Masters Series Monte-Carlo : 4/21 - 4/27 ; Monte-Carlo, Monaco

[Dallas]

Congrats to Conchita and BGT on Rafa's double.  I'm sure you both are happy.  That is an unbelieveable feat that he has accomplished.  Oh...and all the other Rafa fans as well as the Tommy fans (does he have any here?)... anyway... Congrats on a double for Rafa and a 'double title' for Tommy.

[monstertruck]

Just in case you missed kitten's message, or didn't catch what he is trying to say, let me give you a compendium of posts from him in just the last hour.
Is he a preacher, or just the messenger?
Is it rhetoric?

You decide......

Warning: rampant stupidity on display.
Skip this post if you have a weak stomach

I am not whining.  I loved todays match.   I had a blast watching it.    The 2nd set started off in dissapointing fashion but in the end it was even better that it turned out that way.   To see Federer turn into a circus clown and suffer such an embarassing and humiliating choke and collapse of the 2nd set was way better to witness then just a typical routine 6-4, 6-4 win for Nadal.    It was truly a wonderful experience and only validates everything I have said about Roger, particularly his having zero chance whatsoever vs Nadal on clay.

Yeah and then he made a complete fool of himself with a humiliating choke of that 4-0 lead which is far worse then if had been behind the whole way anyway, so what is your point.   The only way Roger outclassed Nadal today is if they were at a hair salon.  On the tennis court Nadal made a fool of Roger especialy with that embarassing choke of epic proportions at the end which proves Roger pees his pants and becomes a 2 year old girl at the sight of Nadal.   Nadal is like his jailroom bully and Federer is his prison punk.

Yeah so Djokovic retiring too unhealthy to continue is being b**chslapped.  ROTFL!!!  Good one there.   Beating Nalbandian in three full sets is some b**chslapping too.     Outclassing Nadal?   He NEVER outclassed Nadal, and in fact Nadal made a fool of him by showing Federer pees his pants so much at the sight of him that he cant even avoid choking away a 4-0 set vs him.     

Anyone who cheers for tennis should cheer for Federer to NOT be in the French Open final.  Nadal could be in a wheelchair and Federer would still find a way to lose.   Nadal would most likely win vs anyone but wanting Federer to be in the final with him if you are a fan of tennis, ROTFL at that one.    I wonder who actually enjoyed todays terrible chokefest of a final.   

Nalbandian and Djokovic have atleast a 15% chance vs Nadal on clay.   Federer has ZERO chance and he proved it in flying colors today with his monumental and pathetic choke which was such a humiation and so much fun to watch.   

Atleast the other favorites did not make a fool of themselves with an embarassing choke of a set they were up 4-0.    Roger proved the clown I said he would be.   

congrats to Roger for humiliating himself with that disgraceful embarassment of a 2nd set collapse and monumental choke.    Yep I was sure wrong on him, NOT!!

Who cares if I was wrong about Nalbandian.   I certainly wasnt wrong about Nadal and today proved it in flying colors.     Nadal could be in a wheelchair and Federer would still find a way to blow the match.    Anyone who thinks Federer has any chance to beat Nadal on clay whatsoever is drugged.

Naw such an embarassing and downright pathetic choke of such a huge lead in the 2nd set is an even more convincing argument to his hopeless chances of winning the French Open then losing in the quarters or semis.   What a joke he was today.   

I feel even better about my comments after Federer disgraced himself today with his embarssing pathetic choke in that 2nd set.       Hell will freeze over before Federer ever really beats Nadal on clay.   What a joke he was today btw, once again proving me so very right.

Absolutely freakin' hilarious.

[Dallas]

Nadal's press:

RAFAEL NADAL

R. NADAL b. R. Federer 7 5, 7 5

SCANAGATTA Q. What did you think when you were down 4‑Love in the second set?

RAFAEL NADAL: The true. The true. Just think about I gonna lose the set, but try to lose the set 6‑2, not 6‑Love or 6‑1, for go to a third set with good feelings.

That’s my mentally was in that moment, no? And just try to fight every point because he was playing fine and I was going a little bit more behind the court, one meter behind. So he has the control of the court, of the point, always in that moment.

And I just try to change a little bit. I was analyzing what’s happening right now because he’s winning the points easy to me right now, and I don’t see no space for win the point, no? I thought I have to go a little bit more inside and try to fight every point.

Q. What does it mean to you to win your fourth title here?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, very happy, no, for sure. Is very special moment for me. You know, I played all the tournaments this year very well, but I didn’t play the last match of every tournament well because I lost easy in Australia, I lost easy in Indian Wells and I lost easy in Miami.

That’s, you know ‑‑ when you are playing well, when you are feeling you can win a tournament, and finally when you’re arriving to the last round and you play bad match, always you go into the next tournament with bad feeling, no?

So was the moment for if I have to lose, lose well, playing well, no? So today I play well. I fight every point. So winning for me fourth times in a row is very, very special, no? Probably one of the nicest tournaments of the world.

Q. Do you actually feel different playing a final on clay than you would, say, playing a final in Miami or playing a final in Australia? Is there a different feeling in you?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, the only thing I know if I am not playing very well, I have more time for think or for change the game. You have more options here, no? In Miami, you don’t have many options. You have to play aggressive. If you are not playing well, try to be a little bit more defensive, is very difficult always, no? But here you have more alternatives for do, no?

So when I go to the court, I go always with a little bit more confidence, because that give me a little bit more confidence. But feeling nervous for sure, no? When I start the second think, I wasn’t win a title yet, I feel it a little bit nervous, no? But finally I got luck, no?

MARTUCCI: What does it mean for you to take so many times the serve of Roger Federer? So many times you were leaving him one point, zero points.

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I don’t know, no? I just try to put pressure on his backhand when I have the chance, try to be aggressive, and try to have a good return long. That’s only my goal when I am in the returning, no, play long the first shot for try to have the control and can go a little bit more inside.

I know he had two breaks up in the first set. I come back. And in the second set the same, and I come back, too. So was a little bit strange because that’s not normal, no? When you’re playing a final against Roger, he’s a big server. Anyway, if you are playing against me, is not normal to lose the serve four times, no, because, you know, during all the tournament I lost my serve, I don’t know, three, four times, no more, no? And today four.

Q. Are you more surprised to win a set against Federer from 4‑Love down or win the doubles?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, probably when you start the week winning the doubles is a bad news, because you have to play a lot of matches, you have to play after your singles. But finally when you are in semifinals, you have a big illusion for try to win the doubles.

Anyway, if I lost the singles yesterday, well, when you are in the semifinals of a big tournament like Monte‑Carlo in doubles, you have a special motivation, no?

Well, I know if I am playing well with Tommy, we have good chances on clay for play good. I think is more difficult come back for 4‑0, no?

Q. Does it mean something for you to win the doubles? You seemed to be very aggressive. In the semifinals, calling the supervisor.

RAFAEL NADAL: No, we call the supervisor because we thought we are fine about the discussion, no? Well, for us is important because we have Olympic year this year and is impossible (indiscernible) with the doubles. And for sure the doubles help for the singles. That’s hundred percent true.

Q. You mean for the mental, to be aggressive all the time?

RAFAEL NADAL: It help because you have to volley. You learn a little bit the movements in the volley. You have to return a little bit more aggressive, more inside, so you have another option when you are playing the singles. You can return like doubles sometimes. You practice different shots than the singles. So that’s always a good practice.

MARTUCCI: Looking back to your win against Albert Costa here, if you go back with your mind, what do you remember about that moment? Far away?

RAFAEL NADAL: Looks not far away, but at the same time, yes. Well, all is happening very fast, no? You know, well ‑‑

MARTUCCI: How much different were you?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I am coming here for the first time. Was here I was in the top hundred for the first time, no, when I win against Albert Costa, something like this. Always is important tournament for me, no (smiling)?

Well, is a big change, no? Was the first big tournament for me. I played probably my best tournament in my life since that moment because I play qualifying, won against Kucera, against Costa, have a good match against Coria. Right now everything change, no? Happy about the change.

[yellowball]

I love that thought ...  .  It's much like the one I heard... can't remember if it was talking about cocaine but I think so. The guy said cocaine enhances one's personality and the other guy said, "yeah, but what if you're an as*hole." Very nice and apologies to any coke heads among us. 

As far as MC and my boy Rafa. I am so proud of him that he can come back like he did in the 2nd set. I had to leave and thought for sure they would go 3 and wasn't convinced that Rafa would win.

He's a tough guy, he stays so grounded and so in the point that I'm just amazed, and with very few exceptions he always thinks he has a chance to win. I think he'll only get better on hc too, so who knows, Rafa could be a challenger even tho' most think he's only a cc grinder.

Don't under estimate the guy, he's out to win. Congrats to Fed as well for almost being back to his old self.

A record setting day for Rafa!!!   

[Murrayfan11]

Congratulations for the Rafa and conchita double this week!!!

[conchita]

Congratulations for the Rafa and conchita double this week!!!

thank you very much Murrayfan!! it was a very special sunday!!

[retro]

I thought that was their worst match on clay so far. Even Nadal was making an insane amount of errors on clay. He only played well from 5-4 to 7-5 in the first set.
Federer...well at least he played 2 good matches in a row

[Dallas]

I thought that was their worst match on clay so far. Even Nadal was making an insane amount of errors on clay. He only played well from 5-4 to 7-5 in the first set.
Federer...well at least he played 2 good matches in a row

They both were nervous, I thought.  They both played 'patchy' at times and had some great shots at times.  I think their matches will get better as we go deeper into the clay season. 

What I found was that in 2007 they both established themselves as the best 2 clay court players in the world.  Some people doubted the #2 clay court player but you see Nadal making the final in his first clay court tournament and winning; and you have Federer making the finals in both clay court tournaments he's played in - winning one and the final in the other. 

[tennisfan78]

I thought that was their worst match on clay so far. Even Nadal was making an insane amount of errors on clay. He only played well from 5-4 to 7-5 in the first set.
Federer...well at least he played 2 good matches in a row

They both were nervous, I thought.  They both played 'patchy' at times and had some great shots at times.  I think their matches will get better as we go deeper into the clay season. 

What I found was that in 2007 they both established themselves as the best 2 clay court players in the world.  Some people doubted the #2 clay court player but you see Nadal making the final in his first clay court tournament and winning; and you have Federer making the finals in both clay court tournaments he's played in - winning one and the final in the other. 

Most of the Rafa vs Fed matches on clay court are this way with many unforced errors. They always meet in the finals and hence nerves does play a huge role. Fed is always on the defensive when he plays Rafa. He does get plenty of chances but can never capitalize as  Rafa out grinds him especially on the back hand side. Rafa on the other hand gets stronger as the match progresses and tightens his game and doesn't give free points. Eventually, Fed loses all his energy and also the belief in winning the match. Rafa wins.

In my opinion, this has pretty been the pattern of most of their matches especially on clay.

[Fedsuperfan]

I thought that was their worst match on clay so far. Even Nadal was making an insane amount of errors on clay. He only played well from 5-4 to 7-5 in the first set.
Federer...well at least he played 2 good matches in a row

They both were nervous, I thought.  They both played 'patchy' at times and had some great shots at times.  I think their matches will get better as we go deeper into the clay season. 

What I found was that in 2007 they both established themselves as the best 2 clay court players in the world.  Some people doubted the #2 clay court player but you see Nadal making the final in his first clay court tournament and winning; and you have Federer making the finals in both clay court tournaments he's played in - winning one and the final in the other. 

Most of the Rafa vs Fed matches on clay court are this way with many unforced errors. They always meet in the finals and hence nerves does play a huge role. Fed is always on the defensive when he plays Rafa. He does get plenty of chances but can never capitalize as  Rafa out grinds him especially on the back hand side. Rafa on the other hand gets stronger as the match progresses and tightens his game and doesn't give free points. Eventually, Fed loses all his energy and also the belief in winning the match. Rafa wins.

In my opinion, this has pretty been the pattern of most of their matches especially on clay.

I am no tennis expert. Many have suggest that Fed should employ his backhand slice more often rather than hitting back with backhand topspin. From what I watch in the final, Nadal's forehand bounce really high to Fed's backhand. I just could not see how Fed can respond with a slice. Also, seems to me that every time Fed hit a slice, Nadal  usually able to counter it with another spin.

Can anyone enlighten me? but please not from the choke master...... thanks.

[dmastous]

I am no tennis expert. Many have suggest that Fed should employ his backhand slice more often rather than hitting back with backhand topspin. From what I watch in the final, Nadal's forehand bounce really high to Fed's backhand. I just could not see how Fed can respond with a slice. Also, seems to me that every time Fed hit a slice, Nadal  usually able to counter it with another spin.

Can anyone enlighten me? but please not from the choke master...... thanks.

Are you questioning the tennis experts?
Are questioning the use of a backhand slice against Nadal?
If the ball is up at or above the level of the shoulders the topspin backhand is going to be much less effective unless it's twohanded. All a onehanded backhand is able to do on a ball like that is brush up the back of the ball. You can't get the body into the shot.
A slice is much more effective on a shot like that because getting the body into the shot isn't as important, so there is less loss of effectivness on the shot.

[mogdesai]

I am no tennis expert. Many have suggest that Fed should employ his backhand slice more often rather than hitting back with backhand topspin. From what I watch in the final, Nadal's forehand bounce really high to Fed's backhand. I just could not see how Fed can respond with a slice. Also, seems to me that every time Fed hit a slice, Nadal  usually able to counter it with another spin.

Can anyone enlighten me? but please not from the choke master...... thanks.

Are you questioning the tennis experts?
Are questioning the use of a backhand slice against Nadal?
If the ball is up at or above the level of the shoulders the topspin backhand is going to be much less effective unless it's twohanded. All a onehanded backhand is able to do on a ball like that is brush up the back of the ball. You can't get the body into the shot.
A slice is much more effective on a shot like that because getting the body into the shot isn't as important, so there is less loss of effectivness on the shot.

For a onehanded backhand player it is to some extent much easier to slice the top spin shot of the opponent.
When you slice the top spin shot , the rotational direction of the oncoming ball and the rotation of your slice is in the same rotational direction which helps.
Only thing with Nadal's heavy topspin you have to take the ball early to slice otherwise the bounce will be much higher and far to play. Just my observation. Any comment?

[ThePAW]

Agreed mogdesai, the higher you allow the ball to get when hitting that slice against Nadal's topspin, the shorter in the court or slower the ball is going to be, Nadal will be able to do whatever he wants and attack. Federer can really hit some nasty sliced backhands but might find it easier to get on top of the flatter Nadal backhand.

[dmastous]

I am no tennis expert. Many have suggest that Fed should employ his backhand slice more often rather than hitting back with backhand topspin. From what I watch in the final, Nadal's forehand bounce really high to Fed's backhand. I just could not see how Fed can respond with a slice. Also, seems to me that every time Fed hit a slice, Nadal  usually able to counter it with another spin.

Can anyone enlighten me? but please not from the choke master...... thanks.

Are you questioning the tennis experts?
Are questioning the use of a backhand slice against Nadal?
If the ball is up at or above the level of the shoulders the topspin backhand is going to be much less effective unless it's twohanded. All a onehanded backhand is able to do on a ball like that is brush up the back of the ball. You can't get the body into the shot.
A slice is much more effective on a shot like that because getting the body into the shot isn't as important, so there is less loss of effectivness on the shot.

For a onehanded backhand player it is to some extent much easier to slice the top spin shot of the opponent.
When you slice the top spin shot , the rotational direction of the oncoming ball and the rotation of your slice is in the same rotational direction which helps.
Only thing with Nadal's heavy topspin you have to take the ball early to slice otherwise the bounce will be much higher and far to play. Just my observation. Any comment?

Getting up and hitting early requires good anticipation and footwork. These things are supposed to be Federer's strength. But it's not always easy to get done. Also, on clay, you can get some nutty bounces that make hitting on the rise tricky.
As for heavy topspin being the same rotation as a slice, that's true. But the slice is something of a touch shot. Your touch can be thrown off with the added topspin. It's not easier because there is already rotation. It's harder because it's not something that you are used to.

[mogdesai]

I am no tennis expert. Many have suggest that Fed should employ his backhand slice more often rather than hitting back with backhand topspin. From what I watch in the final, Nadal's forehand bounce really high to Fed's backhand. I just could not see how Fed can respond with a slice. Also, seems to me that every time Fed hit a slice, Nadal  usually able to counter it with another spin.

Can anyone enlighten me? but please not from the choke master...... thanks.

Are you questioning the tennis experts?
Are questioning the use of a backhand slice against Nadal?
If the ball is up at or above the level of the shoulders the topspin backhand is going to be much less effective unless it's twohanded. All a onehanded backhand is able to do on a ball like that is brush up the back of the ball. You can't get the body into the shot.
A slice is much more effective on a shot like that because getting the body into the shot isn't as important, so there is less loss of effectivness on the shot.

For a onehanded backhand player it is to some extent much easier to slice the top spin shot of the opponent.
When you slice the top spin shot , the rotational direction of the oncoming ball and the rotation of your slice is in the same rotational direction which helps.
Only thing with Nadal's heavy topspin you have to take the ball early to slice otherwise the bounce will be much higher and far to play. Just my observation. Any comment?

Getting up and hitting early requires good anticipation and footwork. These things are supposed to be Federer's strength. But it's not always easy to get done. Also, on clay, you can get some nutty bounces that make hitting on the rise tricky.
As for heavy topspin being the same rotation as a slice, that's true. But the slice is something of a touch shot. Your touch can be thrown off with the added topspin. It's not easier because there is already rotation. It's harder because it's not something that you are used to.

Agree with you completely that it is not easy to slice the heavy topspinned shot but as you said Federer isthe one who would be able to do and try it.
I play regularly(just recreationally) and someone i play uses lot of top spin on both side. I am very comfortable playing him and I do use underspin backhand on his backhand and works. I am not an expert but a reasonably good player.

[xerox0001]

Rafa is KING!!!!! when Federer loses tennis is the winner 

[Dallas]

Rafa is KING!!!!! when Federer loses tennis is the winner  

Oh no.....here we go again....