Nadal Opens for Fed, 3rd Time in a Row

[Federer and Del Potro]

Kohl has also beaten top guys in slams, including crushing Djokovic in straight sets at the 09 French where he would have a good shot at the title otherwise with Nadal losing. I could be wrong but I dont believe Dolgo. has. So of the two that was the better shot of an upset or atleast a competitive match, even if still not much.

That's the main reason I believe Nadal hasn't gotten many night matches, because his draw completely collapsed. It isn't that Nadal isn't a hot sell crowd/ticket wise, it's that his opponents have not been very marketable themselves.

 

[SinjinCooper]

It isn't that Nadal isn't a hot sell crowd/ticket wise...

But really, it kind of is. Relatively, anyway. When you're a grindbot in the same half of the draw with the GOAT, his name's going the marquee every night.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Ha! Ha! Still crying about that match.

Absolutely. Go ahead and taste my salty tears, because they taste good.

 

[Magnus]

This will favor Federer if the potential Fedal semi takes place, because more than likely it will be happening in the evening, under the lights. Nadal will enjoy the conditions for his quarter, but quite frankly, he does not need them to beat Rublev, so he will be the one adjusting to conditions where the sun plays less of a factor in that semi. The shade comes by very quickly over Ashe, so there will be no sun during the Fedal semi.

Federer will like the late night conditions, he will not have to adjust too much, having played two matches already, with this match and a potential Fedal semi on top of that. Del Potro will struggle more under those conditions, on this court, with Fed, but should still put up a decent showing. Simply cannot see Federer letting Delpo beat him here again, especially this weaker version.

These little things are starting to slowly play into Federer's hands, Delpo going five sets with a flu, means he is unlikely going to fully fit, if Federer straight sets him, he will be looking very solid to win his 20th this week.

You do remember there's this guy called Nadal waiting in the semi, right? If Fed beats Delpo, even easily, he will have his hands full in the semi, and he may very well lose. Nadal has looked better than Fed so far in this USO, and is probably eager for a win after losing to Fed...4 times in a row? Betting on Rafa to beat Fed in 4 sets, and Fed to fold after getting an initial lead.

 

[deacsyoga]

That's the main reason I believe Nadal hasn't gotten many night matches, because his draw completely collapsed. It isn't that Nadal isn't a hot sell crowd/ticket wise, it's that his opponents have not been very marketable themselves.

Some people really like Dolgo, but I have never been one of them. All i remember him for are some controversial homophobic/sexist comments to the media, and that he was hyped as a future star 4-5 years ago like most who were hyped back then amounted to almost nothing. I had forgotten he was still on tour until his good Open showing. Kohl, Youzhny, and Lopez arent superstars but are all popular, good personality, and good looking veterans who have had good long careers and pleasant to watch games, and who a lot of even casual tennis fans are somewhat familiar with. And who all have proven upset potential.

 

[augustobt]

Do you have nothing better to do than pick up unnecessary fights?

Dude, you joined the forum last week. Chill.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

You do remember there's this guy called Nadal waiting in the semi, right? If Fed beats Delpo, even easily, he will have his hands full in the semi, and he may very well lose. Nadal has looked better than Fed so far in this USO, and is probably eager for a win after losing to Fed...4 times in a row? Betting on Rafa to beat Fed in 4 sets, and Fed to fold after getting an initial lead.

Didn't realize Delpo/Rublev forfeited their matches.

An initial lead is much more important to Rafa these days for his confidence and nerves which are not iron-stomach like they used to be.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

So Nadal plays mostly day matches and then will suddenly have to switch to his less favoured night conditions against Fed.

Awesome.

 

[Magnus]

Didn't realize Delpo/Rublev forfeited their matches.

An initial lead is much more important to Rafa these days for his confidence and nerves which are not iron-stomach like they used to be.

I said IF Fed beats Delpo. As for Rublev, gimme a break. He'll get straight setted.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

You do remember there's this guy called Nadal waiting in the semi, right? If Fed beats Delpo, even easily, he will have his hands full in the semi, and he may very well lose. Nadal has looked better than Fed so far in this USO, and is probably eager for a win after losing to Fed...4 times in a row? Betting on Rafa to beat Fed in 4 sets, and Fed to fold after getting an initial lead.

Are you a Fed fan? Just asking.

I am fully aware of who is waiting in the semi final, and no, I do not think the match is a given. I have stated that match is the real final, but if both come in playing well, I am going with Federer winning in. It isn't about who is eager, Nadal was eager in AO also, it is about execution, and how they are matching up. 2017 Federer matches up very well with 2017 Nadal. I need to something new from Nadal's game to beat Federer, because I have stated it before, Nadal's plan A does not work if Federer starts hitting that topspin backhand and Nadal cannot be heading into that match hoping Federer is not firing off of that shot, he needs to bring something entirely new.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

It won't make a huge difference anyway for Rafa, but the crying about scheduling is always my favourite.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I said IF Fed beats Delpo. As for Rublev, gimme a break. He'll get straight setted.

I remember posts saying the same about Muller

 

[Newcomer]

That's the main reason I believe Nadal hasn't gotten many night matches, because his draw completely collapsed. It isn't that Nadal isn't a hot sell crowd/ticket wise, it's that his opponents have not been very marketable themselves.

Please, just don't say you think Federer had a tough draw. His head to head against his first 4 opponents combined was (before playing the matches) 40-0. Yes, not a joke at all. It is 1+16+12+11. And it's been a long time since Del Potro was actually a threat to Federer. I don't expect this match to be close. 2013 Federer beating Del Potro 2 times out of 3 really tells something about this matchup.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Please, just don't say you think Federer had a tough draw. His head to head against his first 4 opponents combined was (before playing the matches) 40-0. Yes, not a joke at all. It is 1+16+12+11. And it's been a long time since Del Potro was actually a threat to Federer. I don't expect this match to be close. 2013 Federer beating Del Potro 2 times out of 3 really tells something about this matchup.

It hasn't been a tough draw but they've still been more marketable match-ups I would argue. After Tiafoe almost beat Federer that added intrigue and uncertainty around Federer also likely attributed to the night session slots.

 

[Newcomer]

It hasn't been a tough draw but they've still been more marketable match-ups I would argue. After Tiafoe almost beat Federer that added intrigue and uncertainty around Federer also likely attributed to the night session slots.

I don't think it has anything to do with the draw. Federer will always have more fans than Nadal, Djokovic and Murray combined. Not a surprise they put him on night sessions. (I'm fine with that because thanks to that I can actually watch Nadal in this tournament, lol)

 

[icedevil0289]

Some people really like Dolgo, but I have never been one of them. All i remember him for are some controversial homophobic/sexist comments to the media, and that he was hyped as a future star 4-5 years ago like most who were hyped back then amounted to almost nothing. I had forgotten he was still on tour until his good Open showing. Kohl, Youzhny, and Lopez arent superstars but are all popular, good personality, and good looking veterans who have had good long careers and pleasant to watch games, and who a lot of even casual tennis fans are somewhat familiar with. And who all have proven upset potential.

yeah iirc he's made some gross comments before, fun game but sounds like a complete ****** bag

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Please, just don't say you think Federer had a tough draw. His head to head against his first 4 opponents combined was (before playing the matches) 40-0. Yes, not a joke at all. It is 1+16+12+11. And it's been a long time since Del Potro was actually a threat to Federer. I don't expect this match to be close. 2013 Federer beating Del Potro 2 times out of 3 really tells something about this matchup.

You are in no real position to call Federer's joke a draw, while you are constantly making Nadal's draw look like a draw from hell.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I don't think it has anything to do with the draw. Federer will always have more fans than Nadal, Djokovic and Murray combined. Not a surprise they put him on night sessions. (I'm fine with that because thanks to that I can actually watch Nadal in this tournament, lol)

I think Nadal would prefer to play the first match tomorrow anyway honestly. Wants to make quick work of him under a less raucous crowd (and less drunk).

 

[DreddyTennis45]

Why are night conditions less favourable for Rafa?

 

[Newcomer]

Why are night conditions less favourable for Rafa?

Lower bounce.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Why are night conditions less favourable for Rafa?

Drunken Frederer crowd

 

[Newcomer]

You are in no real position to call Federer's joke a draw, while you are constantly making Nadal's draw look like a draw from hell.

I didn't say it's a draw from hell, I said that Nadal is in bad form and can lose to anyone. I'm surprised he even made it past the fourth round, didn't expect that before the tournament started.
And yes, Federer played against opponents who never had a chance to beat him. Not that hard, you know.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I didn't say it's a draw from hell, I said that Nadal is in bad form and can lose to anyone. I'm surprised he even made it past the fourth round, didn't expect that before the tournament started.
And yes, Federer played against opponents who never had a chance to beat him. Not that hard, you know.

Nadal's draw is just as simple and straightforward as Federer's. They are almost identical. And it is funny how you think Rublev is so dangerous, yet Del Potro is just another in the walk. Nadal is NOT in bad form, he is doing fine, as is Federer. NEITHER is in the form that they showed on their respective fav surfaces, and this not a done deal, stroll in the park for Federer to number 20.

 

[Newcomer]

Nadal's draw is just as simple and straightforward as Federer's. They are almost identical. And it is funny how you think Rublev is so dangerous, yet Del Potro is just another in the walk. Nadal is NOT in bad form, he is doing fine, as is Federer. NEITHER is in the form that they showed on their respective fav surfaces, and this not a done deal, stroll in the park for Federer to number 20.

I don't know how Rublev matches against Nadal because they never played. On the other hand I know Federer usually destroys Del Potro even when not playing his best. 2009 USO final was a shock, probably Federer's most surprising loss ever. But you know, that was a different Del Potro. Anyway, we will see.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I don't know how Rublev matches against Nadal because they never played. On the other hand I know Federer usually destroys Del Potro even when not playing his best. 2009 USO final was a shock, probably Federer's most surprising loss ever. But you know, that was a different Del Potro. Anyway, we will see.

Yes we will. You know full well, just like everyone else, that Nadal's draw has been as simple and as straight forward as Federer's. They both lucked out when certain players failed to make it to them. If Dimitrov had beaten Rublev I can imagine how you would have sung his praises to the moon, talking about the AO semi, the Cincy win etc. If Federer had played Kyrgios, you would just told how at his best his lost in Miami, and was beaten by the much more in form player Dimitrov in Cincy. All you have done is just go on and on about how easy it has been for Federer and what a nightmare it has been for Nadal, when both have pretty much got that semi on lockdown.

 

[Deon Sanders]

Every 3.0 level women's league player in the United States knows how much of a garbage surface clay is

And that is all Nadal is known for in the last decade

Frankly at the US Open people rather watch midget bowling than a Nadal match

 

[Chanwan]

Yes we will. You know full well, just like everyone else, that Nadal's draw has been as simple and as straight forward as Federer's. They both lucked out when certain players failed to make it to them. If Dimitrov had beaten Rublev I can imagine how you would have sung his praises to the moon, talking about the AO semi, the Cincy win etc. If Federer had played Kyrgios, you would just told how at his best his lost in Miami, and was beaten by the much more in form player Dimitrov in Cincy. All you have done is just go on and on about how easy it has been for Federer and what a nightmare it has been for Nadal, when both have pretty much got that semi on lockdown.

If anything, Rafa's draw is a notch or two easier. Fed's playing a former slam champ. Rafa is playing a 19 year old.

 

[clayqueen]

This oneupmanship that Fedfans engage is very tiring. If Fed has so much going for him, in their opinion, why do they spend so much time looking for any crumbs under Rafa's table?

 

[VolleyHelena]

This oneupmanship that Fedfans engage is very tiring. If Fed has so much going for him, in their opinion, why do they spend so much time looking for any crumbs under Rafa's table?

Your words on anything related to fanaticism is absolutely meaningless

 

[Chanwan]

This will favor Federer if the potential Fedal semi takes place, because more than likely it will be happening in the evening, under the lights. Nadal will enjoy the conditions for his quarter, but quite frankly, he does not need them to beat Rublev, so he will be the one adjusting to conditions where the sun plays less of a factor in that semi. The shade comes by very quickly over Ashe, so there will be no sun during the Fedal semi.

Federer will like the late night conditions, he will not have to adjust too much, having played two matches already, with this match and a potential Fedal semi on top of that. Del Potro will struggle more under those conditions, on this court, with Fed, but should still put up a decent showing. Simply cannot see Federer letting Delpo beat him here again, especially this weaker version.

These little things are starting to slowly play into Federer's hands, Delpo going five sets with a flu, means he is unlikely going to fully fit, if Federer straight sets him, he will be looking very solid to win his 20th this week.

both matches on Wed. will most likely take place under the roof, lots of rain coming on Wedn.

 

[clayqueen]

Rafa wouldn't want the night match, he wants to be able to watch the World Cup Qualifying matches.

 

[clayqueen]

Your words on anything related to fanaticism is absolutely meaningless

 

[VolleyHelena]

Another silly GIF(expected response)
Typical

 

[Boom-Boom]

Every 3.0 level women's league player in the United States knows how much of a garbage surface clay is

And that is all Nadal is known for in the last decade

Frankly at the US Open people rather watch midget bowling than a Nadal match

well said

 

[West Coast Ace]

I can't believe people are complaining about the USO crowds. About the same as AO - and much better than the boorish French. Anyone remember them holding up the Nadal - Grosjean match for 7 minutes? (2005 R16 - Nadal had the chair come down and check marks on 2 points in 1 game. He was RIGHT both times! but the crowd felt Seb's chances fading and wanted to try to mess with Nadal). And I'm not sure Wimbledon Center court crowds are better - or just too old and fat to make any noise.

I've never heard a crowd, outside of Davis Cup, affect a match. Much ado over nothing.

Fed's still the hottest ticket on tour and now with his age showing, all events are going to milk that as hard and long as they can.

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Assuming what happens in the day match I expect federer to lose if nadal wins. Call it a conspiracy or whateva. I hope we don't have another Robredo situation.

 

[Newcomer]

Yes we will. You know full well, just like everyone else, that Nadal's draw has been as simple and as straight forward as Federer's. They both lucked out when certain players failed to make it to them. If Dimitrov had beaten Rublev I can imagine how you would have sung his praises to the moon, talking about the AO semi, the Cincy win etc. If Federer had played Kyrgios, you would just told how at his best his lost in Miami, and was beaten by the much more in form player Dimitrov in Cincy. All you have done is just go on and on about how easy it has been for Federer and what a nightmare it has been for Nadal, when both have pretty much got that semi on lockdown.

Dimitrov is overrated, I always say that. Nadal has only himself to blame for having so many problems against him. For some reason Nadal never plays well against Dimitrov. Yet he lost only once, which is funny.

 

[Magnus]

Are you a Fed fan? Just asking.

I am fully aware of who is waiting in the semi final, and no, I do not think the match is a given. I have stated that match is the real final, but if both come in playing well, I am going with Federer winning in. It isn't about who is eager, Nadal was eager in AO also, it is about execution, and how they are matching up. 2017 Federer matches up very well with 2017 Nadal. I need to something new from Nadal's game to beat Federer, because I have stated it before, Nadal's plan A does not work if Federer starts hitting that topspin backhand and Nadal cannot be heading into that match hoping Federer is not firing off of that shot, he needs to bring something entirely new.

I am a Federer fan. But I don't think he's playing all that convincing tennis so far. Wimbledon and AO were much more positive in terms of his level of play. Federer is misfiring that BH and the FH more often now, at least in the first few rounds. If Nadal even smells a BH meltdown, he will hammer him on that side. Hard.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Well, nothing touches the USO 2015 final when it comes to the crowd.

Exactly. The Argentinian Del Po contingent made a ton of noise and made people think the crowd was 90/10 for Del Po, but Thiem had about 25% support. In the Fed-Djoker 2015 final, it was literally 99.9% Fed and then Djoker's box.

 

[Fed881981]

Not good for Fed. He will play second on Arthur Ashe. This match can easily go into midnight (especially because you never know how long Keys-Kanepi can go).

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Exactly. The Argentinian Del Po contingent made a ton of noise and made people think the crowd was 90/10 for Del Po, but Thiem had about 25% support. In the Fed-Djoker 2015 final, it was literally 99.9% Fed and then Djoker's box.

Could be worse, you could be Cilic and have someone with an RF hat in your box.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I am a Federer fan. But I don't think he's playing all that convincing tennis so far. Wimbledon and AO were much more positive in terms of his level of play. Federer is misfiring that BH and the FH more often now, at least in the first few rounds. If Nadal even smells a BH meltdown, he will hammer him on that side. Hard.

Nadal is not playing amazing tennis either, have you seen the level of his competition so far, yet he has still struggled. You cannot mention how Fed did in his first few rounds, and not mention that Nadal didn't exactly ignite the crowd either. Nadal's first decent performance was his last match, and even in that, his opponent was very erratic. Federer picked his level by significantly from third round onwards, and it was clear as day, and something he went onto to confirm, that his lack of match time and being overly cautious about what his back could take played a big part in his inhibited play at the start of the tournament.

Both have gotten better heading into the quarter, but neither is stellar. It is quite funny how so many Fed fans are bringing Fed down and pumping up Nadal's chances, and so many Nadal fans are bringing Nadal down and pumping up Federer's chances. I guess it is nice way to lower expectations and then be pleasantly surprised if your guy wins. I understand this.

I am looking at it from a different view, and in my view, both not invincible, but both are playing decent tennis. Fedal, should be the final, and as it stands as of right now, I am picking Federer. Lets see if the quarters show us any different. But, I respect and understand your views and opinion.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Your words on anything related to fanaticism is absolutely meaningless

If you tell it that it is a troll every time it posts, eventually it will buckle under the weight of the facts.

Such is the nature of the trolls like clayqueen, octobrina and the likes.

 

[NEW_BORN]

THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING.
THIS IS THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR.
IIIIIIITT'S TIIIIIIIIIIIMMMME!!!

 

[BeatlesFan]

Could be worse, you could be Cilic and have someone with an RF hat in your box.

LOL!!! I remember that at Wimbledon, that old man sitting there. Hilarious, thanks for reminding me.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

LOL!!! I remember that at Wimbledon, that old man sitting there. Hilarious, thanks for reminding me.

As an aside, just another little wrinkle I love about Wimbledon. Will never forget the Federer/Nadal player boxes during those epics. The Nadal family was very gracious and humble as well. I remember from the locker room footage they showed they were very pleasant. A stark contrast from the icy Djokovic/Federer dynamic.

Both dynamics are great for the sport though. I've come to appreciate Djokovic much more over the years and especially miss him in his absence.

 

[TennisFan3]

Nadal will be at a significant disadvantage of not having played a night match since 3 matches against Fed who would be habituated to the night match routine. That alone might swing a close match.

Also the conditions in the night match with the ball bouncing less and cooler climate isn't as conducive to Nadal's game as the hot-day conditions are.

Let the games begin. Can't wait for Friday and the epic 38th Fedal encounter.

 

[Bender]

The only thing that is unfair about Rafa getting day matches is that Rafa's night kit is so much cooler than his day kit, and yet we've only seen him in it just once so far this tournament.

 

[clayqueen]

The only thing that is unfair about Rafa getting day matches is that Rafa's night kit is so much cooler than his day kit, and yet we've only seen him in it just once so far this tournament.

Snap

 

[clayqueen]

Rafa is better off with the day section, thank you very much.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Great news for Rafa! Those late night sessions are horrid.
And great for us in Europe having a chance to watch him.