2017 ATP World Tour Finals RRP - [1] Nadal vs [7] Goffin

[Deleted member 77403]

He played a great match to beat Djokovic in MC. And here he completely outplays Nadal so far, even though it has a lot to do with Nadal's bad form.

Of course Nadal has bad form here...but funny how you don't mention how atrocious Djokovic's form was in MC and this year in general. Goffin just played a great match there in MC, right?

 

[existential dread]

He played a great match to beat Djokovic in MC. And here he completely outplays Nadal so far, even though it has a lot to do with Nadal's bad form.

He could improve the serve and forehand mechanics a bit imo but he's certainly capable of scaring the best in the right conditions.

 

[The Green Mile]

Bugger, I was looking forward to this match. Nadal sucking, while Goffin isn't making things any easier for himself. He does hold on for 5-5.

 

[User123]

Neither is at their peak, lets be fair here. Both are waaaaay past it. Federer has already beaten Nadal at his peak here back in 2010.

Yes, good version of Federer destroys any version of Nadal indoors. But this Nadal is way worse than in 2010. Only way for him to win points right now is Goffin's errors.

 

[tennisaddict]

Nadal takes the first set 6-4.

Oh , yes ... On the moral scoreboard

 

[Meles]

Goffin playing amazingly well. Nadal has to kill or be killed lol. The speed of some of these rallies.

 

[Fedeonic]

Amazing backhand by Le Goff!

 

[existential dread]

Simple is best. Love that backhand.

 

[User123]

No. But we will point out that Nadal 2017 is playing WAY better than Federer was in 2013 when he met Nadal 4 times (vs only once in 2015 when Nadal really was playing terrible).

How exactly this Nadal is better than in 2015? And don't bring his RG level here, it is irrelevant to his current form.

 

[Meles]

Ooh la la that dtl bh by Goffin

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Am I seeing Davydenko out there????

 

[The Green Mile]

Rafa's forehand long, 15-30. A little luck off the Goffin return, and Nadal sends the forehand long. 2 BPs.

 

[User123]

Of course Nadal has bad form here...but funny how you don't mention how atrocious Djokovic's form was in MC and this year in general. Goffin just played a great match there in MC, right?

Djokovic played a good match in MC. Not his best ever, but he wasn't missing every third shot like Nadal does now. Put Djokovic in his CURRENT form on the court and he beats this Nadal 6-2 6-2.

 

[Backspin1183]

Of course Nadal has bad form here...but funny how you don't mention how atrocious Djokovic's form was in MC and this year in general. Goffin just played a great match there in MC, right?

Goffin actually played very well to beat a decent Novak at MC. Novak would later go on to win Eastbourne.

 

[Meles]

The pressure mounts

 

[merlinpinpin]

Funniest thing is that if Federer and Nadal will meet here (it is possible only in theory) then Federer fans will say it was peak Nadal.

Well, it *is* peak Nadal, obviously, no? I mean, come on, he's #1 in the world. Plus, all this talk about not being good indoor... VB has been saying for more than a decade now that surfaces don't count, so obviously, peaknads should be the heavy favourite to win this, no?

 

[The Green Mile]

Brilliant inside out forehands, the final one far too good. Breaks for 6-5.

 

[Meles]

Goofin nets 2nd return

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Goffin breaks again.

Come on, Rafa.

 

[existential dread]

I'm getting the feeling that Goffin knew something when he didn't challenge that ball at the start: this Nadal is beatable.

 

[abmk]

Goffin with a great I/O FH winner to break

 

[Meles]

Bam that forehand does it.

 

[Backspin1183]

Nadal playing at Cincy level.

 

[SeeingDusk]

rafa to retire after 1st set?

 

[Poisoned Slice]

'His punch lacks the usual venom.' Must have forgot to put Grandma's special brand Vodka into the mix.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Nadal takes the first set 6-4.

Spot on.

 

[User123]

Lmao, anyone REALLY wants to say 2013 WTF Federer (who actually pushed Djokovic to the limits) played worse than that? Nadal is terrible even by his indoors standards. I hope Goffin wins in straight sets and Nadal withdraws. I said from the beginning that I don't want him to play this tournament. He needs to get ready for 2018.

 

[Backspin1183]

Lol crowd applauding a double fault?

 

[The Green Mile]

Some tame errors from Goffin, again making things more difficult for himself. 2 BPs for Rafa.

 

[Meles]

Tick tock. Goffin keeps rushing Rafa

 

[Meles]

DF

 

[Deleted member 77403]

LOL Marty, just LOL

6-6

 

[existential dread]

Blames the hamstring lol.

 

[Fedeonic]

Lol, Goffin, you have a lingering Nadal and you choked away two breaks!!!

 

[Steve0904]

Goffin too nervous to win this it seems. I think that's what they call a choke.

 

[Meles]

Goffin DF sends him reeling into TB lol

 

[The Green Mile]

Another DF, and we're back on serve. Was Goffin pointing to his strapped knee there? TB.

 

[junior74]

Marty McChoke

 

[SeeingDusk]

goffin double faults his way to give the break back once again...

 

[Wander]

That was pathetic.

 

[Backspin1183]

The crowd got the break back for Rafa there. Goffin shouldn't let the crowd get to him.

 

[merlinpinpin]

Goffin can't serve because of his knee. Should be easy pickings for peaknads.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Lol crowd applauding a double fault?

Clayqueen is watching the match live there.

 

[mightyrick]

Big choke. Nadal is definitely trying to force too much early on -- hence the breaks. But Goffin simply can't finish him off. Way way too nervous and lacking confidence.

 

[SeeingDusk]

goffin's knee/legis bothering him. he's been touching it a few times now.

 

[User123]

LOL Marty, just LOL

6-6

Why do people call him Marty Mcfly? He doesn't look like him at all.

 

[The Green Mile]

Battle of the knees going strong, some amazing errors from both guys.

 

[Wander]

Nadal has been crap. But Goffin has been even more pathetic any time he's got the lead.

 

[existential dread]

Why do people call him Marty Mcfly? He doesn't look like him at all.

diminutive

 

[Backspin1183]

Clayqueen is watching the match live there.

I could understand if it was someone like Rosol, David is a good guy and the underdog in this match despite Nadal's poor form.

 

[Incognito]

Why do people call him Marty Mcfly? He doesn't look like him at all.

Michael J Fox is so much cuter

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Why do people call him Marty Mcfly? He doesn't look like him at all.

Long story.

 

[Tennisgods]

This is awful. Like neither player wants to win.

 

[User123]

Nadal is so bad (ironically, in WTF 2015 he actually played pretty well, unlike now) but the set is still close.

 

[Meles]

Time for Goffin to show how tough he can be.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I could understand if it was someone like Rosol, David is a good guy and the underdog in this match despite Nadal's poor form.

Trying telling that to a fanatic.

 

[Krish872007]

Match of the tournament right here folks. As per what clayqueen said yesterday, this is what she's paid top dollar for

 

[Meles]

Dat 1st return 3-5

 

[Incognito]

I think they are both hoping the other guy retires. It’s obvious they are both struggling.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Very nice. Set point for Goffin.

 

[The Green Mile]

Damn, what a nervous exchange that was. Thought Goffin would shank that overhead wide. Goffin with SP.

 

[existential dread]

I have no confidence in Goffin's forehand. Every time he swings it I expect the ball to go out.

 

[Steve0904]

Goffin missing the kill shots. Not that time though. Nadal passive there. Hoping for Goffin to miss which was probably a good play. Didn't work though.

 

[NatF]

Both guys have been pretty bad. Goffin has had spurts of great play but has managed to squander every lead. Nadal has alternated been awful and below par.

 

[Krish872007]

Might be the first year in which we need 2 alternates - they both look well off colour.

 

[Tennisgods]

Match of the tournament right here folks. As per what clayqueen said yesterday, this is what she's paid top dollar for

Yep. Compared to the Fed match she was bagging on yesterday, this is like two men who've never played a tennis match before. Absolute dross.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Biff takes a massive blow and drops the first set.

 

[Backspin1183]

Goffin tried so hard not to win but Nadal still loses the set.

 

[FederErizeD]

How many seconds did Nadal take before that set point?

 

[vanioMan]

Think it might be the best for Rafa to call it a season. He does not look fully recovered.

 

[Shangri La]

Bamos, Bamos!

 

[Meles]

Goofin train in flight at WTF

 

[Steve0904]

Might be the first year in which we need 2 alternates - they both look well off colour.

Can we get them to finish the rest of this match?

 

[tennisaddict]

Nadal just cannot find a way to beat 5 top 8 players consecutively

 

[SeeingDusk]

can nadal take this to a third set?

 

[albertobra]

Christ, Goffin did everything possible to lose the 1st set, but he just couldn't.

 

[User123]

Federer fans: Nadal is in his prime, so much better than Federer in 2013. LOL!
Come on, Goffin, finish that unforced errors machine. Nadal's game is so bad, it makes me miss his 2015 form. He needs to withdraw and start preparing to 2018.

 

[Lukhas]

If Nadal was playing any shorter, it would be mini-tennis. That crippling lack of depth reminds me of that loss against Verdasco at the AO in 2016.

 

[Super_Server]

If Goffin hadn't wrapped that up he would have as well retired. Nadal playing possibly his worst set of tennis this year, a top player would have been baking bread sticks and bagels.

 

[Meles]

So many fraud trolls in this thread. Please make it stop.

 

[The Green Mile]

Nadal struggling to hit consecutive balls into the court. Love hold for David, 1-0.

 

[Backspin1183]

Nadal just cannot find a way to beat 5 top 8 players consecutively

True that. I've only seen him beat some all time great player in a Slam final like 6-1, 6-3, 6-0.

 

[jaggy]

Watching the football so only following the score, surprise first set score inho

 

[Krish872007]

Can we get them to finish the rest of this match?

We need a third set now

 

[Ralph]

Er...What's up with the Bull?

 

[luiz_gustavo]

I was happy for this successful challenge from Goffin only because he plays against his opponent and against the umpire and the line judges

 

[mightyrick]

It is cringeworthy to watch Nadal at this venue. He's just so bad on this surface. He jams himself up on so many shots.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

True that. I've only seen him beat some all time great player in a Slam final like 6-1, 6-3, 6-0.

Touche

 

[Steve0904]

If Nadal was playing any shorter, it would be mini-tennis. That crippling lack of depth reminds me of that loss against Verdasco at the AO in 2016.

He should've played in Milan last week. Those 4 game sets would be easy on the knees, and he's probably still good enough to beat all the next-gen guys in straights anyway.

 

[Wander]

Federer fans: Nadal is in his prime, so much better than Federer in 2013. LOL!
Come on, Goffin, finish that unforced errors machine. Nadal's game is so bad, it makes me miss his 2015 form. He needs to withdraw and start preparing to 2018.

Come on dude, Nadal has played much better than this for most of the year. I'm sure the injury is troubling him. He looks very shaky here, probably the worst he's been all year.

 

[VaporDude95]

So many fraud trolls in this thread. Please make it stop.

Lol. Don’t like the taste of your own medicine, do you?

 

[Candide]

Goffin = too many big weapons for Rafa to handle.

 

[tennisaddict]

True that. I've only seen him beat some all time great player in a Slam final like 6-1, 6-3, 6-0.

That is so 2008.

 

[Backspin1183]

Touche

We're both correct though, you know.

 

[User123]

Lol, just to think how many chances Goffin gave him: choked twice from a break up, that errors on the tie break, especially on 2-2. Still not enough for Nadal to take the set. And now he will lose serve from 40-0 up.

 

[tennisaddict]

So many fraud trolls in this thread. Please make it stop.

You will be reported and perms banned if you continue to use fraud

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Watching the football so only following the score, surprise first set score inho

World Cup without Italy is almost as strange as a World Cup with Northern Ireland.

 

[Backspin1183]

This feels like a torture at times as I expect an unforced error every time Nadal has to hit 3 consecutive shots.

 

[The Green Mile]

Goffin looks like a lost child at the net, so hesitant to move forward, even when the opportunity presents itself so nicely.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Federer fans: Nadal is in his prime, so much better than Federer in 2013. LOL!
Come on, Goffin, finish that unforced errors machine. Nadal's game is so bad, it makes me miss his 2015 form. He needs to withdraw and start preparing to 2018.

This title is too big and important for him to withdraw, whether you like it or not.

 

[Meles]

That was the hold of holds for Nadal, 1 all

 

[luiz_gustavo]

Goffin should try to hit only backhands. Every time he had an easy shot on the forehand side, he found a way to miss it...

 

[Steve0904]

Nadal's not hurt to the point of not being able to win this match IMO. He played a couple pretty long points there without tanking them. Doesn't look like someone who doesn't believe he can still win.

 

[User123]

Come on dude, Nadal has played much better than this for most of the year. I'm sure the injury is troubling him. He looks very shaky here, probably the worst he's been all year.

It's not the injury, it's the indoor surface. But by most Federer fans logic his RG form proves he is in great form now as well.

 

[The Green Mile]

Convincing love hold for Goffin though, a couple of aces. 2-1.

 

[jaggy]

World Cup without Italy is almost as strange as a World Cup with Northern Ireland.

I could handle it

 

[Meles]

You will be reported and perms banned if you continue to use fraud

Don't worry, ignore activated, but not regulars

 

[tennisaddict]

All poking aside , I think Rafa will find a way to qualify even if he loses here as Dmitrov lost a set to Thiem and I don't see Goffin or Nadal dropping .

Looking forward to Fedal part 5 .

 

[User123]

This title is too big and important for him to withdraw, whether you like it or not.

You think a repeat of 2009 (0-6 in sets) will be better? He is a TERRIBLE player indoors. Unlike other Nadal fans, I can admit it, because it's obvious to anyone who watches tennis.

 

[Deon Sanders]

Who knew 2017 would be Federer's easiest WTF win

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Nice...nice from Nadal there for 30-0

 

[Backspin1183]

So many fraud trolls in this thread. Please make it stop.

Please refrain from using the word 'Fraud' to describe a player. Use Lord Fraudr instead.

 

[tennis_pro]

Am I reading the stats right? Goffin with 11 aces?

 

[existential dread]

Courier confirms - Nadal chasing DCGS.

 

[tennisaddict]

Who knew 2017 would be Federer's easiest WTF win

That monster Djok stood in his way too many times. Fed needs a break once

 

[Deleted member 77403]

You think a repeat of 2009 (0-6 in sets) will be better? He is a TERRIBLE player indoors. Unlike other Nadal fans, I can admit it, because it's obvious to anyone who watches tennis.

2009 was the strongest year in recent history, and he faced the worst possible combination of players, Soderling, Davydenko and Djokovic. Are you really surprised with what happened in 2009?

This year, he has chances against all three, even if he loses this one, Dimi and Thiem are not exactly lighting it up either.

 

[Backspin1183]

Who knew 2017 would be Federer's easiest WTF win

You're assuming Nadal to be his biggest threat for the title. He isn't. Federer's toughest opponent would be Alexander Zverev.

 

[Meles]

Please refrain from using the word 'Fraud' to describe a player. Use Lord Fraudr instead.

 

[The Green Mile]

Am I reading the stats right? Goffin with 11 aces?

They've all come in spurts, like three or two in a single game.

 

[User123]

2009 was the strongest year in recent history, and he faced the worst possible combination of players, Soderling, Davydenko and Djokovic. Are you really surprised with what happened in 2009?

This year, he has chances against all three, even if he loses this one, Dimi and Thiem are not exactly lighting it up either.

Lol. Both Dimitrov and Thiem will straight sets this version of Nadal. Same as Goffin will do today.

 

[Backspin1183]

Nadal hasn't shown anything to make me believe he can win this match. Just a matter of time before Goffin breaks and serve for the match.

 

[Meles]

Am I reading the stats right? Goffin with 11 aces?

3 in a row in one game. Probably the biggest thing that has helped Goffin into the top 10; better first serving.

 

[User123]

Nadal hasn't shown anything to make me believe he can win this match. Just a matter of time before Goffin breaks and serve for the match.

Yes. And worst thing is that Goffin himself isn't playing great. Pretty much the same level as in Basel semifinal.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Lol. Both Dimitrov and Thiem will straight sets this version of Nadal. Same as Goffin will do today.

Oh yeah, I forgot who I am talking to.

The ultimate pessimistic Nadal fan on the forum.

 

[jaggy]

Is it Murray's fault again if its a fedal semi?

 

[Tennisanity]

Wow Goffin keeping up with peak Nadal quite well.

 

[User123]

Oh yeah, I forgot who I am talking to.

The ultimate pessimistic Nadal fan on the forum.

Pretty sure you don't even watch the match.

 

[Red Rick]

Is it Murray's fault again if its a fedal semi?

Obviously, Murray should've managed 2 place in the race.

 

[User123]

Such nice stuff from the world number one-won 2 points in 4 return games in the second set. And it's not like his opponent is Karlovic or Isner.

 

[Backspin1183]

I would bet for Rafa to get broken now.
Hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Meles]

Just love, love this match. Goffin has forced Nadal to play baseline domination, kill or be killed. Nadal has to hit hard or Goffin will be all over him. Much like Djokovic dealing with Simon at Auz, but who is Djokovic in this match? Nadal doing a great job of adjusting to this. Merciless tennis from both and the air is thick with the pressure.

 

[SeeingDusk]

imagine betting on goffin at +325 odds. juicy odds.

 

[The Green Mile]

Even Nadal amazed with that banana shot, touche David...

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Oh my God!!!

He just gave Rafa a taste of his own medicine there.

Clayqueen must be loving the entertainment out there.

 

[NatF]

What a shot! Even Nadal liked that one.

 

[albertobra]

Nadal after more than an hour of play not swetting? He is incredibly dry let alone the absence of his typical nose dropping on serve!

 

[Fedeonic]

Nadal got a taste of his own medicine there with that banana passing by Goffin.

 

[Red Rick]

imagine betting on goffin at +325 odds. juicy odds.

But if you'd taken it Goffin would end up being struck by lightning indoors while matchpoint up

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Pretty sure you don't even watch the match.

I think everybody here knows who's watching, and who is making excuses.

By the way, crazy forehand winner DTL by Nadal...he still wants it.

 

[Backspin1183]

Is it Murray's fault again if its a fedal semi?

I don't see Nadal making the semi final in current form.
That Murray guy already did his job at the US Open. I'd cut him some slack if I were you.

 

[tennisaddict]

64-53 in points . Goffin the better player

 

[The Green Mile]

Goffin all over the 2nd serve, the inside out forehand clipping the line it seemed. Breaks, and will serve for the match.

 

[Fedeonic]

Goffin serving to the match, let's see if he can hold.

 

[NatF]

Big time return, Goffin to serve for the match.

 

[Meles]

Awesome Goffin

 

[User123]

If Nadal doesn't withdraw now then he is an IDIOT. That's all I can say.

 

[Red Rick]

Bunch of Nalbandians rolling in when Goffin wants to serve for match

 

[Apun94]

I am happy Nadal will lose this in straights. Maybe he will now see sense and withdraw from a tournament he never shouldve played in the first place

 

[Backspin1183]

 

[Red Rick]

Lovely volley under pressure

 

[Deon Sanders]

Nadal looks resigned to the fact that he will never win a WTF and never be in any real conversation for GOAT because of it

Complete inability to run through a gauntlet of players on a real tennis surface

Tough break

 

[Fedforever]

Oh my God!!!

He just gave Rafa a taste of his own medicine there.

Clayqueen must be loving the entertainment out there.

Didn't know you had that much salt in you!!

 

[Krish872007]

Word is that Nadal might withdraw after this match.

 

[Apun94]

I am happy Nadal will lose this in straights. Maybe he will now see sense and withdraw from a tournament he never shouldve played in the first place

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Massive backhand from Nadal.

 

[Fedeonic]

Laser BH model 2017 winner for Nadal.

 

[The Green Mile]

Rafa with a couple of all or nothing shots, two massive backhand winners, paying off. BP.

 

[NatF]

Couple of backhand screamers from Nadal.

 

[Meles]

Dat Nadal bullet BH

 

[ArcspacE]

Chokfin true to form - Nadal breaks again

LULz

 

[jaggy]

That was his chance

 

[FederErizeD]

Can Nadal hit a passing shot ever again?

 

[Red Rick]

Do we need more proof Nadal backhand is underrated as ****

 

[Steve0904]

Can he win this while choking these chances? It defies belief, but it might happen.

 

[Krish872007]

Not done yet - Rafa breaks back, but still has to hold serve to stay in the match.

 

[Meles]

Nadal making move?

 

[User123]

Where were these backhands during the match? Why does he start risking only when it is too late?

 

[Meles]

LOL Goffin. 5 all. Shades of Pouille Beijing?

 

[Ralph]

Goffin - snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

 

[Dilexson]

Lol at that DF timing.

 

[Backspin1183]

Didn't know you had that much salt in you!!

Not as much as it's in Fedal fanatics.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Nadal's resolve in that game was clear to see, he wants this. Some clutch play, put the pressure on, and got the break.

 

[Rafa.the.Magnificent]

Geez, tell me when I can move my diaphragm again!

 

[SeeingDusk]

But if you'd taken it Goffin would end up being struck by lightning indoors while matchpoint up

That is true.

 

[Shangri La]

David Doublefault Goffin.

 

[Yoneyama]

That would have to be the WORST CHOKE I HAVE EVER SEEN EVER. Seriously Goffin WTF DUDE

 

[stringertom]

Dr. Heimlich has now had two calls to the O2 arena today!

 

[The Green Mile]

No doubt Goffin will break again.

 

[Red Rick]

Seriously, I want a crowdfunding to kidnap Nadal, hypnotize him, and play one season as an all out ballbasher, serve-forehand-backhand all flat, and running to net at every first opportunity