*** Official Tennis Thread ****

[Jayarbie]

It's hard to see him losing to anyone but an old nemesis like Novak or a streaky servebot like Kyrgios.

Some complained about Federer not having to face Djokovic in 2017 and that's a fair call but at least he faced several Top 10 players to win those 3 big titles.

Nadal on the other hand could steamroll a bunch of scrubs over the next couple of months for even more points. 1000 last week, 500 this week, Madrid and Rome Masters (2000), and of course the French (2000). If Federer doesn't return (unlikely) and Novak and Murray are AWOL then the clay season will be steaming garbage.

I was hopeful one of the young dirtballers like Thiem or Coric would take the next step and become a real challenger (at least on the red dirt), but that doesn't look like it's happening.

[nvrstopworking]

You wonder how Nadal is making it look so easy right now...

Zverev took a WC into Barcelona to have another crack at Nadal after being humiliated last week and he just got served an opening set breadstick by world No. 94 Hyeon Chung.

Saw that... ended up losing the match too (6-1,6-4). Apparently clay isn't Sasha's surface lol.

[Dominik]

Saw that... ended up losing the match too (6-1,6-4). Apparently clay isn't Sasha's surface lol.

I read a description somewhere that on clay he looks like a giraffe on skates. It's great that he publicly said he wanted a chance to get even but it's embarrassing he couldn't win two matches to make it happen.

I was hopeful one of the young dirtballers like Thiem or Coric would take the next step and become a real challenger (at least on the red dirt), but that doesn't look like it's happening.

It's a shame Thiem is basically a 250 specialist. Vultures on weak draws when the #2 seed is outside the Top 20. Hangs around the Top 10 because he plays 30+ tournaments a year.

Nadal went through Federer and Djokovic to win most of his French Open titles and for the most part that was exciting. Federer beat Djokovic and Murray for Wimbledon 2012 and Berdych, Nishikori, Stan, and Nadal for 2017 AO. Can't say he didn't earn those.

If Nadal breezes through RG with no Novak, Murray, or Federer, and the rest of the Top 10 is either injured or rolling over for him, it's going to be worse than 2016 Murrovic and I didn't think that was possible.

[nvrstopworking]

Busta gone.

Bautista Agut gone.

Zverev gone.

Goffin gone.


Inb4 Rafa v. Vinolas final part 2.

[Dominik]

Busta gone.

Bautista Agut gone.

Zverev gone.

Goffin gone.

Inb4 Rafa v. Vinolas final part 2.

A classic for the ages.

Let's all get behind the mighty clay warrior Vinolas and hope he can take 3 games off the Bull.

[euron]

Hhaha, I do feel for you guys but I can't really be too upset. Hopefully Murray reaches the final and we will atleast have that.


But really, what do we expect from clay tennis without Roger, Novak or Andy? Even with them Nadal ran away with the trophies the past 12 years.

[nvrstopworking]

I guess it doesn't help that this is Barcelona.... who no one really cares about since it's only a 250 event... no Stan. No Novak. No Kyrgios. No Berdych. No Cilic. No Tsonga.

And all the injuries aren't helping either... Nishi... Delpo... Monfils... Raonic....

I really hope Madrid will be better.

[anibani]

what do you guys think about Bouchard's remarks about Sharapova?

I might agree that the ban wasn't long/hard enough, but I'm just so annoyed by Bouchard. She always seems so full of herself especially considering what she's actually achieved.

[Dominik]

what do you guys think about Bouchard's remarks about Sharapova?

I might agree that the ban wasn't long/hard enough, but I'm just so annoyed by Bouchard. She always seems so full of herself especially considering what she's actually achieved.

Agreed. She shouldn't be commenting. Worry about winning matches. She's ranked outside the Top 50.

Hhaha, I do feel for you guys but I can't really be too upset. Hopefully Murray reaches the final and we will atleast have that

The mighty Ramos-Vinolas might have something to say about that. Just took the first set 6-2.

[euron]

Yeah I'm watching right now. I don't know what's to make of this.

It's entertaining and depressing at the same time. I feel bad for Andy, hope he gets it together soon. Despite his grumpyness and his horrible GS finals record I do like him a lot.

Edit: Alright he pulled through, Thiem in the next round lets go.

[nvrstopworking]

Good tourney for Chung. Gave Rafa all he could handle in that first set. Wind went out of his sails after he lost that tiebreak though. You almost HAVE to win the first set against Rafa or you have no chance (much like it is with Roger).

Thiem v. Murray should be good.

[Dominik]

Hopefully Murray and Thiem keep it short and sweet so we get a competitive final. I can easily see them grinding away for 3 hours and being gassed on Sunday while the Rafa Nadal bakery serves up a couple of warm breadsticks to Zeballos.

Nothing against Nadal and it's not his fault but racking up 1500 points in a fortnight not facing a single Top 10 player is a joke.

Check out the rankings of opponents in Monte Carlo and Barcelona including tomorrow's match: 45, 20, 41, 13, 24, 69, 66, 94, 84.

Only 3 players inside Top 40 and the two in the Top 20, Goffin and Zverev, couldn't even string two wins together this week.

Cliffs: garbage

[Ownster8932]

Hopefully Murray and Thiem keep it short and sweet so we get a competitive final. I can easily see them grinding away for 3 hours and being gassed on Sunday while the Rafa Nadal bakery serves up a couple of warm breadsticks to Zeballos.

Nothing against Nadal and it's not his fault but racking up 1500 points in a fortnight not facing a single Top 10 player is a joke.

Check out the rankings of opponents in Monte Carlo and Barcelona including tomorrow's match: 45, 20, 41, 13, 24, 69, 66, 94, 84.

Only 3 players inside Top 40 and the two in the Top 20, Goffin and Zverev, couldn't even string two wins together this week.

Cliffs: garbage

Holy ****. Not bagging on Nadal (I actually like him), he can't help his draw, but damn, that is a weak rankings list, lol. I hope he wins the French.

[nvrstopworking]

So it's Thiem vs. Rafa for the final tomorrow. Hope we get a good match.

[Dominik]

Looks like Federer has had enough of watching Rafa waltz through cakewalk draws this clay season. He wants in.

https://twitter.com/tennischannel/st...21679823118336

[DanTD]

Looks like Federer has had enough of watching Rafa waltz through cakewalk draws this clay season. He wants in.

https://twitter.com/tennischannel/st...21679823118336

Obviously taken a look at the state of the top of the men's game and decided he stands a good chance to do some damage at Roland Garros. He must be feeling fairly fresh as well.

[nvrstopworking]

Obviously taken a look at the state of the top of the men's game and decided he stands a good chance to do some damage at Roland Garros. He must be feeling fairly fresh as well.

Knew he wouldn't be able to stay out for the whole season. Still wish he would play another clay event to warm up but I'll take RG.

[anibani]

Looks like Federer has had enough of watching Rafa waltz through cakewalk draws this clay season. He wants in.

https://twitter.com/tennischannel/st...21679823118336

not sure how to feel about this yet...

[Jayarbie]

Looks like Federer has had enough of watching Rafa waltz through cakewalk draws this clay season. He wants in.

https://twitter.com/tennischannel/st...21679823118336

This was an obvious decision. If he won the AO then skipped RG, and then went on to win Wimbledon and the USO, he would be forever haunted by the "what ifs". The AO winner really can't skip a slam until he/she loses one.

[Jayarbie]

So I was playing today at a practice with my USTA team and now my elbow hurts like hell. Fukc.

[ohiostate124]

Just watched the Zeballos/Rafa match. Looks vulnerable on clay to me.

[iabs]

is there a fan of any other player other than Federer itt? honest question.


oh yeah...

[euron]

I'm a big Rafa fan but that doesn't mean I have to slam my head on the keyboard and roll it around to defend his honor every time anyone mentions Federer.

If you like tennis, the sport that is, then you really can't deny that both Roger and Rafa are absolute freaks of nature in the game and it's best to enjoy both of them while it lasts.

[iabs]

I'm a big Rafa fan but that doesn't mean I have to slam my head on the keyboard and roll it around to defend his honor every time anyone mentions Federer.

If you like tennis, the sport that is, then you really can't deny that both Roger and Rafa are absolute freaks of nature in the game and it's best to enjoy both of them while it lasts.

I enjoy both and think Federer is a GOAT.

I was stirring the pot when I started calling out the Fed fanboys itt, cause let's be honest they're annoying as fuk. Federer fans love to accuse and berate anyone who disagrees with the notion that Federer is the indisputable GOAT.

I went to Indian Wells this year and at the final I thought I was gonna lose my hearing with a group of Mexican Fed lovers seating next to me, they looked like miscers too, funny enough.

[Jayarbie]

I enjoy both and think Federer is a GOAT.

I was stirring the pot when I started calling out the Fed fanboys itt, cause let's be honest they're annoying as fuk. Federer fans love to accuse and berate anyone who disagrees with the notion that Federer is the indisputable GOAT.

I went to Indian Wells this year and at the final I thought I was gonna lose my hearing with a group of Mexican Fed lovers seating next to me, they looked like miscers too, funny enough.

I'm not really a Federer fanboi. I typically root for Americans, although they all suck right now on the mens side, so I'm more watching "propects" like Fritz and Tiafoe for the time being. When I say Feds is the undisputable GOAT, I say that objectively, not particularly as a Feds fan.

[nvrstopworking]

I enjoy both and think Federer is a GOAT.

I was stirring the pot when I started calling out the Fed fanboys itt, cause let's be honest they're annoying as fuk. Federer fans love to accuse and berate anyone who disagrees with the notion that Federer is the indisputable GOAT.

I went to Indian Wells this year and at the final I thought I was gonna lose my hearing with a group of Mexican Fed lovers seating next to me, they looked like miscers too, funny enough.

You came in here and starting trolling without a doubt. Glad you can admit that now. If you had been in this thread over the past few years you'd know that even the staunchest Fed fans give Rafa his due. Hell, most here even gave Novak his due when he was winning everything although some of us didn't care for his play style.

Fed's resume speaks for itself and the way he's playing now only strengthens his case as the undisputed goat. Rafa still has time to catch him though. He's 5 yrs younger and still the greatest competitor in the game. If he can win another 2 or 3 slams (not at RG) it'll be a serious debate again.

[Dominik]

is there a fan of any other player other than Federer itt? honest question.

Maybe if you spent more than a few minutes trolling you'd realize there are just as many Nadal fans.

Federer had his best start to a season in 11 years at an age when most players are lining up for the seniors tour. It's understandable fans have been posting more. If this thread existed in 2013 when Nadal won practically every match from March to September I'm sure it would have been a Rafa love in. The only difference is that he was in his prime so it's less surprising.

oh yeah...

I wouldn't get too carried away at this stage. Most of the players he faced were outside the Top 50. He won MC and Barcelona last year before losing to Djokovic in Madrid, Murray in Rome, then pulling the plug at RG. Save the lawn mower starts and fist pumps for when he's biting on a 10th trophy.

In other news...

[nvrstopworking]

Kyrgios drops out of Estoril due to the death of his grandfather. A shame. Wonder if he'll enter Madrid now instead?

[Ownster8932]

I enjoy both and think Federer is a GOAT.

I was stirring the pot when I started calling out the Fed fanboys itt, cause let's be honest they're annoying as fuk. Federer fans love to accuse and berate anyone who disagrees with the notion that Federer is the indisputable GOAT.

I went to Indian Wells this year and at the final I thought I was gonna lose my hearing with a group of Mexican Fed lovers seating next to me, they looked like miscers too, funny enough.

I actually like both about the same. I do prefer Fed's game/style, but if it wasn't for the lopsided H2H, I actually wouldn't particularly care who wins in their matches (early on, I was neutral, even into the lopsidedness too). It was around 08/09 that I started rooting for Fed every time. Still like Nadal, just think their rivalry should be more even on the scoreboard due to the heavy clay favoritism.

[Dominik]

What he achieved on clay, especially when you consider the 81 match streak in the mid 2000s while facing Roger Federer who was only losing 4-5 matches a year, will never be matched.

When it comes to grass you could always argue Sampras was better than Federer — I still believe Pete is the greatest on grass.

But with clay there's Nadal, daylight, and then six time champ Borg. It's difficult to compare Rafa and Borg because the eras are too far apart and Borg played with a wooden racket, plus he retired in his prime at 26.

Nadal is incredible. 6-0 in RG finals vs. Federer and Djokovic playing their best tennis. Will never forget what he did at the peak of his powers. The speed, the mental strength, and those crazy banana FH winners from way behind the baseline when the point looked over.