CAMELOT FANTASIES

That's a great post General.  It's a shame that we had to see Rafa losing like that to Raonic.  I mean, with Raonic's youth, maybe it had to happen one day, but I did not think it would be today.  Nadal was all over Raonic in the first set and a half, and Raonic was overhitting almost everything, but then you could see Rafa visibly tiring mid to late 2nd set. His forehands had less sting and were flying wild on him.  I saw him even run around a forehand to hit a backhaand, which is how bad his forehand broke down.  Rafa won almost twice as many baseline points in the first two sets, but Raonic won more in the decider, which says everything.

I think it is about 80% lack of sufficient fitness, and 20% confidence.  Well, we can juggle the numbers how we like, but he is fading against players he should not.   He faded against Fognini, and now Raonic.  As you say, it looks like he needs to do the hard yards on the practice court.  He is going to have to make some time to do it, there are no short cuts.  He used to be deadly in 5 sets, especially at Roland Garros.  Now he fades after a set and a half?

I didn't see Uncle Toni there.  Roig is coaching.  I think I read that Toni said Rafa needed more work and court time to get back to form and shape.  Well, why isn't it happening?  Maybe Uncle Toni needs to crack the whip a bit... eh, maybe too strong, but you get my drift.

I was looking forward to a great semifinal battle between Rafa and Roger, but based on what I saw today, I think at the moment, Roger is much fitter and playing better, so maybe it wouldn't have been so good a battle anyway.   Oh well, clay season starts in less than a month... things change fast in tennis.   

Anyway, congrats to Roger and Milos for getting through. Condolences to Rafa and Tomas.

Respectfully,
masterclass