CAMELOT FANTASIES

Hi General, I just returned home today after a month in the hospital. 

Touch and go for a short time in ICU, but I pulled through.

First time I ever stayed in the hospital, I hope not anymore.
Holiday season is a terrible time of year to be in the hospital...but I'm thankful that I've recovered.

Now I recuperate here at home for another month.

I hope your holidays went better, and you and everyone here have a Happy New Year!

Joyfully,
masterclass

Thanks General.  I appreciate it.
I'll be logging in from time to time when I feel up to it.
I'm tired now, but I'm glad I'm home and have internet again and could touch base with you all and let you know what happened
Take care and best wishes.

it was just not in the stars for Andy this time in Doha.

Djokovic defended his title.

Novak Djokovic has taken the first battle of the 2017 ATP World Tour season against Andy Murray, beating the Scot 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to defend his Qatar ExxonMobil Open title and exact revenge on the World No. 1.
In an electrifying final, the Serbian captured his first title since July (Rogers Cup) and showed some of the fiery tennis that helped him dominate the first half of 2016. The 29 year old frequently encouraged the crowd to back him, lifting his arms and pumping his fist while staring into the stands.
“Best scenario I could ask for at the beginning of the season. Playing all five matches in this tournament and then three hours against No. 1 of the world, biggest rival, and winning in a thrilling marathon match,” Djokovic said. “It was a really, really thrilling performance from both of us. Just a great way to start the year.”
Djokovic's intense attitude was matched by his aggressive on-court play. He charged the net 35 times against Murray, winning almost 70 per cent of those points during the two-hour and 54-minute final. “You have to construct the point well and find the right time to approach, but you need to come in,” Djokovic said. “That controlled, aggressive style of play is the way to win.”

Tony says he is done coaching Rafa after this year.

General, I heard that Toni has been complaining that nobody is listening to him anymore - that others have been making more and more decisions every year instead of him and he has had enough of this situation and the travel.

I'm not sure if it will have any effect on Rafa.  I think he does things the way he wants the last few years.

But who knows?

Respectfully,
masterclass

you and I have known this for nearly 10 years now general: Rafa just does his own thing.


he used to even argue and fight with tony so we know he doesn't listen to him.


tony is right. he lost out on the decision making and now has had enough.


tony is going to walk away and just go work at the academy. he is still family.


as for Rafa, I think he is done. he still cant get his head out of the sand.

and to make matters worse--so to speak---he is making more money than he ever has.


he didn't go to Rotterdam to win. he went there because they threw a lot of appearance money at him.


if he cant his ass on clay then he will win absolutely nothing.

general I saw some of the highlights of the Rafa match:

1. he does not have enough sting/bite to his shots

2. he doesn't have enough spin. the spin of old days. he blames it on the dry heat.

3. he doesn't have sufficient fitness. that is one reason he is choosing to stay on the hard courts. he doesn't have the fitness to grind it out on clay.

4. he still cant volley. he is terrified at the net for a brave warrior. I saw one volley and that says it all. he again guided and pushed it when he could have clobbered it out of existence.

so naturally he got a reply which he could not handle.

5. return is weak

6. his most significant weapon--his topspin forehand--lacks the spin, power, and the accuracy.

7. confidence level needed to win titles is not there. I can tell easily that he really doesn't believe. and he is not dumb. he knows he cant win because he has been farting around for 4 years while the world has been busy with continuous improvement.



I cant see him winning any titles anywhere.

well Rafa got by Verdasco but he did not look very good.

Verdasco was pathetic.