I would really hope so, but I have some worries...I don't think he's too disturbed with the match.
Thiem: "It’s Going To Be Stuck In My Mind Forever"
https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/thiem-reaction-us-open-2018-tuesday2
I would really hope so, but I have some worries...I don't think he's too disturbed with the match.
Loved your post except for the big 3/4 fan wars over history, but just find that whole subject a bit boring and repetitive. Excellent post!Thiem showed the world how he shrank the gap between him and the greatest players out there. This will give him confidence. This feels a lot like the 2013 USO semi between Stan and Djokovic. Stan was 28 years old at the time and he pushed peak Djokovic to 5 tough sets.
Thiem reminds me of Stan in that he can bash the ball from both wings while also serving big. Thiem can hit through the best humans on a slow surface(Nadal on slow clay isn't human, he's a cyborg there). If he stays healthy, I see Thiem having a peak that mimics Stan's. And I like this kid. I am a fan of his. I don't like how the haters keep bashing Thiem. He is a very good player that has showed remarkable improvement lately. Also, it's disrespectful to Rafa. We need to give credit where credit is due. Rafa put forth yet another Herculean effort to scrape out a well-deserved victory. I have no idea how he keeps doing this. He is quite the beast physically. He is the type of athlete that could have played just about any sport with his massive physique.
We need to all appreciate this era. It is incredible what the Big 3 have accomplished. And there's no need to bash any of their accomplishments. Rafa deserved the 2017 USO title, along with all of his other titles. Rafa proved that last night and has proven this throughout his entire career. The same holds true for Federer and Djoker. They all earned their slam titles fair and square. Let's stop with the excuses and the bashing of others that are a threat just enjoy our favorite player's accomplishments. Because there is a ton of great moments to pick from when it comes to the Big 3. And Rafa isn't even close to being my favorite player. But I understand why he is a favorite for many. He's a class act and he's the ultimate warrior.
And lastly, I think that Thiem and eventually Khachanov will be tough obstacles for Rafa and Djoker. Khachanov has also improved immensely and he's still very young. And they also have a massive age advantage on Rafa. Rafa will have to continue to be the ultimate warrior if he hopes to pass Federer. This chase is yet another one that will have me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that Federer can somehow bag another slam. But if he doesn't and Rafa wins the slam count 21-20, then I will concede the argument. Rafa will have earned the title.
You're angry with Thiem after this match?I understand your frustration.
And I would have felt the same if this was a match won by Federer.
But despite Thiem .....
I understand that we're worried that as soon as these guys leave we won't get the same enjoyment from tennis, and that's why we're angry with the Thiem's, Zverev's, Kyrgios, etc.
But perhaps we're asking too much, very probably players of the caliber of Nadal, Djoko, Fed, etc won't happen in a long time.
I would really hope so, but I have some worries...
Thiem: "It’s Going To Be Stuck In My Mind Forever"
https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/thiem-reaction-us-open-2018-tuesday2
The worst volleying I've seen from Thiem by a wide margin in the early going that you saw. He got it together at the end of the match a bit better, but I'd say virtually no match play since RG had Thiem a bit rusty at net. He rarely got in against Anderson as well given his ultra deep return position and the non-stop barage of depth from KA.Had to go to sleep after the 3rd. Woke up to the result.
Huge respect for Thiem. Could have easily let it go in the 4th.
But dude, work on your volleys, little dinks inside the service line, and overheads. That volley at the end of the 3rd - you had 90% of the court - no need to cut it nearly that much.
Not saying he is but I am a massive fan but he is a athlete. They all have a right to be accused proof or not I would say. It is not a certain for sure though. But we do have to wonder how are pros doing so well in their 30s when in past eras they were not. A lot of people think Nadal was protected by the Spainsh courts as Fuentes offered to give the names of the blood pages but they strangely declined it.But yeah, bringing up doping is ridiculous and should not be done.
I don't believe Nadal is doping and no one should even suggest it as it's not cool at all. Especially since it's no evidence.
I think you meant sets 2 and 3 as Thiem won 4, no?Let's be honest. Thiem played away much better than Nadal. Could win in 3 set, or 4.
I think Thiem lost it not Nadal won it.
See posts above for the errors of your way. Please stop with the nonsense.
He is trying to place the ball, but his serve has no pace. Also if you watch the patterns carefully, his usually BODY serve and the one that comes in fast to the forehand of both sides of the court, are not effective enough. Mainly because he doesn't have enough confidence nor does he generate enough pace. Those were also big weapons for Rafa. There is a 8-10 mph 1st serve speed difference in Nadal of 2018 UsOpen vs Nadal of 2013 and even more vs Nadal of 2010.
I don't know what the strategy of the Nadal camp is or if there is a physical issue. But clearly the slow serving of clay, is not working for Rafa anywhere really. He is just getting broken all the time, cannot consolidate breaks and puts a lot of pressure on the rest of his ground game. Also his ROS is just getting worse. He had to go all the way back (clay style) to return Thiem's serve. When he was standing up in set 1, he could hardly get any serves back in play.
So yeah, Rafa will have it very tough against Delpo or Djokovic. Especially if he gets to Djokovic, who used to even break Rafa when he was serving well. With this serving performance, I don't know how Nadal will manage to hold at all against Novak.
not even. I don't see why a good version of Berdych/Tsonga/Gonzalez/Blake couldn't have won last night. Even a guy like davydenko/Nalbandian would have a shot except his serve would make it a bit harder. Wouldn't be a guarantee for any of those guys, but I think they could take advantage of Nadal's floating better than Thiem did.If good means slam-winning caliber, than yes, Thiem isn't that outside of clay. That's strict, though.
Nadal only loses these kinds of matches against Djokovic.
conditions were much friendlier at Wimby (although Friday night the weather won't be bad). Both guys more comfortable on this surface, but yeah Delpo has to serve like that again basically unless Nadal comes out flat and spots him a set or a set and a break. This is probably delpo's best shot to win that second slam though.Wasn't far from that at Wimbledon, we'll see.
I don't disagree with you. But you have to admit Thiem played FAR above his usual level throughout the match.
Did you see his clutch serving? He had so many aces and hit so many service winners. Sure, part of that is driven by Nadal's sub-optimal ROS, but still when Rafa is standing so far back, it's not easy to ace him or to hit serve winners. Thiem was also NOT missing much. Sometimes not even on big points. The backhand was deadly, and I haven't even see Stan hit so big with one handed backhand. Not to mention he was as fit as a fiddle and running around like a bunny.
We think of Thiem as a brainless ball basher who chokes on big points. And yes, he did choke on some big points. But he also played really well and made a lot of crazy winners and impossible gets, which he doesn't usually. Everyone chokes on big points. Even Nadal choked on a few ( the sitter backhand retun on 30-40 bp in 5th set for instance). And so does Federer.
Overall it was a great match, and given Nadal was not at his best, Rafa had to use all his experience and some luck to prevail. Also the law of averages, he lost a close one to Nole in Wimbledon, so perhaps he was due here..
Good stuff. As you can imagine I'm a veteran Thiem watcher so allow me to enlighten on what Thiem was doing in this match on return which was really amazing:I think it was pretty clear that Nadal was fatiguing badly from 4th set ownwards. He didn't show it, but it was plain. His groundies started landing short. He was late on his footwork. The explosiveness of the first step came down, so he would be late and out of position especially when changing direction. Nadal had ramped up to a high level in set 3. If he had not been tired in set 4, the match would have been over then. No excuses at all, it was Nadal's problem that he played so much before, so that he got tired.
I was pleasantly surprised by Thiem. Played far above his usual level and didn't tire nor waver. Very impressive.
I'm personally not so sure about Nadal's chances against Delpo. Last year, he was playing much better in the UsOpen. This year, his serve has just been weak. He cannot consolidate breaks. Keeps on getting under pressure on his serve almost each game, and that effects the rest of his ground game as well. He hardly gets ANY service winners or aces. He served like 2 in a close to 5 hour match. That is just ridiculous. Recall, how many free points he used to get on serve in 2013 and 2010.
Anyway, Delpo would be a tough nail for Rafa to crack. The Argentinian is stronger mentally than Thiem and also hits much bigger.
But regardless of what happens, even if Nadal gets through, Djoko will absolutely pulverize him in the final. Rafa would have a very very hard time holding serve against Djoko, when all of these other players are breaking him left and right.
Yankees don't like tennisWhy are there so many empty seats?
You're trying way too hard here kid. It was far from an easy smash and allowing it to bounce would have resultied in an even FARTHER striking position for Dominic, perhaps beyond the baseline depending on his timing, something you would realize if you understood the game.
The proof will be in the pudding with what Rafa does the rest of the way. Delpo is undoubtedly more rested this year and at a higher level. I doubt Nadal will come out cold like with Thiem and also Delpo last year. If Nadal wipes out Delpo in three then we know his level is high and game on for the final. Djoko knows how to play Nadal for sure, but remember he struggled at Cincy with a lot of three setters. Djoko's stamina was very questionable just a short while ago so Nadal could easily beat him pretty badly towards the end of a long 4 or 5 setter. Given the amount of play so far Nadal must wipe out Delpo and I suspect his team is well aware. Looking forward to what unfolds.I'm personally not so sure about Nadal's chances against Delpo. Last year, he was playing much better in the UsOpen. This year, his serve has just been weak. He cannot consolidate breaks. Keeps on getting under pressure on his serve almost each game, and that effects the rest of his ground game as well. ....
Anyway, Delpo would be a tough nail for Rafa to crack. The Argentinian is stronger mentally than Thiem and also hits much bigger.
But regardless of what happens, even if Nadal gets through, Djoko will absolutely pulverize him in the final. Rafa would have a very very hard time holding serve against Djoko, when all of these other players are breaking him left and right.
Rafa won the match by making his opponent miss a smash. I remember him doing this to another player.
Nadal's getting through the next match quickly will be hugely important. But his extra day off will be very helpful. He is getting essentially two days rest. Novak will only have one day of rest, and as you say his stamina is still questionable. HOWEVER: He made it through the nightmare day heat, and the weather will be cooler.The proof will be in the pudding with what Rafa does the rest of the way. Delpo is undoubtedly more rested this year and at a higher level. I doubt Nadal will come out cold like with Thiem and also Delpo last year. If Nadal wipes out Delpo in three then we know his level is high and game on for the final. Djoko knows how to play Nadal for sure, but remember he struggled at Cincy with a lot of three setters. Djoko's stamina was very questionable just a short while ago so Nadal could easily beat him pretty badly towards the end of a long 4 or 5 setter. Given the amount of play so far Nadal must wipe out Delpo and I suspect his team is well aware. Looking forward to what unfolds.
The proof will be in the pudding with what Rafa does the rest of the way. Delpo is undoubtedly more rested this year and at a higher level. I doubt Nadal will come out cold like with Thiem and also Delpo last year. If Nadal wipes out Delpo in three then we know his level is high and game on for the final. Djoko knows how to play Nadal for sure, but remember he struggled at Cincy with a lot of three setters. Djoko's stamina was very questionable just a short while ago so Nadal could easily beat him pretty badly towards the end of a long 4 or 5 setter. Given the amount of play so far Nadal must wipe out Delpo and I suspect his team is well aware. Looking forward to what unfolds.
You have to step on Nadal's neck and finish the job because the guy will not beat himself. He will not pull a Roddick in 2009 Wimbledon. You have to have a robotic, sociopathic mindset in that moment. You have to become Soderling, 2011+ Djokovic, Davydenko, Federer. Your mindset must be that you are going to kill him on the court. The aforementioned guys all have the mindset of an on-court serial killer.
Nadal's getting through the next match quickly will be hugely important. But his extra day off will be very helpful. He is getting essentially two days rest. Novak will only have one day of rest, and as you say his stamina is still questionable. HOWEVER: He made it through the nightmare day heat, and the weather will be cooler.
I'm referring to your hack job with the stats by including the first set.What nonsense? I know you can handle a little criticism of your boy. He outplayed Nadal for most of the match. He should have closed out that third set when he served for it but a double fault and overhitting on two backhand crosscourt shots was costly. Nadal goaded him into trying to go for too much and he fell for it. Had he closed out that set like he should have, that could changed the whole trajectory of the match.
I understand your frustration.
And I would have felt the same if this was a match won by Federer.
But despite Thiem 'choking', because not choking against a difficult player is kinda difficult, again you have to give credit to Nadal, he's old, his knees are garbage, when he does not coordinate well his plan B is running despite being a grandpa, and sometimes he still wins.
That accounts for something.
I understand that we're worried that as soon as these guys leave we won't get the same enjoyment from tennis, and that's why we're angry with the Thiem's, Zverev's, Kyrgios, etc.
But perhaps we're asking too much, very probably players of the caliber of Nadal, Djoko, Fed, etc won't happen in a long time.
Nadal UE'd end of the 4th set away in worse fashion than that, actually.
no. He was in b/w service line and baseline. If he had allowed it to bounce, he'd be a step back or two (which wouldn't be behind the baseline)
>>> but since you are clueless about tennis , you kep BSing.
you can continue having your head up you know where and keep defending thiem's easy missed smash >>> you look even more pathetic than usual.
But then what else can be expected from a guy who has a username weakera.
This match really isn't different than many other Nadal matches. I watched Thiem's press conference and honestly, it was like a repeat of many other players before.
It comes down to one thing... to beat Nadal... you absolutely must win the critical points. Both your own set points as well as defending set points against you. You cannot fail or you lose. I've heard Thiem's story from uncountable other players... Gulbis, Djokovic, Dimitrov, Tsonga, Goffin, Isner, on and on and on. This is nothing new.
You have to step on Nadal's neck and finish the job because the guy will not beat himself. He will not pull a Roddick in 2009 Wimbledon. You have to have a robotic, sociopathic mindset in that moment. You have to become Soderling, 2011+ Djokovic, Davydenko, Federer. Your mindset must be that you are going to kill him on the court. The aforementioned guys all have the mindset of an on-court serial killer.
Anything less and you will lose. Thiem needs that mindset. Hell, a bunch of the top next-gen players need that mindset.
Roddick's miscue had far worse consequences than Nadal's miss in the 4th last night. Nadal just had to play a 5th set. Roddick got to watch Federer put on his newly embroidered Wimbledon Nike championship jacket.
I'm referring to your hack job with the stats by including the first set.
I'm very open to discussion of Thiem's mistakes on serve at the end of set and its the one minor negative from a great match. I say minor because Thiem was effing horrible during the 2nd half of 2017 on hard serving out sets and matches, so I'm a little more forgiving and see him as getting over it for the most part.
Nadal didn't goad anything. He upped his game to try to break plain and simple. Thiem always goes big at the end of sets. He's done it his whole career. My guess is that against the very best on hard, he just can't get away with trying to go quite so big particularly off of good 2nd returns. He's learning. I don't think shot selection is quite the term as Thiem just needs to temper his game a bit. It would be stupid for him to go conservative at the tight end of sets because his greatness is his ability to find a higher level on these shots. Anyone who thinks Thiem is choking (like a Coric for example) should look at what Thiem is doing on return at the end of set by going bigger; he pretty much breaks at will or gets close with regularity.
Two steps back would be behind the baseline, kiddo.
Roddick's miscue had far worse consequences than Nadal's miss in the 4th last night. Nadal just had to play a 5th set. Roddick got to watch Federer put on his newly embroidered Wimbledon Nike championship jacket.
Since 2017, when he got his mojo back, not any more.And Pouille and Verdasco and Fognini unfortunately.
Yankees don't like tennis
Federer-Roddick had to play 3 more sets after that.
and Roddick was facing Roger freakin' Federer at his prime, confident , fresh off his RG victory.
Nadal was facing Thiem. so he got away with it.
even though Roddick was playing much better in his final than Nadal in his match yesterday.
Federer-Roddick had to play 3 more sets after that.
and Roddick was facing Roger freakin' Federer at his prime, confident , fresh off his RG victory.
nadal, djoko, fed calibre ?
these guys aren't even close to hewitt-roddick-safin-delpo-wawrinka-murray etc. calibre let alone nadal-djoko-fed calibre.
is that too much to ask ?
we've already had worst gen/fail gen (nishi-raonic-dimi gen) and thiem is now 25.
Out of interest, do you think that Roddick played better in 2004 or in 2009? (In the Federer matches at Wimbledon). I think he certainly served better in 2009, but overall may well have played better in 2004. Federer certainly played better in the 2004 match.
I think both were about the same level. But federer being worse in 2009 final probably allowed him to play better than he would have if he had to face Federer of 2004 final.
fh, return, movement (slightly) were better in 04.
serve,bh, net play were better in 09.
If I had to pick someone to play, I'd take 04 Roddick , mainly because of the better returning.
You’re right but unfair to compare anyone to Fed.The lost generation strikes again.
Fed was beating post prime Sampras and Agassi on the biggest stages in his early 20's. These guys can't beat the aging big 3 in the same scenarios.
Uh, I'm not talking about his missed volley. Not at all.
I'm talking about his serve at 15-14. First serve fault. Second serve went in, rallied a few times... and then Federer gives him a ball right up the middle that he shanks for the loss. Unforced error. The missed volley wasn't the bad one. That last unforced error off a ball in the middle of the court, though. That was terrible.
I hate to defend Zverev, but he’s already won more masters than Delpo and Wawrinka put together