Rafatennis - Rome Masters 1000 - 8-15 May 2011

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"Obviously I didn't play at my best. I didn't play badly, just normal. But that is not enough against Djokovic." That's the true Rafa! Well, one of them had to lose their streak and it wasn't third time lucky for Rafa against Djokovic.

With a quick turnaround, we are straight off to Rome, with Rafa in a battle to keep his No 1 ranking and take it into the French. The tournament has already started and the draw could prove tough for him, depending on whether potential opponents can take their good form from Madrid onto Rome.

Rafa's first match will be on Wednesday.

Good luck Rafa - dust yourself down and come roaring back. Vamos!

2-2 too much!

Double fault - but he lost that because of the effort from the previous point.
2-3 Novak.

So this is what happens when a rock meets a hard place!! Well played BOTH players but Novak comes through in an amazing tie break which was ultimately won on the superlative fourth point. Rafael doesn't give up but Novak had the slightest of edges today,

I think understandably that was a difficult loss for Rafael. These two are the clear number one and two in the world, but the season now swings towards Rafaels "home" surface. Let the clay season begin and its good to see Rafael now back in top form.

I think I have fillled up my tennis batteries for some time. Amazing tennis from both players.

I feel sad for the loss there - but am pleased to see Rafa played much better in the third this time. Gutted though.

As an aside...I won the picks :run2:

Bring on the clay - vamos!

Evening all. I agree with Rafan. I'm also very sad, but I guess it's just something we (and Rafa) have to live with - Novak is playing great just now. I think Rafa is actually playing a lot better now than he was this time last year, which has got to bode well for the rest of the year, but Novak is playing a lot, lot better than he was in 2010. The 3rd set was great from both of them.

Apart from the DFs (although overall the serve was much better than in IW), my only moan would be that it took him too long to change from the cautious game plan, which was probably right for when the wind was really blowing in the 1st set.

Totally agree about bringing on the clay.

Evening all lovely Rafateers!!

To be honest folks, that one hasn't hurt me as much as IW. He wasn't great in the first set, and Nole did his best to hand it to him. There was a lot of commentary by Mark Petchy - where I amazed myself in that I actually agreed with him.

Rafa was totally passive in the second. He was short of ideas, didn't press, found himself too far back again. It was just so obvious it was going Nole's way. However, I'm proud of Rafa for doing his best to keep going in the third. At least he pushed, at least he tried to do things. Sadly though, it came a bit late, so yes Womble, I do agree with your point.

I'm never confident with Rafa in TBs, and this one swung on a couple of 2nd serves that Rafa was to return and he did nothing with ... he couldn't work it out what to do. And that's the odd thing. He was poor on that stat in the match. Its funny, but as a fan, if someone beats Rafa, then fine, I'm OK with it. But I think this one will hurt him for that fact.

Can I just talk about the serve? He's getting obsessed with it. Since this so-called massive change from the USO, its as if its all he's thinking about. Yes, it does have to be good to win on this surface and against who he's facing because most of the players these days excel more on hardcourts. But he seems to think about it too much.

Lets look at the positives. He has had a better early season than last year, and gained on points with 2 finals in the US. He is definitely playing better and his body seems to be holding up. There is a big difference though in that this year there is one stellar other player performing where there wasn't last year. It was mixed. Monte Carlo is now taking on a bigger significance than in recent times because Rafa does need this. But he needed it last year, and he got there. And seriously, Nole can't keep it going forever. He's a very good player on clay, but Rafa is a great one.

Hard luck Rafa, but well done. We are always proud of you. Keep learning and improving as you always do and we'll see you in Monte Carlo.

VAMOS!!

I was disappointed with Rafa today....not because he lost, but the way he lost. I thought he was very negative and as Woofs said...he relied far too much on the newly improved serve and when that didn't work...well he didn't seem to have a B game and at times just stood at the back of the court and chipped in balls that barely landed halfway up the court...he was so far back you needed binoculars to see him...woeful!

Still as far as this time of the year goes, he's done really well in IW and Miami and must take heart from that. Now for the clay and grass which as always is my favourite time in the calendar. He'll relish being back in Europe and will play well after hopefully a couple of days off.

Vamos Rafa

Denz

He's got some time off and then he can re-acquaint himself on the surfrace where he plays the best.

I'm so glad to read some sense on here after depressing myself looking at NN. (I think Miri's great and it's really good for news, videos, etc, but some of the posters verge on manic depression if Rafa so much as drops a set).

The fact is that Novak, Andy (when he has his brain plugged in) and Roger (at least up until this year) are, all things being equal, better hc players than Rafa. That doesn't, of course, mean that they'll always beat him on hard, but if top notch Novak (particuarly the new improved very fit version) plays top notch Rafa on a hc, Novak will win most the time. Maybe Novak is going to go the whole year unbeaten and, if he does, good luck to him, but I've got a feeling that the wheels are going to come off quite soon. I think he'll be very focused on trying to get a clay court win against Rafa and maybe he will - the odds are it's got to come some time, but I can't see him sweeping through the clay season.

I agree that Rafa is too preoccupied with the serve. He didn't have "the look" about him today, which I thought he would have because I think he really wanted this one - didn't want to lose two finals on the spin, particularly to the same guy.

Just on Wooffie's point on Mark Petchy. I also thought he was very good today. I actually think he's very good most of the time except when he's commentating on Andy or Roger, which I think he should be banned from doing.

Hi Womble I don't know what the hell is going on with NN right now, but yes ... the comments are getting off whack and people think we are bonkers!!

Even before today's match, Novak has a hardcourt H2H that Feds can only dream about. And that was before this new improved version we see today. I too, am surprised that Rafa didn't have that "gameface" ... so nervous, so worried. The thing is ... he can put that behind for now until August. He's probably going to be more wary of facing him on clay, but with rest and hopefully 5 matches under his belt before he faces him again (potentially), he'll get there.

The thing is, Rafa has nerves and the stress of having to bring his A game on a hardcourt because he must know that Novak for the most part has an edge on him. However ... its a role reversal on clay. So lets be positive and look forward to it.

On another note, I've been speaking with lovely Pearl tonight (who is having internet problems and will join us here soon). Such a point she raises. For so much of his career Rafa has had to work hard to try and match and then eclipse Feds. He gets there, and the strain of it all gets his body. He then has to work so hard to get it back again ... and before he has really solidified it ... here comes Nole playing as he does. It feels a bit cruel ... but this is sport, its what it is.

It always was and always will be a rollercoaster, eh Rafateers!! Vamos Rafa!!

Oh Womble ... just caught up on your post re. Petchy.

That's why I find myself because most of the time I want to throw things at the telly when he speaks. But he made some very good observations about Rafa today. However hard "its the true" was to hear.

Good morning Rafateers... I needed to pop in to find out what your opinions were of yesterday´s match and Im pleased to see that Im not the only one who feels the way I do in that Rafa´s game was negative. He did not have the same positive approach as he had when he played Fed. Yes I too think he made the same mistake as he did in IW tried too hard on his service (6 double faults) . It preoccupied him to the expense of his ground strokes. Making way too many unforced errors.
But I gain some comfort in knowing that he is now moves on to his beloved clay. Thanks for allowing me to get over my disappointment that bit quicker Byeee

Morning all my luvverly Rafateers

Just musing on last night and Rafa's game. For so many years he was the no 2 and got there at a very young age. He played his tennis with a "devil may care" attitude and got some wonderful wins mainly on the clay, but did have his share on other surfaces...and of course always had the injuries to contend with.

But it was all a learning curve for him...to see if he could be the best....to always try to improve and work hard. He was the young buck on his way up, and well if he lost a few matches, Roger was always at no 1 and he could sit just behind him.

Now as in everything in life, things change...Roger isn't quite the player he was and Rafa is top of the tree...still competing hard...still trying to improve, but is now the one that all are trying to chase down, and it doesn't matter if you have the wonderful laid back attitude that Rafa has, being no 1 does have extra pressure. Rafa wants to play as well as he can and improve on all surfaces and this did contribute to yesterdays performance.

He and Toni will always take the positives from this match and try to build on it, but Rafa is putting too much pressure on himself out on that court....however I reckon we'll see a different Rafa over the next few months.

One final thought...if Rafa loses a close match playing that badly...can you imagine what he could do if he played as well as we know he can!!!!!

Morning Rafateers!! Haddie, Denz

I'm feeling a little down about the match. Disappointed for Rafa because I truely believed he was having this title this time. After destroying Feds ... and yes, he did "destroy" him ... I was a bit surprised about the nerves. its also as animated as I've seen Toni for a while. Keep going Rafa ... I'm sure it will all fall into place again on clay.

But do you know who I blame for all of this??

King Beer.

He left us the smiley ... and we've been using it ever since. I think the least he could do is give us some <bubbly>. Because we hope to be popping a few corks over the next few weeks, eh Rafateers??

Congratulations, Rafa fans on a great american hardcourt swing, I am a visiting Nole fan, but my respect for Rafa continues to grow.

I disagree with those that feel Rafa played negative or didn't play well. He played exceptional tennis for the better part of three sets. He laid a stinker in set 2 as Djoko did early in set 1. His errors are natural, both players are incredible defenders so you are going to get a lot of errors trying to hit through defense like that. Not to mention that both guys hit very heavy top spin shots that create even more errors for the opposition.

I can't wait to see these two great champions duke it out this year. Nadal will knife through his way across the European Clay court season like he always does. Although I am hoping that Nole can take him down in one of the three master's, to me that is a realistic goal.

Nadal played great, Nole played better, Rafa is still the best in the world; but this year he has a fight on his hands. And it makes the tour all the more interesting for it.

Hello socal ...

At this point in time, who is there to take Nole down before he reaches Rafa? None of the others are playing well. Not Feds, or Soderling, Murray!!, DelPo still working his way back. Perhaps David Ferrer on a good day, on clay, might give it a go (but I'm clutching at straws).

So for me, its only Rafa to stop him. I think there may be a mental switch around though when (or if) they face off against each other on clay.

But yes, we agree that he's had a great US swing. What does Rafa always say? He starts the season with 0 points and collects anew as he goes along. I've been reading that he gave himself a target of 1500 points at this stage, and he's surpassed it.

I'm just disappointed for him as a fan as what a boost winning Miami would have given him. But hey ho ... off to Monte Carlo we go.

Yes, Wooffie, but again its the ATP tour and anything can happen, Novak can have an off day against a guy who is on fire. But I agree with the premise, most likely Novak and Nadal will be meeting in quite a few finals especially this clay court season. I don't think Novak can beat Rafa at Monte Carlo, Nadal is just too strong on clay and Monte Carlo is the slowest of the clay courts, even slower than RG.

I'd like to see Novak beat Nadal in one final on clay this year, he got close twice in 09 and this year he is a better player. Still in my Rafa is the best clay courter ever and in Novak can go 1-3 against him on the clay I would be ecstatic. I think if Novak doesn't beat Nadal at least once and lift and ATP 1000 on clay it will be a disappointing clay court season.

I can't wait to watch these two fight it out for #1, I am very impressed by both players that is what I took out of the Miami final. Rafa would have beaten anybody else on tour playing the way he did in the final. And he barely lost this match against a guy who is just in blistering form.

I'll take you back to 2005, socal.

Rafa won a major and a shed load of other titles. In any given year, that would have got him to No. 1. But Feds won 2 majors that year which still kept him well ahead. So the FO and Wimbledon may have a greater significance this year, I think. However, Rafa is still over 3,000 points ahead of Novak, even with him winning a Major, 1 x 500 and 2 x 1000 masters.

Just shows you how hard it is, actually.

Yes Woofie absolutely... I think Roger and Rafa have both proved that its one thing getting to No.1. its another staying there. Novak may achieve that goal.. interesting to see if that is the case how he will withstand the pressure. Rafa too was comfortable at No.2. .. enjoy it Novak.

Q. Do you feel like he's breathing down your neck to be No. 1?

RAFAEL NADAL: No.

Good boy Rafa.

Here's Rafa's presser. Reading it for me, is that he discussed at lot of what we've been talking about here. Nerves, the serve, that this defeat hurts because he was ready to win this one.

But he's done good. He'll be back to Europe today and is going to start practising on the clay. Rafa still gained ranking points because of his final appearance and whilst Novak increased his points on him, it was by 750 and he had to go through the rigour of a Masters for that.

Hola Rafateers

Well I had a terrible night's sleep – I think the adrenalin was still coursing through my veins and I started with terrors of Rafa pulling out of Monte Carlo

In my rational mind I know that Rafa did better this year than last, and before these two tournaments started I would have been delighted with two finals. I just feel disappointed for Rafa that twice he was a set up (and especially in IW where he played a really good first set) but came away as the runner-up. Never mind. The good thing was that Rafa didn't fade away in the third set yesterday at all, and in fact came back much better than the second.

I can't see Novak going unbeaten forever – he could have a really good year and lose just a handful of times, but surely is impossible to go undefeated. It's not like football where you can draw and there's 11 players, plus substitutes

I think what I find worse is that last year at this time the "big" tournaments had been won by three different people – Feds, Ljubicic and Roddick. This year Nole has won them all, plus another one (and the Davis Cup) and is amassing points like there's no tomorrow. But even if he does overtake Rafa during the clay season then as long as Rafa stays at No 2 and they don't meet until finals then it's not so bad. Of course, who knows who may suddenly burst into life on the clay.

What's also interesting is that in the "race" Rafa moved up three positions this week and is now No 3 – Feds is No 2 and of course Novak No 1. As we know – in Rafa's mind it's set to 0 at the start of the season – last week he was 6th and now he's 3rd. Keep it going Rafa!

Vamos <towel> (we also need a Rafa smiley!).

Hi everyone

Well, truth be told, I'm feeling pretty today. Especially as I saw the clip on the news after the match of Rafa sitting in his chair bent over (didn't see that last night) and my heart went out to him. Last night I was being positive and telling myself a final is great going, but I really thought he would get this one so in the cold (and rainy!) light of day, it's pretty disappointing.

Think we need to scoot over to the Rafateers thread for some silly games to cheer us up.

Everyone over to Rafateers Ahoy!!

We're playing a game ...

:run1: :run2: :run1:

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we're back - nearly.

A place for those remaining at home to post their and as the matches progress, and hopefully us Monte Carlo-bound Rafateers will be able to join you for updates in the evenings

Vamos Rafa!

Yes please!! Lovely Rafan has updated Rafatennis so yep, lets hope the tennis chat for Monte Carlo continues on here, and we'll add in our bits.

VAMOS RAFA ... YOU CAN DO IT!!

Really good line up for this year's tourny.....and at a better time for us in Europe....here's hoping for some really good matches

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!

ٌI wonder what the odds are, bet 1000 on Rafa to win 50. He owns Monte Carlo, and I can't see anyone stopping him.

Just been looking at the draw - potentially some tough match ups, including Gulbis who gave Rafa a run for his money in Rome last year, but Roger has got a lot of Spaniards to face on his route to the final.

Good luck Rafa - you can DO it!

Just realised Gulbis is in the other half

I have him going out straight away to Dolgo, Rafan. He's been truely awful this season.

We want an easy ride, Rafa!! VAMOS!!! :run1:

WOW!
This is a busy place...
Nole's got some catching up to do
Naaah! I love the guerilla mode, I'm already feeling weird I'm not theonly fan now.

Anyway....congrats on the win today, good match, great tennis.....

Woffie,

give us some of that atmosphere, a bit of that salty air, sound of bubbly in the glass fizzing out story from Monte Carlo I'm almost ill I can't be there......

A question for you Rafa fans:

Has Rafa ever had his service broken six times or more over a three set match on clay (as was done yesterday)

I think this may have been the first and only time but???

You've killed the thread SL :run2:

I'm not much good on stats for Rafa, but if my memory serves me correctly, not 6 times, 3 or 4 maybe so I would think its a first.

As more and more players try to find a chink in Rafa's clay armour, there might be a few more moments like that, but they will be few and far between I would have thought.

Yikes! A new tournament and I've not yet had time for the write up! Rafa is on after Ferrer I think, who is playing now and 5-2 up in the second after easily winning the first. Hopefully I'll get time to update later...but for now Vamos Rafa!

I don't know the answer to the stats on serve question...but I hope it has improved this week

Hello Rafan

So the tennis tour roles on and I'm assuming Sky coverage starts from tomorrow.

Will Rafa have an easier ride now that Murray has withdrawn? I'm not so sure, but he still remains that shade higher than his other opponents at this tournie ... for the moment any way.

The serve is turning into a bit of a nightmare, and I have to say that he didn't exactly practise it much in his practice sessions last week. Or am I wrong?

The serve has been a nightmare – though I think the percentages were higher than we realised. It just seemed last week he was broken so often. Most people go after the second serve which maybe makes him nervous? Today has seemed good so far – he had set point to win the set 6-0 but ended up 6-1 (after being 40-0 up on his final service game and then being pulled back to deuce). Trouble is, it's hard to get any idea when it's just on livescores and you're meant to be working . But he's already broken in the second and just had an easy service game by the looks of it to go 2-0 up.

As to whether this week will be easier without Murray there – I would say definitely yes if Rafa gets to the final and it's not against Murray! However…could the Sod put the skids under him, or will he be one of those that gets one (or two) over on Rafa but never repeats? Fingers crossed that's the case

Well an easy 6-1 6-1 today. Hurrah! Sky start their coverage tomorrow. I need to watch soooooo much stuff on my Sky+ box though otherwise it's just going to run out of room, eek!

to Rafa for that easy win. Now that's more like it and how he started Monte Carlo last year.

However, I'm going to start <kicking> my own <shins> if I keep on parping back to last year. Last year, was last year. It may prove to be the pinnacle of Rafa's career and of Clay or not ... since his explosion on the Tour in 2005, he is now playing his 7th season of clay court tennis. His seventh!!! ... so that's a lot of miles on the clock and of course he is still supremely fit, but I think there comes a point when he won't just stroll through these tournaments any more. So I don't want to have such high expectations.

Anyway ... fantastic start for Rafa. <applause>

I see that Feli lost the first set on a TB against GGL - who has the greatest single handed backhand evah. Feli's is pretty nice to watch too ... ... I was talking about his backhand, people. A least Feli is giving this match a bit of a go and its on serve in the second. GO FELI !!!!

And I'm not <envy> of Womble at all. Not one, little bit ...

COME ON FELI !!!

He's taken the second set and is a break up in the third ...

<unjinx><unjinx><unjinx><unjinx>

<gasp>

Could Feli really win two matches in a row...looks like GGL broke back but Feli has just broken again

Marc and Pico about to serve for their doubles match too. Vamos!

Feli won the match!!

Why couldn't you take it to 3 sets last week??

But <applause> anyway

And Marc! and Pico won their doubles match too!!

A good day for the Armada and their mates.

Still not one bit <envy> of Womble ...

Rafa on third today, following a "not before 1.30 pm" start for Daveed.

Vamos!

Work beckons

Just to clarify, I think the 1.30 pm is CET so it will be 12.30 pm start in the UK :run2:

At least ... I've set ye-olde-video-thingy for 2.30 pm GMT to try and catch Rafa.

Feli up last on court today. If I get an early finish I may be able to see him too.

VAMOS Rafa, Daveed, Feli and JCF !!

And vamos Marc y Pico tambien!

I haven't been able to set the Sky+ for Rafa...too much other stuff on there to catch up with. I think I'll mainly be watching TV over Easter

Hopefully there will be a highlights programme tonight, noh?

Rafan ... there is noh highlights programme.

But then, it was early in the morning when I was checking the Sky listing ... and I'm not good in the mornings.

Whoops, I should NOT have cheered on Marc! & Pico as they got soundly thrashed

And noh nightlights programme either?