Huge shock today, Gonzalez beating Federer 3-6, 7-6, 7-5....what an upset....sounds like an incredible match, gutted I missed it but just the wrong time....play starting at 8am...grrrrr.....if it was 3 hrs earlier Id be able to watch it....roll on London 2009
It sets up the unthinkable , could Federer go out in the group stages....I think he'll pull through and beat Roddick and Davydenko but it will be interesting
Shocks galore on the first two days though...Djokovic losing to Ferrer was also a surprise to me...he looks quite jaded after probably over-playing this autumn....he'll have to beat Nadal to make the semis which seems unlikely
Yesterday Gonzalez was just unplayable at times, and for the first time in months actually played attacking tennis, rather than just getting the ball back like he had been.
If he carries on playing like that, then he has a great chance of doing well here, but he has to keep being very aggressive, and not resorting to hitting slice backhand after slice backhand
wow what predictions from the Panda !! Whats going to happen tomorrow ?
Dammit, I so wish I could watch these matches, you really cant predict this tournament.....stunned at Ferrer beating Nadal again When you compare their gamestyles...you really wouldn't think it'd match-up in Ferrer's favour but he's pulled off two wins in huge tourneys. I think Djoko is just burnt out...he's played over 100 matches this year which is crazy
Dan, did you see these matches ?
Agree on Gonzalez's backhand...its such a fluid shot when he really goes for it but at long of the time he seems to have confidence issues with it, doesn't really believe he can hit the winners off that side...apart from the AO and Rome he's been v disappointing this yr which is strange !
So who's going to progress from the groups...I think Nadal will beat Nole but if Gasquet beats Ferrer (and tbh either could win that) who would progress ?
I live in hope Seagull, according to the reports Roddick was in stunning form today and hopefully he'll take that through to the match against Federer. Also, for once he's playing Federer in what is effectively a 'free' match, he can afford to completely open up, there should be very few nerves, nothing to lose and everything to gain. And if he does win, he has the advantage of getting the mental monkey off his back ready for next time they meet.
Plus, I'd love it if Gonzo beats the donkey, Roddick beats the Fed and Federer fails to reach the semis! (based purely on a desire to see tennis more competitive at the top and having nothing to do with my dislike of Federer as a player at all. honest. )
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To look at a thing is quite different from seeing a thing and one does not see anything until one sees its beauty
You have a dislike of Federer as a player? Serious? Do you mean you dislike him personality wise or do you literally not like his game? That would be stunning as he plays the game beautifully, the way it's meant to be played. If you don't like him as a person, that's fair enough but if you dislike the way he plays, you'll be the first tennis fan I've ever encountered I think who feels that way.
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Of all tyrannies a tyranny exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive.... those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience
I don't dislike Federer but like Imoen, I'd really like to see more challengers for his and Nadal's places at the top. Wish Nalby had been at this tournament just to add a bit of spice.
I don't like him personality wise, and I think your personality affects how you act and appear on court, so I don't like watching him. The tennis speficially he can play beautifully I don't dispute that, but I don't enjoy watching him (and that's not helped by the fact that mainly watch him play when he's playing someone I really want to beat him!).
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To look at a thing is quite different from seeing a thing and one does not see anything until one sees its beauty
Of all tyrannies a tyranny exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive.... those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience