Miami 2017 QF: Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych

[every7]

I'm not so sure if Kyrgios keeps playing as he has been.

Agree. Clay season is a big unknown for him. If anyone can do the unexpected, though, it's Kyrgios.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I assume you mean beer nuts, right?

The moderators did not appreciate my sentiments.

I should have been less crass lol

(apologies to the mod team)

 

[Hitman's Gurl]

I think the biggest problem this year is going to be Novak and Andy making the date. Roger will be waiting in the finals, but Andy and Novak have been crueled by various on-court / off-court issues and are not getting through draws. Andy's form-slump and injury worries are a big suprise. Novak's not so much.

It means Roger's chances to get back to number one are even greater.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Nadal shouldn't even be a contender anymore with how far he has declined. Yet here we are possible geriatric Fedal match coming up coming up.

You don't know a thing about tennis, so you are not qualified to make that statement.

 

[tennis_pro]

Federer fans who do you want in the sf
Zverev or Kyrgios?

I'd actually want Kyrgios because you know he can mug it up. Zverev likes playing Fed, he's already beaten him twice and did it this year (even if it was a still very rusty Fed). I just hope it's a long match.

 

[gn]

3fees wannabe.

He's been MIA. Someone has to undertake his duty.

Cheerios,

gnana

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Part of it is that Fed generates most of his pace by taking the ball early and using the pace against him, but Birdy had him off balance a LOT after the 1st set. The commentators had tongues right up Fed's bum in the 1st set and then didn't know what to say for the next two sets.

But Birdy was hitting shots he normally doesn't have. Fed came into this expecting a cakewalk and got complacent after set 1. If he does this tomorrow he's going down. Match% going up, but game% and point% going down. I think things are about to break bad for Grumpa...

Not really. He can come out tomorrow and be on fire. I am hoping he faces kyrgios. I want fed to beat him.

 

[Meles]

overall match , average serve speed for nadal:

1st serve : 177
2nd serve : 150

5th set

1st serve : 176
2nd serve : 152

yeah, that's some great logic, assuming rafa slowed down because he got 85% first serves in , instead of actually checking out the stats

reality is federer figured out how to return the body serve that rafa was using effectively in set4.

So you're conclusion is Nadal served out of his mind in the 5th?

 

[cc0509]

Trust me, nothing will stop this guy from his endless stream of trash-talk.

He contradicts himself every five minutes.

 

[Surion]

Lack of quality on big points. UFE all over the place.

Feels like both guys choked at various points.

And were incredibly clutch on others.

That's tennis, but it's obvious you don't know **** about this sport.

 

[-NN-]

My secret!

I want Roger to win. And increase his chances of getting that number one. Plus he will not be doing anything during clay season so all points that he gets now matters

Sorry guys, I know I'm a heartless traitor.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

It means Roger's chances to get back to number one are even greater.

He surpassed all my expectations by collecting points like crazy untill now.

I am happy and hope that he will perform great in Madrid and then RG, before the grass season rolls in.

 

[Steve0904]

I think the difference was his DTL BH, it was really clicking today, hit a few screaming return winners as well but he usually takes big cuts on Fed's 2nd serve in their matches. Feeling a bit sad for Berdman, think he should have gotten this one (he was playing some sick tennis) and while it doesn't excuse his double fault on MP, the crowd was pretty terrible, they should keep their traps shut between serves.

I know people crap on him but I always liked Berdman's tennis, clean ballstriking and effortless power (especially that FH). Glad for Fed squeaking out a close one though, if he finds his serving form he'll have his chances in SF and eventual F.

Ultimately I think the biggest thing that made the match close was his serving (but his DTL BH was very good too) I know that sounds cliché, but if that's off today for Berdych, this match is not even close. Also, many people don't realize he served well in Australia past early in the 2nd set. His problem was giving away early breaks in sets which relaxed Federer (much like the first set here in fact). He defended and returned well too. I remember watching a few points where he turned defence into offence and being relatively surprised. All in all, you'd normally back Fed to serve it out so I'm happy he won in the end.

I've also always enjoyed Berdych's tennis. It's just a shame that he cracks in the pressure moments very often.

 

[Surion]

berdych won more points 91-89

So?

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Ultimately I think the biggest thing that made the match close was his serving (but his DTL BH was very good too) I know that sounds cliché, but if that's off today for Berdych, this match is not even close. He defended and returned well too. I remember watching a few points where he turned defence into offence and being relatively surprised. All in all, you'd normally back Fed to serve it out so I'm happy he won in the end.

I've also always enjoyed Berdych's tennis. It's just a shame that he cracks in the pressure moments very often.

Yeah some of Berdych's winners he looked like he didn't even believe they came off his frame lol

 

[Sysyphus]

Nadal managed to serve slow enough in the last set to get 85% serves in. A lot of the Fed greatness in the 5th was allowed by Nadal going conservative on his serve. Still great though.

overall match , average serve speed for nadal:

1st serve : 177
2nd serve : 150

5th set

1st serve : 176
2nd serve : 152

yeah, that's some great logic, assuming rafa slowed down because he got 85% first serves in , instead of actually checking out the stats

reality is federer figured out how to return the body serve that rafa was using effectively in set4.

oops

 

[Sereger]

>9 shots fed 4 5 ber
<5 shots fed 58 64 ber

Did they show who won different length rallies? Seemed like Roger won fewer as rally went longer.

 

[Feather]

I'd actually want Kyrgios because you know he can mug it up. Zverev likes playing Fed, he's already beaten him twice and did it this year (even if it was a still very rusty Fed). I just hope it's a long match.

I too prefer Kyrgios.

If Roger wins Miami the chances of him becoming number one increases a lot.

 

[ACE of Hearts]

I'm not so sure if Kyrgios keeps playing as he has been.

Who has he played? He played only karlovic and it was 3 sets and karlovic has no movement at all.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

oops

Did you google "90's Clay predictions" to find that gif?

 

[mike danny]

This was redemption for their 2010 Miami match where Fed had MP and lost.

 

[-NN-]

oops

 

[Surion]

It means Roger's chances to get back to number one are even greater.

He won't get back to number one.
Get serious.

He won't win many points on clay and the rest is unknown, we don't know if his body keeps up this level.
And he's not playing well in Miami, let's hope it's just because he never did in Miami.

 

[stringertom]

He's been MIA. Someone has to undertake his duty.

Cheerios,

gnana

Honey nut? If not, I'll pass.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

This was redemption for their 2010 Miami match where Fed had MP and lost.

I would have been pretty frustrated with a loss today given he had MP's prior and chance to serve out for the match. Reminded me of the inexplicable 5-1 blown 3rd set ( eventually lost breaker) to Tsonga. Of course wouldn't have been that big a collapse but that was the match running through my head while Berdych was ripping winners past him

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Did you google "90's Clay predictions" to find that gif?

Hilarious!

 

[Hitman's Gurl]

He won't get back to number one.
Get serious.

He won't win many points on clay and the rest is unknown, we don't know if his body keeps up this level.
And he's not playing well in Miami, let's hope it's just because he never did in Miami.

Why shouldn't I believe? This is his worst hard court and he can still win it. Only fast hard courts for rest of season. We know how he does there.

 

[6-3 6-0]

How the hell does this matchup thread have same number of posts as the AO final?

 

[tennis_pro]

I too prefer Kyrgios.

If Roger wins Miami the chances of him becoming number one increases a lot.

Yeah but I have to say that making the SF is already a great result for him. The main reason a lot of Fed fans want him to win Miami bad is because they know he won't collect too many points on clay and if you give away 3 MS and a Slam in a calendar year you're not gonna fancy your chances to go up the rankings.

 

[tennis_pro]

How the hell does this matchup thread have same number of posts as the AO final?

TTW was very laggy at the time.

 

[-NN-]

How the hell does this matchup thread have same number of posts as the AO final?

There were diabolical server issues during the AO Final. It was really really hard to post.

 

[stringertom]

Did you google "90's Clay predictions" to find that gif?

It's part of @Meles treasure trove of gifs/memes. Payback is a biotch! Well done bro @Sysyphus !

 

[cc0509]

Nadal shouldn't even be a contender anymore with how far he has declined. Yet here we are possible geriatric Fedal match coming up coming up.

Yet at the AO 2017 you were saying 30 year old Nadal looked good and had the final in the bag:

Dont embarrass yourself in front of the whole world vs. Rafa. You're only damaging your legacy more and more the more Nadal WHIPS you on the big stage

 

[Meles]

Who has he played? He played only karlovic and it was 3 sets and karlovic has no movement at all.

You missed the Goffin vs Kyrgios match? Goffin was on fire; all the movement you could have wanted.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

How the hell does this matchup thread have same number of posts as the AO final?

Sadly the servers were completely fried even DAYS before the final. I sauntered over to Reddit for that match. Was a fun time.

 

[Smasher08]

Nadal/Nole are still the only realistic chances of taking Fed out and both aren't in top form.

Fyi, when All-Time Greats need to be in "top form" in order to beat Federer, that's a tacit admission that Rogi's the GOAT.

 

[Charlie]

All these 2017 thrillers, the Maestro will make me sweat blood by the end of the year.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

All these 2017 thrillers, the Maestro will make me sweat blood by the end of the year.

Somehow I was not nervous even at 6-4 in the breaker. I guess it's because Federer has spoiled us so much this year already that a loss wouldn't have been that bad. I'm definitely gonna re-watch the match tonight under a calm viewership though. I only was able to turn it on at 4-2 in the third.

 

[Sereger]

Yet at the AO 2017 you were saying 30 year old Nadal looked good and had the final in the bag:

The power of undeletable post. Wonder if he ever wants to edit it

 

[-NN-]

The moderators did not appreciate my sentiments.

I should have been less crass lol

(apologies to the mod team)

lol dont bother

 

[Smasher08]

I too prefer Kyrgios.

If Roger wins Miami the chances of him becoming number one increases a lot.

Yep, given his current injury hiatus, if Djoker doesn't find a way to pull up fast, his ranking looks set to start nose-diving. Murray's injury unfortunately also means that his hold on #1 might not last for long. Rao seems cursed with injuries right now.

There will be opportunities, and Fred, Ralph, Nick, and Animal look to be the ones who will be in a position to seize them.

 

[every7]

It means Roger's chances to get back to number one are even greater.

It's true. Federer has proven himself a great opportunist through the years. He can only beat who is in front of him. If he can sneak a few wins against Nadal, and Andy remains injured, he is a good chance to return to the top. I think he deserves it. All the time he was out last year he obviously worked tirelessly to retool his game and also change his body type slightly (more powerful). And there has been an even further (!!!) consolidation of the expert transition attack playing style he ushered in under Annacone's coaching, and further honed with Edberg's help.

 

[sbengte]

Fyi, when All-Time Greats need to be in "top form" in order to beat a 35 year old has been Federer, that's a tacit admission that Rogi's the GOAT.

Fixed

 

[Smasher08]

The power of undeletable post. Wonder if he ever wants to edit it

Oh the internet is forever. I have no doubt it's already been quoted and screencapped for posterity.

 

[cc0509]

The power of undeletable post. Wonder if he ever wants to edit it

He likes the entertainment he provides.

 

[Charlie]

Somehow I was not nervous even at 6-4 in the breaker. I guess it's because Federer has spoiled us so much this year already that a loss wouldn't have been that bad. I'm definitely gonna re-watch the match tonight under a calm viewership though. I only was able to turn it on at 4-2 in the third.

Yeah, it wouldn't be bad at all. I have been content with his career for a long time, but on the other hand, with my other favorite doing poorly, how can I not turn greedy after everything Federer has done so far this season? I guess his greed (and arrogance of course) is infectious!

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

lol dont bother

Sometimes I forget I'm not on my non politically correct forum this ones run a little more stringently.

Yet 90's Clay is still here so how stringent is it?

 

[Hitman's Gurl]

It's true. Federer has proven himself a great opportunist through the years. He can only beat who is in front of him. If he can sneak a few wins against Nadal, and Andy remains injured, he is a good chance to return to the top. I think he deserves it. All the time he was out last year he obviously worked tirelessly to retool his game and also change his body type slightly (more powerful). And there has been an even further (!!!) consolidation of the expert transition attack playing style he ushered in under Annacone's coaching, and further honed with Edberg's help.

It looks promising.

 

[Steve0904]

Somehow I was not nervous even at 6-4 in the breaker. I guess it's because Federer has spoiled us so much this year already that a loss wouldn't have been that bad. I'm definitely gonna re-watch the match tonight under a calm viewership though. I only was able to turn it on at 4-2 in the third.

This is essentially how I feel too. This year is already a success beyond what I thought was possible at this point tbh. Everything else is just icing on a huge cake.

 

[sbengte]

Sadly the servers were completely fried even DAYS before the final. I sauntered over to Reddit for that match. Was a fun time.

It is such a shame that the servers here were down for one of the most sensational slam finals ending with the biggest upset of our times.