Diary of a Racketaholic

[Ross K]

RHs

Don't know about anyone else but I'm still recovering from that captivating and utterly engrossing day of just riveting tennis in yesterday's SFs. My admiration for each protagonist has risen sky-high. Yesterday will stay in my mind for a long time. Wow, they left it all out there and just demonstrated why this is such a great game. What a quartet...

Novak just always seems to find another shot, another gear. Has that patina and belief of a true champion.

JJ... the terminator... positively frightening with his feisty, audacious and unpredictable talent... imagine his level of play in a few years hence?

Muzza... just look at his stats yesterday! Look at his GS SF/Fs appearances record in recent years!... So much BLX spoken about him on the boards... sure he can be a bit irritating but he is a fantastic player who slowly and incrementally seems to be getting just better and better.

But TBH the one who made the biggest impression on me was this one...



DelPotro... I just love this guy's character. He's like the John Wayne of tennis. Playing with every grain of his being, with a totally crocked knee, and with that unbelievable ballistic hammer of a fh. Talk about "True Grit"...

 

[JGads]

RHs

Don't know about anyone else but I'm still recovering from that captivating and utterly engrossing day of just riveting tennis in yesterday's SFs. My admiration for each protagonist has risen sky-high. Yesterday will stay in my mind for a long time. Wow, they left it all out there and just demonstrated why this is such a great game. What a quartet...

Novak just always seems to find another shot, another gear. Has that patina and belief of a true champion.

JJ... the terminator... positively frightening with his feisty, audacious and unpredictable talent... imagine his level of play in a few years hence?

Muzza... just look at his stats yesterday! Look at his GS SF/Fs appearances record in recent years!... So much BLX spoken about him on the boards... sure he can be a bit irritating but he is a fantastic player who slowly and incrementally seems to be getting just better and better.

But TBH the one who made the biggest impression on me was this one...



DelPotro... I just love this guy's character. He's like the John Wayne of tennis. Playing with every grain of his being, with a totally crocked knee, and with that unbelievable ballistic hammer of a fh. Talk about "True Grit"...

Dude. I came on here tonight to say exactly what you wrote. About every single combatant from this epic day of tennis. Perfect summation, I could not agree more. Right down to Delpo's unreal character, grit, heart, and holy Batman, that forehand. I am all-in on this guy. Just hope he stays healthy. To come back like he did on that bum knee (MD and I feared that at worst he might even retire or at best be a shell of himself) was sensational, and I just love the way his personality comes out. Calm throughout but still has fun, enjoys himself out there - not too much fun, like a Monfils, and not too little. The high-five to the fan, the dropping the ball over the net repeatedly after the missed volley, the jogging over to Djoker's BASELINE to joke with him about making the out call on Delpo's shot - these moments reminded me of a bygone time when many more players engaged the crowd, weren't so serious, weren't afraid to mix it up and show a little personality now and then. Tennis needs more of that.

What an amazing day of tennis. Wholly impressed by all, but especially by the Tower of Tandil. What an effort.

Will Djoker have anything left? Surely. He's superhuman. Massive opportunity for Muzza, though. This has been an amazing Wimbledon.

 

[Ross K]

Dude. I came on here tonight to say exactly what you wrote. About every single combatant from this epic day of tennis. Perfect summation, I could not agree more. Right down to Delpo's unreal character, grit, heart, and holy Batman, that forehand. I am all-in on this guy. Just hope he stays healthy. To come back like he did on that bum knee (MD and I feared that at worst he might even retire or at best be a shell of himself) was sensational, and I just love the way his personality comes out. Calm throughout but still has fun, enjoys himself out there - not too much fun, like a Monfils, and not too little. The high-five to the fan, the dropping the ball over the net repeatedly after the missed volley, the jogging over to Djoker's BASELINE to joke with him about making the out call on Delpo's shot - these moments reminded me of a bygone time when many more players engaged the crowd, weren't so serious, weren't afraid to mix it up and show a little personality now and then. Tennis needs more of that.

What an amazing day of tennis. Wholly impressed by all, but especially by the Tower of Tandil. What an effort.

Will Djoker have anything left? Surely. He's superhuman. Massive opportunity for Muzza, though. This has been an amazing Wimbledon.

Can only echo what you've said. Just so impressed by Delpo' game, and more than that, his quiet, steely, un-divaesque look at me traits of others, and charming character... it was like "High Noon" yesterday with both SFs. Or like gladiatorial epics of ancient times. Yes, be so good if DelPo can add a GS or 2 over the rest of his career... though with the likes of Novak definitely so far from finished, Muzza getting stronger and stronger, and Jerzy 'The Terminator' fast ascending (a few tweaks and he could be unplayable), it remains to be seen.

 

[spinovic]

What I love about Delpo is that the opponent or the moment does not affect him. He plays his game. Period. All of the other guys trying to crack that top group crumble under the moment - whether its because they're intimidated by playing a Big 4 member or the big stage or a combo of both. Delpo doesn't. Of course, it doesn't hurt that, in my estimation, he is more talented than the rest of the guys in that second pack. He went through Rafa and Roger to win his only slam. And, yesterday, he simply lost to a better player in the prime of his career. Barely.

That's why it is so frustrating to see him struggle with injuries since his 2009 triumph and repeatedly get ousted before a potential match with the top guys, because you know deep down, if he can find his way through, a match like we saw yesterday is possible when Delpo is there.

But, IMO, I think the wrist injury and how he's dealt with it has actually made him a better all around player. He has added an improving slice BH to his arsenal, and I think in the long run, if he can stay healthy from now forward, it could pay off.

I'm amazed by his defensive ability because he looks so big, slow and lumbering, but he tracks a lot of balls down.

And, that FH...what can you say about it? I believe if I could pick one shot from a pro that I could have, it would be that Delpo FH. It literally looks like its shot from a cannon at times. What was the mph on his biggest FH yesterday? Anybody know? I also think that FH is reason #1 Novak struggled to dial in his DTL BH. He was forced to play that shot with smaller margins, closer to the line, because Delpo repeatedly punished him if he didn't get it right.

For my money, the only thing that makes the Roger/Rafa 2008 classic better than yesterday's SF is the fact that their match was a final, and that the fifth set went to 9-7. The quality of tennis and the drama yesterday was as good as it gets.

I sure hope Delpo can carry this momentum into North America and make a deep run in NYC.

 

[JGads]

^Very well said.

I really like Delpo's chances at picking off another 2-3 slams at least. That forehand is only better on hard surfaces, so he has a legit chance at three of the four majors. Biggest thing is he needs to find a way to end matches quicker, bury opponents sooner, because the later it gets the more he lumbers. He did a great job of that all tourney, not losing a set (despite the two knee hyper extensions), but what can you say, Djokovic is Djokovic.

I saw Delpo practicing with his coach in LA a couple years ago, stood right behind the fence to get a good look at Delpo's FH from the other side of the net.

It's just stupid.

 

[PED]

I saw Delpo practicing with his coach in LA a couple years ago, stood right behind the fence to get a good look at Delpo's FH from the other side of the net.

It's just stupid.

I know what you mean. I watched Berdych practice mid court putaways in Winston last summer. Minimal effort and it sounded like a rifle shot every time.

 

[spinovic]

I know what you mean. I watched Berdych practice mid court putaways in Winston last summer. Minimal effort and it sounded like a rifle shot every time.

The most impressive thing about the Berdych FH to me is how effortless the power looks.

Delpo's doesn't look as effortless, but it looks faster.

I agree he needs to learn to put some of these matches away quicker, but he did a good job of that in this tournament. I also think his conditioning is superb. If you just base it on how he looks and moves, he looks tired as soon as the match starts. I don't think he lost that match yesterday because he got tired. I wish the commentators would realize this and get over it. He played consecutive 3 setters against Murray, Djokovic and Rafa in Indian Wells this year.

He knocked Roger and Rafa off the court in '09. And, ran Djokovic around as much as anyone I've seen yesterday.

 

[JGads]

^
True. I hadn't seen Djokovic that spent looking since the '12 Aussie Open trophy ceremony when the guys couldn't stand up. That's why the door is wide open for Murray. Oh wait. It's still Djokovic. So the door isn't that wide open.

Certainly hope tomorrow's final is better than today's. Couldn't believe how it went down today.

 

[spinovic]

^
True. I hadn't seen Djokovic that spent looking since the '12 Aussie Open trophy ceremony when the guys couldn't stand up. That's why the door is wide open for Murray. Oh wait. It's still Djokovic. So the door isn't that wide open.

Certainly hope tomorrow's final is better than today's. Couldn't believe how it went down today.

I agree. Djokovic will be fine with a day off. I could see it going either way, but I'm expecting the Djoker to win. I like both guys, so I'm just hoping for another good 5-setter like they usually play. I'm not sure those two would be capable of a match like today.

I'm actually not surprised Bartoli won today, but I sure didn't think it would be that easy. I'm not surprised people favored Lisicki based on her wins, but I think they underestimated Bartoli, and also forgot that there is a reason Lisicki is rated #23 in the world. I thought the commentary from Chris Evert was terrible - she spent nearly half the match talking about how Lisicki was playing bad and was just drained from all her big wins. I thought it was disrespectful to Bartoli who was ready for the big moment and played an excellent match.

My one thought though was this - a set down and 1-5 in the second, I still didn't think that match was over. That is the biggest difference to me between the ATP and the WTA. That match was one more service break away from being anyone's game, despite the fact that Bartoli dominated much of it.

 

[bad_call]

^
True. I hadn't seen Djokovic that spent looking since the '12 Aussie Open trophy ceremony when the guys couldn't stand up. That's why the door is wide open for Murray. Oh wait. It's still Djokovic. So the door isn't that wide open.

Certainly hope tomorrow's final is better than today's. Couldn't believe how it went down today.

the men's doubles was mo better.

 

[Murray_fan1]

Ok had a chance to hit with the X-Fast Pro and I have to say I was left a little disappointed. With all the positive thing I had read prior to buying it and having similar specs to the APD I figured this stick would a no brainer. Well I must say I was wrong.

Strung with Volkl Cyclone 17 at 54lbs first attempt and then restrung later with Black Magic which for me has worked well in almost any racquet I have played with.

Brief description based on TW review format:

-groundstrokes: If you are forever grinding it out at the baseline and need a little extra RHS to help out, then this may be a good choice for you. For me the low swingweight allowed for some really good RHS but came at a cost. Massive lack of plow and stability against the higher level players at my club. The added length was surprisingly quite noticeable and did take a little adjusting to hit the ball in the sweet spot. Once I dialed this in a little I was able to hit with some good pace and spin but nothing to write home about here. To be frank I was a little disappointed. Previous review comments had alluded to this being a the Pure Drive or APD with more feel but I don't think this is the case. If anything it had less feel to me but I guess that could be just due to the string choice and tension. I also didn't like the tinny sound that this thing created even with a dampener. Biggest cause of concern for me though, and probably the main reason why I won't be playing with this stick anymore is it's jarring nature. I have played quite a bit with stiffer sticks and poly string set ups (Aeropro being one of my all time favorites) and never really had the type of soreness that I have experienced with this stick-Brutal.


-serves:- Good serving stick - Able to tick all the boxes here. The added length I think adds to it's performance. Easy to hit kick serves with this one but they again lacked that heaviness I am accustomed to.

-volleys: Easy to get into place at net but stability and feel were again an issue here.

-serve returns: Easy to take a big cut at shorter/weaker second serves and I had a couple real nice outright back hand winners that had me second guessing my original assessment but once again stability really was lacking here.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: As you can tell from my above brief review I was less than impressed with this stick. I know I could add some lead to try and compensate for the lack of mass in the head but I find the feel and jarring nature too much of a price to pay to make it worth my while.

 

[JGads]

I agree. Djokovic will be fine with a day off. I could see it going either way, but I'm expecting the Djoker to win. I like both guys, so I'm just hoping for another good 5-setter like they usually play. I'm not sure those two would be capable of a match like today.

I'm actually not surprised Bartoli won today, but I sure didn't think it would be that easy. I'm not surprised people favored Lisicki based on her wins, but I think they underestimated Bartoli, and also forgot that there is a reason Lisicki is rated #23 in the world. I thought the commentary from Chris Evert was terrible - she spent nearly half the match talking about how Lisicki was playing bad and was just drained from all her big wins. I thought it was disrespectful to Bartoli who was ready for the big moment and played an excellent match.

My one thought though was this - a set down and 1-5 in the second, I still didn't think that match was over. That is the biggest difference to me between the ATP and the WTA. That match was one more service break away from being anyone's game, despite the fact that Bartoli dominated much of it.

Chris Evert is so bad. All she does is remind you that she played and gush over how great the top players are. Listen, I'm a Federer fan. But her crush and utter devotion to the guy is a bit much. And she's terrified of criticizing anyone or ever asking a tough question. 'how did you manage to fight through it?' seems to be her go-to. For everyone. She's not a journalist, she's just a fan.

All the credit in the world to Bartoli. She just ripped right through those semifinal and final sets. She dictated, never allowed the other to do it. Had she lost that long rally to start that crazy-pressure 5-4 game, though, Wow, Lisicki would have had a great chance at the comeback of comebacks. Both girls gave classy, charming speeches after.

As I told MD earlier, this seems like the year a certain old charm returned to Wimbledon. The underdogs and their upsets, the Polish men exchanging shirts, one of the great men's semifinal days of all time, a women's final between two charming and overachieving personalities instead of Serena and the usual Screamers, gracious post-match speeches by both, and now a men's final to come between Britain's Great Hope and the current Best of the Best. What a brilliant, memorable Wimbledon this has been.

 

[Ross K]

Ok had a chance to hit with the X-Fast Pro and I have to say I was left a little disappointed. With all the positive thing I had read prior to buying it and having similar specs to the APD I figured this stick would a no brainer. Well I must say I was wrong.

Strung with Volkl Cyclone 17 at 54lbs first attempt and then restrung later with Black Magic which for me has worked well in almost any racquet I have played with.

Brief description based on TW review format:

-groundstrokes: If you are forever grinding it out at the baseline and need a little extra RHS to help out, then this may be a good choice for you. For me the low swingweight allowed for some really good RHS but came at a cost. Massive lack of plow and stability against the higher level players at my club. The added length was surprisingly quite noticeable and did take a little adjusting to hit the ball in the sweet spot. Once I dialed this in a little I was able to hit with some good pace and spin but nothing to write home about here. To be frank I was a little disappointed. Previous review comments had alluded to this being a the Pure Drive or APD with more feel but I don't think this is the case. If anything it had less feel to me but I guess that could be just due to the string choice and tension. I also didn't like the tinny sound that this thing created even with a dampener. Biggest cause of concern for me though, and probably the main reason why I won't be playing with this stick anymore is it's jarring nature. I have played quite a bit with stiffer sticks and poly string set ups (Aeropro being one of my all time favorites) and never really had the type of soreness that I have experienced with this stick-Brutal.


-serves:- Good serving stick - Able to tick all the boxes here. The added length I think adds to it's performance. Easy to hit kick serves with this one but they again lacked that heaviness I am accustomed to.

-volleys: Easy to get into place at net but stability and feel were again an issue here.

-serve returns: Easy to take a big cut at shorter/weaker second serves and I had a couple real nice outright back hand winners that had me second guessing my original assessment but once again stability really was lacking here.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: As you can tell from my above brief review I was less than impressed with this stick. I know I could add some lead to try and compensate for the lack of mass in the head but I find the feel and jarring nature too much of a price to pay to make it worth my while.

Nice little summation, Murray. V/interesting...

What I love about Delpo is that the opponent or the moment does not affect him. He plays his game. Period. All of the other guys trying to crack that top group crumble under the moment - whether its because they're intimidated by playing a Big 4 member or the big stage or a combo of both. Delpo doesn't. Of course, it doesn't hurt that, in my estimation, he is more talented than the rest of the guys in that second pack. He went through Rafa and Roger to win his only slam. And, yesterday, he simply lost to a better player in the prime of his career. Barely.

That's why it is so frustrating to see him struggle with injuries since his 2009 triumph and repeatedly get ousted before a potential match with the top guys, because you know deep down, if he can find his way through, a match like we saw yesterday is possible when Delpo is there.

But, IMO, I think the wrist injury and how he's dealt with it has actually made him a better all around player. He has added an improving slice BH to his arsenal, and I think in the long run, if he can stay healthy from now forward, it could pay off.

I'm amazed by his defensive ability because he looks so big, slow and lumbering, but he tracks a lot of balls down.

And, that FH...what can you say about it? I believe if I could pick one shot from a pro that I could have, it would be that Delpo FH. It literally looks like its shot from a cannon at times. What was the mph on his biggest FH yesterday? Anybody know? I also think that FH is reason #1 Novak struggled to dial in his DTL BH. He was forced to play that shot with smaller margins, closer to the line, because Delpo repeatedly punished him if he didn't get it right.

For my money, the only thing that makes the Roger/Rafa 2008 classic better than yesterday's SF is the fact that their match was a final, and that the fifth set went to 9-7. The quality of tennis and the drama yesterday was as good as it gets.

I sure hope Delpo can carry this momentum into North America and make a deep run in NYC.

Nicely expressed. I think he's certainly gained some new fan base after his SW19 heroics lately.

All the credit in the world to Bartoli. She just ripped right through those semifinal and final sets. She dictated, never allowed the other to do it. Had she lost that long rally to start that crazy-pressure 5-4 game, though, Wow, Lisicki would have had a great chance at the comeback of comebacks. Both girls gave classy, charming speeches after.

As I told MD earlier, this seems like the year a certain old charm returned to Wimbledon. The underdogs and their upsets, the Polish men exchanging shirts, one of the great men's semifinal days of all time, a women's final between two charming and overachieving personalities instead of Serena and the usual Screamers, gracious post-match speeches by both, and now a men's final to come between Britain's Great Hope and the current Best of the Best. What a brilliant, memorable Wimbledon this has been.

Lisicki just fell apart, didn't she? Totally imploded. An emotional wreck at one point. Reminded me of someone I used to know actually... Bartoli on the other hand - she reminds me so much of this hyperactive, eccentric, slight misfit of a girl with big time attention deficit disorder I went to school with many many years ago ... Seriously though, she fully deserves all the praise and kudos.

 

[spinovic]

Chris Evert is so bad. All she does is remind you that she played and gush over how great the top players are. Listen, I'm a Federer fan. But her crush and utter devotion to the guy is a bit much. And she's terrified of criticizing anyone or ever asking a tough question. 'how did you manage to fight through it?' seems to be her go-to. For everyone. She's not a journalist, she's just a fan.

All the credit in the world to Bartoli. She just ripped right through those semifinal and final sets. She dictated, never allowed the other to do it. Had she lost that long rally to start that crazy-pressure 5-4 game, though, Wow, Lisicki would have had a great chance at the comeback of comebacks. Both girls gave classy, charming speeches after.

As I told MD earlier, this seems like the year a certain old charm returned to Wimbledon. The underdogs and their upsets, the Polish men exchanging shirts, one of the great men's semifinal days of all time, a women's final between two charming and overachieving personalities instead of Serena and the usual Screamers, gracious post-match speeches by both, and now a men's final to come between Britain's Great Hope and the current Best of the Best. What a brilliant, memorable Wimbledon this has been.

Can't argue about Evert. Maybe the only thing that tops her Federer worship is her Serena worship.

One thing I've noticed with Bartoli is that she will go for her shots even more when the pressure mounts. It doesn't always work, but I've always admired that in a player. Djokovic is like that at times - thinking back to that return winner when he was down two MP's to Fed in the USO.

It has definitely been a great and memorable Wimbledon. One of the best things about the Djokovic/Delpo match is that it seemed like both players were truly enjoying being in that moment - there were a few lighthearted moments that. It seemed like two guys just enjoying the competition with not even a hint of animosity or bad feelings toward each other. Delpo seems like a nice guy all the way around. I sure hope he starts making deep runs on a regular basis. He could inject a fresh face into the mix and create some drama that is missing right now.

 

[spinovic]

Lisicki just fell apart, didn't she? Totally imploded. An emotional wreck at one point. Reminded me of someone I used to know actually... Bartoli on the other hand - she reminds me so much of this hyperactive, eccentric, slight misfit of a girl with big time attention deficit disorder I went to school with many many years ago ... Seriously though, she fully deserves all the praise and kudos.

Who happens to be a genius - amazed that she has a genius-level IQ of 175.

Lisicki was a wreck. Certainly some of that is on her, if not most of it. But, I also think Bartoli being ready for the big moment and just jumping all over her contributed to it. She didn't give Lisicki any chance to find her way into the match. Had she also been shaky, perhaps Lisicki could have maintained contact and not broken down. But, when she got steamrolled, I think she fell apart. Only at the end, down a set and 5-1 with nothing to lose at that point, did she seem to loosen up and play a little more like she had previously.

But, all credit to Bartoli. I don't feel like she has been given enough credit.

 

[JGads]

Somewhere in Britain, a racaholic weeps...

 

[spinovic]

Disappointing final. Was hoping for a better match, but definitely happy to see Murray get this much wanted and much deserved win.

He wanted it more, IMO. Plain and simple.

 

[Murray_fan1]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So proud to have the Murray_fan name at the moment. Congrats to Muzza for the much deserved win!!!

 

[JackB1]

Hey MFan. How was the ball feel off the stringbed on the XFASTPRO? Was it a nice feeling or not really? Also what was the gripsize in case I want to buy it off you?

 

[Ross K]

RHs

Much jubilation and celebration in this part of the world, as you'd expect since it's been decades since the last Brit won at Wimbledon. Still can't believe it's finally happened. And I still can't fully digest what precisely what happened out there - just lounging around in the humid weather watching and drinking beers, I found it gruelling following those 25-30 stroke rallies. Anyhow, the record books will forever state Murray the winner... and in straight sets too against Novak (WTH?!)... finally we have a Brit Wimbly winner!

 

[JGads]

Del Potro opened the door (Djoker's legs were cooked after those grueling first-set rallies), Murray ran right through it.

Years ago I was guilty of saying I didn't think Andy would ever win a slam. He was too lanky and too shaky under pressure, and defended far too much against the greats rather than ever taking charge.

Silly me. The lad bulked up (wow is he so much stronger physically than when he actually flexed that bicep long ago), made unbelievable strides in the quality of his serves, and now is the one dictating against the greats just as much as he's defending.

Well done, Andy. Well done, Britain.

Now pop the question to Kim, already.

 

[Ross K]

Del Potro opened the door (Djoker's legs were cooked after that those grueling first-set rallies), Murray ran right through it.

Years ago I was guilty of saying I didn't think Andy would ever win a slam. He was too lanky and too shaky under pressure, and defended far too much against the greats rather than ever taking charge.

Silly me. The lad bulked up (wow is he so much stronger physically than when he actually flexed that bicep long ago), made unbelievable strides in the quality of his serves, and now is the one dictating against the greats just as much as he's defending.

Well done, Andy. Well done, Britain.

Now pop the question to Kim, already.

I also think Lendl's contribution is highly significant. Since he's come on board Murray seems to have developed in so many ways. Physically, tactically, and definitely in terms of resolve and fighting spirit.

On a different note, did you catch Novak's reaction afterwards?... class act right there IMO. I'm actually a big Novak fan these days and today hasn't diminished him at all in my eyes.

 

[JGads]

I also think Lendl's contribution is highly significant. Since he's come on board Murray seems to have developed in so many ways. Physically, tactically, and definitely in terms of resolve and fighting spirit.

On a different note, did you catch Novak's reaction afterwards?... class act right there IMO. I'm actually a big Novak fan these days and today hasn't diminished him at all in my eyes.

McEnroe said the pairing of Murray and Lendl 18 months ago was 'magical.' Have to agree, in a way - an absolutely perfect pairing of a guy who needed more resolve and calm, and Lendl. Just looking up at Lendl's steely face has to help him so much during matches.

Novak is a warrior. Still The Man. But I'm glad he has this company. It will only make him better, just as he has forced Andy and Rafa and Roger to be better. That's how it all works right now with these guys at the top, who are taking the game to unreal levels.

USO looks tantalizing right now. Djoker is the guy, but a mentally freed Murray could win again, Rafa and Roger feel like they have something to prove at the last major, and I'd say Delpo and even Janowicz might have serious shots at going the distance with those forehands on that surface.

Rafa's knee a huge question on the hard stuff. Have to believe Nole and Muzza are again the favorites to meet again, but you never know. And now some lessers feel like they actually could pull magic upsets, after what happened here at this Wimby.

Onto the American swing!

 

[spinovic]

Mentally is where Murray has made the biggest improvements to me. He used to be the weakest of the top players in that regard, not even close to Federer, Djokovic and Nadal in terms of confidence, belief, attitude, etc., in big moments. Now, I think at worst, he is the equal of them in that area.

I thought it turned at the 2012 Australian Open. He lost a tough 5 set SF to Djokovic, but that was the first time, IMO, that he didn't crumble under the pressure. He simply lost the world No. 1. That carried through to Wimbledon, where he lost the final, but again he simply got beat by a better player that day. He did not crumble or play bad. Then, starting with the Olympics he broke through with a huge win and the rest speaks for itself. He's been a different player the last year and a half.

 

[Murray_fan1]

Hey MFan. How was the ball feel off the stringbed on the XFASTPRO? Was it a nice feeling or not really? Also what was the gripsize in case I want to buy it off you?

Lacks feel IMO. It is the first stick I can remember in a long while that just felt off from the very start. Sounded very pingy and had a crisp feel off the string bed. I am not sure if I am just getting used to my Speed MP's but I couldn't wait to put it down. Grip size is probably way to small for you (4 1/4) as I think you are used to 4 1/2 grips? I think this one will be going back to TW on the 75% of purchase cost return. Sucks as I really had high hopes for this going in but the soreness in my arm and shoulder are going to be deal breakers for me in this case.

 

[JackB1]

Lacks feel IMO. It is the first stick I can remember in a long while that just felt off from the very start. Sounded very pingy and had a crisp feel off the string bed. I am not sure if I am just getting used to my Speed MP's but I couldn't wait to put it down. Grip size is probably way to small for you (4 1/4) as I think you are used to 4 1/2 grips? I think this one will be going back to TW on the 75% of purchase cost return. Sucks as I really had high hopes for this going in but the soreness in my arm and shoulder are going to be deal breakers for me in this case.

OK thanks for the info. I think I will pass.

 

[qwertre]

Hey Racket-a-Holics! Reading these posts about the x-fast Pro from Murray_fan, I have to share a racket that felt "off from the start" for me. I just picked up a pair of Dunlop Bio 300 Tours in a trade and I can't stand them! They feel so light and stiff and uncomfortable! Very little response or feel from the stringbed and no sense of crispness, just a board-like deadness. I'm going to experiment with lead and strings, but maybe...
Back to the drawing board.

 

[Fuji]

Hey Racket-a-Holics! Reading these posts about the x-fast Pro from Murray_fan, I have to share a racket that felt "off from the start" for me. I just picked up a pair of Dunlop Bio 300 Tours in a trade and I can't stand them! They feel so light and stiff and uncomfortable! Very little response or feel from the stringbed and no sense of crispness, just a board-like deadness. I'm going to experiment with lead and strings, but maybe...
Back to the drawing board.

I loathed that frame stock. Biggest thing for me was adding a bunch of lead to it. Adding as much as you can at 3 and 9 will GREATLY improve the feel. Trust me on that one. It really opens up the bed.

Don't forget to string lower as well, since the bed is so closed.

-Fuji

 

[qwertre]

I loathed that frame stock. Biggest thing for me was adding a bunch of lead to it. Adding as much as you can at 3 and 9 will GREATLY improve the feel. Trust me on that one. It really opens up the bed.

Don't forget to string lower as well, since the bed is so closed.

-Fuji

Yeah, definitely going to drop tension like crazy. Maybe start at around 44 with a hybrid? I think I'm trying to move away from closed patterns though, so I'm not going to tolerate much at this point.

 

[GarryClarke]

RHs

Much jubilation and celebration in this part of the world, as you'd expect since it's been decades since the last Brit won at Wimbledon. Still can't believe it's finally happened. And I still can't fully digest what precisely what happened out there - just lounging around in the humid weather watching and drinking beers, I found it gruelling following those 25-30 stroke rallies. Anyhow, the record books will forever state Murray the winner... and in straight sets too against Novak (WTH?!)... finally we have a Brit Wimbly winner!

a moment i will not forget for a very long time

 

[Ross K]

Nice little summation here from Nick Bolletierri re yesterday, Murray etc...

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...my-time-it-has-never-been-better-8693912.html

 

[JackB1]

Still loving my Blade 104 and it's been 2 month and 1 week now! Any of you guys that like to play an "all court" style and haven't checked out the new 104 yet, are really doing yourself a disservice. I haven't felt this comfortable with a racquet in a long time and I don't want to lose this feeling! Sorry to all you hardcore 'holics out there, but I may be on the wagon for a while

P.S. congrats to Andy and all his fellow Brit's out there in 'holic-land. He really did a great job yesterday. You kept waiting for robo-vich to flip the switch and take sets 3 & $, but Murray
just out worked him. Murray's movement all over the court was unreal and he also fired some great serves when he needed them. Djoko just looked tired in that Wimby heat yesterday
and Murray's fitness really helped him yesterday. It was very obvious who was handling the heat better. The crowd was great and I think also helped to lift Murray to victory. Was great to see!

 

[Meaghan]

Gone back to silver and green Gads !!

 

[JGads]

Gone back to silver and green Gads !!

Nice!

Still have mine. Constantly think of selling because I rarely play with them anymore, but they're such baseline bashing beauties that it's so hard to let go - every time MD and I bring our respective 20s out for a hit, it's like hitting with the ol' pal again. Top 5 baseline frame.

On my end, the Tecnifibres are receding to the background and I'm concentrating on just the TGK Radicals here lately. Zeus and his little (shorter) brothers are just so, so good. The feel of Z is unmatched, the whippier Lil Bros are easier to swing and extremely close.

 

[BigM]

Nice little summation here from Nick Bolletierri re yesterday, Murray etc...

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...my-time-it-has-never-been-better-8693912.html

Murray played the perfect match from a strategic point of view. I noticed that Murray was limiting the ability for Novak to setup his aggression from the backhand side of the court. Also the little sorties into the net helped keep Novak off guard. I loved every second of the encounter and the Tennis played was of the highest calibre. I think all of us could take something from Andy's game. I will be working hard on adding some variety into my game just to keep my opponents off guard. Awesome!

BigM

 

[Ross K]

Gone back to silver and green Gads !!

Ah, now that makes sense... back on home soil with your beloved Vantage.

 

[Meaghan]

Ah, now that makes sense... back on home soil with your beloved Vantage.

By accident really, the apd is fine, the grip is just to big. I've kinda come to the conclusion that flexy frames make my serve and groundstrokes better and stiffer frames do the nuts and bolts well.

I left my love affair with the bc20 after missing two volleys against our clubs no.1 seed in the semis to win the match, I got broken and lost the match. At the time all I could thing about was those two volleys where's I should have been thinking about how well I played getting into that position.
I have an angell on the way too and you gladly passed my old bc30 back to me, if not really thought about it until I hit with the bc30 and the feel and flex reignited the spark. I always loved the bc30 it has such a way of making the game play simply which has a lot of similarity with the apd, but I never gave it enough time because of the 20......the other problem with the 20 was I had a prototype and a retail racket which I could never marry, ended up trying to get them playing the same and lost what I initially had with the original.

Its all part of the fun I suppose......

 

[Ross K]

By accident really, the apd is fine, the grip is just to big. I've kinda come to the conclusion that flexy frames make my serve and groundstrokes better and stiffer frames do the nuts and bolts well.

I left my love affair with the bc20 after missing two volleys against our clubs no.1 seed in the semis to win the match, I got broken and lost the match. At the time all I could thing about was those two volleys where's I should have been thinking about how well I played getting into that position.
I have an angell on the way too and you gladly passed my old bc30 back to me, if not really thought about it until I hit with the bc30 and the feel and flex reignited the spark. I always loved the bc30 it has such a way of making the game play simply which has a lot of similarity with the apd, but I never gave it enough time because of the 20......the other problem with the 20 was I had a prototype and a retail racket which I could never marry, ended up trying to get them playing the same and lost what I initially had with the original.

Its all part of the fun I suppose......

Here, here!


RHs

Well, ahead of match on Friday, I had long session this morning (first for ages) and this much is clear now re my flyweight 280 TF...

Like the balance (6 pts I think) and weighting, way of swinging, and most of all the way this TF has lots of pace and yet is still predictable (very very few UEs on g/strokes - unlike with my 99s and other past encounters of the woofer kind.) I feel I can hit out with security. This aspect - the right balance of control and power for me - is vital as I think it's what I've been searching for for a long time.

But... holy 1st serve nightmares, my fellow 'Holics! As I had a great opportunity and plenty of time to asses my serve this am, it became clear, as 1st serve after 1 st serve clunked into the net, or kind of parried or didn't connect right or was mishit across the strings, I'm in trouble here (got a match on Friday!) unless, I presume, the old trusty lead tape is applied.

QSN then is how much and where, my friends? What do ppl think going on what I've said?

BTW, Thanks to Rich who's already answered this privately... David, if you're picking up on this, I PMed you.

Anyway, maybe I can spy a slightly heavier TFight on the horizon (talking the 295), but for now, I need to get modding...

 

[JackB1]

Here, here!


RHs

Well, ahead of match on Friday, I had long session this morning (first for ages) and this much is clear now re my flyweight 280 TF...

Like the balance (6 pts I think) and weighting, way of swinging, and most of all the way this TF has lots of pace and yet is still predictable (very very few UEs on g/strokes - unlike with my 99s and other past encounters of the woofer kind.) I feel I can hit out with security. This aspect - the right balance of control and power for me - is vital as I think it's what I've been searching for for a long time.

But... holy 1st serve nightmares, my fellow 'Holics! As I had a great opportunity and plenty of time to asses my serve this am, it became clear, as 1st serve after 1 st serve clunked into the net, or kind of parried or didn't connect right or was mishit across the strings, I'm in trouble here (got a match on Friday!) unless, I presume, the old trusty lead tape is applied.

QSN then is how much and where, my friends? What do ppl think going on what I've said?

BTW, Thanks to Rich who's already answered this privately... David, if you're picking up on this, I PMed you.

Anyway, maybe I can spy a slightly heavier TFight on the horizon (talking the 295), but for now, I need to get modding...

Pretty easy Ross.....if you like the balance the way it is (as you said), just add some at 3/9 (I'm assuming a racquet this light may have some stability issues) and then add about 20% more to the handle to keep balance the same. I would start with 4g's total at 3/9 and 6 g's on (or inside) the handle and go from there. You can also try 2 g's at 12' instead of 3/9. It will give you more pop on serves and maybe slow your swingspeed down some and let you get that ball over the net.

 

[SmilinBob]

But... holy 1st serve nightmares, my fellow 'Holics! As I had a great opportunity and plenty of time to asses my serve this am, it became clear, as 1st serve after 1 st serve clunked into the net, or kind of parried or didn't connect right or was mishit across the strings, I'm in trouble here (got a match on Friday!) unless, I presume, the old trusty lead tape is applied.

QSN then is how much and where, my friends? What do ppl think going on what I've said?

While not having a TFight 280, I had a very similar session last night with my Graphene Speed MP. With the frame in stock form, I was hitting the ball great from the baseline and volleying crisply, but first serves just didn't have the right amount of punch. Similar ball flight to what you're describing. So...Out came the lead tape.

I started with three grams each at 3 and 9 (which I've tried before) and it really does turn the Graphene Speed MP into a spin monster. While not doing much to add heat on flat serves, it did give more hop on the ball.

Then I went for three grams straight at 12. From the first swing it did the trick. I could really feel the head of the racquet snapping through the ball and was getting some extra heat on the ball without sacrificing any control.

Later in the week I'm going to give 2 grams each on the "high" side of 10 and 2 a try. I have a tourney in two weeks and need my racquets ready! The V98 Team in stock form is absolutely fantastic for serving, but the Graphene Speed MP is a better all-around stick.

 

[JackB1]

While not having a TFight 280, I had a very similar session last night with my Graphene Speed MP. With the frame in stock form, I was hitting the ball great from the baseline and volleying crisply, but first serves just didn't have the right amount of punch. Similar ball flight to what you're describing. So...Out came the lead tape.

I started with three grams each at 3 and 9 (which I've tried before) and it really does turn the Graphene Speed MP into a spin monster. While not doing much to add heat on flat serves, it did give more hop on the ball.

Then I went for three grams straight at 12. From the first swing it did the trick. I could really feel the head of the racquet snapping through the ball and was getting some extra heat on the ball without sacrificing any control.

Later in the week I'm going to give 2 grams each on the "high" side of 10 and 2 a try. I have a tourney in two weeks and need my racquets ready! The V98 Team in stock form is absolutely fantastic for serving, but the Graphene Speed MP is a better all-around stick.

That's correct Bob...lead at 12' always adds more pop to your serve...as long as you can keep up the swingspeed. There comes a point of diminishing returns somewhere though, so you have to be careful not to add to much.

BTW Bob...did u ever try my fav...the Blade 104 yet?

 

[McLovin]

Well, I fell off the wagon the other day & ordered the X Force Lite. It should be here tomorrow, at which point I will lock myself in my basement stringing room and begin my customization.

I was originally thinking of putting silicone in the handle, but now may give plumber's putty a try first. The Pacific pallet is somewhat hollow inside:

So I should be able to pack some in there & not have it move around.

The plan is to put enough in the handle to bring it 310g unstrung, then add an additional 10g of lead around the frame to balance it @ 310mm, just like the X Force Pro.

Of course, I'll be taking photos as I go along & post the process here. Wish me luck...

 

[JackB1]

^^^^^^
I love the Pacific/Fischer pallet system, with the 2 plastic screws. It makes pallet replacement so easy. No messy glue to deal with. Wish they all used this system.

 

[SmilinBob]

That's correct Bob...lead at 12' always adds more pop to your serve...as long as you can keep up the swingspeed. There comes a point of diminishing returns somewhere though, so you have to be careful not to add to much.

I'm well-acquainted with lead at 12 and even leaded up one of my old Skunks at 12. Brought it up to north of 11 points head heavy with a swing weight in the mid-340s. Even a little really helps me feel where the tip of the racquet is when serving and it compliments my motion. I like feeling the racquet snap through with some momentum.

The Graphene Speed MP is an interesting frame and I'm surprised how differently it responds to different weighting. I'm really digging the racquets that are good platforms for tuning at the 11 oz-ish range. The V98 Team is great out-of-the-box and given it's even balance is probably a little less "tunable" for me. I'm still stuck deciding between them.

BTW Bob...did u ever try my fav...the Blade 104 yet?

Not yet. I only had one day a few weeks ago to hit while my others sticks were being strung and the local shop's 104 was checked out. I hit the Pro Staff 100 for a very brief period (a frame I believe has a TON of headroom.) Otherwise I've been spending all my time the past few weeks with Delta Air Lines criss-crossing the country. Not a lot of fun.

The Blade 104 and a longer session with the Pro Staff 100 are my next demos, but I might also squeak in the new ProKennex QTour 295. Spec-wise it looks very promising.

 

[canuckfan]

While not having a TFight 280, I had a very similar session last night with my Graphene Speed MP. With the frame in stock form, I was hitting the ball great from the baseline and volleying crisply, but first serves just didn't have the right amount of punch. Similar ball flight to what you're describing. So...Out came the lead tape.

I started with three grams each at 3 and 9 (which I've tried before) and it really does turn the Graphene Speed MP into a spin monster. While not doing much to add heat on flat serves, it did give more hop on the ball.

Then I went for three grams straight at 12. From the first swing it did the trick. I could really feel the head of the racquet snapping through the ball and was getting some extra heat on the ball without sacrificing any control.

Later in the week I'm going to give 2 grams each on the "high" side of 10 and 2 a try. I have a tourney in two weeks and need my racquets ready! The V98 Team in stock form is absolutely fantastic for serving, but the Graphene Speed MP is a better all-around stick.

Love the feedback from your reviews Bob, always infomative. Just to clarify, is that only 3 grams at 12, or 3 grams in addition to the 6 grams you added at 3/9 oclock (for a total of 9 grams)?

 

[SmilinBob]

Love the feedback from your reviews Bob, always infomative. Just to clarify, is that only 3 grams at 12, or 3 grams in addition to the 6 grams you added at 3/9 oclock (for a total of 9 grams)?

First placement was three grams each at 3 and 9. Then I peeled that off. Second placement was three grams at 12 only.

I'm not sure why the frame responds the way it does, spin vs. power, but in all three configs (stock being the first) I've been pretty happy with the Graphene Speed MP, outside of first serve performance in stock form.

 

[Ross K]

Thanks Jack and Bob ^^

Yes, I seem happy with the balance, way it swings, so sounds like I should indeed add weight (about 20% extra) to handle (as Jack suggests)... or do you beg to differ on this point, Bob?


McLovin

Nice one ^. Keep us updated... and btw and fwiw, one of the things I think I've so liked about the Tfight is the 16/20 pattern. It instantly reminded me of the X Force Pro. Not saying these frames are so alike of course, but, yes, I do seem to find a nice balance of appealing characteristics with that pattern.

 

[SmilinBob]

Thanks Jack and Bob ^^

Yes, I seem happy with the balance, way it swings, so sounds like I should indeed add weight (about 20% extra) to handle (as Jack suggests)... or do you beg to differ on this point, Bob?

Jack's advice seems pretty reasonable. It probably depends quite a bit on your service motion...

I have a relatively flexible shoulder so during my motion, the racquet really drops and my legs, chest, shoulder, and elbow drag the racquet straight up before the "throwing motion" begins. Because of this, I'm REALLY sensitive to static weight as with heavier racquets it just feels like I'm dragging a log up to the ball. Swing weight however, doesn't bother me as much as by the time I start pronating and throwing my arm over, the racquet's already moving at a pretty good clip. The extra tip weight for me lets me know where the end of the racquet is during my motion (especially when going up hard after a big topspin/kicker) and I feel like the extra weight just helps the tip keep momentum as it goes through the ball.

You could try just moving the weight in the hoop up a little bit further but keeping the amount the same. It should only change the balance point and swing weight a little bit and the T-dub calculator can help you with that. If you have weight at 3 and 9, move the center of the weight up two crosses and see how it plays.

Otherwise if you really want to keep everything the same but up the static weight, Jack's got you covered.

 

[JGads]

Ross, if everything else is bang on - Groundie timing and power level is just right - but only the serve is plopping into the net, you might not need any lead tape at all but only more practice on timing the serve just right. It's a very light frame compared to what you're used to, correct? And we are creatures of habit, of timing. It could be that on serve, even though you know you have the light stick in hand, you're still coming through with your usual motion that, with a heavier stick, nails it just right, but with this one you're early on contact and thus finding the net. Could also be that you're actually OVERcompensating and coming through even quicker, because you feel like the light stick affords you the massive RHS, and that you need that RHS to make up for the lack of mass/plow on the ball. Again, this could lead to hitting the net.

Just offering a counterpoint. I fear lead placement could mess up the groove you have on everything else, if everything else is nicely tuned, and you might just need plenty more time at the service line with a hopper of balls to practice waiting and timing the ball. Try different ball tosses and paces-of-motion. You could be very close.

All that being said, lead at 12 is my usual go-to if I'm early on serve and hitting too much net. Seems to tune a frame nicely for me, as it did with the Bc20.

Speaking of which, Meaghan: can TOTALLY relate to why you went away from the 20. Sounds almost exactly like my experience. Had some epic duels with that thing and even beat many a nemesis, but it always seemed to come down to a key volley or a key serve that left me angry for days. On groundies, though, that thing is total control. Happy to see you going back to that frame. It's too good for it to be forgotten around these parts.

 

[Ross K]

Cheers JG and Bob ^^

Well, to start off with I'm thinking of adding just a very small amount like 2g @ 10 and 2 and taking things from there. I could change my mind though ...