2024 Madrid Open ATP Master's 1000 QF - [2] Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (SPN) v/s [7] Andrey Rublev (RUS)

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Here we go guys.

Rublev has yet to drop a set this tournament, and has recently dispatched Rune's conqueror Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets 62 64.

Defending champion Alcaraz otoh was taken to the absolute brink against J.L. Struff of Germany in the R16 (the finalist from last year), winning 76 (4) in the decider.

This is only the 2nd ever meeting between the two, with Alcaraz having won the previous clash at ATP finals RR last year 75 62.

So who's your pick and in how many sets?

 

[Rattie]

Can you add a poll?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Can you add a poll?

It was a work in progress, mate.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

@DSH @The Blond Blur @weakera predictions?

 

[GodlessEndeavor]

I think it won't be easy, but ultimately Carlos's weapons defeat Rublev in 2 sets. Rublev doesn't have the variety of game that Lehecka displayed yesterday.

 

[TheGoldenEra1990’s]

From what I seen from alcaraz yesterday, Rublev can easily win this match. So long as he doesn’t go full blown headcase mode. Which chances are he will cause he missed too many of his prescription drug visits to the doctor apparently

 

[NaDjoFed]

match started. 1-1. One Break Point for Rublev, good hoold by Carlitos. Looks like an interesting match to watch

 

[alexio]

strange nobody here hmm

 

[NaDjoFed]

Rublev broken.

 

[DSH]

@DSH @The Blond Blur @weakera predictions?

'Ronaldinho of Tennis' in two sets.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Rublev broken.

Rublev the cat

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

'Ronaldinho of Tennis' in two sets.

What do you make of the match so far? I'm as close to sleep as possible due to a tiring day here in Osaka.

 

[DSH]

What do you make of the match so far? I'm as close to sleep as possible due to a tiring day here in Osaka.

Alcaraz is toying with BWEH.

 

[DSH]

What do you make of the match so far? I'm as close to sleep as possible due to a tiring day here in Osaka.

Have you bought a Dragon Ball souvenir?

 

[alexio]

What do you make of the match so far? I'm as close to sleep as possible due to a tiring day here in Osaka.

wow you re in osaka thats cool

 

[NaDjoFed]

Alcaraz is playing at a very high level. Rublev does not really know what to do

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Alcaraz is toying with BWEH.

Vamos

Have you bought a Dragon Ball souvenir?

Lol no, not a fan tbh.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

wow you re in osaka thats cool

Looking from a different angle, this is a very naughty statement

 

[DSH]

Vamos

Lol no, not a fan tbh.

What manga and anime do you like, mate?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Rublev has definitely improved his DTL BH a lot

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

What manga and anime do you like, mate?

Hentai

J/k, I'm not into anime at all. Not my type.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I've never seen Rublev's serve kick up so much. He's playing very well, very explosive shotmaking. It won't be enough, but nice to see him playing with conviction.

 

[DSH]

Hentai

J/k, I'm not into anime at all. Not my type.

Any Japanese novels you've read?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Peak Rublev v/s peak Ferrer, who wins?

 

[Nuclear Warhead Sinner]

what's on the menu

 

[FernandoBiH]

Rate Alcaraz game from 1 to 10? I can't watch.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Any Japanese novels you've read?

None, actually. I'm not really a fan of translations so I only read books from the languages which I can read & comprehend.

 

[DSH]

Rate Alcaraz game from 1 to 10? I can't watch.

Sometimes he's a genius, sometimes he's a mug.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

15-30, a spot of bother for the Spaniard.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Sometimes he's a genius, sometimes he's a mug.

That basically summarises Alcaraz's entire career till date.

 

[brewcrew]

Is Alcaraz-Rublev the loudest matchup on the men’s tour? Bwehhh vs Ehhhhh

 

[DSH]

That basically summarises Alcaraz's entire career till date.

Tell me what percentage of success do you give Alcaraz at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open?

 

[Hera]

Solid match. Lacks suspense though

 

[BeatlesFan]

Rate Alcaraz game from 1 to 10? I can't watch.

He's playing much better than in previous rounds. He's hitting deep, hard, mixing it up well and no signs of pain on the FH. I'll give Carlos an 8.3 in form. And Rublev is playing very well too. Fun match excepting for the grunting.

 

[Kralingen]

I’m only barely perusing the match for the last two games but I think it’s nothing special level wise. Carlos takes it 6-4, Rublev’s return is shaky, Carlos’s less so.

One thing I do enjoy about Rublev despite his antics is that he is an honest sort of player, in the sense that he really just gets after it and cracks the ball. A lot of guys shy away from getting into forehand-forehand battles vs top players, constantly changing direction and spin, using tactics, and that’s smart to an extent.

But sometimes you just want to see two big hitters just unload cross court for a few points and Rublev almost always obliges. I find that aspect of his tennis to be quite redeemable. I like seeing pros do it.

 

[Hera]

There was a point where Alcaraz stopped play despite Rublev’s shot landing well in but Alcaraz claimed he was distracted by an out call in the crowd and asked to replay it. Umpire gave him the replay Rublev didn’t object though. But again umpires just being inconsistent with the way they handle this stuff.

 

[Nuclear Warhead Sinner]

That flat backhand return on a kick serve by Carlos gave him less time to recover position, which made him look kinda stupid. I guess it didn't land as deep as he intended.

 

[Arak]

There was a point where Alcaraz stopped play despite Rublev’s shot landing well in but Alcaraz claimed he was distracted by an out call in the crowd and asked to replay it. Umpire gave him the replay Rublev didn’t object though. But again umpires just being inconsistent with the way they handle this stuff.

That would have been against the rules. Strange decision.

 

[Hera]

That would have been against the rules. Strange decision.

Yes, I was surprised the umpire conceded his request really. I doubt he would have granted that to a non top player

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Tell me what percentage of success do you give Alcaraz at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open?

He should win RG if stays healthy.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Great play by Carlitos on all 3 BPs to save the 0-40 situation

 

[Kralingen]

Yes, I was surprised the umpire conceded his request really. I doubt he would have granted that to a non top player

Home cooking exists for a reason.

You don’t grant that, in Madrid? Cause a controversy and anger Carlos? Good luck. Did you see the crowd yesterday in the Nadal-Lehecka match?

Easier just to acquiesce and keep it moving.

 

[DSH]

He should win RG if stays healthy.

No cramping this time for Carlitos on the Paris clay?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Wow what a stupid choice, BP Rublev again.
Man I'm so close to sleep rn.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

No cramping this time for Carlitos on the Paris clay?

If he keeps himself hydrated and stops basking in the hot sun while his vulture, evil opponent cools down in a shower, then why not?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Rublev breaks, leads 2-0

 

[BeatlesFan]

Great.... Bweh breaks. Sloppy game from Carlos.

 

[DSH]

Well, Rublev wants to spoil the party for the hero of the house.
Will he get it?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Lol.
Net cord apiece

 

[Gary Duane]

Home cooking exists for a reason.

You don’t grant that, in Madrid? Cause a controversy and anger Carlos? Good luck. Did you see the crowd yesterday in the Nadal-Lehecka match?

Easier just to acquiesce and keep it moving.

Depressing but probably true.