Cincinnati Masters 2008 SF - Murray v Karlovic

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Cincinnati Masters 2008 SF - Murray v Karlovic

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

steven wrote:

Come on Nole - take Rafa out and knacker yourself out in the process. much as I'd like to see Andy beat Rafa to take the title! LOL)

Hmmm. . . I think I'd rather Rafa fights back and takes it in 3 very draining sets and is ready to be beaten by Andy tomorrow. . .

indiana · Tennis legend

I actually do think against a really big server like Karlovic, Andy is the best returner in the world, including Nalbandian at his best.

His reaction and initial movement are just unmatched, so he just gets so many more back ( and generally back well ) than anyone else.

And once you are in the rally with Karlovic, even if he is initially more on the front suit, you have a real chance.

That is why that though in theory Karlovic appears a better server than Nadal or Djokovic, it doesn't neccessarily translate into that Andy should find them easier or even as easy to break. Because getting the ball back but still leaving them initially on the front foot is likely to be less successful. Against them he needs to go for more, particularly on their second servesi in order to produce likely breaks.

It's a different gameplan, but he does seem to have his head well screwed on at the moment.

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

Now that Nadal knows he has achieved his next goal of world No.1, has he taken his eye off the ball (so to speak)?

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

I'd actually prefer to see Andy versus Nadal tomorrow. If he could win his first masters AND get another monkey off his back at the same time.. imagine what it would do to his confidence.

steven · Tennis legend

5-0 Nole (yes, really!)

steven · Tennis legend

That'll be a breadstick then!

I guess we could do without Nole suddenly rediscovering his best form if he might be playing Andy tomorrow.

indiana · Tennis legend

I really do want Nadal to come back in this match and eventually win it.

As had been said, how great would it be to beat Nadal for Andy to win his first Masters Series, and keep Nadal waiting a little longer to be officially confirmed world no.1.

Quite apart from that, the fact is I think he has a real chance against Nadal on this court. It is noticeably quicker than Toronto, and Andy quite often made Nadal hurry on his shots there.

One thing at the moment though is I think Djokovic is also showing that this court dosn't suit Nadal so well. But Rafa is a fighter, so I think this match is still very much on.

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

3-3 second set. Djoko clawed back from 0-30 down and saved a break point there. If Rafa had won the game I think he'd be home and dry for the 2nd set. The two of them fighting it out for the right to meet master Murray.. I like it.