CAMELOT FANTASIES

You are both too kind. But thank you.

Nishikori had some injury problems as usual last tournament and I felt he would be vulnerable.

Benoit Paire has been playing very well of late, and has a lot of talent.  He has an excellent serve, very strong 2-hand backhand and a good forehand, volleys well.  He moves well for a tall man, but his footwork lacks somewhat, especially when he needs to go back.  But he hasn't always had the consistency or strong mentality, especially against tougher defensive players.

He should be no less than a top 20 player and even top 10 if his mentality would improve.  Unfortunately that is the story of the French players as a whole. A lot of talent, but not always the best mentality and inconsistent. Wawrinka's coach, Norman, I think would do Paire a world of good.  He tends to play more fearless early in a tournament, and usually gets fired up for a big match. 

That's why I thought he could spell trouble for Kei Nishikori.

And though I had Rafa on my list of possible upsets, considering his play of late, I saw a big step forward from Rafa yesterday and was very encouraged.

1. He played with more intensity,
2. He looks like he put on a lot of extra muscle between his loss at Cincinnati and yesterday. Especially his right arm looked stronger, and his backhand benefited.  He was hitting very solid down the line and cross court on that wing.
3.  His serve improved 100%. He was up in the 120's yesterday.  Haven't seen that since the 2010 US Open.
4. His return was better, but still needs to be better.
5. Though it looked like his strength improved, his overall fitness still needs more work. He admitted he got tired in the 3rd set and it cost him.  But fortunately he got a second wind in the 4th and grabbed it.
6. His confidence looked much improved and his on-court demeanor and body language reflected it.  This is essential for his aura so that players will fear him.  He had lost that recently.  Nobody was really afraid anymore. He was like a target.  Yesterday, I saw Rafa of old, with just a few chinks.

I'll say this right now.  IF Rafa continues on this path and doesn't take a step back, I think he is a big threat to beat Djokovic in the QF, and even to win the tournament.  Maybe some will say it's a bit too early to say he's back, but he took a big step forward yesterday.  Very encouraging for him and his team. and of course, his devoted fans.

Respectfully,
masterclass

Kei has had a career full of injuries. I don’t know if it’s because he’s so slight, or if it’s simply fate. Some people are blessed with health and some aren’t. it may just be the luck of the draw.

I love watching Benoit play. He’s a very stylish player, but as you said his mentality needs major improvement. For that reason I thought that even if he got Kei in a pickle he would fold, but he didn’t. I didn’t remember that, but you’re right he does seem to relish the challenge early in a tournament and can be a very dangerous player in the early rounds. He needs a good coach to help him to put it all together. He would be very dangerous if that happens.
 
Rafa has been missing his trademark intensity all season. Little by little I’ve seen it coming back, specifically in the last three or four tournaments. I noticed his right arm in Cincinnati too. It wasn’t as defined as it usually is. He definitely needs to improve his fitness though, because he shouldn’t be getting tired after two sets. It was a strange declaration considering that he has to play tough players who will now try to tire him out. But that’s Rafa, he’s honest to a fault.
As long as he finishes the season on a high note I’ll be happy. The fact that he’s rediscovered his will is all I can ask. I hope he does well and improves with every match.