Madrid 2017 R3: Rafael Nadal vs Nick Kyrgios

[cc0509]

When was Nick clowning around?

Come on, don't be delusional. Nick wasn't playing anywhere near his best, i.e. the way he did vs Federer in Miami for instance but even if he did I'm not sure he would have defeated Nadal. Anyways we'll never know. The question now is can Goffin or Djokovic/Nishikori beat Nadal on clay?

 

[crazyups]

What an effort from Rafael Nadal to upset the TTW match favourite Nick Kyrgios. Should give him a lot of confidence.

Surprising poll results. Kyrgios is good but he is not a clay court player.

 

[Fedeonic]

I guess I was wrong that Nadal will lose a set, still it's great to see the classic Nadal on clay.

 

[clayqueen]

When Krygios beat Rafa at Wimbledon he didn't have any pressure so he played freely and went for his shots because it was worth taking the risk as losing would have been OK. Now, he is expected to beat Rafa so he can't afford to play like that.

 

[Steve0904]

Yes. One has 17 slams and the other has 14.

18 buddy. Still getting used to it?

 

[Fedeonic]

When Krygios beat Rafa at Wimbledon he didn't have any pressure so he played freely and went for his shots because it was worth taking the risk as losing would have been OK. Now, he is expected to beat Rafa so he can't afford to play like that.

Kyrgios beat Nadal in Wimbledon because it was a Kyrgios friendly surface (grass).

 

[clayqueen]

Kyrgios beat Nadal in Wimbledon because it was a Kyrgios friendly surface (grass).

That would also have helped. I think if they play on grass again, Nadal will be favourite in my books.

 

[Kozzy]

Nadal will always be among the top favorites at RG. But this year he hasn't beaten Djokovic and has lost to Federer thrice.

Just because Djokovic doesn't look good right now, doesn't mean he won't look good in RG. He could win one event and get the momentum to blitz through.

Also who knows about Fed. He might come with guns blazing in RG, just as he did earlier in the year.

Time still before RG rolls around. Just declaring Nadal as the firm favorite based on an optional MC and a ATP 500 Barcelona doesn't make sense. Let him play Djoko/Murray/Fed before.

Rafa's form when they last played at RG was terrible - 2015 being his worst season of all time probably. I still won't call Rafa THE favorite, but he is certainly high on the list. Surely, if Djokovic can recover form, he'll be right there also. And if Fed can maintain form, he would be too. I don't see Murray getting much done unless he makes a miraculous turnaround. Stan seems like he should always be a favorite at a slam, because he can beat anybody when he's on - and has proven that multiple times over. Anyway, should be interesting. If Rafa/Djokovic meet this week and Rafa loses, that would be a big red flag for his RG chances, I think.

 

[kalyan4fedever]

Exactly. Having watched tennis for 10+ years I can honestly say that I've never seen such a big difference in a player's highest heights and lowest lows. He almost played like an ATG in Miami and today he's like a 4.0 hacker after 2 beers.

Federer sometimes plays nervously and makes unusual errors....3 recent final losses against djokovic is not full calibre roger

 

[Charleneriva]

Match's stats (sorry I only have this much; anyone has more pls share, thank you ):

Sofascore has the serve % different though:

 

[Berasategui94]

Kyrgios was serving around 180 kph first serves most of the time, clearly there was something wrong with him physically. But why did he even show up then, he could've just given a walkover?

 

[Dilexson]

The only positive thing i could say about Nick today is He didn't lose his sh1t this time as he usually does against the crowd/umpires/ballboys , etc..
Clowning act is still worrisome though..

 

[cc0509]

That would also have helped. I think if they play on grass again, Nadal will be favourite in my books.

Let's not jump the gun yet! Can Goffin or Djokovic/Nishikori beat this Nadal on clay in Madrid? That's the first order of business.

 

[Steve0904]

As much as I would like to see Novak win. Novak is not beating Rafa on clay at the moment. Rafa is in a very good moment and his confidence is high on his favourite surface. Whereas Novak is at the lowest he been for sometime, however I hope the match up happens and we get a great match. I like Rafa too and have huge respect for him. He's the ultimate warrior.

I wouldn't be so pessimistic. All I'm really saying is that he has a chance. He is Novak Djokovic. As such, he'll always have his chances against anyone on any day even if they aren't great chances.

 

[JohnnyMac Fan!]

Djokovic always has a chance against Nadal, no matter how bad the Serb plays. It is pretty clear from their matchup when djokovic struggles against other players but handily thrashes Rafa. Nadal will have to beat Djokovic, Murray and maybe Fed on clay before he is put as the firm favorite to RG. As of now, the defending champion in the man to beat.

True unless is the final of a slam, then Nadal wins, well at least that is what their head 2 Head states

 

[TheMusicLover]

FINALLY, a little credit to the man who also acknowledged he could've played better against Fognini.

There have been plenty of folks around crediting Nadal, but apparently you only see what you want to see?

Nick isn't clowning, I don't think. His grandfather passed and he came in from Australia, and also his hip is bothering him (conf. Carillo and Annacone).

Sorry, whatever the excuse, this was a dire performance. And if a player isn't healthy enough to play, he should withdraw.

 

[haqq777]

Sneaky Rafa in 2 voters after the match started. No shame.

One of them was me - in my defence I had just logged in. Was following the match on the ATP app.

 

[tennis_pro]

That would also have helped. I think if they play on grass again, Nadal will be favourite in my books.

I don't think the surface matters a lot in NK's case. It's his state of mind. If he's in a match he can beat anyone on any surface including Nadal on clay.

What's worrisome is that facing Fedalovic always turned the switch for him and today he faced arguably the toughest challenge and was as flast as a pancake. If these circumstances don't motivate him then nothing will at this point. I was very optimistic about him after Miami and after today I took a big step back.

 

[TheMaestro1990]

Nadal Tops Kyrgios in One-sided Affair

http://www.tennis-pulse.com/nadal-tops-kyrgios-in-one-sided-affair/

 

[Tennisanity]

Nadal is a firm favourite for FO, silly to deny it at this point (Murray is in terrible form and Fed isn't even playing). I do agree that Novak always has a shot against Nadal regardless of how much he has struggled during a tourney.

What do you mean Fed is not playing FO? When did this become news?

 

[2HBH-DTL]

What do you mean Fed is not playing FO? When did this become news?

wrong info. fed is indeed playing.

 

[tenisdecente]

Kyrgios was serving around 180 kph first serves most of the time, clearly there was something wrong with him physically. But why did he even show up then, he could've just given a walkover?

I was under the impression that his serve was not in full force. Interesting, probably he was bother by some issue, but in that case he should forfeit the match a la Federer in AO 2017

 

[tennis_pro]

Nadal is a firm favourite for FO, silly to deny it at this point (Murray is in terrible form and Fed isn't even playing). I do agree that Novak always has a shot against Nadal regardless of how much he has struggled during a tourney.

I agree Nadal's the favorite but I'm not giving him the trophy yet as everyone else seems to be doing. I think BO5 set matches hinder him more than they help him at this point, don't forget he's 31. With all the success that he's had so far on clay, his form, the form of his rivals, the lack of competition I feel he still needs a good draw to win the FO. One dangerous floater and he could be screwed.

 

[clayqueen]

Kyrgios was serving around 180 kph first serves most of the time, clearly there was something wrong with him physically. But why did he even show up then, he could've just given a walkover?

Stop making unverifiable statements as facts. When they met in Rome last year, Krygios took the 1st set in a TB, but Rafa won the next 2 sets 62 63, that's why I wasn't worried about this meeting.

 

[cucio]

Did he really say that? I doubt he only said that because Rafa's winning easily since Rafa himself never say that and never will.

Nope. He said that today Nadal was playing a lot better than yesterday, with more concentration and control of the ball, and that the weather had a lot to do with it (yesterday we had rather strong winds in Madrid, as could be seen in TV.) Uncle Toni is as about common-sense as it gets, don't expect anything out of the ordinary from an interview with him.

At some point in the 1st set, when Kyrgios saved a couple of break points, it did look like something was bothering him, he buffed, cranked his neck and walked with a slight limp. Maybe I am reading too much into it, but perhaps he is not in top physical condition. He usually puts more of a fight, today he let go a lot of reachable balls.

 

[clayqueen]

I agree Nadal's the favorite but I'm not giving him the trophy yet as everyone else seems to be doing. I think BO5 set matches hinder him more than they help him at this point, don't forget he's 31. With all the success that he's had so far on clay, his form, the form of his rivals, the lack of competition I feel he still needs a good draw to win the FO. One dangerous floater and he could be screwed.

If Nadal is 31, then Djokovic and Murray are 30. Federer is 36 and Stan is 33 and you think they are all fit enough for Bo5 except Rafa. In fact I should have simply ignored your drivel.

 

[Berasategui94]

Stop making unverifiable statements as facts. When they met in Rome last year, Krygios took the 1st set in a TB, but Rafa won the next 2 sets 62 63, that's why I wasn't worried about this meeting.

When someone who normally serves 220 kph serves hits 180 kph serves, of course there's something wrong. And Kyrgios already had a MTO because of his hips in the first match, didn't he?

 

[tennis_pro]

If Nadal is 31, then Djokovic and Murray are 30. Federer is 35 and Stan is 32. In fact I should have simply ignored your drivel.

Said someone who claimed Kyrgios wasn't clowning today, contrarty to what everyone else saw (including other Nadal fans).

Djokovic/Murray are in proper decline, Wawrinka's mileage is like 2/3 of Nadal's despite being a year older, Federer is a young 35 because of his style of play (and the fact that he took 6 months off before AO and is now taking 2-3 months off before the FO) and Nadal is an old 31 for the same reason.

 

[falstaff78]

Wishful thinking predicting decline at that young an age. Now Federer

literally the only thing I like about kyrgios is the regularity with which he makes muppets out of the people who defy all logic and reason to predict great things from him.

until next time amigo!

 

[clayqueen]

If Krygios has hip problems or any other fitness problems, why is he still playing doubles?

 

[2HBH-DTL]

If Krygios has hip problems or any other fitness problems, why is he still playing doubles?

less demanding on the body. doesn't have to run.

 

[clayqueen]

Said someone who claimed Kyrgios wasn't clowning today, contrarty to what everyone else saw (including other Nadal fans).

Djokovic/Murray are in proper decline, Wawrinka's mileage is like 2/3 of Nadal's despite being a year older, Federer is a young 35 because of his style of play (and the fact that he took 6 months off before AO and is now taking 2-3 months off before the FO) and Nadal is an old 31 for the same reason.

Go away and cry because you are disappointed that Nadal thrashed Krygios and you expected the result to be the other way round
.

 

[zagor]

What do you mean Fed is not playing FO? When did this become news?

I meant the CC season leading up to FO, Nadal can't beat him beforehand to prove he's a firm favourite for FO (as that poster said he has to do) if Fed doesn't play.

 

[clayqueen]

less demanding on the body. doesn't have to run.

Then it's not that bad.

 

[cc0509]

This is not some jinx post against kyrgios.

Ive been saying since acapulco nadal has flattered to deceive and later i think kyrgios will tear him apart.

Kyrgios does everything bigger here now in 2017 and with nadals cumbersome movement i can see him getting creamed in straight sets.

What a prediction! Keep up the good work! Nadal's cumbersome movement?

P.S. I thought Kyrgios would do better vs Nadal than he did.

 

[Artist]

So will this tournament give us the first djokodal match of te year? Really interested to see how a match between the two would go given their current forms.

 

[Charleneriva]

Anyone has the stats on serve and groundstroke speed? Thank you.

 

[tennis_pro]

Go away and cry because you are disappointed that Nadal thrashed Krygios and you expected the result to be the other way round
.

No, I'm not emotionally involved in tennis when Fed's not playing. I'm just sad that the potential match of the tournament turned out to be a complete sucker.

 

[clayqueen]

This is not some jinx post against kyrgios.

Ive been saying since acapulco nadal has flattered to deceive and later i think kyrgios will tear him apart.

Kyrgios does everything bigger here now in 2017 and with nadals cumbersome movement i can see him getting creamed in straight sets.

I hope you put money on it.

 

[zagor]

I agree Nadal's the favorite but I'm not giving him the trophy yet as everyone else seems to be doing. I think BO5 set matches hinder him more than they help him at this point, don't forget he's 31. With all the success that he's had so far on clay, his form, the form of his rivals, the lack of competition I feel he still needs a good draw to win the FO. One dangerous floater and he could be screwed.

Regarding the form of his rivals, I wouldn't discount Stan yet. There's a good chance he may show up at FO (cause it's a slam), in my mind he's the 2nd favourite behind Nadal along with Novak (still).

 

[zep]

Kyrgios beat Nadal in Wimbledon because it was a Kyrgios friendly surface (grass).

I actually think Rafa played better than Kyrgios in general at Wimbledon, especially the last 3 sets but Kyrgios played the big points better and that was the difference. If Kyrgios serves well it will always be a close contest no matter who you are, it comes down to taking those few opportunities you get.

 

[clayqueen]

No, I'm not emotionally involved in tennis when Fed's not playing. I'm just sad that the potential match of the tournament turned out to be a complete sucker.

Of course you are emotionally involved. Disappointment is an emotion.
tennis_pro

 

[Meles]

I hope you put money on it.

Anyone has the stats on serve and groundstroke speed? Thank you.

LOL. Technically that was a jinx post against Kyrgios from the false dawn series.

For the record in this match Kyrgios averaged 196 kph on first serve; Zverev averaged 226 kph earlier this week on first serves. You do the math if you think Kyrgios was right for the match. Rafa played much better than against Fognini and appears to have his health fully back after the ear infection earlier this week. His big hurdle before the final will be Goffin tomorrow.

 

[Meles]

Regarding the form of his rivals, I wouldn't discount Stan yet. There's a good chance he may show up at FO (cause it's a slam), in my mind he's the 2nd favourite behind Nadal along with Novak (still).

 

[zep]

For whatever reason Kyrgios was poor. I have never seen his serve this poorly before. Rafa was solid and that was enough, much better than yesterday.

 

[clayqueen]

LOL. Technically that was a jinx post against Kyrgios from the false dawn series.

For the record in this match Kyrgios averaged 196 kph on first serve; Zverev averaged 226 kph earlier this week on first serves. You do the math if you think Kyrgios was right for the match. Rafa played much better than against Fognini and appears to have his health fully back after the ear infection earlier this week. His big hurdle before the final will be Goffin tomorrow.

Rafa played much better against Fognini? Wow! Are you serious?

 

[Meles]

Rafa played much better against Fognini? Wow! Are you serious?

it says than against Fognini. He looked, much better today.

 

[InsideOut900]

I don't think the surface matters a lot in NK's case. It's his state of mind. If he's in a match he can beat anyone on any surface including Nadal on clay.

I seriously doubt that. But of course, if Nick think he has a chance, he tries. I haven't seen him tanking right from the start, but right after giving the break away at 2-3.

I also think Kyrgios purposely tanks clay matches at this point, knowing he has chances on grass and hards. It's the first time he does this in half a year, which is a good sign, since he left a mark at IW and Miami and will probably do so in Wimbledon.

 

[clayqueen]

I seriously doubt that. But of course, if Nick think he has a chance, he tries. I haven't seen him tanking right from the start, but right after giving the break away at 2-3.

I also think Kyrgios purposely tanks clay matches at this point, knowing he has chances on grass and hards. It's the first time he does this in half a year, which is a good sign, since he left a mark in IW and Miami and will probably do so in Wimbledon.

What exactly has Krygios achieved on grass and hard?

 

[tennis_pro]

I seriously doubt that. But of course, if Nick think he has a chance, he tries. I haven't seen him tanking right from the start, but right after giving the break away at 2-3.

I also think Kyrgios purposely tanks clay matches at this point, knowing he has chances on grass and hards. It's the first time he does this in half a year, which is a good sign, since he left a mark at IW and Miami and will probably do so in Wimbledon.

His serve was off today - even until 3-2 in the 1st set. Against Fed, he was serving 140mph with regularity, often throwing in 2nd serve aces hit at 120mph. Today he was just completely flat.