Week 19 - ATP 1000 - Mutua Madrid Open - Spain (clay)

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Week 19 - ATP 1000 - Mutua Madrid Open - Spain (clay)

Samson · Lower Club Player

I don't think you can classify players like Thiem and Coric "no marks." Andy became number one because he ground out some wins and went on a spectacular roll. He's had a few injuries and it will take him more time to get back to that kind of level. It never has been an instant thing with Andy, these things take time.

theemptyvessel · Club Coach

Jeff Stelling wrote:
If I was Andy then I'd retire forthwith from clay. It's an appalling surface to play and spectate on and merely a necessary evil to endure if you wish to target ranking gains.

These weekly s*** shows getting duffed up by no-marks don't do anybody any favours and is just superfluous strain on a body that is clearly starting to creak a little. This latest one really extracts the urine, getting schooled by an individual on an even more alarming career skid than Kyle.

He'd be best off heading back to London, licking his wounds and getting sharp for the grass - a proper surface to play on and considerably more enjoyable to watch.

Got to disagree with this sorry. Coric was out of form in the early part of the year but has been playing much better in recent weeks including a maiden ATP title on the clay in Morrocco and currently is 39th in the race compared to 90 for Kyle. I am pretty sure Kyle would love to be on a skid like that right now.

No need for Andy to abandon the clay either. A masters title along with finalist at another masters event and at RG last year shows that he can win on the dirt when in form. If Andy has any goals left surely the career golden slam has to be one of them and RG is one of only 2 titles he needs. Not saying it is likely but you need something to shoot for and Andy always has been at his best with a target in his sights.

JonH · All-time great

Jamie M is back up to #5 in the live doubles rankings - another win in the quarters could see him back up to #4.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Wolf, sadly, wasn't wrong:

QF: (6) Nicolas Mahut & Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA/FRA) CR 25 (8+17) defeated (3) Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares (BRA) CR 13 (6+7) by 6-4 3-6 [10-7]

Jan · Hall of fame

Wretched MTBs.

indiana · Tennis legend

Thiem or Cuevas may have enough trouble in tomorrow's final against Nadal or Djokovic. I am not sure being scheduled at not before 9.30 pm as against not before 4 pm ( with the women's final in between at not before 7 pm ) will be entirely helpful.

Spectator · All-time great

Yes, that's pretty rotten.

On another note, I was thinking with amusement at the 'narratives' that have been widely offered over the past few years.

In 2014, Roger Federer was over. Done. Would never win another Slam. Should hang up his racket.
In 2014, too, Murray had peaked. Yes, he had had a good run for a year or so, but just wasn't coming back after back surgery. Would never win another Slam and certainly never reach number 1.
In 2016, Rafa Nadal was gone. Finished. A spent force, even on clay. Might want to consider retiring. And, for that matter, Roger Federer, after a better 2015, was going downhill again. Injured. Would he even return?

Why not just say these are all time greats and we haven't the foggiest what's coming, as they move into uncharted territory for longevity?

Great to see Rafa Nadal back. Caught bits of the match against David Goffin. Phenomenal stuff from both.

indiana · Tennis legend

Nadal beat Djokovic 6-2 6-4 in their SF. Clearly Djokovic is washed up and pretty much finished

Jan · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
Nadal beat Djokovic 6-2 6-4 in their SF. Clearly Djokovic is washed up and pretty much finished

We can but dream!

Spectator · All-time great

indiana wrote:
Nadal beat Djokovic 6-2 6-4 in their SF. Clearly Djokovic is washed up and pretty much finished

Nicely done!