CAMELOT FANTASIES

The script was written, the stage is set.  It's yet another final between the two greatest in the sport.

But things are a little different this time.

This is the first time the two have played in a ATP 500 event. Almost every one of their contests were at the higher levels.

This is the first time they play against each other in the land of Federer.

This is the first indoor final they have played in normal ATP tour events.  The only other was at the World Tour Finals in 2010, where Federer won in 3 sets.  Federer leads Nadal 4-1 indoors, where the medium low bouncing conditions negate the Nadal topspin.  The only loss Federer has suffered to Nadal indoors was in his ill-fated 2013 season, the worst season he had since 2002, in the semifinal of the World Tour Finals.

Rafa has again come into a match with a question mark, as he seemed to tweak something in the knee against Gasquet.  Is this something to worry about, or part of the psychological warfare?

General Hercules was concerned that Rafa was risking injury by practicing and playing so many hard court matches.  Singles, doubles, exhibitions, practicing on his indoor hard court in Manacor.   And now we see the knee being taped again.  This was predictable even to me.

I really hope it is only psychological warfare. If he is hurting again and plays he risks exacerbating the injury, and who knows how many more he can endure?  One man can only take so much, and he has already taken more than almost any player we know.

Anyway, back to the script being written.    Earlier in the week, the ATP website already named Roger Federer player of the week.  What do they know that we don't?  It would look a little silly for them if Rafa beats Roger today, won't it?



Respectfully,
masterclass