Rafael Nadal vs. Andy Murray Wimbledon Semifinals

[Homeboy Hotel]

I can imagine (like all their matches) there will be nothing separating them rally for rally, Murray could be seen as maybe having the edge playing better but his serve lets him down and every service game becomes a vulnerability.

Murray then forces sh/t load of break points in Nadal's service games but can't convert them, Nadal just kills the most important points with his forehand and the result is a landslide 3-4 set win.

I think the only way Murray can win is if he wins the first set. Which my gut instinct feels he will, and Murray will win in 4 sets.

 

[JumpSmash]

I also think it's going to be a tight contest but I have a feeling that Andy will prevail. I think the outcome will decided by the return of serve. Andy will put the pressure on Rafa's serve early in the match and the Spaniard will be nervous and start double faulting and going for crazy winners. Andy in three.

From your keyboard to tennis god's ears!

 

[ACE of Hearts]

If the whole Royal family shows up then he is cooked!!!lol

 

[sarmpas]

Murray needs to leave the slices and dinks at home and go for all of his shots....like Tsonga did today in the last three sets against Fed. Does anyone esle here think that Murray seems as if he's lost a little power in the last year?

Here's the thing about Murray imho, Murray tries to do a bit of everything on court and doesn't build a foundation around any bread and butter shot(s) so when he's under pressure he needs to think about what he's going do rather than go into auto pilot and having belief in the foundation of his game because he hasn't developed one.

Tsonga by contrast is a power player and relied on power tennis to take sets 3,4,5 plus Tsonga went for his shots just as he normally does. Tsonga has a well practiced gameplan - power tennis unlike Murray who's doing everything out there because he can but under pressure you need something solid and well practiced to rely upon.

All opinion of course.

I agree, he needs to leave the slices and dinks in the locker room however Murray being Murray will hit those shots in the match.

 

[Mainad]

Murray needs to leave the slices and dinks at home and go for all of his shots....like Tsonga did today in the last three sets against Fed. Does anyone esle here think that Murray seems as if he's lost a little power in the last year?

To be honest,I haven't had the impression that Murray has been playing as well this year as he did last year or even in 2009.His run to the final of the AO this year did not seem as impressive as it was in 2010 where he at least held breaks and set points against Federer in the final whereas he was nowhere near taking a set against Djokovic.Since the AO his form has been very up and down.I'm just hoping he'll be able to step it up for Nadal in the semi and make it closer than it was last year.

 

[JumpSmash]

double post!

 

[bolo]

Nadal's playing even better than last year at wimbledon.

Nadal in 4.

 

[ruerooo]

If the whole Royal family shows up then he is cooked!!!lol

LOL. At least someone around here hasn't lost their sense of humor.


I'm down today, because Jo Wil played a brilliant match but I really wanted to see a FEDAL final.

 

[Homeboy Hotel]

Whoever wins Nadal vs Murray SF will win Wimbledon.

 

[Peters]

All things being equal, Nadal is probably the slight favourite from a neutral observer. But I actually think Murray will get through here on this occasion, in 4 sets.

 

[Cesc Fabregas]

Nadal's playing even better than last year at wimbledon.

Nadal in 4.

I agree, the serve+forehand is even better this year.

 

[bolo]

I agree, the serve+forehand is even better this year.

I get the impression he's integrated the bh nicely back into his game too. Using it well since the soderling match at the FO imo.

 

[Cesc Fabregas]

I get the impression he's integrated the bh nicely back into his game too. Using it well since the soderling match at the FO imo.

Think he'll do well on the fast hardcourts again (US Open, YEC)?

 

[bolo]

Think he'll do well on the fast hardcourts again (US Open, YEC)?

His game has definitely shifted towards better chances of winning on the faster courts. Not absolute chances but has definitely shifted towards the fast court spectrum. But he's maxed out his CC schedule again (2007, 2009, 2011) and so we will have to see what's going on there as the season progresses.

 

[Mustard]

Here is Nadal and Murray's head-to-head:

Rafael Nadal 11-4 Andy Murray
2007 Australian Open R16: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1)
2007 Madrid Indoor R16: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (7-6, 6-4)
2008 Hamburg R16: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-3, 6-2)
2008 Wimbledon QF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-3, 6-2, 6-4)
2008 Toronto SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (7-6, 6-3)
2008 US Open SF: Andy Murray def. Rafael Nadal (6-2, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4)
2009 Rotterdam F: Andy Murray def. Rafael Nadal (6-3, 4-6, 6-0)
2009 Indian Wells F: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-1, 6-2)
2009 Monte Carlo SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-2, 7-6)
2010 Australian Open QF: Andy Murray def. Rafael Nadal (6-3, 7-6, 3-0 ret.)
2010 Wimbledon SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 7-6, 6-4)
2010 Toronto SF: Andy Murray def. Rafael Nadal (6-3, 6-4)
2010 World Tour Finals SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (7-6, 3-6, 7-6)
2011 Monte Carlo SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 2-6, 6-1)
2011 French Open SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 7-5, 6-4)

Hardcourt: 5-4 to Nadal
Clay: 4-0 to Nadal
Grass: 2-0 to Nadal
Carpet: 0-0
In Slams: 4-2 to Nadal

 

[batz]

Excellent analysis. Watching Murray folding vs Tsonga in the final would just be preposterous and a terrible anticlimax to the tournament.

Of course it would. Wimbledon would be flat as hell on Sunday if that was the final. They wouldn't be able to give the tickets away.

 

[veroniquem]

They would sell plenty of tickets but what would that change to Andy choking the final away? (More so at W than any other slam I'm afraid...)

 

[SuperPhong]

picking Nads in 4 sets...probably a tie-break in there somewhere

 

[Destro]

It'll be the classic Andy Murray vs Rafael Nadal Slam match. 3 tight sets, with Nadal playing the big points better.

Then Nadal's post match interview we've all come to love:

"eh Andeey ees great guy and for sure he gon win Grand Slam very, very soon"

 

[batz]

Rafa is taking injections in his foot to allow him to continue to play Wimbledon.

http://aggbot.com/link.php?id=14063455&r=tw&t=am

 

[batz]

It'll be the classic Andy Murray vs Rafael Nadal Slam match. 3 tight sets, with Nadal playing the big points better.

Then Nadal's post match interview we've all come to love:

"eh Andeey ees great guy and for sure he gon win Grand Slam very, very soon"

2 of their slam matches didn't go like that - but I take your point.

 

[batz]

They would sell plenty of tickets but what would that change to Andy choking the final away? (More so at W than any other slam I'm afraid...)

Yep - because that's definitely what would happen. Not really any point in Murray continuing to play tennis. He should retire. Players never learn from previous experience and develop. That's how come Rafa is only able to win on clay and can't serve for toffee.

 

[Fedex]

The way Murray's been playing recently, looks like he has a good chance against Nadal but he pulled a stomache muscle in the third vs Lopez and it seemed like quite a major strain.
Any news on that?
If it wasn't for that I'd be voting a Murray win.
As it is, I have to vote for the predictable Nadal victory.
Murray has to be on top form and physical shape to beat Nadal.
Any question marks over either and he'll really struggle.
Wish Murray would stop going for absolutely everything.
He might pay for it again.

 

[Destro]

2 of their slam matches didn't go like that - but I take your point.

Indeed. AO 10 match was the match of the year, if I do say so myself.

 

[batz]

The way Murray's been playing recently, looks like he has a good chance against Nadal but he pulled a stomache muscle in the third vs Lopez and it seemed like quite a major strain.
Any news on that?
If it wasn't for that I'd be voting a Murray win.
As it is, I have to vote for the predictable Nadal victory.
Murray has to be on top form and physical shape to beat Nadal.
Any question marks over either and he'll really struggle.
Wish Murray would stop going for absolutely everything.
He might pay for it again.

Rafa is taking painkilling injections in his foot to keep playing. The Murray injury is just a tweak apparently.

http://aggbot.com/link.php?id=14063455&r=tw&t=am

 

[romeo8880]

Rafael Nadal!

 

[JumpSmash]

I'm picking Rafa to win it in 3 tight sets. Go Nads! Quite appropriate considering his disgusting butt picking is not too far from his family jewels. :twisted:

 

[Fedex]

Rafa is taking painkilling injections in his foot to keep playing. The Murray injury is just a tweak apparently.

http://aggbot.com/link.php?id=14063455&r=tw&t=am

Ah sh*t, I just voted Nadal in four!

If I worked for a bookies, they'd be bankrupt within weeks.

 

[batz]

Ah sh*t, I just voted Nadal in four!

I LOLed

 

[Fedex]

http://aggbot.com/link.php?id=14063455&r=tw&t=am

Sounds like it could be the battle of the cripples from your link:

Nadal revealed he would need injections in his injured left foot beforehand in order to numb the pain. Murray also appeared to suffer some discomfort in the third set of his victory over López, following a sharp change of direction. He said the injury, to the top of his hip, was a "little bit sore" but he is "moving OK".

 

[bolo]

Rafa is taking injections in his foot to allow him to continue to play Wimbledon.

http://aggbot.com/link.php?id=14063455&r=tw&t=am

figures. Just two more matches to play. :-|

 

[rovex]

See Wimbledon 2008 and 2010 for references. There shouldn't even be a thread for this.

i suppose it's all relative, but Murray is the kind of player that breaks traditional trends. He could turn up playing superbly or alternatively crumble under the pressure; depends on the day.

 

[rafabull]

i suppose it's all relative, but Murray is the kind of player that breaks traditional trends. He could turn up playing superbly or alternatively crumble under the pressure; depends on the day.

I think he will start playing well then end playing nervous tennis like in Rome. He'll realize how close he is and choke, maybe even when serving for the match or his second set. Or the other way around. Once he realizes it's over, he'll relax and start playing well, but it'll be too late..

 

[fps]

Rafa in 4.

 

[Tobias Fünke]

I may be completely wrong but I have a funny feeling that Murray may win this one. It doesn't mean that he'll win the final though.

 

[GOAT BAAH!!!]

I may be completely wrong but I have a funny feeling that Murray may win this one. It doesn't mean that he'll win the final though.

I had that feeling as well and I hate that scenario. If Murray wins this then he better close the tournament.....Im sick of these guys taking big scalps only to fall short of the chip.

 

[Tammo]

I really dont care, Tsonga is taking home the title Actually I want Nadal so Tsonga can beat all the top three in a single slam.

 

[Clarky21]

I may be completely wrong but I have a funny feeling that Murray may win this one. It doesn't mean that he'll win the final though.

I agree with you. I really don't see how Rafa can beat Andy with the way Rafa has been playing. Andy has been playing better than he has,and will win for sure.

 

[Semi-Pro]

Hopefully Murray pulls out the win, however realistically Nadal should win.

Nadal in 4, perhaps 5.

 

[tennis_fan_182]

It is a total insult to Nadal to put up a thread like this.

The match will be literally no contest.

The home crowd should theoretically be an advantage for Murray but, as is typical of his contrary nature - he finds a way to turn it into a handicap.

 

[Fedex]

ESPN quote:
Andy Murray is in danger of being short of 100% fitness for his Wimbledon semi-final showdown with Rafael Nadal, having picked up a hip problem.

Following his straight-sets dismissal of Feliciano Lopez in the quarters on Wednesday, Murray revealed that he will be undergoing treatment on the problem area.

Nadal has already had to deal with injury concerns, picking up a foot complaint in his fourth-round match with Juan Martin del Potro. MRI scans showed no serious issue, and Nadal's movement did not look inhibited during his last-eight win over Mardy Fish.

"I'm a little bit sore at the top of my hip, but I'm still moving OK," Murray said. "I'll have a better idea of how it is in the morning [on Thursday]."

It sounds like Murray's injury could be more disabilitating than Nadals.
Thought Murray was looking in great form. Shame if this spoils what could have been a fantastic match.
Any news on the Murray Hip Flexor situation?

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Everyone on this board knows Murray will crap his pants!!I expect it to be 3 tight sets but all to Nadal.

 

[ruerooo]

i suppose it's all relative, but Murray is the kind of player that breaks traditional trends. He could turn up playing superbly or alternatively crumble under the pressure; depends on the day.

I think that's really true.

On the one hand, he's on a mission, with the whole country behind him (unless he loses again, in which case he'll turn from "the Brit" back into "the Scot" in the UK press).

On the other ... does anybody else think he totally crumbled in the AO final (what I saw of it, 'cause it really felt like one long snooze to me)?

 

[Fedex]

I think that's really true.

On the one hand, he's on a mission, with the whole country behind him (unless he loses again, in which case he'll turn from "the Brit" back into "the Scot" in the UK press).

On the other ... does anybody else think he totally crumbled in the AO final (what I saw of it, 'cause it really felt like one long snooze to me)?

Murray was physically gubbed at the AO final and Djokovic was on top form.
The combination was bad for Murray.

 

[Aps1987]

Murray in 4. 6-4, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6

 

[Mustard]

If Nadal wins the first set, the odds overwhelmingly favour Nadal to win the match. Then again, after Federer won the first 2 sets against Tsonga, the odds were even more convincing on a Federer victory.

I think Nadal will win with a similar scoreline to their French Open match last month.

 

[Hood_Man]

I think that's really true.

On the one hand, he's on a mission, with the whole country behind him (unless he loses again, in which case he'll turn from "the Brit" back into "the Scot" in the UK press).

On the other ... does anybody else think he totally crumbled in the AO final (what I saw of it, 'cause it really felt like one long snooze to me)?

Totally. The first 9 games were really competitive, I remember at 3-2 for example, I realised that it had taken them over half an hour to play just 5 games. I thought we were in for a long, classic slugging match.

Then we had that amazing rally at 5-4 when Murray played all the big shots perfectly, only to then dump the easiest of forehands into the net to set up break point and set point for Djokovic (or hand over the break, I remember the point, but not the exact score). After that he wasn't the same player.

He was dominated in 2010 as well, but in truth I thought the final against Federer was much more competitive. Against Djokovic it looked like he was thinking "not again..." as soon as he lost that first set, which I suspect is because he probably went into the final expecting to win, and then realised how hard it would be.

I actually think he was quite lucky not to get bagelled in the 2nd set, didn't Djokovic serve for it at 5-0? I can't remember if he had a set point in that game or not.

I think tomorrow's match will be completely on Nadal's racquet. Murray may well get a set if Nadal gets tight at 5-4 or 6-5 when serving to stay in a set, but I'm not confident enough that he can pull it off.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Come on Rafito, you can do it.

 

[JeMar]

Murray in four.

Murray can't win this in five.

 

[CDestroyer]

Murray is going to win in 4.

Also take notice of the timing of Nadals injury claims tomorrow. Its not a matter of if but when. Guranteed.

The players and media are so sick of Rafas bs.