SF and Murray in the final, and a silver in the Olympics, whereas Djokovic had lost to Federer in the Wimbledon semi and lost to both Murray and Del Potro in straight sets to miss an Olympic medal.
I think this will come down to who has the most confidence in their game and themselves right now. I'm not sure Novak has entirely recovered from his Australian Open QF loss to Wawrinka. I think that stung him a bit. But Roger was also stung there in the SF by Rafa. So they are both looking for a confidence boost in Dubai prior to heading off to the big masters tourneys in the USA.
Sometimes Novak comes out a little flat in big matches between the two, whereas Roger starts well. I'm not so sure this 500 match qualifies as a big match though, except in terms of the match-up, so I expect Novak to be a bit sharper, and Roger perhaps not so keen. But that's just a guess.
I'll project it as Nole in 3 sets, but anything could happen. It always depends on how they are feeling on the day. Federer has to serve better early than he has in his last couple of matches. His backhand has held up pretty well this tournament, but his forehand and serve have been a bit inconsistent. Nole has looked sharp against his weaker opponents, but he missed a match courtesy of Mikhail Youzhny's illness and withdrawal. But it only gave him an extra day rest, unlike his previous reception of a Fognini withdrawal at Roland Garros 2011 where he got 3 days rest and then lost to Federer to end his torrid 43 match streak. So being the relatively fresher player of the two, I expect Novak to come out raring to go, and Roger with the late performance last night might not have as much edge early.
So my call is Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. But who knows... :)
Thursday Federer's interview comments about the match (Djokovic unavailable because he was given a walkover by Youzhny)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_Ec65ZqGA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_Ec65ZqGA)
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Berdych is having a great year.
lets hope he can keep this up. he has the game. all that has been missing is some consistency in the clutch when you have to have your shots working for you.
he has tightened up a few times in the clutch in the past.
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Federer has been playing well.
the courts are playing fast there. I think Federer gets this one if he can serve big.
berdych is going to the final. he has the hot hand right now.
Yes, Federer has been playing well, but he hasn't really played anyone of note yet. I didn't watch the match, per se, but I did fast forward through the match for scoring purposes.
What makes me waver is that Djokovic has already announced his intention to win Rafa Garros (again), so it wouldn't be very bright to come out here and go out to Federer.
So, we'll see.
But Berdych should go through to the final. At least I hope he does. Wouldn't that be awesome if he grabs two titles this early in the year after going on a two year title drought!
Go Berdy!
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Federer has been playing well.
the courts are playing fast there. I think Federer gets this one if he can serve big.
berdych is going to the final. he has the hot hand right now.
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Yeah, I'm following Berdych on Twitter. He's really funny.
I'm loving his new mental focus. He believes. That's bad for the field who used to be able to count on him getting frustrated.
Tomorrow looks like a great day of tennis.
Who you got in both matches?
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Berdych is doing real well this year lady TT. he has won 10 matches in a row now if I am not mistaken.
here is the order of play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=495
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Woohoo! Berdych got it done.
He is looking good.
I think Berdman will win a major before his career is over.
He deserves it for all of the improvements that he's made, most in the mental department.
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Berdych sets up a showdown with Tsonga in Dubai:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/02/9/Dubai-Wednesday-Djokovic-Federer-Berdych.aspx
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Federer will face stepanek tomorrow in Dubai.
here is the order of play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=495
Nole is also in action tomorrow.
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The #2 seed Juan Martin del Potro has fallen in the first round.
Somdev Devvarman from Gandhi's Republic of India is the benefactor of an unfortunate retirement due to a left wrist injury from the Tower of Tandil after he lost the first set 7-6(3). Del Potro could not come over the ball at all on his backhand wing as the match progressed.
Devvarman will meet Tunisian Malek Jaziri who saved 5 MP and upset Igor Sijsling, 0-6 6-4 7-6(4) after Sisling was ahead 5-2.
This certainly opens up the bottom half of the draw, especially for Kohlschreiber, and then potentially for Berdych or Tsonga.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Unbelievable.
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thanks for the update general masterclass.
that is quite unfortunate. his wrist injury will just not go away. it keeps resurfacing.
some wrist injuries are forever. i may have told you that i fell of my bike at high speed during a training ride a few years ago.
it left my festina watch intact but the fall broke my left wrist. my wrist has never been the same since.
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The #2 seed Juan Martin del Potro has fallen in the first round.
Somdev Devvarman from Gandhi's Republic of India is the benefactor of an unfortunate retirement due to a left wrist injury from the Tower of Tandil after he lost the first set 7-6(3). Del Potro could not come over the ball at all on his backhand wing as the match progressed.
Devvarman will meet Tunisian Malek Jaziri who saved 5 MP and upset Igor Sijsling, 0-6 6-4 7-6(4) after Sisling was ahead 5-2.
This certainly opens up the bottom half of the draw, especially for Kohlschreiber, and then potentially for Berdych or Tsonga.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=495
Nole returns to action. will face Istomin.
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Hot shot of the day
King of the Great Willy bullet shots executes the somewhat easier Great Willy sidespin lob;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9K7EdyPcBw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9K7EdyPcBw)
The preceding volleys were not too bad either.
Respectfully,
masterclass
wow. unbelievable point.
fascinating stuff.
keep them coming.
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Hot shot of the day
King of the Great Willy bullet shots executes the somewhat easier Great Willy sidespin lob;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9K7EdyPcBw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9K7EdyPcBw)
The preceding volleys were not too bad either.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Easy peasy for Federer today.
Next match should be the same.
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Federer gets it done 6-1, 6-4.
will play the winner of iron mike vs stepanek battle.
here is the draw again:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Share/Event-Draws.aspx?Year=2014&EventId=495&Draw=ms
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Federer snatches the first set 6-1.
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Federer leads 4-1.
no issues with Benjamin becker at the moment.
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who is ready for roger Federer? he plays becker tomorrow.
here is the order of play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=495
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order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=495
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I will go with Federer for the title as well.
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Draw in Post #1. Djokovic, Federer, Youzhny, Tursunov in top half. Del Potro, Berdych, Tsonga, Kohlschreiber in bottom half.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Very strong field as usual.
I will not be surprised if Federer wins the title here.
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stan is rich beyond belief now. one slam is all it takes these days and sponsors start lining up.
you have 17 slams and speak as well as roger and you can start making $71 million a year. roger speaks around 6 languages and he speaks perfect English.
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So it seems Spartan Stan is not playing in Acapulco or Dubai. It seems he is still resting his leg and is still doing many interviews and sponsor related activities in Switzerland according to his twitter - https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg75dsIIcAAgisY.jpg:large)
What was that AO winner's prize again? Oh yes, $2,650,000. I guess he can pay a few bills with that while he goes on the talk show tour and gets more sponsors. Evidently winning a major adds significantly to the portfolio.
So I guess we might see him next at Indian Wells unless he takes a wild card somewhere.
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Federer does look thin, but maybe it's the dark shirt. Dark clothes make you look thinner.
It's nice to see that he's still playing against the big guns instead of getting the easy titles he could get by playing my obscure titles.
Kudos to him, and it's smart.
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i forgot about that general masterclass:
Acapulco is on the hard courts this year.
what kind of a field are we looking at there? in addition to andy and stan, that is.
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General, Stan is scheduled to play in Acapulco, which is being played at the same time as Dubai.
It's on hard court this year. It will be his prep before Indian Wells.
I'll start a thread tomorrow for Acapulco if you haven't already done it. :)
Good night!
Respectfully,
masterclass
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how come I don't see Stan here?
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roger looks more lean general masterclass.
that is lean muscle tissue there general.
I think he is putting in the hard yards on the road and in the gym.
you know he snatched this title in 2012.
that field packs some major punch.
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Mr. Roger Federer already in Dubai practicing... he looks thin to me, but it might just be the pic. Maybe he's losing some weight to gain some additional foot speed.
Back in black #red shoes
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bgrrw0CCYAApOYf.jpg:large)
Enjoyable time on court
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgrpomqCAAAYoJX.jpg:large)
Coach Severin explaining the drill
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgrqMWjIUAExb5o.jpg)
Respectfully,
masterclass
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Prize Money: USD $1,928,340 - 32 player Main Draw (16 QUALIFYING)
Location: Dubai Duty Free Stadium
Surface: Decoturf II
Ball: Head ATP
Web Site: http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/
Main draw: Saturday, February 22, Noon
Doubles draw: Saturday, February 22, 2:00 p.m.
ATP Ranking Points
W: 500
F: 300
SF: 180
QF: 90
R16: 45
R32: 0
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtPeA0S2.jpg&hash=6898608e5c1b8ff6505cfd06ca91a7d80267e28a)
Respectfully,
masterclass