CAMELOT FANTASIES

General, you called it.  Well, Rafa beat Verdasco, but lost rather easily to Roger. 

Ok, Roger is playing well, no doubt.  But Rafa at times seemed lost out there. 

Conditions were no excuse.  The Indian Wells conditions are tailor made for Rafa with the high bounce.

Problem is again that Rafa was hitting too short a lot, and didn't adjust to Roger coming in more and taking the ball early before the top spin had a chance to go over his head.
Once Federer used that tactic and succeeded, especially on that backhand side, it seemed Rafa didn't have any counter plan.

Rafa needs to rediscover his game, and that can only happen on the clay. 

The sooner he gets back on the clay, the better.  The longer he waits, it might be too late.  It might already be too late.

I still think he has it in him to win Roland Garros this year.  But he needs to skip Miami and practice hard on the clay and get some matches in.

Condolences to Rafa and his fans everywhere.  The night is darkest before the dawn. He will have his chances to rise again.  Congrats to Roger and his fans.  He plays well for a man of his age, no?  He could probably play pro tennis to 45 if he wants and stays relatively healthy. 

Respectfully,
masterclass

Murray is confirmed out of Miami with  a right elbow problem.

Djokovic is doubtful for Miami also with an elbow problem.

I think Murray and Djokovic are focusing on the clay season already,..

I don't think Rafa will skip Miami. He is going to try and go far there from what he said.

Federer is supposed to be there, but if he takes Indian Wells, let's see what happens.

Others might take advantage like Delpo and Wawrinka.

Respectfully,
masterclass

General, your legendary thread at MTF is fired up again.
IF Roger takes #90 today the final countdown to 100 commences... 10-9-8...

And there is comedy gold in that thread.  So many posters and even fans of Federer not giving him a chance to even get 80 something titles.

You had many wise words in that thread but this was a great post made over 5 years ago (Feb 2012):

Quote from: Clay Death;11755586

[snip self-reference]

there is no doubt in my mind that Fed will still be playing and competing for the next 7 years. and as i have suggested, he has the kind of efficient game and this amazing ability to manage his fitness and his health that he may even play until he is 40.

again, people are not taking this one little fact into account:

nothing stands still. he will make changes in his game and he will compensate for the older age and diminished movement.


i am not saying he is winning slams but if he loves tennis like he does then he can stay in the top 10 and keep snatching small titles for as long as he is driven to do so. he has the ability.

He has indeed made changes to stay at the top of the game even in the face of injury and surgery.  And he is still taking big titles, which is even more amazing.

If Federer wins #90 today, I think you should put in an appearance in the thread.  Lendl is the next target at 94.   I think he gets to Lendl this year.  Slam #19 is around the corner at Wimbledon, maybe 20 happens at the US Open or next year.

Respectfully,
masterclass