naiwf 0 Report post Posted February 6, 2007 I just wanted to point out that Nadal is ahead 6 to 3 against Federer who has won the last 2 matches (Wimbledon Final and the Master's Cup Semis). That gap will probably get bigger again though since Nadal's favorite time of year is coming up and Fed will likely make a few Finals on clay and lose, whereas Nadal hasn't made a Final ANYWHERE since Wimbledon. If Nadal could play up to his ranking on non clay surfaces Fed would be faring a lot better in the H2H. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Princess Leena Report post Posted February 6, 2007 Yeah, I forgot about the Shanghai match. Bovina withdrew again with some bullshit injury. I'm pissed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Princess Leena Report post Posted February 7, 2007 Last time this happened it was the legendary rivalry between Sampras and Agassi, and even then I'd argue that Agassi received the Lion's share of the spotlight, even when Sampras was dominating like nobody's business. Pete Sampras I'd even say was somewhat neglected by the american press. Pete wasn't neglected. There's only so much the media could do with Pete since he's got that "tennis is my life, but I make it look so easy that people think I'm lazy", antisocial and the only thing I want to do is fuck my hot blonde wife who loves me for my money, bum personality. Much like Tiger, but without the swearing and the color that makes him stand out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naiwf 0 Report post Posted February 7, 2007 At least Tiger gets excited during majors. The only times I remember Pete seeming any different was when he was crying because he was remembering his deceased coach and the time he puked twice against Corretja. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Princess Leena Report post Posted February 7, 2007 Pete did pump his fist a lot. And he made the cool looking jumping overhead famous. In his later years, he got quite the potty mouth on court as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Queen Leelee Report post Posted February 12, 2007 Petrova won Paris. I get a cookie. With Safarova surprisingly making the final. Another fine tournament on the women's side. Too bad this only happens when it doesn't matter. Davis Cup had a couple surprises with Croatia losing to Germany, and Russia winning at Chile. The US looks to be the favorites... but, of course, they won't win. And we all hope that we don't. Tournies next week: WTA: Antwerp (Tier II) - Nicest person in the world, Kim Clijsters will win. We're ignoring this. Bangalore (Tier III) - Really crappy tourney in Asia with a horrible field. Serena was supposed to play, but caught that damned "flu" again. Things are getting back to normal... ATP: Marseille - Nadal withdrew. Meh field with a lot of 10-50 ranked players. San Jose - Roddick, Blake, Murray, Safin here... good field. But, the top players usually half-ass this and are happy to collect the appearance fee. Costa de Sauipe - Clay scrubs. As you can see, a rather dull week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naiwf 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2007 Nadal should just rest up for claycourt season because if he sucks during that period of the year he won't be in the top 20. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Queen Leelee Report post Posted February 13, 2007 Nadal has the Wimbledon final, US Open QF, Shanghai SF, etc... Although, that gigantic lead he has at #2 should start to slip now. Especially since Davydenko and Roddick don't have much to defend until summer hardcourts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Queen Leelee Report post Posted February 16, 2007 IVO KARLOVIC into the semifinal of San Jose! HAIL KING IVO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naiwf 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Even though it's March 1st, I just wanted to note that Nadal lost again to Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (5), 6-3 extending his titleless run to 12 tourneys. He hasn't won a title off of the dirt in his last 14 tries dating back to when he came from a set down against Fed in Dubai during this week last year. What's even worse is that he's far and away # 2 in the rankings and yet the guy hasn't even made a Final since Wimbledon (11 events ago). If he doesn't sweep claycourt season again, I'd go so far as to say that he peaked last summer and the drop he'll experience going into next year and beyond will be tough to watch if you're a fan of his. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Queen Leelee Report post Posted March 1, 2007 I don't read too much into Nadal's struggles. I've always thought his non-clay results last year were far above his actual skill. For whatever reason, Roger was very intimidated by him. And at Wimbledon, he had a ridiculously easy draw to the final. The problem is his forehand. He cannot play offense with it. If a shotmaker is playing decent against Nadal, Rafa has little chance. Players have definitely caught on to this... just keep hitting to his left and wait until you get a chance. Nadal is still going to be a terror on clay, though. But, I think we're at the point where Nadal has to accept he's not a true #1 player. Stop playing all non-clay tournies. There's no shame in winning all the clay stuff outside of RG season. Because Nadal is not going to have a long career at the top. He relies so much on his speed. Once a bit of that goes, plummet down the rankings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
