2017 Miami SF - [5] Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini

[The Green Mile]

H2H is 7-3 to Rafa, though Fognini has obviously shown some resistance in the last couple of years.
Fognini gunning for his 1st Masters final, while Rafa is looking for his 5th Miami final and 1st title here.
Could be a potential thriller. Good luck to both.

*Match starts 1:00 PM local time.

 

[lud]

Crazy Fabio in three.

 

[SinjinCooper]

Nadal easily. Fognini's not particularly good.

Despite the bye into the final, Nadal is about the fourth favorite to win the tournament.

This has really been a terrible tournament. Fognini in the final would make it even worse, though.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Ralph in 3. Ensuring no matter what we get an entertaining final. Unless Berdbrain wants to win his next two matches which would be quite the meme.

 

[kishnabe]

Fognini in 2.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Nadal easily. The Fog did nothing special today against a horrible Kei and dropped serve both times when serving for the set.

 

[The Green Mile]

This has really been a terrible tournament.

I have to agree. Haven't seen that many great matches here in Miami this year. Jaziri vs Lopez R2 was probably my favourite, which really says something...

 

[NGM]

There are only two players in the tournament can beat this Nadal: Federer and Kyrigos. But i hope to see a good match.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Nadal easily. Fognini's not particularly good.

Despite the bye into the final, Nadal is about the fourth favorite to win the tournament.

This has really been a terrible tournament. Fognini in the final would make it even worse, though.

I agree it's been underwhelming, but I have a good feeling it's about to pick up starting tomorrow and through to the finish.

 

[Sentinel]

Ralph in two.

He could win this title, but he is easily in the final without a sweat.

Hopefully, if he wins, @Rusty Shackleford and sureshs will go easy on this forum for a week or two

 

[Sereger]

straight sets for Nadal. Still expect Foggy man to add some drama into the match tho

 

[Mr.Lob]

The "Velvet Fog" in 3.

 

[Bender]

I expect Fognini to give Rafa a headache at the very least.

 

[PeteD]

Fog to go for hot shots, make some, miss a lot, get unhappy, and check out. Like usual . . .

 

[sbengte]

There are only two players in the tournament can beat this Nadal: Federer and Kyrigos. But i hope to see a good match.

Who were both conveniently stacked in the opposite half (along with Berd, Stan, Zverev, Delpo who may have troubled Nadal a bit)

 

[clayqueen]

When is this match on, Friday or Saturday?

 

[gn]

Fognini won't be able to hit through Nadal on this court like he did at USO. Plus Nadal is not giving short balls either.
So Nadal will be through to Final easily in 2 sets.

Ralph in two.

He could win this title, but he is easily in the final without a sweat.

Hopefully, if he wins, @Rusty Shackleford and sureshs will go easy on this forum for a week or two

That giant troll will be out in full force.

 

[I Am Finnish]

Motivated fog?

Nah i think rafa in 2

 

[I Am Finnish]

When is this match on, Friday or Saturday?

Friday i believe

 

[heninfan99]

When is this match on, Friday or Saturday?

Friday

 

[heninfan99]

Gonna watch those classic US Open highlights

 

[Steve0904]

I'll go with Nadal in 2, but it wouldn't surprise me if Fog pulled an upset.

 

[Bukmeikara]

People overestimated Sock in QF and now underestimate Fognini for some reason . They played 10 times and Nadal had "only" three easy victories, every other time Fabio gave a fight. This is a great chance for Fognini and given their history I believe he would give his absolutely best knowing that he has an actual chance to make a Master Final

 

[Tiki-Taka]

I like how this tournament is going so far, both for Nadal and in general.

Going for Rafa in 3.

 

[Cenarius]

Nadal in staights.Something like 7-5 and 6-2

 

[Boom-Boom]

Gonna watch those classic US Open highlights

70 winners for Fog in that match

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

Flavio Fognatio in Three sets.

You can set your alarm on that one.

 

[mike danny]

There are only two players in the tournament can beat this Nadal: Federer and Kyrigos. But i hope to see a good match.

No love for Sascha?

 

[LETitBE]

Fog likes it here,say no more

 

[Lord Anomander]

Fognini in 3, but that's a rather risky guess. I think Rafa is going to win, but with Fognini involved anything is possible.

 

[Gazelle]

It's a big match for Fabio, so don't expect him to show up.

 

[tennis_pro]

Nadal in 2.

 

[6-3 6-0]

Nadal in 3. Fognini will win a 7-5 or a TB and the two othet sets will be one sided in Rafa's favor.

 

[I Am Finnish]

@Gytha will fognini upset Nadal ?

 

[1HBH-DownTheLine]

it'll be an interesting match. I still pick Nadal though. I say 3 sets. Fog could play out of his head and shock nadal as well. we shall see.

 

[heninfan99]

I have to agree. Haven't seen that many great matches here in Miami this year. Jaziri vs Lopez R2 was probably my favourite, which really says something...

So far I agree. Mannarino Coric was pretty good. I enjoyed what I saw of Donald vs Fognini but nothing spectacular.

Delpo Fed has some nice tension for a while.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Hbk in 3.

 

[KINGROGER]

Nadal in 3. 2 close sets then easy one for Rafa.

Hope Fed has an easy route to the final. Birdman shouldn't be a problem. I'd prefer Kyrgios as Zverev matches up better vs Fed for me.

Want another Fedal final! Speaking of which, does anyone know what time the final usually is? UK time here but working til 10pm!

 

[Wilhelm]

Fabio clearly is feeling it! Let's celebrate his form with a disturbing picture:

 

[StanTheMan]

Nadal is the clear favourite, Fognini isn't playing particularly well, had a very easy draw so far, includind a injured/depressed/apathetic nishikori.

Nadal played very well last night, his best match since the the australian open, IMO.

However, Fognini does seem to step up againt the bull. not sure if due to a matchup issue or due to some crazy mental thing going on inside Fognini's lunatic brain.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

 

[ark_28]

Nadal starts as favourite but I dont think this will be as easy as many people are suggesting here.

Fogini has beaten Nadal from 2 sets down on clay plus twice on clay. Nadal was awesome against Sock no doubt and if he plays like that again he will be too good, but I do think there will be some scar tissue which Nadal can exploit.

But I think Fogini will nick a set but I feel its going to be Kyrgios v Nadal in the final.

 

[sbengte]

Nadal starts as favourite but I dont think this will be as easy as many people are suggesting here.

Fogini has beaten Nadal from 2 sets down on clay plus twice on clay. Nadal was awesome against Sock no doubt and if he plays like that again he will be too good, but I do think there will be some scar tissue which Nadal can exploit.

But I think Fogini will nick a set but I feel its going to be Kyrgios v Nadal in the final.

Wonder if Kyrgios can trouble Nadal half as much as Sir John in the final.

 

[Freddy Cat]

Italian rooster in 3. Unless he was just pranking us the whole time.

 

[Wynter]

On to claim his first masters, go Fogna! <3

 

[marc45]

Fabio clearly is feeling it! Let's celebrate his form with a disturbing picture:

thanks...there goes my Thursday

 

[marc45]

Nadal in 3. 2 close sets then easy one for Rafa.

Hope Fed has an easy route to the final. Birdman shouldn't be a problem. I'd prefer Kyrgios as Zverev matches up better vs Fed for me.

Want another Fedal final! Speaking of which, does anyone know what time the final usually is? UK time here but working til 10pm!

both men's and women's finals are at 1 pm Miami time

 

[Deleted member 743561]

Arias will be sung! The women shall weep, and the men shall doff their cops.

 

[Gytha]

@Gytha will fognini upset Nadal ?

all signs point to.... probably not

(I'd love it if GOATnini came out to play tho)

 

[The Green Mile]

The schedule is out for tomorrow. Nadal vs Fognini first up, 1:00 PM local time.